Decades and years pass, cybercriminals and hackers are continuously floating on the world of the digital world by devastatingly processing sensitive information. The frequency rate of recorded identity theft and malicious processing of data have even increased due to a lack of security installed in the device.
One of their ways of getting into anyone closely is by the use of a virus. Different types of viruses are being created depending on one’s computer security. These types of threats produced by cybercriminals are the means being used for their own profit. So long as they are on your computer, they will be able to manipulate every data you have stored and can potentially damage everything.
Hackers can break into ones’ computer system in order to steal, destroy, and manipulate your data as soon as you have installed malicious software. They can also break into your computer system without even your knowledge. Their knowledge of computer technicals can help them do their motive.
At a glance
The main reason why anyone should have great quality antivirus software installed on their computer is to detect, destroy, and protect your computer files and data at its best.
Though there is too much antivirus software available in the market nowadays, there are only a few who can be effectively used in defending your computer from malicious processing and data manipulation.
In this article, we will be talking about the best antivirus software you can consider having in protecting you and your data from being hacked. But before we even go further, let us have an overview of what anti-virus software is, what does it do, and what are the factors needed to be considered before even opting to install your preferred one.
What is antivirus software?
Antivirus software is a program or software that is being used to detect any malicious files, software, or any applications in your computer network that threaten your computer’s security. As soon as it has been detected, antivirus software will flag down and block the malicious virus as soon as possible. With our growing digital age, antivirus software is improved and has been developed to protect you from hacks and cyber attacks.
What does it do?
- Antivirus software scans the entire computer network for any malware
- Antivirus software let you scan your entire computer on a regular basis
- Antivirus software let you scan a certain file or application
- Antivirus software removes all malicious file and malware being detected
- Antivirus software present a daily report confirming the health of your computer
What are the factors to be considered?
There are several factors to be considered in choosing which antivirus software you should use. In this section, we will discuss what they are to help you narrow down your options.
Effective detection and scanning
Good antivirus software should be designed effectively in scanning and detecting your computer and its data even after the scheduled scan. It should operate continuously and should process every new data for overall protection.
Price
Good antivirus software should be cost-effective. The services it renders should be reasonable, and it must have enough trial period in order for the consumer to test if it properly works on their device. Be aware of other additional charges as well.
The speed function and compatibility
In choosing what antivirus software you will be using, you should also consider its speed while functioning on your device. Some other antivirus consumes the space of your devices, allowing it to work slowly. You should ensure that you first check your computer’s specifications and compare them to the requirement of the software.
Privacy policy
You should review the privacy policy of the software. As we live in a world full of cyber threats and crimes, having knowledge of how your data is being used is a must. If in doubt, ask an IT specialist to help you understand.
Continuous development and additional features
As viruses and malicious software are also advancing, the antivirus software you should consider should also continuously develop with a newer version. It should have the capacity to detect newer viruses and is able to delete or block these viruses completely.
Customer service
A good antivirus software company should have its own IT specialists in case there is a need to fix any problems that may occur. They should have their own support team to help every consumer to work their way out of the bugs and any issues.
What is the best antivirus software?
With understanding the factors to put into consideration, you will be able to narrow down your option and will be able to choose what works best for you. In this section, we will be talking about the best antivirus software you can choose from and their features.
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
- Kaspersky Anti-Virus
- McAfee AntiVirus Plus
- Norton AntiVirus Plus
- Avast Free Antivirus
- BullGuard Antivirus
- ESET NOD32 Antivirus
- Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
- Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus
- Intego Antivirus
Bitdefender
- Real-time protection
- Offline and online privacy protection
- Supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
- Reasonable price
- With an available technical support team
- Great security features
Bitdefender is an antivirus software that keeps you safe from online threats and other viruses. Its great security features help its consumers block or remove malicious software and viruses that can harm your computer’s safety.
It has a highly advanced system known as behavioral detection in order to uncover suspicious activities that may be running on your system. Its multi-layered ransomware data protection acts in defending your single data or files from being destroyed by any type of ransomware attacks.
Bitdefender was specialized for Windows operating systems. Its minimum system requirements are at least Intel CORE 2 Duo (2 GHz) with 2 GB RAM memory and an available 2.5 GB available hard disk space.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
- Real-time protection
- Offline and online privacy protection
- Supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
- Reasonable price
- With an available technical support team
- Great security features
Kaspersky Anti-Virus can help you and your computer files and data safe from threats and cyber-attacks. With its advanced development, it can detect and block the latest viruses, cryptocurrency, and other malware to damage your computer.
It can operate without even letting your computer compromise its speed. Its minimum system requirements should have at least 1 GHz processor with 1 GB free hard disk space for 32-bit operating systems and 2 GB for 64-bit operating systems.
McAfee AntiVirus Plus
- Supports Windows, macOS, and other mobile devices
- Great security features
- Reasonable price
- Includes email protection
- With an available technical support team
McAfee Antivirus Plus is standard antivirus software that has scored 100 percent in detecting malicious files and software from damaging your computer’s network and database. It gives its consumers peace of mind from online and offline computer activities by safeguarding the entire system from malware and other types of viruses.
One that is cost-effective, you can get it for as low as $60. Its minimum system requirements should have at least 1 GHz processor with a minimum of 500 MB free hard disk space.
Norton AntiVirus Plus
- Real-time protection
- Offline and online privacy protection
- Great security features
- With 2GB cloud storage
- Reasonable price
Norton AntiVirus Plus is another antivirus software with great security features allowing its consumers to protect their sensitive files and data from being compromised. With its multi-layered security features, it can detect and block suspicious software and viruses from manipulating your information whenever offline or online as you do your computer activities.
With its password manager features, Norton AntiVirus Plus has the ability to manage your passwords and other financial information securely. It also removes or blocks suspicious traffic that may be working or trying to get into your system.
It supports Windows and macOS operating systems. Its minimum system requirements should have at least 1 GHz processor with a minimum of 300 MB free hard disk space.
Avast Free Antivirus
- Free download
- Offline and online privacy protection
- Network threat detection
- Speed functionality and compatibility
- Great security features
- Behavioral activity protection
Avast Free Antivirus is an antivirus software that is completely free to install. It includes password management and WIFI security that can help protect you from malicious software and viruses from getting into your computer database. Its great speed function helps in scanning your device without slowing down the entire computer’s performance.
One that is easy to install and use, this antivirus software and protect your sensitive files in just a click. It supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. Its minimum system requirements should have at least 1 GB RAM with a minimum of 2 GB free hard disk space.
BullGuard Antivirus
- Behavioral activity protection
- Great security features
- Automatic updates
- 24/7 customer support
- Reasonable price
BullGuard antivirus is standard antivirus software that includes advanced security integration that can detect and block malicious software and viruses to maintain the good health of your device. Though it doesn’t include online protection, its Premium Protection version can help you unlock this feature and additional functions.
It also has a dedicated anti-ransomware program that can help you block or remove ransomware activity that can cause serious damage to your computer’s network. It supports Windows and macOS operating systems with a minimum of 1 GB RAM and with up to 850 MB free disk space.
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
- 30-day free trial
- The speed function and compatibility
- Great security features
- Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating system
ESET NOD32 Antivirus is antivirus software that was specially made for those with low PC and those who don’t want to get their gaming activity interrupted with its speed function and compatibility. This antivirus software is great in saving the battery level of your device without even compromising your security.
It can completely detect and block all malicious software and viruses such as worms, spyware, and ransomware. With its multi-layered security protection, various security hunger consumers rely on using it with its great features and added functions. It supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. It also can be used with a macOS and Linux operating system with at least 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, and up to 130 MB free disk space.
Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
- Offline and online privacy protection
- Email protection
- Great security features
- Easy to use
- Behavioral activity protection
Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security is another antivirus software that can safeguard you from malware and other types of viruses from online danger. With its email integrated protection, you can be at ease from phishing emails while making sure that your computer’s network and files are far from reach making you enjoy your online activities. It works with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 with at least 1 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, with up to 1.3 GB free disk space.
Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus
- Can be used up to 3 PC’s
- Great security features
- The speed function and compatibility
- Uninterruptible scans
- Real-time protection
- Offline and online security
- Webcam protection
Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus gives you well-organized data security and protection. This antivirus software provides you the ability to use the same bought application to up to 3 computers. Its scanning and detection method is super fast, and it prevents you from being interrupted while doing your personal activity.
One with built-in WIFI security, Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus can protect you from any unsecured network while securing your identity online to prevent cyber attacks. It also filters suspicious sites to help you prevent any viruses from getting into your network. Moreover, it also secures you from trojan malware from manipulating your built-in or accessory web camera.
Intego Antivirus
- Great security features
- Around-the-clock scan and detection
- Speed functionality and compatibility
Intego Antivirus has been produced specially for Windows users as it has been regarded to support macOS operating systems. This antivirus software can help you from safeguarding your device and sensitive files in it faster than any other standard software in the market. Its advanced technology can help you be secured from newly created viruses and suspicious software. It has a feature in which it can detect, block, and scan various threats 24/7. It can also quickly clean your computer’s running application to enhance the speed of your device. It is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.
Conclusion
With the continuous cyber attacks and threats that are advancing nowadays, it is best to have great antivirus software to help you safeguard and protect your valuable data and sensitive information within your computer system. The above-mentioned software would be able to help you identify which works best for you. Yet, all of them are the best out of lots of antivirus software available in the market today.
