With all of the breakout malware attacks and frequent breaches going on these days, you might be looking for a way to enhance the defenses of the devices you use. Maybe you already have Internet security software but now you’re thinking that one isn’t enough anymore, especially since hackers are finding new ways to break into secure systems at an alarming rate. Does it make sense to invest in multiple security programs? Keep reading to find out the answer to that question and learn some security setups that could be useful.
What happens when you run multiple security programs?
It might seem like you can’t have too much of a good thing but that isn’t the case with Internet security software, as running multiple programs is just like having too many chefs in the kitchen and can result in some major issues.
The first issue is that your device’s RAM (random access memory), or the space it uses to process actively running software, is finite. The majority of security programs eat RAM quickly, which means having too many of these programs could bring your system to a crawl, or possibly even crash it.
Another issue is that a lot of security programs have similar features, making it redundant to have several on your system. At best, you’ll simply burn up all of your RAM, as described above, but the worst case scenario is impairing your machine, making it useless. This is because security software is usually designed to seek out processes that access system functions, which is how hackers and malware damage your system. Many security programs require this kind of access in order to monitor this malicious behavior, meaning different security software can end up unknowingly butting heads and possibly mistake the other software as a potential threat, unless they’re specifically designed to complement one another.
When do security programs complement one another?
It’s usually considered excessive to have multiple security programs, as it can cause major damage to your device, as detailed above. That said, if you feel the need to have multiple programs, it’s then important to consider the individual features you want, rather than looking at whole program suites. With this in mind, you should consider different services as a way to supplement for what your current software lacks. For example, if you’re using a software that offers everything you need except a password manager, you’ll only want to download another software’s password manager as opposed to the whole security suite.
What should you look for in security software?
Since there are seemingly endless sub-sections of security software, it’s easier to think of Internet security software as a broad category. When it comes to determining which security software is best for you, you’ll want to look at the language used to describe the service, as it will tell you a lot about its features. Generally speaking, programs like IoIo’s System Shield AntiVirus and AntiSpyware with specific titles and descriptions – such as antivirus, anti-malware, anti-exploit, anti-spyware and rootkit – are designed to protect you from specific groups of threats. On the other hand, more well-rounded programs like Norton or Kaspersky are more like a jacks of all trades that monitor for all of these threats to some degree. If you’re looking for an all-in-one software, you’ll want to make sure you look into the features it offers and determine whether or not they'll work for you, especially since a lot of Internet security suites include a handful of bonus features that come down to personal preference. Something that you’ll also want to consider is how many devices are covered by the software suite, as hackers are also targeting mobile devices. Norton, Kaspersky and ESET are a few services that offer multi-device plans.
Are there other ways to protect my devices?
Since a lot of threats will come from through your browser as you surf the web, you should be sure you’re using a modern browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox on all your devices because they have innate security functions to alert you to dangers like unencrypted websites that can be tampered with by hackers. It should be noted that using a trusted browser or an Internet security software won’t do you any good if you never install updates when they’re required. Although they may seem like a hassle, software updates are essential to protecting your devices from preying eyes because they often include patches to certain security holes in the software. Read our guide to updating your technology to learn more.
Visit our Internet security software reviews to find the best service for protecting all of your devices, and keep up with our technology blog to learn how to protect yourself from potential threats.
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