No, AOL Tech Fortress is different from antivirus software (or AV). AOL Tech Fortress is a type of cybersecurity software that uses patented technologies to block malware attacks before the malware does harm, where antivirus software looks for known viruses and malware. (Ransomware can occur in many forms including phishing emails, pirated content downloads, malicious ads, etc.). Think of it as an added layer of protection against viruses and malware in addition to your antivirus software that protects against malware, spyware, viruses and phishing. It is recommended to use AOL Tech Fortress alongside an antivirus solution.

At only $3.99/mo, AOL Tech Fortress can provide peace of mind, especially if your current antivirus software doesn’t offer ransomware protection.

Malware and viruses are significant threats because they can cause serious harm to your devices, data and personal information. There are several things that could go wrong if malware and viruses go undetected:

• Data theft: Malware can steal sensitive information such as passwords, bank account details and credit card numbers, leading to identity theft or financial loss.
• Financial loss: Ransomware, a type of malware, locks your files and demands payment to unlock them. Paying doesn’t guarantee recovery of your files and can lead to further extortion.
• Privacy invasion: Spyware can monitor your online activities, track your keystrokes, and collect personal information, compromising your privacy.
• Damage to your device: Viruses can corrupt system files, slow down your computer, cause crashes, or even render your device unusable.
• Spreading to others: Infected devices can spread malware to others via email attachments, shared files, or networks, putting your friends, family, or workplace at risk.
• Loss of productivity: Malware can slow down your computer or make it unusable, interrupting work, school, or daily tasks.
• Cost of recovery: Recovering from a malware or virus attack can be expensive, requiring professional services, software repairs, or replacement of devices.
• Exploitation of resources: Some malware uses your device for activities like cryptojacking (mining cryptocurrency), sending spam, or launching attacks on other systems (botnets), all without your knowledge.
• Targeted attacks: Advanced malware can target specific industries or individuals, aiming to disrupt operations or compromise sensitive systems.

It’s important to ensure you have protections in place for internet security—at home, work and when you travel so that your personal data stays secure. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that once you have security in place, you keep the features updated on your devices to protect against new and emerging online threats.