Anti-Virus Software is Dead!

Week 9

According to the former U.S. Chief Technology Officer, Aneesh Chopra, anti-virus software is dead!  Earlier this week, during an interview, Chopra mentioned that the technology is dead because most of the hackers are able to get into a network and its computers because the programs written for the software are too big and cumbersome.  They are millions of lines of code, but yet an attacker can just right a few hundred lines and get in (Chopra, 2014).

The point to be made here is that the software is not doing its intended job.  It is being found that more and more hackers are getting into networks and devices than before.  Even with anti-virus software located on the devices, they are still getting in.  Too many people are relying on simply that software to keep them safe.  They are not doing anything on their end to keep them safe.  They are relying on the software 100%.

This now brings up the question; If anti-virus is dead, why are we still buying it?  This shouldn't be a hard question to answer.  Devices still need to monitor the many common virus signatures that are out there.  They can do this with the anti-virus software.  That is what the software is for.  Thing is, it isn't there to hold your hand and tell you that you don't need to do anything else to keep your computer safe because it will do everything for you.  If you believe that the only thing that you need to do is to install the software and walk away, you are dead wrong.  The software cannot do everything for you.  Yes, you can set up the policies within the software but it will not keep you 100% secure.  In fact, nothing can keep you 100% secure.

So what else do you need to do when it comes to securing your system?  Chopra does mention that better password management and watching where you click on the Internet are good starts.  He is right.  I cannot tell you the amount of people I have spoken to in the past that have used a very easy password such as 'password' or even 'pw1234'.  It is ridiculous!  How can you feel safe with that password?  Those are some of the first ones that a hacker will try after they have made it onto your system.  If you can't think of anything good when it comes to a password, use a password generator.  Set the character length and make sure it has a symbol or two and generate it.  Don't write it down somewhere.  Keep it in your mind and memorize it.

Clicking on links on the Internet can end up being very dangerous.  'Look, I can get a free Xbox One if I fill out this survey!'  'Let me just click this link to go and take it.'  Now you have a virus installing in the background destroying everything in its path.  It is that simple folks!  If the deal looks too good to be true, chances are it is.  If you have never heard of the site, don't go there.  Research it first and determine if it has a good reputation.

I keep anti-virus software on my computer and up to date.  Am I going to get rid of it or stop buying it because it is dying out?  No!  I am going to continue buying it, plus doing all the other things that I need to do to help take the load off of it.  Managing my passwords and changing them regularly.  Also, watching where I go and click on the Internet is always something that I have done and teach to others.  Don't take this news as you should stop using an anti-virus software.  Take it as a push to beef up the way you maintain your other security actions while you are on your computer.

References:

Chopra. A. (2014). Is anti-virus dead? Former U.S. tech czar weighs in. Retrieved May 10, 2014
from http://www.cnbc.com/id/101643106