Has Windows Security program become strong enough by the end of 2020?

Despite recent upgrades to the Windows Security program to make it on par with all other standard antivirus programs, some still find it insufficient in 2020. In fact, if we may express our personal opinion, we would like to emphasize that there is no longer a standalone antivirus program strong enough to combat modern challenges and meet the security, protection, and privacy needs necessary for users and major companies in our current day and age. Over the years, cyber attacks have evolved to become smarter and more dangerous, adeptly turning from a mere serious infection targeting devices to becoming a hostile inhabitant residing at the heart of devices as if it were one of their essential components.

Today, we have what are known as Malware, Adware, Spyware, Ransomware, Trojans, all of which are malicious ads and malicious software elements that pose major attack factors capable of sometimes bypassing even the strongest and strictest fortresses constructed by antivirus programs. Furthermore, they have become disguised and camouflaged in various deceitful forms like applications, extensions, or browser add-ons. And to amplify their danger, they now disguise themselves as antivirus programs or spyware programs in the form of additional functions and features for protection programs.

All these reasons add to the challenges that antivirus programs face in terms of how they detect and deal with them to prevent them optimally and overcome them. Sometimes, malicious software remains hidden like a bacterial infection in a sick human body, lurking without you ever feeling its presence on your computer, waiting for just one moment of weakness to gain complete control over its objectives.

Is Windows Security strong enough for Windows 7, 8, and 10 systems

Although Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 7, Windows Security remains committed to its function if you wish to install it. However, it is not a sufficient source to rely on in highly critical and dangerous situations. But this is not the case if you are using Windows 8.1 or 10, as Microsoft continues to fully support these systems and continuously strengthen the Windows Security program to keep up with the serious attacks that computer systems face every day.

Windows Security is among the programs that have a good reputation in virus and malware detection tests by “AV-Test.” It is capable of protecting modern systems from ransomware and phishing attacks that are common on the internet. For family use, it is a good tool for parents to monitor and track all their children’s activities while using the internet.

You may be interested: Antivirus programs you should use in 2019

Is it sufficient for virus protection and removal

As an antivirus, if you try to scan the system to detect hidden viruses, it can detect all of them, malware, and dangerous tools that may pose a threat to your device. However, it will not be as efficient and strong as standalone antivirus programs, but it will not disappoint you in the end. Fortunately, Windows Security is integrated with the Windows operating system and does not require manual installation or updates by the user like some other antivirus software. Additionally, it does not overload the computer’s hardware resources and does not slow down the Windows boot-up process like competing antivirus programs.

Like other antivirus programs, you can scan and check specific files, folders, and file formats independently. Therefore, you can say that Windows Security is strong enough to rely on and trust as one of the best antivirus programs in 2020, with one condition: ensure that it receives all updates released by Microsoft regularly.

How to get rid of Malware

Initially, Microsoft’s antivirus software was not strong enough to deal with Malware programs in any way, which was the main motivation for the company to work on strengthening it and addressing its weaknesses to detect any serious threats from Malware. Now, if you want to remove these programs from your computer, you can do so through Windows Security, but it’s better to be in offline mode, as when you scan deeply through it while connected to the internet, some malicious software like rootkits may hide, making it difficult to detect them, which is why we prefer using antivirus during offline mode.

Read Also: Reasons to rely on Windows Defender to protect your device

On the other hand, if Windows Security is active all the time, it will be able to detect these malware programs while you are browsing the internet. Some standalone antivirus programs from external entities may be better and stronger in removing malware, but if you want to rely on Windows Security to provide the necessary protection against serious threats you may encounter, it will not disappoint you.

Is it sufficient for small and micro-companies

Definitely, Windows Security is sufficient for companies in 2020. Since it provides protection against viruses and malware, what more would companies need beyond that, especially when it works in sync with the Microsoft Security Center system to achieve the best possible performance. This integrated system is one of the possible ways that allow users to monitor the security affairs of all the computers in their company or institution. Additionally, it allows the detection of software and applications that have weaknesses that can be easily exploited, with the possibility of obtaining some reliable security instructions, regulations, and recommendations that can be implemented for immediate alerting during potential threats.

Also read: Tricks you may not know in Windows Security Program

All Microsoft applications running in your organization can be in real-time connection with the Microsoft Security Center system, where charts and detailed diagrams are displayed to clearly understand and assess the security level of your company’s computer devices, as well as encrypting your files through it. Therefore, if you own a small company at the beginning of your journey, you can rely on the Windows 10 antivirus system, but as your business evolves and expands, the likelihood of facing more challenging and complex threats and attacks on your business systems increases. At that point, it might be best to invest your money in a distinct, third-party specialized antivirus program.

What are the drawbacks of Windows Security

We might not call them drawbacks as much as they are some limitations or negative aspects. Recently, the developers of the program have tried to make Windows Security the ideal program for users to combat viruses, which is why they worked on changing the user interface to make it familiar and easier to use than the complex interface it previously had. Indeed, the interface has significantly become professional, but it seems they went a bit too far in professionalism, making it somewhat more difficult and complex. Also, the process of activating or deactivating it can sometimes be puzzling to reach to the “Real-time protection” command in the Manage Settings.

Moreover, the automatic activation process it enforces might be exaggerated and not the ideal option for the user. Additionally, if your default browser is Chrome or Firefox, it is challenging to rely solely on Windows Security against phishing programs and complex threats encountered across the internet. Therefore, if you prefer to rely on it, this might be the right time to switch to Microsoft Edge as well.

Yes, you can activate and add its functions to other browsers, but in this case, it is not recommended to use it as a defender against serious online threats. Also, the parental protection feature is not valuable if you are not using the Microsoft browser. Adding to all the mentioned weaknesses, it does not provide a VPN like some competing solutions.

Do you need an additional antivirus alongside Windows Security

If the set of restrictions or negative aspects we mentioned are not significant for you, then you can rely on Windows Security and be content with it completely. However, if these restrictions pose a real obstacle to your personal usage, then your only choice is to resort to a standalone antivirus in addition to the default Windows security program.

Read More: Activate these 4 settings in Windows Defender to enhance Windows 10 security

The advantage of third-party antivirus programs is that they provide a more user-friendly experience with a clean, clear, and familiar user interface, along with a wide range of the most effective options and functions, along with increasing security levels to their maximum limits and having no restrictions on your internet browsing usage. So, if you use the internet to download many applications and programs from separate and varied sources and do not trust their credibility, you should try a standalone antivirus program, and it is essential that your chosen program be from the paid versions and not the free ones.

What to do if you do not have enough budget for paid programs

If you do not have enough budget for purchasing antivirus software annually, there is no need to burden yourself with any additional costs. The integrated firewall in the Windows Security system, which works optimally most of the time, is your trusted ally. In case Windows Security cannot detect serious threats, it will not pass easily through the integrated firewall.

You may still feel the desire and have preferences towards purchasing standalone antivirus software, but what will you do if you have the sufficient budget to buy it annually? At that time, surely Windows Security and the integrated firewall will be your trusted allies. The primary function of the firewall is to protect computer devices while connected to the internet, filtering all data and information received by the devices in real-time to prevent any attacks, harmful files, or programs from accessing the devices. Like Windows Security, it has many limitations or negative aspects like the complex user interface, but you can certainly overlook them if you do not want to rely on paid software.

Which paid antivirus programs are recommended

There are many antivirus software packages that you can rely on by the end of 2020, most of which offer you a free trial experience for 30 days before making a purchase decision. Here are some examples that are recommended, and you can also choose the payment plan that suits your budget: For MacBook devices…Yes, even MacBook devices are vulnerable to hacking attacks and risks. Maybe not in the same way as Windows systems, but they are also exposed to many risks:

• Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

• Avast Premium Security

• Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac