Why Antivirus Isn’t Enough Anymore

What’s Wrong with Just Having Antivirus? (in Plain English)

Back in the day, installing antivirus was like hiring a guard dog for your computer. It barked at viruses, chased off dodgy files, and generally kept things tidy. But here’s the kicker: today’s cyber threats aren’t just “viruses” anymore — they’re more like sneaky con artists, burglars with lock picks, and even spies who slip in through the back door.

Antivirus on its own can’t keep up. Modern cyberattacks use tactics like phishing emails, ransomware, and exploiting unpatched software — all of which slip past traditional antivirus. So if you’re relying on antivirus alone in 2025, you’re basically leaving your digital house guarded by a dog that only recognises burglars from the 90s.

The Limits of Antivirus

• Signature-based detection – Traditional antivirus scans for known “bad” files. If hackers make something new, it often goes unnoticed.
• Phishing attacks – Antivirus can’t stop you from clicking a convincing fake email link.
• Ransomware – Some antivirus can spot it, but often too late, after files are already encrypted.
• Zero-day exploits – These are brand-new vulnerabilities that antivirus software doesn’t even know about yet.

What You Need in Addition

Antivirus is still useful — it’s your first line of defence. But you need extra layers to stand a chance:

1. Firewall – Stops dodgy traffic before it reaches your device.
2. Automatic Updates – Patch those holes so attackers can’t sneak in.
3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Protects accounts even if a password is stolen.
4. Safe Browsing Habits – No tool can stop you if you willingly walk into a trap.
5. Backups – If ransomware strikes, backups mean you don’t have to pay up.

This is called the “defence in depth” approach. Instead of relying on one guard dog, you’ve got fences, locks, alarms, cameras, and a cranky neighbour watching the street.

Key Concepts

• Antivirus protects against some threats, but not all.
• Modern attacks like phishing and ransomware bypass it.
• Zero-day exploits are invisible to signature-based antivirus.
• A layered defence (firewall, updates, MFA, backups, good habits) is essential.
• Think “defence in depth” — multiple layers, not just one.

Real-World Relevance

Look at ransomware gangs. They don’t care if you’ve got antivirus — they’ll trick you into clicking a poisoned attachment or exploit an old update you skipped. That’s how hospitals, councils, and small businesses have been paralysed in recent years.

Even individuals aren’t safe. If you’ve only got antivirus but no MFA, backups, or safe browsing habits, one bad click can lock you out of everything.

Final Thought

Antivirus is like wearing a seatbelt — useful, but not the full picture. On today’s roads, you also need airbags, road signs, and maybe a good set of brakes. Alone, antivirus isn’t enough. As part of a layered defence, it still has a place — but only if you build the other walls around it.

Click “Complete” before moving on.