The modern age of doing business has transformed into a 24/7/365 enterprise. With the advent of the Internet, we have seen an unprecedented shift towards a more globalised marketplace over the past decade or so. As such, shoppers can now patronise virtual storefronts halfway across the globe with the simple click of a mouse. Although this newfound online economic engine has provided mankind with a plethora of different benefits, it also comes with its fair share of issues as well.
Although the Internet has allowed humanity to streamline its communication processes, shipping solutions, and interconnectivity, the World Wide Web also serves as a highway for computer hackers. As larger publicly-held firms began to put a stranglehold on our global marketplace, devious computer hackers have likewise started to facilitate more advanced online attacks. From malicious viruses and dangerous tracking software to email spam and account information theft, modern business is no longer just about staying competitive; it’s also about staying safe.
How Did Computer Viruses Come About?
The early days of computing were very modest and simple. However, it wasn’t long before advanced computer minds began to push the confines of what computers were capable of. In the early 1970s, the first self-replicating virus was created as a joke. It was given the moniker “Creeper” and it infected computers with the message “I’m the creeper, catch me if you can!”
Shortly thereafter, during the 1980s, the first-ever widespread computer virus was born. Entitled the “Elk Cloner,” this virus would activate itself after 50 uses of a particular program, rendering the computer useless by way of a recurring message on the screen.
It didn’t take too long for conniving individuals to begin wreaking havoc on computing systems with their own versions of malicious software.
The Viruses of Today
As companies started establishing in-house computer networks to enhance their core operations, computer hackers simultaneously started creating malevolent software to steal private information, hold businesses at ransom, and generally incite fear. These individuals turned into some of the most dangerous criminals in the world as they could cause millions in damage without being detected or even leaving their computer chairs.
From dangerous Trojan horse viruses and program emulators to keystroke trackers and email infiltrators, the black market of virus creation and proliferation has grown extensively since the turn of the millennium. As a result, modern virus protection programs such as Mailcleaner anti-spam software have become invaluable with regard to staying safe on the Internet.
How Does Modern Anti-Virus Software Help?
These anti-virus programs essentially serve as gateways between your online infrastructure and the Internet. As the most prevalent viruses tend to invade business networks by way of email accounts, securing this portion of your internal processes is vitally important. Fortunately, today’s anti-virus programs can protect personal information, eliminate incoming threats, and block up to 99% of spam.
Protecting your business in the 21st century doesn’t have to be a difficult endeavour. Rather than opting for a cut-rate anti-virus service, you should conduct some research in order to find the most comprehensive software on the market. After all, protecting your business from foreign threats is just as important as creating an effective marketing plan or filing your taxes in a timely fashion.
The 21st century way of doing business can be scary, but with the right anti-virus software, it doesn’t have to be.