Data protection. Antivirus protection: ways and means

Modern technologies have penetrated into all spheres of life of the average person - from working days to evenings in the conditions of a home. And one of the most common devices that people use are PCs, tablets and various mobile electronic devices capable of going online. Against the backdrop of such progress as the once topical became the protection of information. Antivirus protection is one of the facets of this set of measures. The Internet is teeming with hostile programs that are capable of damaging or destroying important files when hit in any system.

Antivirus protection of information

Considering the potential and actual danger of various viruses, a modern user can not do without reliable protective measures.

It is virtually impossible to independently monitor all processes that can activate a malicious program. Therefore, you need to approach the security systematically.

Brief instructions on the use of anti-virus protection of information as follows:

- pay attention to the text editor and make sure that there is protection against the execution of macros;

- Any digital media (flash drives, disks) should be checked before anything is launched with their help;

- Install a reliable anti-virus program on the PC, and it is paid and in full;

- the periodic backup of any important information is also relevant.

What should be understood at the very beginning is the senselessness of trying to save on free software. If the application of anti-virus protection of information Is really important in view of storing valuable data on PC, then it is hardly worth using any cut options.

What you should know about viruses

This topic should be considered in order to understand the fact that the strong threats are constantly exposed to the operating systems of ordinary users and corporate networks.

So, antivirus tools for protecting information are aimed at opposing malicious programs that can be divided according to the following criteria:

- destructive possibilities;

- habitat;

- features of the algorithm underlying the virus;

- the way through which the habitat is infected.

In other words, viruses can be loaded into different parts of the system and have a different negative impact. For example, malicious programs can inject into boot sectors from a disk or other media, as well as into executable files. In addition, there are many threats that spread in the open spaces of the network, and can get into the system when downloading a particular site or downloading a program.

As for the degree of destructiveness, the viruses are both harmless, and extremely dangerous. But in the case with the features of the algorithm, everything is a little more complicated: you can list various options from invisible programs to macro-viruses for a long time.

Obviously, there are a lot of existing threats to system maintenance, and the number of them is constantly growing. Therefore, the protection of information with the help of anti-virus programs becomes an integral part of the everyday life of both ordinary users and large companies.

How to understand that the computer is infected

There are certain signs that are striking proof of the fact that a virus was entered on the PC:

- the amount of RAM without objective reasons is suddenly and noticeably reduced;

- slows down the work of programs that used to function quickly;

- Increase the size of files;

- There are unusual files that were not previously seen in the system;

- can occur as sound, and video effects, as well as other deviations.

In a word, there are noticeable failures in the operation of the operating system during infection. If such signs were fixed, then it is worthwhile to check whether the current protection of information is effective. Antivirus programs are constantly being improved, which means that it's worth keeping aside the commitment to a particular product and periodically looking for the most effective PC protection systems.

Free antiviruses

This kind of counteraction to various threats enjoys a certain popularity in the RuNet. Not every user takes care of his computer so that he can pay high-quality software every year. It is for this reason that within the framework of the topic "Instruction on anti-virus protection of information" it is worth considering the prospect of using such software.

The bottom line is that free antiviruses are initially limited in their capabilities. Potential they can have quite good, but for the disclosure of all the edges of the product in most cases will have to pay.

The main risk here is the lack of fixation and subsequent blocking of the virus attack during the use of the Internet, which is very important. In other words, most of these antiviruses are able to detect a threat already when it has knocked on the "door" of the operating system, but it is not always either. In a quality protection program there is always a rich database of possible viruses, which is constantly updated. As for free versions, they also contain similar data, but the reliability of threat recognition, including the newest ones, is always in question.

Some free versions only fix viruses and do not guarantee their full removal.

Thus, it is worthwhile to understand that the free version is either a "stripped down" version of the antivirus, or a new program that is just beginning to be promoted on the network. And this means that soon it will become paid, like others.

But there is one possibility that deserves attention and does not require expenditure. This is a free treatment, located on the official website of the company and able to qualitatively scan the entire system for threats. Such anti-virus protection of computer information is especially relevant when there are already any problems. A vivid example of such a utility is a product called "Doctor Web". Its installation allows you to conduct a one-time PC scan and repair the damage caused by destroying malware. But to use the capabilities of this antivirus on an ongoing basis, you will have to pay.

Types of antivirus software

All paid antiviruses can be divided into several key groups, each of which is oriented to a certain dominant function.

This list is as follows:

- doctor programs;

- auditors;

- vaccines;

- Filters;

- detectors.

Each of them may be needed in such a difficult and responsible business as the organization of information protection. Antivirus protection, for example, from the category "Doctor", is able not only to detect a threat, but also to cure the system, which is an extremely topical feature. In this case, the body of the virus is removed from the infected file, and the latter returns to its original state.

Initially, such programs, called phages, are engaged in the search for viruses, and if they are found, then, first of all, they are destroyed and only then the restoration processes are activated.

If the computer for various reasons is constantly exposed to a significant number of threats, then it makes sense to use polyphages, which are designed specifically for such loads.

As for the detectors, they are necessary for the rapid search for viruses in various media and RAM in particular. Such anti-virus systems and information protection can not be considered separately from each other.

You should also pay attention to filter programs. They are designed to detect suspicious processes in the system. It is thanks to the work of such antiviruses that users periodically see warnings on the monitor that a particular program is trying to perform an incorrect or suspicious operation.

Program-auditors are another tool, the use of which requires the protection of information. Anti-virus protection of this type deals with detecting stealth viruses and fixing potentially dangerous changes in the system operation.

Vaccine programs are needed to prevent infection, which is the optimal protection strategy. Their use is especially important in case if reliable filters are not installed on the PC, which means there is a risk that all damaged files will not be fully recovered.

Famous companies create products that combine all of the above properties.

Actions that will help save the system

So, it is obvious that the protection of information is provided by the use of anti-virus tools. But for an effective organization of this process it is worthwhile to imagine at least a general algorithm of actions.

Protective software is focused on 3 key tasks:

- prevention of infection;

- diagnostics of the state of the operating system and files;

Treatment.

By prevention, it should be understood as the blocking of various ways of accessing viruses to the PC, and preventing the infection of malicious programs that are already in the system. As for diagnostics, here we are talking about antiviruses that can detect a threat in the computer, as well as identify its specific type.

Treatment is also the tool without which modern information protection can not be fully implemented. Antivirus protection of this kind first of all removes the detected threats, and then restores the damage.

Speaking about the protective complex, which is used by virtually all companies and private users, it is worthwhile to understand the total application of all the programs mentioned above.

Also raising the issue of protection, you need to pay attention to the fact that a significant reduction in the number of virus attacks will help the use of licensed programs. Pirate versions are always a game with fire.

Firewall

In fact, if you translate this word, you will get a "fiery wall". The developers tried to convey this key function to the key function of this tool - protection, which does not allow to connect with the computer, potential threats.

And although such software has already been mentioned above, this set of utilities should be given more attention. Due to their action, only those data packets and files that are in accordance with the system requirements are skipped.

This utility is an actual tool, without which it is impossible to fully protect information. Malicious and anti-virus programs are constantly evolving and the latter should work ahead of time, that is, prevent infection from the beginning. Otherwise, you can pay for it not with all the data, but with their part, which is also a tangible damage.

It's the firewall that helps you get the right effect in protecting your computer while you are on the network. Such a network screen is simply necessary for safe operation on the Internet. Therefore, you need to select the antivirus so that it has a similar function, and implemented at a decent level.

The main functions of the firewall

Considering such topics as information protection, computer viruses and anti-virus programs, it is worth paying attention to the fact how the firewall works.

So, the most valuable are the following features of such software:

- notification of the user about the fact of a virus attack or attempt to commit it;

- filtering access to the PC;

- detection of suspicious reactions and processes in the system;

- blocking the ability to change network access settings;

- control access to all networks and nodes;

- Protects the subnet from access to spyware and attempts to steal information.

If we evaluate firewalls by the degree of protection they can provide, then we can distinguish two key types: personal and corporate.

In the first case, it is a network wall, which is relevant for the average user who is using the computer for personal purposes. As for the second type, it is focused on the effective protection of internal networks of various companies. This means that such protection is installed on the gateway between the Internet and local network.

Accordingly, the settings of such firewalls may differ from the standard versions. But in any case, take care of the availability of a quality fire wall is simply necessary.

How to install protection

In order for the anti-virus program to protect all necessary data, you need to perform a few simple steps.

First of all, you should choose the most reliable product (forums and ratings will help here). After you need to purchase its paid version. Then follows the installation process, which is no different from the installation of a regular program. When it is completed, the computer will have to reboot and select the current settings for the program.

At the end of this stage, you must start scanning the PC for threats and damage. If viruses are found, the protection will offer to destroy them. It is important to understand that before installing a new antivirus program, it is better to remove the old one if it was.

With this simple algorithm of actions, information will be protected. Antivirus protection, as a rule, is paid once a year, and the necessary amount is available to virtually any philistine.

The most common antiviruses

So, choosing the appropriate software to preserve the working state of your computer, it is worth paying attention to brands that have proved themselves only from the positive side.

Let's start with the famous Dr.Web. It effectively identifies, blocks and removes Trojans, network, mail worms, stealth viruses, threats, destroying office applications, keyloggers, password stealers, various malicious scripts and many other types of threats.

A distinctive feature of Dr.Web is its ability to effectively treat an infected computer. If the machine is already in a deplorable state, then it is necessary to stop this option on this antivirus program. Moreover, this product contains one of the most complete and yet compact virus databases.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus. It is a Russian product that has become very famous in the post-Soviet space. In this case, pay attention to the behavioral module. It's about the blocker, which effectively controls the execution of macros and is able to suppress any actions that fall into the category of suspicious.

It is the use of this module that provides reliable protection against macro viruses.

Also Kaspersky has an excellent auditor, the main function of which is to monitor any changes in the system and fixing unauthorized processes.

You need to pay attention to such security tools as background virus interceptor, heuristic analyzer, as well as anti-virus filtering. In other words, the set of security products in the product under the brand name "Kaspersky" deserves respect.

Eset NOD32 also refers to popular defense programs. It is perfect for ordinary users, because it gives the desired effect and lightly loads the system. Its use gives guarantees of proactive detection and neutralization of any threats.

Results

Obviously, effective protection of information is provided by the use of anti-virus tools. Therefore, it is worth seriously approaching the acquisition of really high-quality software.