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Computing and using the internet is fraught with potential danger. That is why a reliable antivirus software is needed on any other device with Internet connection. Every time we open Google or check our emails, we are opening ourselves up to threats. The web is a vast place – unfortunately, it is filled with unscrupulous individuals and criminals who perpetrate cybercrimes. This could range from simple hoax viruses, through to vicious malware and spyware that infiltrates your network and obtains personal information.
Due to these potential threats, it is vital that you protect yourself with Internet security software. Whether you have a simple home desktop computer or manage a business with multiple connection points – using the best antivirus software is essential. Virus protection and computer security software is the first line of defense when accessing the internet. Software like this scans incoming and outgoing files and ensures that any malicious data is quarantined without causing harm to your devices. In the below text, we look at 7 antivirus software for 2020.
Why is choosing the best antivirus software important?
First, let’s look at why choosing the right antivirus is important. There is a huge array of different security software available. Some are admittedly better than others. Furthermore, different Internet security programs offer varying levels of protection. Some, for example, may only scan emails and your internet browser. Others, however, may offer advanced protection including full HDD scans and VPN tools.
Be sure to study the features offered and the completeness of the software. If you are paying a monthly or annual subscription, you want the service to be comprehensive. To help, we have listed 7 of the best antivirus software that offers fantastic levels of protection.
1. Norton Antivirus Plus – well-known reliable antivirus
Norton is one of the leading antivirus protection providers – it has a long history of creating fantastic software that is reliable, and easy to use. Norton Antivirus Plus is an upgrade from their previous Norton Antivirus Basic and offers a range of improvements. First, it is important to note that this software uses minimal system resources – it won’t slow down your devices. Secondly, it has a brilliant range of protection, including malware detection, URL blocker, password manager, and web browser protection. The annual subscription is reasonably priced too.
OS: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Licensing: Starts at 19.99 USD/year
File Size: 62.7 MB
Our Rating: 9 / 10
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2. AVG AntiVirus Free – free antivirus software for all OSs
AVG is one of the best free antivirus software available. There is a premium version available that offers additional features, but the free version is comprehensive and provides basic protection for your devices. The interface and control panel has a brilliant design and splits protection into clear sections. Moreover, you can perform tasks like setting regular computer scans. Concerning protection, AVG offers web & email scanning, enhanced privacy, and payment protection among other features. The main downside with AVG is that as it is free antivirus software, you will receive adverts for upgrades and premium versions. Moreover, it can be resource-hungry.
OS: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Licensing: Freeware, Paid version starts at 69.99/year
Our Rating: 9 / 10
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3. Kaspersky Anti-virus – Internet security software for Windows
Kaspersky Anti-Virus is a brilliant antivirus package that concentrates on the basic elements of threat detection and elimination. This PC security software contains the protection you would expect from a comprehensive service including – web filtering, URL blocking, smart monitoring technologies, and reversal of malicious actions. Essentially, your devices will remain protected from external threats! Although this software isn’t the most extensive, it performs well. Moreover, Kaspersky antivirus has a brilliant interface that is easy to use – there is a host of useful instructions and tips so that you can quickly protect your computer.
OS: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10
Licensing: Shareware, 30-day free trial, Paid version starts at 39.99/year
Our Rating: 9 / 10
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4. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020 – award winning antivirus software
Bitdefender is a well-known and reliable antivirus provider. If you want a decent, affordable antivirus solution – this is a fantastic choice. The annual subscription is practically nothing, and for the features you receive, it’s certainly worth the cost. When using Bitdefender, benefit from a range of advanced tools including a password manager, anti-phishing, and ransomware protection. In addition to this, Bitdefender offers basic protection including a firewall and file encryption. The only downside is that the software can be resource-hungry at times depending on the process being performed.
OS: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10
Licensing: Shareware, starts at 19.99 USD/year
Our Rating: 8 / 10
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5. ESET NOD32 Antivirus – reliable Internet security tool for business
ESET NOD32 is a professional antivirus software aimed at business users. It does not contain a comprehensive set of features, but it does cover basic antivirus protection in great detail. This includes malware protection, heuristic detection, anti-ransomware protection, and URL filtering. In addition to this, ESET NOD32 protects connected devices via different mediums including USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth. The only thing to consider with this computer security software isn’t ease of use. It is not meant for beginners. Furthermore, the interface can be a little tricky to use at times – moreover, some of the features are advanced and require in-depth antivirus knowledge.
OS: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android
Licensing: Shareware, 30-day free trial, Paid version starts at 29.99/year
Our Rating: 8 / 10
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6. Windows Defender – built-in Windows free antivirus software
If you want basic protection and have a Microsoft Windows device, why not take advantage of the built-in Windows Antivirus program? This is free antivirus software and is included with every license of Windows 10. Windows Defender Antivirus is by no means an advanced program, but it does offer a great level of basic protection. You can customize it to scan different functions like web browsers, and email. Moreover, this antivirus protection is automatically updated when your device downloads and installs Windows updates. This is a great tool to use in conjunction with a premium security software.
OS: Windows 10
Licensing: Freeware
Our Rating: 8 / 10
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7. Panda Dome Essential – multifunctional antivirus software
Panda Dome Essential has some fantastic features and a user-friendly interface. It contains essential protection including cloud-scanning, URL blocking, anti-phishing, and malware detection. Moreover, users can benefit from the built-in VPN. Using this antivirus software, you can make your protection as advanced, or basic as you wish using the advanced interface. Moreover, the annual price for protecting one device is one of the cheapest available. The main concern with this Internet security is that it doesn’t rank highest in terms of protection results.
OS: Windows, Mac, Android
Licensing: Starts at 29.99 USD/year
Our Rating: 8 / 10
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We hope you have found this article useful – you should now have a clear idea of the different antivirus software available. As you can see, there is a myriad of beneficial programs available – both free and premium. It is advisable to invest in a quality antivirus program for your home or business network. This will ensure that your devices are protected and that your personal information remains secure. Check out our list of the best antivirus for Android to protect your smartphones and tablets as well.
Very informative.