What Is A Good Virus Protection For Laptop

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Specs

Whats in a name? Well, sometimes quite a lot. The Plus in the name of Bitdefender Antivirus Plus lets us know theres more than just an antivirus here. This product does everything an antivirus shouldwith flairand then goes beyond that with a collection of additional security features that could take on many security suites and win. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus remains a top choice when it comes to protecting your PC’s security.

Some antivirus products, such as Cylance Smart Antivirus and F-Secure, stick strictly with the essentials, wiping out existing malware infestations and defending against new attacks. Bitdefender, by contrast, packs a huge collection of security-centric features, among them password management, enhanced security for online transactions, ransomware protection, and even a VPN. To be sure you realize how much you’re getting, the installer runs a slideshow detailing the features while doing its job.

Firewalls Ransomware Protection And More

Firewalls and spam filtering aren’t common antivirus features, but some of our top products include them as bonuses. In fact, some of these antivirus products are more feature-packed than certain products sold as security suites.

Among the other bonus features you’ll find are secure browsers for financial transactions, secure deletion of sensitive files, wiping traces of computer and browsing history, credit monitoring, virtual keyboard to foil keyloggers, cross-platform protection, and more. And of course, we’ve already mentioned sandboxing, vulnerability scanning, and application whitelisting.

We’re seeing more and more antivirus products adding modules specifically designed for ransomware protection. Some work by preventing unauthorized changes to protected files. Others keep watch for suspicious behaviors that suggest malware. Some even aim to reverse the damage. Given the growth of this scourge, any added protection is beneficial.

Kaspersky Security Cloud Free: Antivirus Performance

Kaspersky has one of the best malware-detection engines of any consumer antivirus maker, and the engine is shared by all Kaspersky Windows antivirus products.

The program detected 100% of all malware in every monthly test run by German lab AV-Test in 2018 and 2019, a feat matched only by Norton, which doesn’t offer free antivirus software. The same winning streak continued in AV-Test’s January-February 2020 round.

But Kaspersky had a better balance than Norton between efficiency and zealousness, racking up only three false positives over that two-year period, compared with Norton’s 22 false positives.

Kaspersky’s results with Austrian lab AV-Comparatives were not quite as perfect. While it stopped an average of 100% of malware in the lab’s February-May 2019 and February-March 2020 tests, Kaspersky averaged only 99.1% in the July-October 2019 round.

Overall, Norton did better, and Bitdefender and Microsoft Windows Defender were close behind Kaspersky, but Norton and Microsoft had many false positives while Kaspersky had zero.

However, London-based SE Labs saw Kaspersky scoring 100% in both protection accuracy and total accuracy for its July-September 2019, October-December 2019 and January-March 2020 rounds. No other brand did as well.

Don’t Miss: Can I Watch Fios Tv On My Computer

Top Brands That Didnt Make The Cut:

Ive spent a long time compiling and revising this list to guarantee that Im offering you a high-quality resource. You may be surprised to see that some of the top antivirus brands didnt make the top 5. Here are a few of them:

• Avast. While Avast and their subsidiary antivirus company AVG continue to offer two pieces of widely used free antivirus software their repeated privacy violations have caused too many concerns. You can read more here.
• McAfee. McAfee is one of my favorite antiviruses of 2022. It comes with an advanced anti-malware engine, excellent web protections, and a VPN with unlimited data. But unfortunately, McAfee doesnt have a free plan. However, if you need a high-quality antivirus, McAfees low-cost internet security packages are some of the best on the market.
• Bitdefender. Unfortunately, Bitdefender recently discontinued its free plan for Windows, but it offers one of the most comprehensive internet security suites on the market, with perfect malware detection rates, high-end security features, and extras like a password manager, a VPN, and parental controls.

A Top Antivirus Choice

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus offers excellent malware protection, as shown by its superb scores from many independent testing labs. Our own tests show it to be especially effective against web-based threats, including malware-hosting sites and phishing pages. For extra defense against ransomware, it watches for ransomware-like behavior and restores any files that may have been encrypted before behavior-based detection kicked in. On top of that, it piles on enough features that it could qualify as a security suite. It’s truly an excellent choice, and an Editors’ Choice.

In the packed field of antivirus utilities, we’ve named several other Editors’ Choice winners. The labs love Kaspersky Anti-Virus even more than they do Bitdefender, if thats possible. McAfee AntiVirus Plus doesn’t score as high, but it offers unlimited protection for your Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. Finally, tiny Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus uses a journal-and-rollback system that should undo the effects of any malware that gets past its initial detection, even ransomware.

Also Check: Clear Space On Laptop

Top Brands That Didnt Make The Cut

• Heimdal Heimdal has a very good malware scanner, and it comes with some advanced cybersecurity tools, but its much more complex to understand than other most other antiviruses, so its not the best choice for most users.
• Webroot Webroots cloud-based malware scanner is good because it doesnt take up space or slow down a system. However, Webroot doesnt have any good internet security features, and its too expensive for an antivirus that only provides basic protection.
• Cylance Cylance has an advanced antivirus engine. But unlike the others on this list, its missing a lot of crucial features like a desktop app, a firewall, and anti-phishing protection.

Kaspersky Security Cloud Free Review: Bottom Line

Kaspersky Security Cloud Free is well worth the download. It combines superior malware protection with a fast scanner that barely slows down the system and allows plenty of customization. It’s well stocked with options, although several items are reserved for paying customers.

You’ll get a few more extra features with Avast Free Antivirus, but in our opinion, they’re not worth the drop-off in protection. The bare-bones Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is a good choice for people who don’t want to bother with antivirus software, but for everyone else, Kaspersky Security Cloud Free is the free antivirus program to get.

Brian Nadel is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in technology reporting and reviewing. He works out of the suburban New York City area and has covered topics from nuclear power plants and Wi-Fi routers to cars and tablets. The former editor-in-chief of Mobile Computing and Communications, Nadel is the recipient of the TransPacific Writing Award.

• really great, concise, informative article, thanks!but the link to the Norton Bootable Recovery Tool getskiboshed by my protective software, s’on someone’s blacklist.and when dissected, it doth not work. for me, anyway.using CLEARURLS, fwiw.PS cursorclick on the lefthand does not enable scroll, only active after clicking on the otherside of the frame…aka UIX.SIDEBAR, per FF inspect.thanks. looks like I should dump-da-dumpdump Mal-UNa-Warebytes….

You May Like: How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Laptop Usps

Comparison Of Antivirus Software

This a non-exhaustive list of notableantivirus and Internet Securitysoftware, in the form of comparison tables, according to their platform ” rel=”nofollow”> server, etc.) and their operating systems ” rel=”nofollow”> Solaris, Android, iOS, Ubuntu Touch, Windows Phone, etc.).

How To Choose An Antivirus Service For Business

Taking a multipronged approach to protecting your business from viruses and other cyber threats is important, however, there are some elements at higher risk than others. Employees are typically the weakest link in the security chain, therefore, its critical to concentrate on features preventing unsafe internet environments, such as through browsers and email. An antivirus service can help identify phishing emails and web links.

Ransomware can be especially devastating to a business. Its important to have an antivirus service that offers protection against this type of malware, as well as the ability to recover data if its encrypted.

Recommended Reading: Connecting Hp Printer To Laptop

Which Is The Best Antivirus For Windows 10

The best Windows 10 antivirus you can buy Kaspersky Anti-Virus. The best protection, with few frills. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Very good protection with lots of useful extras. Norton AntiVirus Plus. For those who deserve the very best. ESET NOD32 Antivirus. McAfee AntiVirus Plus. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security.

Bitdefender Gravityzone Business Security

Bitdefender is a global leader in endpoint protection software, protecting over 500 million systems in 150 countries. Their GravityZone solutions are consistently ranked highly in independent security tests, providing effective protection for SMBs and large enterprises alike. GravityZone Business Security is Bitdefenders antivirus software designed specifically for small businesses. Admins can use one cloud-based console to manage all workstations and servers, as well as track all security events.

Finally, Bitdefenders customizable dashboard allows admins to view reports and alerts to help users stay on top of security events. This dashboard can also control employee access to certain websites or applications, which enhances productivity as well as blocking sites that are known for presenting security risks.

Bitdefenders GravityZone Business Security is a brilliant solution for small organizations looking for fast and effective antivirus software. For slightly larger organizations, users should consider adding the Advanced Threat Security add-on, which includes HyperDetect and sandbox analysis.

You May Like: Will My Computer Run Ark

Here Are The Top Windows 10 & 11 Antiviruses For 202:

• 1.Norton #1 antivirus and malware protection for all Windows machines.
• 2.Bitdefender Advanced cloud-based malware detection and a ton of extras.
• 3.TotalAV Easy-to-use antivirus with a great VPN and good optimization tools.
• 4. McAfee Secure antivirus with a PC optimizer and web protection.
• 5. Avira Lightweight antivirus with good additional features.
• Frequently asked questions about antiviruses for Windows.

Top 10 Best Antivirus Software Of 2022

So what makes it so good? For starters. the sheer amount of features incorporated with Bitdefender is seriously impressive. Even if you opt for the entry-level Bitdefender Antivirus Plus product, you get Safepay online banking protection, which is essentially a secure browser and one which covers you from all kinds of angles. Theres also a password manager, a vulnerability scanner, and a good quality VPN with a 200MB daily limit.

Bitdefender is brilliantly user-friendly, with a polished and well-balanced interface thats equally suitable for complete beginners to the antivirus world, or experts who want to tweak things.

The company offers more extensive suites, too, with Bitdefender Internet Security providing all the above plus a tools to help speed up your computer and to help you find your mobile devices if they’re lost or stolen.

As the flagship offering, Bitdefender Total Security comes complete with an array of PC maintenance tools, plus it supports Android and iOS devices as well as covering Windows and Mac machines – basically, it’s a single solution to your entire family’s online security needs.

Whichever version of Bitdefender you choose, youre getting a whole lot for your money, particularly with Total Security if youve got a lot of different devices . Plus that secure feeling of knowing you’re being kept safe by 2022’s overall best antivirus software.

Avast One takes the firm’s trusted free antivirus and builds on it with extra features.

You May Like: How To Connect Airpods Pro To Hp Laptop

Doesnt Windows Already Have An Antivirus Installed

Yes, most Windows computers come pre-installed with Windows Defender, which is much more useful now than it was a few years ago. However, it does not provide the same malware protection that the other antiviruses on this list do.

For protection against ransomware, spyware, adware, and other dangers like phishing and identity theft, Windows Defender wont help. While Windows Defender is OK for basic protection, it doesnt protect against any kind of advanced malware.

If youre extremely careful and dont have anything important to protect on your PC, Windows Defender is fine. But if you keep any kind of sensitive info on your computer logins, passwords, banking info, photos, etc. you should get something guaranteed secure like Norton 360.

Avast Business Antivirus Pro

• Key data protection against phishing
• Comes with a Wi-Fi inspector to protect your business network against potential vulnerabilities
• Highly configurable and customizable data protection
• Better app control and constantly streamed updates
• Protects businesses against malicious emails with web shield, behavior shield, and email shield.

Antivirus overview

Avast Business Antivirus Pro is the top antivirus that can help run a small business securely. Its agility as well as reliability make it suitable for use in various business environments. The software program features a cutting edge server and premium data protection which are simply outstanding.

Its behavior shield can effectively block unwanted access requests. Besides that, there is SharePoint safeguarding that can be used to scan everything thats downloaded or uploaded to your business servers. To protect your deleted files, the Data Shredder overwrites any deleted data, thereby making it impossible for hackers to recover original files.

What we liked:

• Provides a better cleanup and removes bad plugins
• Has a Wi-Fi inspector to reduce network vulnerabilities
• Comes with in-built anti-spam capabilities for email

Pricing:

Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus 2020, Cloud security for PC, Mac & servers is available from $56.99 for 1 device for 1 year.

Antivirus overview

What we liked:

Antivirus overview

What we liked:

• Perfect for regulating website and application access
• It can be launched and monitored remotely

Pricing:

Pricing:

You May Like: How Do I Find My Computer’s Model Number

Help Me Choose The Best Security

Compare all our antivirus products to find customized protection for you and all your devices at a price to fit any budget.

We have options to help you protect one or all of your laptops, desktops, and mobile devices** for one year or up to three, with available features like password protection and improved system performance. Whatever your cybersecurity needs, Webroot has the product to match.

Webroot Doesn’t Take Up Space

You’ll have plenty of room for your music, documents, photos, and movies.

Where many of our competitors rely on downloading malware definitions straight to your device, we store them in the cloud. This allows Webroot to maintain a small endpoint agent that installs fast, scans fast, and benefits from a more robust threat library than our competitors

Also Check: Laptops For Accountants

How We Test Antivirus Software

Weve thoroughly researched antivirus software from all the big names in internet security, including Norton , McAfee , Kaspersky and Bitdefender . Weve spent hours finding out what each antivirus software offers and how much they cost and discovered how they perform in real-world situations.

We turn to industry experts and in-depth laboratories when deciding our overall antivirus ratings, and with good reason these facilities test for malware, zero-day threats, false positives, and other security issues.

X-HEAD: Can antivirus software remove existing viruses?

It can be challenging for any antivirus software to find and eliminate threats that were already on your system because lots of viruses and malware applications block detection or mimic legitimate applications.

Ultimately, antivirus applications will remove some existing malware, but not all of it. And these apps cant usually repair existing damage.

If your PC is already infected, we recommend that you seek professional help computer stores and local experts will be able to remove malware and get your PC fighting fit.

Once your PC has been thoroughly cleaned, you should install an antivirus package to ensure that you dont end up in the same situation again.

What To Look For In The Best Free Antivirus Software

There are actually several things you want to look for when trying to compare and choose one the best free antivirus software protection. In some instances, you may be a little more limited because the version is free. But for the most part, you should still be able to look for certain things that make up a solid free antivirus software package.

Things to consider will include machine optimization, does it slow you down, or does it stay out of sight and out of mind. Add to that overall effectiveness and you will have a recipe for good protection.

Other things you may want to look for and consider include:

• Overall Effectiveness
• How Hard is it On System Resources
• Privacy
• Does Free mean Bad

Read Also: How Much To Repair Laptop

Norton 360 Antivirus Plus: Best Antivirus For Performance

It really was a close contest for our top spot, but nipping right at the winners heels was Norton 360 Antivirus Plus. Again, you get an exceptional antivirus suite that protects you against all kinds of online threats including viruses, spyware and ransomware. And again, Norton can back up those claims with excellent results in industry antivirus tests from experts like AVTest and AV Comparatives where Norton 360 scored perfect marks in the most recent round of testing.

On the extras front, you also get access to a password manager along with 2GB of online cloud storage to help protect your most vulnerable files that could otherwise be lost if your home computer was compromised.

Another huge name when it comes to antivirus software and with good reason, Kaspersky Anti-Virus is one of the best antivirus suites weve ever seen – in fact the only reason it doesnt top out our list is the lack of extras and add ons. But as an antivirus program first and foremost, Kaspersky is peerless.

You get protection from viruses, spyware, malware, ransomware, Delaware, and a whole host of common hacking techniques. When tested recently by antivirus experts at AV Test and AV Comparatives, Kaspersky Anti-Virus scored perfect marks, blocking every single malicious file that was sent against it.