With the internet being constantly bombarded with viruses of all kinds usage of antivirus software is a must. Finding a right one might be difficult and sometimes even expensive. Price may be the main reason why people often choose to use free applications to keep them safe online. The thing is, most people don’t know that free software – ironically – comes with a price…
Why Free Software Actually isn’t Free?
Developing software isn’t something done easily, nor cheap. Maintaining a fully deployed software infrastructure, updated and upgraded regularly takes software engineers, expensive servers, and what not. That infrastructure costs! A lot! That said (unless you have found the first ever philanthropic software company to exist) – we can safely assume that you ARE paying for that service, one way or another.
Agreeing to user terms and conditions basically allows your software vendor a deep intrusive look into your computer’s data. Why would that vendor need that information? Well, remember those engineers? They cost…
3rd parties in the online advertising /marketing industries are paying a fortune for user’s personal information. Be it your browsing history, search habits or purchasing history, the collected information is being used to target advertisement per your reported habits and preferences. While that might be nice, seeing only those cool items you are interested at; it also means that your personal data is logged, tracked, reported, sold and used. More to the point: ABUSED!
Abused for what you ask? That’s a very long list, which includes advertising, malvertising, but also – identity theft, fraudulent information phishing etc.
Ever had your CC details stolen? Your social sec’ number hacked? The financial loss itself, not to mention the psychological damage is enormous…
Whether the tracking company uses, abuses or sales your information to the highest bidder can be argued, but one fact remains the same – your personal information is their commodity to trade now. To top that with more concerning fact – what happens if THEY get hacked? Even the ones allegedly using your personal information responsibly (sounds funny?) can lose hold of your personal information and data in favor of the next hacker to hack their system…
This is a breach of privacy for sure, but most of the companies claim they never use personal information on the market. They may be speaking the truth, but a skilled hacker can get to them as well through non-personal data.
The best proof of false usage of one’s information was given after an AOL mistake and publication of “Searcher No. 4417749”. With a search history, frequent queries and location, step by step people came to identify no. 4417749. It’s not only the full name, it’s everything! By using your name hackers may get to your other data. Like, bank account, social security number, etc.
What is more terrifying is that some information shared may contain your internet and phone internet provider’s ID. These can lead straight to your ZIP code, time zone and web address you have. Based on that, again, hackers can grasp your full name, address, phone number and email. With these, you are an easy identity theft target.
Paying $80-$90 for an antivirus doesn’t sound so expensive now, does it?
Why We Don’t Know About This Exploitation?
It’s simple! Free software developers don’t want you to know. They know regular users don’t read privacy policies in general. But, even if you do, you’ll probably be confused with the amount of technical terms used in them. This is all a well-planned tactics hidden behind a free content.
Another thing helping them are law regulations. There are no boundaries when it comes to ethics. Plus, the laws are still not that restrictive towards this branch of industry. Also, laws may vary from country to country. In some places, non-personal information may be used for more than just advertising.
It’s Better to Pay Then to Be at Risk
Understanding how important your privacy online is may bring you to one and only conclusion: Protect yourself, and do it right! If you don’t want to be used, pay for the software! Find one that fulfills all of your needs. Both your personal and non-personal information can be safe only if you hide from the hackers.
The Knowledge is essential component fighting malicious content.
Shield Antivirus was tested in versatile environments. Positive results came both from our labs and from satisfied customers. The license ensures our antivirus is always on top of every up-to-date virus, malware, spyware, Trojan, etc. Default settings cover email monitoring as well. This combination of surveillance and promptness keeps you safe from any possible intrusion. A deep scan will be performed upon its startup. From that moment on you’ll be notified if anything wrong is detected, while threats will be blocked or quarantined instantly.
What adds the value of this app is its ease of utilization. Simple interface and even simpler controls allow non-tech-savvy users to be well protected as well. The design is plain and simple with only few operation buttons. Thanks to sophisticated algorithms, antivirus won’t affect your PC’s performance. On the contrary, you’ll be using the maximum of CPU’s capacity, while staying safe.
For a yearly subscription, you will pay the amount of money way smaller than what you could lose, and what “free” software earns on you.
There are no free meals.
Read between the lines, pay attention to details, and you will see there is always a price to pay.
Might as well CHOOSE what to pay for, and how much to pay for it, then have someone else choose for you.