December 2, 2025

Introduction: Why Antivirus Still Matters Today

Cyber threats don’t look like they used to. Gone are the days of flashy viruses that made your screen explode with skulls and pop-ups. Today’s threats are quieter, trickier, and often disguised as something helpful or familiar. 

Some people think that scammers only target large companies. Unfortunately, while scammers certainly do target companies, individuals—especially older adults who shop and bank online—face just as many risks.

The good news is that with the right tools and habits, you can stay safe without having to become a computer expert. In this post, we’ll explain what antivirus software actually does, the kinds of threats you’re protecting yourself from, and why some people may want more than the built-in protection already included in Windows.

You’ll also get guidance on choosing security software and avoiding the common mistakes that slow computers down—like running more than one antivirus at the same time.

Let’s start with what antivirus software protects you from.

⭐ Understanding the Threats: The Most Common Risks You’ll Encounter

Computers today face several types of threats—collectively known as malware (short for “malicious software”). Malware is an umbrella term for anything harmful that can get into your PC. While the technology behind these threats has evolved, the basic concepts remain understandable.

Below are the threats you’re most likely to run into.

Viruses

The original cyber threat. A virus attaches itself to files and spreads from one computer to another. They are less common today but still exist.

Spyware

Software designed to secretly watch what you do. It may record your keystrokes, track your browsing, or harvest personal data.
Example: A fake “coupon extension” that logs every website you visit. (An extension is a small software program which adds addtional, specific functionality to your web browser.)

Adware

Annoying software that floods your computer with unwanted ads. Not usually dangerous, but extremely irritating.

Ransomware

One of the most serious threats today. Ransomware locks your files and demands payment to unlock them.
Although large organizations are common targets, individuals have absolutely been affected, often after clicking a fake email claiming to be from a delivery service or bank.

Phishing Emails

These aren’t malware themselves, but they’re one of the most common delivery methods. A phishing email pretends to be legitimate:

• “Your Amazon order was declined”
• “Your bank account has been locked”
• “Your package is waiting for pickup—click here”

Once you click the link, you may be taken to a spoofed website designed to steal your password, or you may download actual malware without realizing it. (A spoofed site is one designed to look like a legitimate site, such as your bank's or utility company's website.)

You can include screenshots of real phishing attempts here—your readers will instantly recognize the patterns.

Pop-Up Scams (“Your PC Is Infected!”)

These try to scare you into installing fake antivirus software or calling a scam phone number. Never click inside the pop-up. Close the browser instead.

Non-Email Threats

Some threats don’t come through email at all:

• Fake “update now” buttons on websites
• Malicious ads
• Downloads disguised as free apps or extensions
• “Found” USB drives (still used by scammers!)

This is why safe browsing habits matter just as much as antivirus software.

⭐ What Antivirus Software Actually Does

Antivirus software—whether it’s the built-in Windows Defender or a paid program like Norton or Bitdefender—helps protect you in four major ways:

1. Real-Time Protection

Your antivirus monitors everything happening on your computer. When a file is opened, downloaded, or changed, it scans it instantly.

2. Malware Detection and Removal

If it finds something suspicious, it can:

• Block it
• Warn you
• Remove it
• Or place it in quarantine, a safe holding area where it can’t do harm.

3. Web Protection

Many antivirus programs also warn you if you’re about to visit a dangerous or fake website.

This is especially helpful for:

• Online shoppers
• Online banking
• People who sometimes click quickly (we've all been guilty of this)
• Anyone who has ever fallen for a phishing attempt

4. Ransomware Protection

Some programs protect crucial folders (like Documents and Pictures) from unauthorized changes—helping to stop ransomware before it locks your files.

⭐ Micrsoft Defender: Better Than Most People Realize

If you use Windows 10 or Windows 11, you already have antivirus software built in: Microsoft Defender. And unlike many free antivirus programs, Defender:

• Costs nothing
• Updates automatically
• Works quietly in the background
• Has zero pop-ups
• Doesn’t slow down your PC

Defender includes:

• Real-time protection
• Malware scanning
• Ransomware protection
• Cloud-based detection (so updates are implemented real-time)
• SmartScreen (warnings about dangerous websites)
• Firewall integration (to block unauthorized access)

For many users, especially those who browse carefully and don’t click unknown links, Microsoft Defender provides excellent protection.

⭐ When a Paid Antivirus Program Makes Sense

While Defender is strong, some people may benefit from extra layers of protection. You might want to consider a paid antivirus program if you:

✔ Shop online frequently

✔ Bank online

✔ Click quickly or sometimes impulsively

✔ Have fallen for phishing emails in the past

✔ Want stronger scam-website blocking

✔ Prefer a “set it and forget it” security suite

Paid antivirus programs like Norton, Bitdefender, or McAfee offer:

✔ Enhanced scam and phishing detection

✔ Extra web and identity protection

✔ Additional tools like password managers or VPNs

✔ More frequent updates

✔ Stronger malicious-site filtering

Just remember: more features doesn’t always mean better protection for your needs.

⭐ A Look at Popular Antivirus Providers (Pros & Cons)

Here’s a simplified, friendly breakdown of the most well-known antivirus options.

Bitdefender

Strengths: Excellent protection, light on system resources, great malicious-site blocking.
Good for: Most users, especially online shoppers.
Watch out for: Occasional promotional pop-ups.

Norton

Strengths: Solid protection with excellent phishing defense and additional tools.
Good for: Users who want an all-in-one bundle (password manager, VPN, etc.).
Watch out for: Higher cost; subscription renewals can be pricey.

McAfee

Strengths: Easy to use, strong identity protection features.
Good for: Households with multiple devices.
Watch out for: The interface can feel busy.

TotalAV

Strengths: Simple interface, good basic protection, very beginner-friendly.
Good for: Users who want a clean, straightforward dashboard.
Watch out for: Renewal pricing; bundles can feel confusing.

Avast/AVG (AVG is a subsidiary of Avast)

Strengths: Good protection; popular free options.
Good for: Users who absolutely need free antivirus besides Defender.
Watch out for: Lots of pop-ups and upsells. These can be reduced in settings but not eliminated.

Microsoft Defender

Strengths: Free, quiet, integrated into Windows, strong protection.
Good for: Most everyday Windows users.
Watch out for: Fewer “extras” compared to paid suites — but many users don’t need the extras.

⭐ Important: Never Run More Than One Antivirus Program at the Same Time

Running multiple antivirus programs doesn’t make you safer. It actually slows your computer down and can cause conflicts.

If you opt to install Norton, Bitdefender, or another paid antivirus, you do NOT need to uninstall Defender. Windows automatically switches Defender into Passive Mode, so only one antivirus program is active at a time. If you later uninstall the paid antivirus, Defender turns itself back on. This is one of the smartest features built into Windows.

⭐ Antivirus Software Doesn’t Replace Safe Habits

No antivirus can protect you from:

• Opening a suspicious attachment
• Entering a password on a fake website
• Falling for a pop-up scam
• Using weak/reused passwords
• Browsing on public Wi-Fi without a VPN

Good tools + good habits = the safest combination. This is especially important for:

✔ People who shop online

✔ People who bank online

✔ People who sometimes click quickly

✔ People managing financial accounts

✔ Anyone who uses public Wi-Fi at the cafe or when traveling

Reminder: Always read alerts and pop-ups fully and carefully, even when in a hurry. Sometimes an errant click is all it takes to infect your PC.

⭐ Should YOU Upgrade Beyond Windows Defender?

Here’s a simple guide.

✔ Stick with Microsoft Defender if you:

• Browse carefully
• Don’t click unknown links
• Use the Chrome or Edge web browser 
• Keep Windows updated

✔ Consider a paid antivirus if you:

• Shop or bank online frequently
• Want stronger malicious-site blocking
• Prefer an all-in-one suite
• Have clicked on scams before
• Want identity protection features

✔ And avoid:

• Running multiple antivirus tools
• Installing “miracle PC performance cleaners”
• Clicking pop-ups claiming your PC is infected

⭐ Final Thoughts

Antivirus software 

is just one piece of the security puzzle, but it plays an important role in keeping your PC safe. Whether you stick with Microsoft Defender or upgrade to a paid antivirus, what matters most is understanding the risks and developing safer habits online.

And don’t forget to download this month’s free guide:

👉 Antivirus Essentials: A Simple Guide to Protecting Your PC 

It walks you through the basics, shows you what to check, and helps you avoid the biggest mistakes people make with their antivirus software.

Stay safe out there,
John from Tech4Me2