Antivirus software is your first line of defense against ransomware, malware and other digital nasties. Even the most tech-savvy users can lose their guard so an antivirus program is a must for those who want to ensure the security of their data. A top-rated software can stop fraudsters who use phishing, alert you when a website has been compromised and sift through suspicious emails. Many of them offer additional security features such as password managers, VPN access and automatic cloud backups. They also have the ability to scan dark web activity and detect whether your computer is infected.
Depending on which software you select depending on the suite you choose, the program can look for malware using various methods. Heuristic detection looks for behavior that is typical of viruses, while sandboxing isolates suspicious programs so they won’t cause any damage. Some suites can even clean infected files for you when needed.
Norton offers excellent protection against malware and a variety of additional features, including a password manager, VPN and automated backups. Its user-friendly interface and excellent results in AV-Test and AV Comparatives benchmark tests make it a top choice. It can drain system resources and slow down older systems or those that are budget-friendly.
Avast’s free software provides powerful protection against threats, with a polished interface. Avast One is available for at a low cost and comes with identity protection, privacy protection, and PC tools. Its robust software engine is able to perform well in lab tests and is effective in stopping new threats – also known as zero-day attacks–before they can be identified or added to a virus database. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Android.
