Author Archives: Aaron L

Which Antivirus Software is the Best?

Antivirus software is essential unless you’re not worried about losing your files, money, or divulging your personal information. However, with a handful of available options, it’s easy to be overwhelmed.

So, which antivirus software is the best? At first glance, you might think they are all the same, but each one can offer a range of different solutions. The minimum that an antivirus program can do is protect your computer from viruses, worms, spyware, ransomware, and all sorts of malware, but protection doesn’t end there. The antivirus software you choose can provide advanced cybersecurity features, too. Think of password management, virtual private network, and parental controls.

The best antivirus software comes with features that improve your computer’s native security systems. The idea is to keep your system as secure as possible, so there’s no way for anyone to get access to your data, especially financial information and login details.

 

Comprehensive Malware Protection

Choose a product that’s shown to protect against new and advanced malware threats like spyware, viruses, and ransomware – all these things mean nothing but harm to your system. Some antivirus programs only go as far as protecting your computer from the most common viruses but aren’t built to cast a wide net to cover all possible threats. Comprehensive malware protection is what makes for a worthwhile investment in antivirus software.

 

Efficient and Smooth Operation

You’ll come across various antivirus software solutions that offer maximum protection. However, some of them demand a lot of processing power that can crash or slow down the operating system. What you want is efficient protection that runs smoothly, even on computers with low-end processors. It makes no sense to install a program to protect your files, only to render your operating system almost inoperable due to the lag.

 

User-Friendly

Learning how to use virus protection on your computer doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. Unfortunately, some products are way too complicated to use. The best antivirus software is convenient to use even if you have basic computer skills. After all, the concept of installing virus protection is for the user to no longer worry about tweaking their system to keep it secure.

In an ocean of options, they are a selection of products that stand out – because they’ve proven their worth through time or they offer incredible value. Whichever product you choose, we’re sure that each prospect in this list is a winner:

 

1 – Norton 360

Well-suited for both Windows and Android systems, Norton 360 continues to improve its virus and malware protection. The company boasts its industry-best internet security suite that keeps personal information and data in your system private and secure. Norton uses a proprietary scanning engine that detects the most sophisticated online threats. The Windows version of this antivirus software is a breeze to use. Still, it maintains advanced settings if you want to customize your protection.

The standard and most affordable Norton 360 package includes real-time malware protection, password manager, VPN access, and 10GB cloud storage.

 

2 – McAfee Total Protection

McAfee’s Total Protection pitches the most extensive internet protection for your system, incorporating features like encrypted storage, malware protection, VPN, and a password manager. This product insists on added online protection by integrating a browser extension. McAfee’s coveted trademark feature is “My Home Network,” where you can see a map of all devices connected to your home’s wireless network. It’s online security at its best, preventing intruders from accessing your home network.

The McAfee Total Protection package is perfect for family use, highlighted by its centralized approach to network security. The company throws in a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re unsatisfied.

 

3 – Avira Prime

Remember when we talked about how the best antivirus software should be light and efficient for any system? Well, Avira Prime gives you just that and more. The anti-malware engine isn’t as demanding as Norton and McAfee, but that doesn’t make it any less effective. Avira uses a powerful antivirus program that features a wide array of internet security packages, including VPN, real-time malware protection, password manager, privacy optimization, advanced ransomware protection, and system optimization.

The system optimization tool is what makes Avira Prime stand out. The start-up optimizer keeps your computer’s boot time at a minimum. At the same time, the power boost option allows you to place all resources in a single task for them not to interfere when you’re performing other activities.

 

4 – Intego

We put Intego on this list because it’s by far the most comprehensive Mac OS antivirus software. The first three options in this list are for Windows and Android-operated devices, so we also needed to talk about virus and malware protection for systems that run the Mac OS.

Like the other three products before it, Intego combines optimization tools and internet security in one package. It works by improving Mac’s embedded safety features through real-time malware protection, network security customization, advanced Mac backup, parental controls, and some nifty cleaning tools.

You can’t go wrong with any of these antivirus products; they come with an extensive range of features that promote security and enhance data protection. The “best antivirus software” is a subjective term since we all have unique preferences. 

If you need help choosing the best antivirus software, contact us at Hemi IT Solutions.

How to Improve Data Security in the Financial Sector

The financial industry must take extra steps to protect its customers’ sensitive data out of legal obligation and respect for their privacy. With careful security measures, they can ensure clients feel secure, entrusting them with this vital information.

Despite the state-of-the-art defences companies employ, the threat of a data breach still looms ominously over sensitive information. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to lessen this risk and keep our most valued assets safe.

News of costly data breaches is all too common in the financial sector. From Capital One to other institutions, malicious actors have exploited security loopholes and put sensitive information at risk – something that casts a wary eye on how protected our digital assets are. These companies must remain vigilant in providing adequate measures to secure their customers’ data from exploitation.

Finance Companies as the Leading Recipient of Data Breach

The leading cause of data breaches in the financial sector is an eye-opener; it isn’t those dreaded hackers declaring war online while wearing creepy masks. The truth is that more than half of the occurrences are attributed to internal activities – hidden in the daily mundane activities of employees and everyone else who has access to the IT infrastructure and network.

The finance sector gets the brunt, with 40% of economic crimes related to financial services. This alarming figure puts much pressure on finance companies and services to protect data and improve their infrastructure’s security.

Finding the Right Data Security Solutions

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to improving data security in the financial sector. What you need is a layered solution. The term “layered” means using several methods to protect sensitive data. So, what are these methods? Let’s go through every step in detail. 

Step 1 – Understand where your data is and how it flows.

The first step in improving your company’s data security is to know where vital information is located and its movement. Regardless of the type of data or information, you must remember it is constantly moving as your people need to access, download, or transfer it from the server to an endpoint device.

Step 2 – Focus on endpoint protection.

Embracing data mobility is essential in the modern IT and networking world. However, it can create stress for financial companies who worry about keeping client information secure. To tackle this challenge, increased endpoint protection should be a priority – like using geofencing to alert when suspicious activity occurs or remotely deleting devices if needed. Implementing these strategies ensures that your organization gets the most out of valuable mobile capabilities while always protecting its sensitive assets.

Step 3 – Figure out the company’s weakest links.

A data breach happens without warning; it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine where the leak comes from. The first and likeliest source of the breach is your company’s weakest link: your employees. Your recent venture into improving data security by buying and incorporating new tech won’t make sense if you don’t pair it with employee training. Acknowledging the shortcomings and inability of your people to cope with increased security measures means that they need to undergo a refresher.

It’s never too late to teach your employees the importance of having the right technology to protect your business against data breaches. Make them realize that the cause or source of the breach may very well come from anyone who forgets to log out or accesses the company’s network through their personal computer.

Step 4 – Perform a more comprehensive security risk assessment.

Identifying your employees as the office’s weakest link is just half the job of figuring out the risk areas. The next step is to perform a security risk assessment to identify other vulnerabilities. The evaluation is, by far, the most effective way to figure out your company’s risk profile. Once you get the facts right, that’s the time you create a strategy to implement stricter security measures.

Step 5 – Periodic audits are necessary, too.

Doing periodic audits isn’t just a practice of efficiency. Every business or company in the financial sector must do it because it brings to light some issues in the IT infrastructure and network which have remained undetected. Audits are also used to ensure that your company’s security policies align with industry standards. You must ensure that your people follow laws and regulations, including regulatory compliance provisions.

Step 6 – Back up your company data and do it regularly.

Data backup in a company that stores crucial client financial information is essential and is not a one-time thing. Even if you have an IT security strategy, you can’t just forget about backing data up once everything is set in motion. Consider it as part of your company’s regular assessment and maintenance strategy.

With secure backups, you are confident that your files are safe from being deleted, exposed, or stolen in case of a data breach or ransomware. But is your data safe from potential physical damage to your IT infrastructure caused by fire, earthquake, flood, and the like? The best data security practice is to establish a storage option that’s outside of your business premises.

Conclusion

Without the collaboration of efforts from all staff, data security can easily be compromised in any corporate setting. As technology advances, so does the need for stricter protection; it’s not enough to rely on just IT infrastructure and personnel – everyone should take ownership when it comes to safeguarding information within the company.