--- title: "Anti-Virus Software: The First Security Layer Against Hackers" description: You get a flu shot every year so that you don't get sick, right? Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date as your first security layer. image: https://www.ais-now.com/hubfs/Images/Virus-Alert.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/anti-virus-software-the-first-security-layer-against-hackers#maincontent) [«  View All Posts](https://www.ais-now.com/learning-center) # Anti-Virus Software: The First Security Layer Against Hackers October 29th, 2016 | 3 min. read By [Monique Phalen](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/author/monique-phalen) ![](https://www.ais-now.com/hubfs/Images/Virus-Alert.jpg)   “I'll do it later.” We've all said this before when our computer alerts us that our [anti-virus software](https://www.ais-now.com/the-ultimate-managed-it-services-resource) is about to expire. After all, we've got important things to do and taking a few minutes to update software isn't important now. Sometimes, later never comes. This is a bad thing. How many times have you gotten the flu and thought, “Why didn't I just get a flu shot?! I feel horrible.” You don't want your computer to get sick with a horrible virus either. A computer with expired or out-of-date anti-virus software is nearly as unprotected as if you didn't have any software installed. And you may as well hang out a sign to hackers saying, “Please hack me!” because that's what's eventually going to happen to you. I've written about [security](https://www.ais-now.com/data-and-information-security-what-every-smb-owner-needs-to-know) before ([10 Essential Tips to Keep Your Network Secure](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/10-tips-to-keep-your-network-secure)). Here are tips and thoughts to make sure your anti-virus software stays up-to-date so you're protected. [![Guide to Smart IT Investing   Elevate your IT strategy with our comprehensive guide.  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2151016/interactive-164242736501.png) ](https://www.ais-now.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKh9cUgQlOgkHuTziXfmEwO0mAQHYOx1fCXAe47XHsEqHNXsvfveeC9IE1SnzyNug84x15IkcO842Tw1vwqJy0ciwkWju6%2BCOCc80i1zDqnmCXclq7sg54uxPpmzPgg0nEkmq4tpU8tgt79%2BidFbJl7oR6%2BvE%2FOwqSnAAmaXV1Opwx8aaNCwdY1YtLQh0socOL17bSJF5eOabIXfvGFK%2FkHa%2Fc%2FDvPOT69Q9%2BnrITLuOPiderYa5U5nT36Iv%2BEsoVGtHkROGbyiLuyDnou9vnSaRcww%2FIZT2le5o%2F1kHNsKwEMn5xRObtGgFG7C0XTWXt%2FBeRaNQcjGCRg%3D&webInteractiveContentId=164242736501&portalId=2151016) ## Update, Update, Update In fact, come back and finish this post after you check that your anti-virus programs are up-to-date. Don't wait, do it now. This post will still be here. Performing all updates is the easiest way to be sure your systems are protected. Security patches are constantly being released as new threats are found and existing weaknesses in software are uncovered. Sign up for automatic updates for your anti-virus software. And reboot so that you can be sure those updates take effect. It's a good idea to also install spyware software too. ### **SMBs at Risk** A 2014 study by Microsoft, Microsoft's Security Intelligence Report, found that many PCs and laptops not under central management were more likely to have expired or out-dated anti-virus software. That's often the case for both individuals and SMBs. With anti-virus software, .6% of computers were infected. Without anti-virus software, 2.4% of computers were infected (computers with expired programs were only slightly more protected – 2.2% of them became infected). The moral of the story? UPDATE! Think as an SMB that hackers don't care about you? [Read this](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/data-security-risks-your-small-business-can-be-hacked-too). ### **Anti-Virus: One Security Layer of Many** Anti-virus is just one layer of a comprehensive information technology [security strategy that every SMB owner needs to know about](https://www.ais-now.com/data-and-information-security-what-every-smb-owner-needs-to-know). Hacking anti-virus software isn't terribly complicated for sophisticated hackers. They simply have to install anti-virus and then write a virus that the software doesn't recognize (anti-virus software can only look for known viruses). That's why you need to update your anti-virus software regularly as hackers continually create new viruses. That's also why anti-virus is only one layer in good IT security. You need to add layers of security such as firewalls and encrypted information too. Don't have the bandwidth to handle information security yourself? Network security is a key piece of managed IT services. Find out more about managed IT in the free eBook – simply click on the image below. For more information on everything to do with Managed IT Services, check out our resource page, [here](https://www.ais-now.com/the-ultimate-managed-it-services-resource). [![Get in Touch with IT Experts   Empower your business with our IT solutions. Contact us today!  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2151016/interactive-164234593959.png) ](https://www.ais-now.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJLE0IsYypXwFnAN3xGMKSutWzX%2FZIBDjHj0uqJ3dDEuRNQcasQIQ%2Fop61xwbdVaFvTKerDcfR7B6L7%2FMcgC73y9HVDDKnRGggWXhcUQ07Dhlzky5aGufy%2F67SUPPuOXhZMr8u%2F5Zf1Yiys2rdLJ9tY%2BNR6vY5uyaqvhcx2tJ7%2BH8%2FzMhU%3D&webInteractiveContentId=164234593959&portalId=2151016) [ Monique Phalen ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/author/monique-phalen) Mo is the resident IT go-to lady at AIS. She has traveled the world, run a marathon, is a self-proclaimed crossword champion, and can do ventriloquism. She has an uncanny memory ....down to the detail. She has completed 4 half marathons and hates running. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her 7 siblings and 20 nieces and nephews. Connect: [mailto:mphalen@ais-now.com](mailto:mphalen@ais-now.com) Topics: [ IT Services ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/topic/it-services) Don't forget to share this post: ## Related Articles [### Why Small IT Problems Turn Into Big Business Problems | TMH Episode 5 June 4th, 2026|2 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/why-small-it-problems-turn-into-big-business-problems-tmh-episode-5) [### What Are The Top 3 Video Surveillance Brands For My Business? May 28th, 2026|4 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/top-video-surveillance-brands-business) [### Cyber Security: What Is Malware And How To Avoid It? May 28th, 2026|5 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/cyber-security-what-is-malware-and-how-to-avoid-it) [### Managed IT Services: The Key to a Successful IT Roadmap May 27th, 2026|5 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/managed-it-services-the-key-to-a-successful-it-roadmap) [### Managed IT Cost Explained: What SMBs Are Actually Paying For May 12th, 2026|2 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/managed-it-cost-explained-what-smbs-are-actually-paying-for) [### 5 IT Headaches Managed Services Can Cure April 30th, 2026|5 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/5-it-headaches-managed-services-solve) [### How Can A Business Security Camera System Protect My Business? April 30th, 2026|4 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/how-can-a-business-security-camera-system-protect-my-business) [### Cybersecurity And The Workplace: Keep Your Office Copiers and Printers Secure April 30th, 2026|5 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/cybersecurity-office-copiers-printers-secure) [### How To Avoid the Most Common Phishing Scams April 29th, 2026|5 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/avoid-most-common-phishing-scams) [### Top 7 Reasons Managed IT Services Improve Your Business & Work Days April 29th, 2026|4 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/the-joy-of-outsourcing-managed-it-services-will-improve-your-business-and-your-work-days) [### How To Save Money with Managed IT Services April 28th, 2026|6 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/how-to-save-money-managed-it-services) [### Security Compliance: How A Managed IT Services Provider Keeps Your Business Safe April 28th, 2026|5 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/security-compliance-business-safe-managed-it-services-provider) [### Security Moves SMBs Can Do Now | Tech Made Human Episode 3 April 3rd, 2026|1 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/security-moves-smbs-can-do-now-tech-made-human-episode-3) [### Why Internal IT Teams Burn Out (And How to Fix It) March 26th, 2026|6 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/why-internal-it-teams-burn-out-how-to-fix-it) [### Cyber Insurance Requirements: What Your IT Must Include March 26th, 2026|7 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/cyber-insurance-requirements-what-your-it-must-include) [### The Cost of Doing Nothing: Delaying IT Upgrades Explained March 26th, 2026|6 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/cost-of-doing-nothing-delaying-it-upgrades-explained) [### The Danger of “Set It and Forget It” IT Support March 24th, 2026|4 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/danger-of-set-it-and-forget-it-it-support) [### Why Most IT Assessments Miss Critical Risks March 24th, 2026|4 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/why-most-it-assessments-miss-critical-risks) [### What Questions Smart Buyers Ask Before Choosing an Office Technology Provider? March 23rd, 2026|5 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/what-questions-smart-buyers-ask-before-choosing-an-office-technology-provider) [### IT Support for Law Firms: What Makes It Different? March 23rd, 2026|4 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/it-support-law-firms-what-makes-it-different) [### How to Evaluate an IT Provider’s Cybersecurity Stack March 23rd, 2026|4 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-it-provider-cyber-security-stack) [### How Much Should Managed IT Cost for a 20, 50, or 100 Employee Company? March 18th, 2026|8 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/how-much-managed-it-cost-for-20-50-100-employee-company) [### The Connection Between IT Strategy and Business KPIs February 18th, 2026|5 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/connection-between-it-strategy-and-business-kpi) [### Evaluating IT Infrastructure Maturity: A Step-by-Step Guide February 18th, 2026|4 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/evaluating-it-infrastructure-maturity-step-by-step-guide) [### Office Technology for Your Business: What to Replace First... Phones, IT, or Copiers? February 12th, 2026|5 min read ](https://www.ais-now.com/blog/office-technology-business-what-to-replace-first-phones-it-copiers)