Antivirus

📄 What is it?

Antivirus software helps protect your device from harmful software (known as malware) that can steal your data, damage files, or give someone remote access to your computer.

It checks files, websites, and downloads in the background — and alerts you if something seems dangerous.

🛡️ Why it matters

Even if you’re careful, mistakes happen. A single click on a bad link or download can install malware without you realising.

Antivirus gives you a second chance — catching threats before they cause harm.

Most antivirus tools also block phishing websites, scam pop-ups, and fake downloads.

💻 Common real-world examples

• You download a file, but it’s hiding a virus: Antivirus warns and blocks it.
• You visit a fake website pretending to be your bank: Antivirus stops the page from opening.
• A scam email tries to trick you into installing a “security tool”: antivirus catches it.

✅ Best practices

• Make sure antivirus is turned on. Don’t ignore system warnings
• Let it run automatic scans
• Keep it updated so it recognises new threats
• Don’t run two antivirus programs at the same time as they can clash
• If you get a warning from your antivirus, stop and read it carefully. Don’t rush to click past it.

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