One of the most significant threats that a good piece of up-to-date antivirus software can help you eliminate is the threat of data loss. If you use your computer for business, then you may have some pretty important data on there, such as customer databases, sales records, and expense reports. Thus, a computer virus could potentially be just as harmful to your financial health as to your system's health. Even of you don't use your computer for business, you still could have thousands of dollars worth of files on there, not to mention the sentimental value of files such as digital family photos and video footage. Still, there are more specific threats, particular types of viruses, that are actually what your software protects you from directly.
Adware
Two of the most common threats to your computer are adware and spyware, which we'll discuss later. If you're unfamiliar with these terms, the following explanations should help out tremendously. First, adware is short for advertising-supported software. It refers to a software package that automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising to your desktop or laptop. Quite often, adware is found in the form of pop ups, some of which, when closed, only open more ads. Adware is used to generate traffic and revenue for the author of the software. While this type of software by itself is harmless, many times it comes with more harmful additions, like keyloggers and spyware.
Spyware
Spyware is a type of malware (malicious software) that is typically installed secretly on your computer, where it collects private information about you. Though it is usually hidden from users, sometimes people choose to install spyware like keyloggers in order to monitor the computer usage of others. Spyware can be relatively harmless, or it can be very dangerous. Some types only collect browsing trends and patterns, while others record much more personal information, like bank account information. Other common practices of spyware include changing browser settings, like a home page, without user authorization and downloading unwanted software and programs. Many times, an individual will only notice something is wrong because of slow computer performance. It is a serious concern because rarely does an infected computer have only one spyware program; there are normally multiple infections.
Worms and Trojan Horses
Worms and Trojan horses tend to be more damaging than spyware, though not always. Worms are programs essentially designed to send copies of themselves to other computers. They generally always cause at least some harm to networks, even if it's only the harm of consuming bandwidth. That's why they can get into your system more easily than some of the other risks if you aren't careful. The most common way worms are spread is through unexpected email. Trojan horses steal information from you or harm your system in addition to performing some desirable function. All of these risks are ones of which the creators of ant-virus software are intricately aware, and they are constantly vigilant in their quest to protect you, your hardware, and your data from them.
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