The article discusses why antivirus programs, despite their widespread use and success in detecting threats, still fail to prevent some ransomware and malware infections. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons:
- Sheer Quantity of Attacks: Antivirus programs successfully defend against most malware, but with over 100 million new malware programs each year, there’s always a small chance some will slip through. Criminals often target thousands or even millions of systems, meaning some attacks can avoid detection by antivirus software.
- Targeted Attacks on Security Flaws: Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in common software or weak passwords. Once they gain access to a system, they can disable antivirus programs and inject malicious code. Even well-secured systems can fall victim to sophisticated attacks if there are unnoticed flaws.
- Credential Stuffing: Cybercriminals use previously stolen login credentials to try to breach various accounts. This method exploits people who reuse passwords across multiple sites. The success of this tactic depends on the volume of stolen data available on the dark web.
- Social Engineering: Spear phishing is an example of a targeted attack where attackers craft specific emails that trick victims into opening malicious attachments. These emails are carefully designed to seem legitimate and are often personalized to the victim’s role in an organization.
- New Attack Methods: Some viruses bypass antivirus software because they are new and undetected. Cybercriminals deploy these viruses quickly to infect as many systems as possible before antivirus programs can recognize them. Techniques like SMS-based phishing or fake software cracks have emerged to spread these viruses.
Expert Opinion: Peter Stelzhammer, co-founder of AV-Comparatives, emphasizes that antivirus software is mostly reactive, while cybercriminals often take a proactive approach to identify vulnerabilities in antivirus programs. He advises that a combination of good antivirus software, regular updates, and user caution is key to minimizing the risk of infection.
In conclusion, while antivirus software provides a solid layer of protection, it is not foolproof. Users must remain cautious, maintain strong passwords, use two-factor authentication, and stay vigilant against phishing and social engineering tactics.
