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Internet security software is available to perform anti-virus and anti-spyware scans of your computer system, but since there are so many different products on the market, how do you know which is right for you?
Whether you're using a Windows PC or Mac, tablet or phone, one thing's for sure: The internet is pretty scary these days. There are many hackers out there looking for opportunities to hack and steal your personal information, turn your device into a slave in a botnet, or encrypt your drive and hold it for ransom. According to a report by cybersecurity company SonicWall, computer users worldwide were hit by 2.3 trillion intrusion attempts in the first half of 2020 alone. This is 19 percent more than in the same period last year.
This is why it is important to make sure that your internet-connected devices are protected by antivirus software. A 2020 poll commissioned by antivirus company Webroot found that 83 percent of Americans have installed such programs.
With at least a few dozen antivirus products on the market, including TotalAV antivirus software, you might be wondering which one you should choose. There is no simple one-size-fits-all answer, but here are five things to consider before making a decision.
1. Want a cloud antivirus?
Unlike regular antivirus software, cloud antivirus programs do most of their processing on the Internet and not on your computer's hard drive. Cloud antivirus programs not only consume fewer resources, but can also respond faster to new malware threats and do not have to rely on manual or scheduled downloads of malware signatures to protect your computers. One cloud-based antivirus suite that offers many features is TotalAV , which is available for multiple platforms and includes protection against threats ranging from ransomware to adware, in addition to precautions such as checking executables for viruses every time. when your computer tries to start them.
2. What devices and operating systems do you protect?
Obviously, you need a program that is compatible with your device's operating system. This is not as big of an issue as it used to be, as many antivirus software vendors offer their products for multiple platforms. For example, AVG Antivirus , which comes in both free and more fully functional paid versions, is available in versions for PC, Mac, Android and iOS (for iPhone and iPad). Another consideration is how much memory and storage space your device has, as antivirus programs can sometimes consume resources. If you want a product that uses little resources, PC Magazine praises Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus for its quality.
3. What's your price?
If you're on a tight budget and aren't a heavy computer user, you can get by with one of the many free antivirus programs available. If you have a Windows PC, the easiest and cheapest way is to simply activate Windows Defender Antivirus , the security app that comes with the Windows 10 operating system. Another popular choice is Avast Free Antivirus , highly rated by security researchers and available for Windows devices. , Mac, Android and iOS. But if you can afford it, paid versions of freeware often have more features and spend a few dollars on a security package like Bitdefender Total Security.will provide much more sophisticated protection such as file shredding and webcam and microphone protection. Typically, as noted by Consumer Reports, once you purchase antivirus software, you will be charged an additional renewal fee annually.
4. What security risks do you face and what kind of protection do you need?
If you mainly use your computer to write emails and watch movies on Netflix, then most of the complex bells and whistles in a fully featured security suite are likely to be wasted. If you are more active on the Internet or running e-commerce at home, you may find that the premium features in the paid program are well worth the money. The GDATA Antivirus website , for example, notes that the program includes technology specifically designed to prevent "infections" from malicious code hosted on websites, which is a serious threat these days. Norton 360 with LifeLock Selectis a package that includes many anti-tampering features, such as specially designed protection for remote learning kids with cloud file backup, virtual private network (VPN) and various features designed to protect your identity and privacy. data. (As Tom's Guide describes, Norton has “everything but the kitchen sink.”)
5. How tech savvy are you?
If you're the person who thinks technology is overwhelming, you'll probably feel most comfortable with a program that's easier to use. Trend Micro Antivirus + Security , with its motto “Defense Against Advanced Threats,” has been praised by Investopedia for its easy-to-use dashboard controls.
But no matter which antivirus program you choose, online security expert Bruce Schneier says the most important thing is to install it and configure it to update automatically. “The security gains associated with presence and absence are much larger than the difference between the two,” he explains.
This is interesting
One of the first viruses to infect computers, the 1982 Elk Cloner was not intended to be malicious and, according to PC Magazine, contained a six-line humorous poem.
