Antivirus software guards computers against malicious software (malware) which includes viruses that steal data as well as worms that attack the system instantly and trojans that serve as platforms for payloads. Antivirus programs also protect against phishing attacks which are fake email links meant to steal account information and passwords.
The engines that detect viruses are at the core of all antivirus software however, some add additional features that help ensure your security. These can include cloud storage services as well as a password manager, and performance optimization tools. Many of the top antivirus programs support multiple devices, and are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
Norton 360 Antivirus Plus, one of our top antivirus programs is a great choice when you’re looking to secure multiple devices. It’s a powerful software that defends against all sorts of threats including ransomware as well as spyware and file-infectors. It is consistently rated with high marks in lab tests from AV-Comparatives and AVTest, making it an excellent choice for safeguarding your Windows PC against malware.
Bitdefender Internet Security is another solid option. It has impressive malware detection capabilities and offers an extensive array of bonus features. This includes a password manager along with alerts for sites that are dangerous and a VPN. The program is available in three different levels. One is free for a single device and the other two are more basic and cost approximately the same as Norton’s most popular product.
