Do You Still Need Antivirus Software? Here's What Experts Say

Key Points:

• Microsoft Defender Antivirus, included for free with Windows 11, offers nearly 100% real-time malware protection and includes additional features like SmartScreen and app control, making it sufficient for most personal users.
• For businesses and individuals handling sensitive data, Microsoft Defender may not provide adequate protection against ransomware and phishing, necessitating specialized antivirus software tailored to these threats.
• Regularly updating Microsoft Defender is crucial, as frequent security intelligence updates help counter evolving cybercriminal tactics; enabling auto-updates in Windows Security settings is recommended.
• Despite improvements, some users remain cautious about relying solely on Microsoft Defender due to Windows 11's ongoing bugs and design issues that could impact security effectiveness.
• For enhanced personal or business protection, experts recommend third