The more the merrier? Not when we’re talking antivirus programs!
In today’s digital age, ensuring the security of your Windows PC is paramount. That’s a given! With the constant threat of malware, viruses, and cyber-attacks, it’s natural to want to beef up your defences.
However, one common misconception is the idea that having multiple antivirus programs installed will provide enhanced protection. In reality, this can be counterproductive and even harmful to your system’s overall security.
Here’s why…
1. Conflict and system instability
When you have more than one antivirus program installed, they can conflict with each other. Each antivirus software is designed to be a comprehensive solution in itself. When two or more are running simultaneously, they can detect each other’s actions as suspicious, leading to a clash. This conflict often results in system instability, causing freezes, crashes, and even the dreaded Blue Screen of Death!
2. Resource hogging
Some antivirus programmes can be resource-intensive. Having multiple antivirus software running in the background means that they will collectively consume a significant portion of your system’s resources like CPU, memory, and disk space. This can lead to a noticeable slowdown in your computer’s performance, making simple tasks seem like a laborious process.
3. False positives
Having multiple antivirus programs can often lead to an increased number of false positives. One antivirus may detect a file or application as malicious, while another might flag it as safe. This discrepancy can cause confusion and potentially result in critical files being deleted, or legitimate applications being blocked.
4. Incomplete protection
Antivirus programs work based on a database of known threats and malware signatures. When you have multiple antivirus programs, each might use a different database and update cycle. Consequently, one antivirus might identify a threat that another misses, leaving your system vulnerable. The false sense of security from having multiple antivirus programs can actually leave you less protected.
5. License violations
Most antivirus software licenses are intended for use on a single device. Installing the same software on multiple devices without the appropriate licensing is a violation of the license terms and conditions. Installing different antivirus programs on one PC can also violate the licensing agreements for those applications.
Conclusion
More is not always better!
Running two or more antivirus programmes at the same time is a very bad idea!
CHOOSE ONE!
One good antivirus, combined with safe browsing habits and a well-maintained operating system, will provide adequate protection against a vast majority of threats.
Choose a reputable, reliable antivirus program and ensure it is regularly updated.
We recommend ESET endpoint antivirus which protects your machine from as little as £2.50/month!
Get in touch with us if you would like to find out more.