Antivirus software safeguards computers from malicious software (malware) threats, which include viruses that steal information and worms that immediately attack the system and trojans which act as platforms for payloads from other sources. Antivirus programs also protect against phishing attempts which are fake email addresses that are designed to steal account information and passwords.
The engines that detect viruses are the basis of all antivirus software, but some programs add additional features that ensure your security. These additional features can include cloud storage services along with password management and optimization tools for performance. Many of the top antivirus programs offer support for multiple devices and are made to work with Android and iOS phones, too.
Norton 360 Antivirus Plus is one of our top picks for antivirus programs, and it’s a good choice if you require multi-device protection. It’s a robust security suite that can defend against all kinds of threats including ransomware as well as spyware and file infectors. It has consistently scored high marks in lab tests from AVTest and AV-Comparatives. AVTest which makes it a strong choice for protecting your Windows PC against malware.
Another good option is Bitdefender’s Internet Security, which has amazing malware detection capabilities and comes with a the most comprehensive set of extra features. It includes a password manager and alerts about dangerous sites, as well as a VPN. The program is available in three levels. One is free for a single device, and the remaining two are more basic and priced around the same price as Norton’s most popular product.