Do I Need to Buy Antivirus Software?

Do I Need to Buy Antivirus Software?

Devon and Cornwall Police's two Cyber Protect Officers regularly deliver cybercrime awareness presentations to businesses, charities, public authorities, and community groups across both counties. These face-to-face presentations are designed to raise awareness of online crime and promote the practical steps that individuals and organisations can take to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime. 

One question that is regularly asked at community group events is: "Do I need to buy antivirus software for my computer or mobile phone?"

The good news is that both Windows 11 and Apple macOS Tahoe include built-in security features that provide strong protection against viruses, malware, and other online threats. These include Microsoft Defender, XProtect, Gatekeeper, firewalls, and regular security updates. 

📱 What about mobile phones?

Modern smartphones are also designed with security in mind. Both Apple iPhones and Android devices include built-in security features such as app vetting, device encryption, secure app stores, regular security updates, and controls that limit what apps can access on your device. For most users, keeping their phone updated, only downloading apps from official app stores, and enabling a screen lock and multi-factor authentication will provide strong protection against common threats.

FOR MOST HOME USERS, these built-in protections provide a strong level of security when combined with good cyber hygiene. 

These are the basics for good cyber hygiene:

✅ Keeping your devices updated (please don’t run an unsupported, out-of-date operating system).
✅ Enabling automatic updates wherever possible.
✅ Using strong, unique passwords.
✅ Where available, enabling multi-factor authentication, also called two-step verification (this is a MUST for your email and social media accounts).
✅ Regularly backing up your important files.
✅ Always being cautious of unexpected or unsolicited contacts (including voice calls, emails, texts, WhatsApp messages, and specifically anything including links, attachments, or downloads).

✅Never sharing sensitive information, including passwords, PINs, financial details, or verification codes.

✅Keeping your devices secured, often by way of a PIN, a password, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.

✅ Selecting appropriate social media privacy settings and being mindful of what information you share online.

Remember, criminals are often more successful at tricking people than infecting devices with malware. Scams, phishing messages, fraudulent social media posts, and fake websites remain some of the biggest online threats facing the public today. 

Before spending money on additional security products such as antivirus software, VPN services, or specialist firewall solutions, please make sure you have the basics in place first. Whether you use a Windows PC, Apple Mac, iPhone, or Android phone, good cyber hygiene and staying alert to scams will usually do far more for your online security than purchasing additional security software. 

KEY TAKE-AWAY  

FOR MOST HOME USERS YOUR BEHAVIOUR AND YOUR CYBERCRIME AWARENESS REMAIN THE MOST IMPORTANT CYBER SECURITY CONTROLS.

If your group or organisation would like to hear more about our free cybercrime awareness presentations, please contact:-   cyberprotect@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

If you are the victim of Fraud or Cybercrime

🌐 Report online here: UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud

📞 Or call: 0300 123 2040

📞 To quickly contact your bank dial 159

👥Please share this advice with friends, family, and colleagues to help keep Devon & Cornwall safe online.