Vibranium - During January and February 2022 we continuously evaluated 18 home user security products using their default settings. We always used the most current publicly-available version of all products for the testing. They were allowed to update themselves at any time and query their in-the-cloud services. We focused on realistic test scenarios and challenged the products against real-world threats. Products had to demonstrate their capabilities using all components and protection layers.
Whether your computer or device runs Android, Mac or Windows, cybercriminals have sophisticated attacks to target machines across operating systems (OS). Choosing antivirus software that's designed for your OS and tailored to your computing behaviors is important.
Not all Antivirus Software is created equal, so there are many factors to consider.
There's nothing worse than perusing the Internet only to have your computer slow to a crawl as your antivirus software "thinks" about your decisions. If the software happens to detect a problem, is it going to fix it without making you take 20 complicated steps?
The last thing you want to deal with when your information is at stake are errors, crashes and botched attempts to protect against cybersecurity threats. You need to know what to look for in an antivirus software. So, here's a guide to choosing an antivirus software, including common pitfalls and recommendations.
Does Your Antivirus Software Protect You from Major Threats?
Deciding how to choose the best antivirus software starts with the protections it offers.
Antivirus by definition should protect against viruses but should also include other threats too.
At a minimum, you need to be guarded against the common dangers to your privacy and safety.
Cyberthreats you may face include various types of:
Malware: Unwanted software programs that infect your devices to disrupt use or gather data from you. Commonly includes viruses, spyware, adware, and ransomware.
Scams: Deception that tricks you into giving sensitive information or allowing malicious access to your device. These are usually in emails, websites, texts, bad apps, and online messages. Common scams include spam , phishing, and pharming.
These threats often overlap to accomplish the designer’s goals. Some scams deliver malware, while some malware is concealed in unsuspecting places on the web or in connected devices. Malware in itself can be a scam, like in the case of ransomware.
At a minimum, your antivirus should protect against the frequent offenders above.
Does Your Program Offer Real-Time Prevention and Rapid Infection Removal?
Your antivirus must be on constant lookout duty to find and stop any cybersecurity risks.
Some cybersecurity software may only treat issues after they’ve occurred. You’ll want your antivirus to have proactive protection on top of this so you can use your devices without worry.
Threat prevention features in your software should include:
Reactive file scanning which will vet any new files for danger before you open them. It compares the file against the antivirus’ full database of known risks to decide if it is safe.
Complete system scans review every corner of your device for any compromised data. This can help you be sure that nothing is lurking around undetected.
Web browsing protection that filters URL links and webpages to judge their safety history and level of potential risk. Internet security is pivotal to your digital protection.
Threat removal should be included in all antivirus systems. Just be sure that it quarantines potentially malicious files to allow you to review them.
When you’re browsing, be sure you’re choosing a true “antivirus” that offers prevention and removal. Other products like those dubbed “anti-malware” may only offer removal without any preventative features.
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