The problem with a lot of free anti-virus programs is that they cannot keep up with cyber-attacks. Cyber hackers are getting more and more sophisticated and not every antivirus program is advanced enough to keep up with the new threats that are emerging every single day. If you are looking for reliable computer antivirus programs, you probably won’t get it with any free program.
Malware, ransomware, phishing attempts, hacking attempts, malicious websites, and malicious apps: these are some of the many threats internet users have to deal with. If you run a business, you’ll need even more security and protection, as it’s not just your own personal details you need to protect, but that of employees, associates, vendors, customers, and so forth.
It’s especially important to have ransomware protection. Obnoxious hackers can demand hundreds or even thousands of dollars from their victims. With internet security protection, your private files and photos are kept behind an advanced firewalls or stored in secure cyber vaults. Your files can’t be taken hostage if the hackers and identity thieves can’t get to them.
Always check with the independent labs first before deciding whether or not to try a particular program. There are four labs in particular to check with: AV-Test, SE Labs, AV-Comparatives, and MRG-Effitas. Features to look for in an ideal antivirus include an extremely high (99.4% and up) online detection rate and a very low number of false negatives. It can be very annoying when a security program detects that a program is malicious when it really isn’t.
Considerations for Purchasing Computer Antivirus Programs
Price is an important consideration for most people when it comes to computer antivirus programs. While free programs sound nice they really don’t offer the best protection. However, this doesn’t mean you have to spend a whole lot of money on good protection that suits your needs. The leading companies often offer good deals and discounts on their products and subscriptions.
If you’re a home user or a small business owner with just a few employees, you likely won’t need a full security suite. Either the Plus version of a highly-rated antivirus program or internet security program for PC / Mac should be enough. If you travel a lot and need to haul your laptop around with you, then it’s recommended that you choose a suite that includes a VPN service. Do children use your computer, or have their own? You’ll probably need a program with parental controls as well. Think about which additional features and tools you need and which ones you can do without and select the program that best suits those needs.
Of all of the computer antivirus programs, one product that is versatile enough for most users is Avast Internet Security. It has a very high detection rate and is available with a 30 day money back guarantee.