Antivirus is a type of software used to prevent, scan, detect and delete viruses from a computer. Antivirus software helps protect the files and hardware from Malware such as worms, Trojan, Horses, and spyware.
It provides additional protection such as customizable firewalls (A hardware and software-based security system designed to protect and monitor both a private internet network and a computer system) website blocking.
Why use it?
Many activities are conducted online, and new threats emerge continuously, so installing a protective antivirus program is more important.
How does it work?
Antivirus software looks at data – webpages, files, a software application – travelling over the network to your devices. It works by scanning incoming files or code that’s being passed through your network traffic. Companies who build this software compile an extensive database of already known viruses and malware and teach the software how to delete and remove them.
Advantages of Antivirus Software
1) Virus Protection - The main role of an anti-virus program is to stand against viruses and other forms of Malware. These viruses damage data and degrade the overall system.
2) Spyware Protection - Spyware is the name suggests, is a kind of malware that spies on the computer stealing all the confidential information. The antivirus software can prevent spyware viruses.
3) Web Protection - Cyber attackers can gather your credit card and bank account details on untrustworthy sites. Using an anti-virus program, you can protect your valuable information while Surfing the web.
4) Spam Protection - Viruses can also enter your computer through means of spam emails and ads. An antivirus works by way of blocking these spam emails and ads.
Disadvantages of antivirus software
1) System slows down – using an antivirus program means that many resources from the memory and the hard drive are being used. As a result, it can drastically slow down the computer’s overall speed.
2) No complete protection – there is no 100% guarantee that it will provide you with complete protection.
3) Security holes – when security holes are present inside the operating system or the networking software, it will provide a chance for the virus to bypass the antivirus software.
4) No customer support – A free antivirus program lacks on the side of customer support. Unless you pay for the premium version, there won’t be any customer support given to you.
Best Antivirus Software for 2021
1) Norton 360 with LifeLock Select -
Platforms:- Windows 10 Pro, macOS, Android iOS
Cost:- $150 per year for five devices, on sale for $100.
For a long time, Norton security is now called Norton LifeLock A five device subscription for Norton 360 with LifeLock select usually is $150.
Still, you can sign up for this virus protection software for $100 for the first year to get mobile security coverage across your PCs, MS devices, Android devices, iPhones and iPads.
In addition to Malware and virus protection for your computer and mobile device, this security Suite provides 100GB of Backup to the cloud, safe-browsing tools, a secure VPN, Password Manager, Parental Controls, and Lifelock identity theft protection and fraud alert.
2) Bitdefender Antivirus –
Platforms:- Windows 10, macOS, Android OS, iOS.
It is available for the free version.
Paid version:- $40 per year for 5 PCs.
If you would like to take a step up in securing your PC without taxing your wallet, it is hard to beat Bitdefender’s free antivirus software for Windows 10. The windows security software offers real-time malware spyware and ransomware protection monitoring.
Bitdefender Total Security 2020 is usually $90 and is available at the moment for $40 for the first year. The subscription antivirus suite lets you protect five devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android), set up parental controls on a kid’s computer, and run a VPN.
3) Malwarebytes –
Platform:- Windows 10, macOS, Android.
Free version:- 14-days free trial version
Paid version:- $30 per year for one device, $80 per year for 5 devices.
Malwarebytes does protect your PC from a virus or Malware attack, Scoring reasonably well in recent independent testing for guarding against Malware threats. You can get protection and disinfection for one device for $30 a year, regularly $40.
To cover five devices – any combination of Windows, macOS, and Android– it’s $80 for a year of a paid antivirus. The company’s free antivirus version downloads this trial version for 14 days.
4) McAfee Total Protection -
Platforms:- Windows 10 plus Mac OS, Android, iOS.
Cost:- $100 per year for 5 devices, on sale for $35.
It feels like McAfee has been around forever, first on its own in the 80s, then as part of Intel starting in 2010, and then again on its own when Intel spun it off in 2017.McAfee’s total protection guards five devices against viruses and offers ransomware protection. Wards off malicious websites and includes a password manager for $35 (usually $100) for the first year.
5) Trend Micro Maximum Security -
Platforms:- Windows 10, macOS, Android, iOS.
Cost:- $90 per year for 10 devices, on sale for $50.
This antivirus provider is not as well known to consumers because of its focus on enterprise secure security. Trend Micro quietly brings its business expertise to the home with its Trend Micro Maximum security tools.
Trend Micro’s software earns high marks from AV-test, consistently scoring well for detecting zero-day attacks and widespread viruses and malware.
Trend m Micro’s 10- device subscription for computers and mobile devices is $90 but is currently discounted at $40.
These are some of the best Anti Virus Software in the market. One can easily choose one of the above Antiviruses to protect their systems from unwanted viruses in today’s digital world.
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