Tag: antivirus
The best free PC antivirus software of 2023
The best antivirus software options for keeping PCs and Macs protected
Best deals on antivirus software this week
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Bitdefender Internet Security
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$32.99 for 3-Devices on 1-Year Plan(List Price $84.99)
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Norton AntiVirus Plus
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$19.99 for 1-Device on 1-Year Plan(List Price $59.99)
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Bitdefender Total Security
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$35.99 for 5-Devices on 1-Year Plan(List Price $94.99)
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McAfee
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$89.99 for Unlimited Devices on 1-Year Advanced Plan(List Price $199.99)
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Webroot SecureAnywhere
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$23.99 for 1-Device on 1-Year Plan(List Price $39.99)
It’s important to have a great antivirus software package that can protect your PC from threats while you browse online. Viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing threats are all potential dangers when you’re online, even if you think you’re being careful. New threats are emerging every day, which is why many antivirus software manufacturers take a holistic approach, protecting your system from all kinds of potential threats, not just the obvious ones.
There is no shortage of options out there for protecting your system from viral threats, but it’s important to have the right solution for you. Free apps are available of course, but they typically offer far fewer features and can sometimes be updated less frequently and reliably than paid antivirus software. Generally, you get what you pay for, and when it comes to keeping your PC secure from security threats, who wants to scrimp on protection?
A dangerous virus or piece of ransomware can lock you out of your system, meaning if you don’t have a reliable backup, you could lose banking details, private documents, and personal photos that can never be recovered. Fortunately, if you install the right paid antivirus software, you won’t have to worry about that being an issue.
It’s worth remembering that even though it might seem like having multiple antivirus software apps installed is the best solution, this often causes issues. A far better idea is to pick one and stick with it so that they don’t clash with each other. Nowadays, many threats emerge from phishing attempts such as scam emails or websites that are disguised as something reputable. The best paid antivirus software appreciates that, so it looks out for anything that could be suspicious as well as more obvious virus files.
It’s also important that your antivirus software has an on-demand malware scan as well as checks for vulnerabilities along the way. That way, it can keep an eye out for issues before they develop. Some paid antivirus software also detects files that are behaving suspiciously, giving you a head’s up so you can determine if you want to trust it or not. Viruses and security issues are fast-moving, so this is a great method for ensuring that potential issues are spotted even before a new virus is officially identified.
I have a Mac. Do I need antivirus software?
Plenty of people tout Macs as impenetrable fortresses when it comes to viruses and other issues of the like, but they’ve been misled. While Macs are generally more secure than PCs — Apple software and hardware are all in-house, where Windows tends to have security vulnerabilities because they work with multiple manufacturers — that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Albeit smaller than PCs, there are still holes in the system that can be infiltrated.
So yes, if you have a Mac, that doesn’t mean you should immediately write off picking up a high-quality antivirus software package. Many Mac users who carry the notion that they cannot be affected by malware tend to skip out on antivirus software because they feel like they don’t need it, and malicious hackers have caught onto this. As a result, Mac users are more targeted than ever when it comes to cyber attacks. (We have a roundup of antivirus software *just* for Mac users as well.)
Don’t be a part of that statistic. Protect your computer, whether it’s a PC or a Mac.
Viruses, malware, and ransomware
There are slight differences between them, but they’re worth knowing about so you can spot issues more easily as they come up. Just like all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares, all viruses and ransomware are malware, but not all malware is a virus or ransomware. Got it? No? Well, let’s go a little deeper.
Malware, which is a term used for malicious software, covers any software that is meant to cause harm to a computer, server, network, or the user themself. This ranges from the seemingly innocuous nuisance, like pop-up ads, to the actually dangerous situations, like webcam hacking (maybe pick up a webcam cover, just to be safe).
Now that we’ve established the malware umbrella, we can understand what a virus is. Viruses are a form of malware that self-replicates, effectively causing an “infection” on your computer (hence “virus”). Viruses can be picked up from things like email attachments, links with dangerous code embedded in them, disguised pop-ups, and downloads that haven’t been properly vetted.
Ransomware is another form of malware that has a different purpose from a virus. A ransomware attack blocks access to a specific system until a “ransom” is paid, basically creating a hostage situation. Average computer users don’t have to be all that concerned about ransomware, as these types of attacks usually target larger institutions and businesses that hold a lot of capital.
A good antivirus software package will work to fight all of these things, and while it still won’t make your device 100% impervious to attacks, it’ll still supply you with enough protection and peace of mind to keep your anxieties from running wild about getting hacked all the time.
Get a VPN, too
If you use a public network in any capacity, a VPN is a great thing to have by your side, and many antivirus software packages include them. Unsecured public networks are a hacker’s dream, which you can find present in places like coffee shops, airports, hotels, and more. Since connecting to public networks requires no authentication, hackers are easily able to get in and wreak all kinds of havoc.
Thankfully, VPNs add a level of encryption that most public networks do not — they connect you to a secure server and provide you with an extra layer of protection around your data. Next time you’re on a public network, a secure VPN can keep you safe from people eavesdropping on your emails, stealing personal information, or sending you malware. Plus, they’re great for watching exclusive Netflix offerings that are specific to other countries, as a little bonus.
Password managers — are they necessary?
A lot of us do it: We repeat the same password for every single account we make, or at least some variation of that password. Even though it’s the more convenient option, seeing as you don’t have a billion passwords to remember at all times, it can also potentially be very dangerous. Think about it — if a hacker can get access to that master password of yours (which isn’t all that difficult, FYI), they can then get access to anything you used that password with, whether it’s your Amazon account or your online banking information. Bad news.
That’s where a password manager comes in, and most antivirus software packages thankfully include them. A password manager has the ability to store all of your passwords in one place so that you don’t have to remember them, meaning you can create a completely new and unique one every time you need to without worrying about possibly losing it. This will make it way harder for anyone trying to get access to any of your multiple accounts across the internet, which is better for you in every way.
So, what’s the best antivirus software?
There are a lot of options out there, but we were able to narrow it down to eight packages that we think are worthwhile for you to check out. Here are our top picks for the best antivirus solutions, no matter your network situation:
The best antivirus software for staying protected online
This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the Australian audience.
Having good antivirus software has never been more crucial than ever, especially if you shop online. There have never before been more threats to your digital data than right now. But, thankfully, antivirus software has never been stronger or more accessible. If you go on online, whether on a PC, Mac or your smartphone, you need to use protection.
Viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing threats are all potential dangers when you’re online, even if you think you’re being careful. Plus, new threats are emerging every day. This is why it’s a great idea to to choose one cybersecurity provider, and stick with them for all of your security needs. These companies stay up-to-date with the latest threats, and take a holistic approach to keeping your valuable data safe.
There are plenty of options for securing your devices, suitable for a variety of different uses and budgets. To help you find the right solution for your setup, we’ve put together this handy guide of the best antivirus software available in Australia.
What is antivirus software?
Antivirus software are programs that are made to detect and remove viruses and malicious software (otherwise known as ‘malware’) from your computer and devices, such as smartphones and tablets. They work by detecting, isolating, and deleting viruses, which prevents the malware from damaging your device. Antivirus products update automatically to provide protection against the latest viruses and malware.
What are viruses and malware?
Malicious software, or ‘malware’, is the catch-all term for unwanted software on your computer, which includes computer viruses. Viruses are essentially malware that self-replicate, causing an ‘infection’ on your computer that spreads to others — just like a biological virus. They are transmitted via websites, emails, storage devices, and even routers. Simple viruses can damage a hard disk or delete files. More sophisticated viruses can cause you to spam or have clever ways of avoiding detection.
Other common malware includes ransomware, where a hacker steals your data or blocks access to your device, and demands a ransom for its return, and spyware, which, as the name suggests, spies on your digital activity.
A good antivirus software package will work to fight all of these things, and while it still won’t make your device 100% impervious to attacks, it’ll still supply you with enough protection and peace of mind to keep your anxieties from running wild about getting hacked all the time. The major benefit of paid antivirus protection from a reputable company, is that they stay up-to-date with the latest viruses and malware, and know how to protect you from them.
What’s the best antivirus software?
It’s hard to single out just one antivirus offering as ‘best’, since this will vary based on how you use your computer and devices. However, keep in mind that it’s best to pick just one cybersecurity provider that has the features you need, rather than using a number of different programs from different companies. For most users with multiple devices, McAfee is a great choice. Meanwhile, Bitdefender has great base-level software at an affordable price. If you have an older computer, it may be worth checking out Webroot, as it is a small program that will not be taxing on your hardware.
Finally, be sure to get software that provides an on-demand malware scan, as well as a vulnerability scan (which all of the above options do). This will help you stay in control of what’s going on with your data.
If that all sounds a bit complicated, don’t sweat it — we’ve checked out the best paid antivirus software solutions and will outline why they’re worth the money.
These are the best antivirus solutions for every situation in 2022.
Keep your computer safe with these antivirus deals
Antivirus protection is like a digital fortress. It can help you avoid malware, spyware, and viruses that can slow you down. As of March 9, there are great deals on McAfee and Norton antivirus software for all of your devices. Here are your best bets:
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BEST AMAZON EXCLUSIVE: McAfee Total Protection 2023 includes virus protection, VPN, and dark web monitoring for up to five devices. $22.99
$109.99(save $87) -
BEST FOR FAMILIES: Norton 360 Platinum (20 devices) sells a package that protects up to 20 devices — perfect for families (especially those with teens). $39.99
$129.99(save $90) -
BEST 5-DEVICE DEAL: Norton 360 Platinum (5 devices) delivers malware and virus protection for up to five devices. $24.99
$89.99(save $65)
Best Amazon Exclusive
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Our pick: McAfee Total Protection (5 devices)
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Why we like it
McAfee Total Protection offers some of the best virus protection benefits for the price of only $22.99, down from its usual price of $109.99 for a 1-year subscription. Not only that, but Amazon has partnered with McAfee to provide antivirus software for up to five devices with one house call for expert installation advice. The software also safeguards your identity and monitors up to 10 emails on the dark web. You’ll also get to use a VPN so you can shop and check your bank accounts with additional privacy. Should you decide to make this purchase, you can choose from delivery via key card or download code.
Best For Families
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Our pick: Norton 360 Platinum (20 devices)
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Why we like it
If you need virus protection for your family or small business, look no further than Norton 360 Platinum’s 20-device deal, which offers protection for up to 3 months. This software protects against malware, ransomware, and other digital threats that could promise your device’s functions and security. In order to maintain protection, you must enter payment information prior to installation. The plan auto-renews, but you can cancel it in your Norton account’s settings. The plan also includes dark web monitoring as well as alerts if any of your information may show up there.
Note: Norton plans start at $59.99 per year for one device. See their other prices here.
Best 5-Device Deal
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Our pick: Norton 360 Platinum (5 devices)
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Why we like it
The same protection for 20 devices is also available for up to five devices. For only $24.99, you’ll get a VPN, virus protection, dark web monitoring, and 25GB of secure cloud backup for your most important files for three months. After this, your plan will renew, and you can change your settings, plan, or unsubscribe through your Norton account settings. You get all this for $65 off the regular price of $89.99.
More deals like this
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Norton 360 Plus (3 devices) $19.99
$74.99(save $55) -
McAfee Total Protection 2023 (3 devices) $24.99
$94.99(save $70) -
McAfee Total Protection 2023 (1 device) $19.99
$84.99(save $65) -
Norton 360 Plus (1 device) $14.99
$49.99(save $35)
The 5 best antivirus software and apps of 2023
Open-source antivirus ClamAV finally goes 1.0, some 20 years after launch
ClamAV recently released its latest version, an update that can be considered historically significant despite its lackluster changelog. The milestone is ClamAV finally reaching version 1.0.0. It’s the first major release as versioning conventions go, and it came only six months after celebrating its 20th birthday.