Why Should We Use Antivirus Software?

As new malware develops daily, getting antivirus software to protect mobile devices and computers is essential. An antivirus will protect you against ransomware, data breaches, scams, identity theft, and other online threats.

In this complete guide, we will cover the best antivirus options in the market. Each service will include exceptional privacy and security tools. Also, it will allow you to play, work, and enjoy day-to-day browsing without thinking about being compromised by any interruptions from popups and scams. But before diving into the detailed list of the best software, there are some other things that you must know. 

What Is An Antivirus Software? 

An antivirus software or an antivirus program is a security software specially designed to search, detect, prevent, and remove viruses or malware from computers, mobile phones, or any other device. It typically runs to scan computers, background processes, or mobile devices to restrict and detect the spread of malware. 

Several antivirus software includes real-time threat detection and protection to safeguard the devices from possible vulnerabilities. It also performs system scans to monitor system files and devices, looking for potential threats. 

An antivirus is typically installed on a computer device as a proactive approach to cybersecurity. It can help reduce various types of cyber threats, including Trojan horses, Keyloggers, worms, browser hijackers, spyware, rootkits, botnets, adware, ransomware protection, and phishing attempts. 

An antivirus software usually performs the following tasks, including:

• Scans particular files or directories against a list of known malicious threats to detect strange patterns that indicate some malicious software.
• Let the users begin news scans at any time. 
• Allows users to plan and schedule scans so they can run automatically.
• It helps to remove any malicious software automatically in the background, notifies the user of threats, and guides them in cleaning the files.

Why Is Antivirus Software Important?

The goal of antivirus software is to protect a system against potential vulnerabilities and security threats. Additionally, it provides real-time security through automated vulnerability scans. There are several benefits of using antivirus software, including:

Protection Against Pop-ups and Spam:

One of the most typical ways viruses enter a system is through spam-based web pages and pop-up advertisements. An antivirus program or software automatically blocks the pop-ups and spam coming from malicious sites.

Malware and Virus Protection:

Antivirus software helps to protect a system against malicious threats, such as spyware and malware. Many cyber threats act as multipronged threat vectors attacking system data, degrading the system’s performance, spying on system resources, and stealing confidential information. Therefore, having trustworthy antivirus software running at all times is vital. 

Real-time Protection: 

Antivirus programs or software act as a real-time shield, scanning every inbound program and file. Depending on the features of the software, once a malicious program or file is detected, it is either automatically moved or deleted to a separate folder for further examination. A separate file is excluded from interacting with the rest of the system and its programs to prevent damage.

Web-protection: 

Antivirus programs help to protect against spammy websites that threat actors use to gather bank and credit card information from unsuspicious users. By limiting access to malicious websites, a trustful antivirus program can stop users from accessing unauthorized websites.

Boot-scan Command:

Viruses can often replicate themselves while the system is active. However, antivirus software can help to prevent a virus from duplicating by initiating a boot-scan command. The command further stops the OS (operating system), restarts the computer, and scans the whole hard drive for malware and viruses. During the scanning process, the virus is detected and does not get a chance to duplicate itself due to the deactivation of the operating system.

Protection From External Devices:

Many people plug in external devices to their computer devices regularly, such as USB adapters and hard drives. Antivirus software scans all connected devices and peripherals to prevent potential viruses from penetrating the system through external sources. 

Dark Web Scanning: 

Data from most data violations, such as ransomware attacks, is usually leaked on the dark web. Several antivirus tools help organizations discover if their private data is leaked on the dark web or not. For instance, if they discover an associated account number or email address on the dark web, they can immediately notify the user and update their password to a more complex one.

The Best Antivirus Software in 2024:

The threat of cyberattacking is very real nowadays. As our lives are moving more online, the possibility of our confidential information being compromised is also increasing. That is why it is important to have the best antivirus software installed on your mobile device, computer, or any other device.

To help you choose the best antivirus program or software, we have compiled a list of the best antivirus software for 2024.

Bitdefender Software 

Bitdefender is one of the best antivirus available because it provides exceptional malware protection rates and security from every type of online threat. Depending upon your plan, Bitdefender can be your all-around cybersecurity suite with a password manager or a VPN. 

Test Results: According to AV-Test, in the latest virus detection test, Bitdefender blocked 100% of threats from September to October 2023. This also included both 0-day and 4-week malware and other malicious threats. Also, it improved its score over the past testing period. Currently, it boasts maximum points in every category (usability, protection, and performance). Additionally, Bitdefender even got the “Product of the Year” from AV-Comparative ranking four times in total. It is notably more than the other antivirus programs.

Features: Bitdefender is the best choice overall because of its extensive feature variety. For example, Scamio, an AI-powered chatbot, analyzes malicious links and messages to identify their trustworthiness. Although Advanced Threat Defense suspects any suspicious activities in real time and stops any zero-day attacks. 

Another feature of Bitdefender is Online Threat Prevention, which ensures the web pages you visit are reliable and safe. Also, you will get a VPN and a password manager with a daily data limit of 200 MB to keep you unknown online. While the VPN is only suitable for anonymity, it is found that it is unsuitable for heavy-data activities like gaming and video streaming. 

Pricing: Bitdefender prices start at $29.99 per year if you choose their Antivirus Plus plan. This option protects up to three Windows devices with important features. However, they provide various plans with numerous benefits (more simultaneous devices with extra security features) to suit everyone’s needs. 

Operating System: Android, macOS, Linux, and Windows

Maximum simultaneous connections: 15 devices

Avira Antivirus Software

Avira antivirus is one of the most famous and secure antivirus software in the market. This antivirus is extremely safe to use and offers exceptional protection from malware and other threats. Ever since Avira entered the antivirus market, it has consistently been regarded as one of the most safe anti-malware providers. This antivirus software has numerous features and a free version that gives you a test drive without spending a single penny. 

Test results: The Avira antivirus analysis has shown satisfactory results. The real-time protection has achieved a 90% success rate against some malware samples. The latest independent Avira tests of September-October 2023, by AV-Test, have shown that this antivirus service is incredible in most cases and has scored maximum points. It ensures 100% safety against prevailing malware and 0-day attacks. 

Features: The default Avira antivirus software package includes a password manager, a firewall, and a VPN. Also, it has advanced ransomware protection, a file shredder, web protection for secure online shopping, and email protection. Additionally, it has regular malware protection solutions, an automatic software updating feature, a password manager, and a browser safety tool. 

Pricing: Avira antivirus prices start from $30.99 per year. However, there is also a money-back guarantee for up to sixty days.

Operating System: Windows, Android, iOS, macOS

Maximum Simultaneous connections: 50 devices 

Avast Antivirus Software 

Avast Antivirus is an excellent option for those who work remotely. This antivirus comes with real-time protection, a firewall, ransomware protection, and email security. Additionally, it includes protection from ransomware, phishing, malware, and other cyber threats. This is one of the best free antivirus software and also has a paid version. 

Test Results: AV-Test, examining cybersecurity products, has tested Avast’s paid and free versions. The May-June 2023 test has shown that the antivirus detected 100% of both older malware and 0-day threats. Also, it earned the highest possible certificate of “Top Product.” 

Features: The premium plans of Avast antivirus software have a wide range of features, including advanced aunty-tracking protection, microphone, and webcam protection, VPN, and system optimization tools. Also, it has 6 types of scanning options available, including Smart, Full virus, Targeted, Explorer, Boot-scan, and Custom scan. 

Pricing: Avast antivirus prices start from $69.48 per year.

Operating System: Windows, Android, macOS

Maximum Simultaneous Connections: 10 devices 

Norton 360 Software

Norton antivirus software is a well-performing and affordable antivirus ensuring all information stays safe, protected, and private. It also works exceptionally well across all operating systems. It’s the perfect choice for home users who are looking for an intuitive, complete antivirus. It has some of the best cybersecurity protections all for a cheap yearly subscription.

Test Results: Norton 360 antivirus software has achieved an 80% success rate in real-time protection with 10 malware samples. On the other hand, a full system scan was also done, which took only 5 minutes to scan 350k files, and it garnered an 80% success rate. 

The independent lab test, AV-Test, in the recent analysis of September-October 2023, has shown near-perfect results for Norton. 

Features: Just like Bitdefender, Norton 360 antivirus software has also developed an AI-powered tool to scan potential scams. It is known as Genie and is also available free on mobile devices. Apart from that, the antivirus also grants software updation capabilities. 

One of the most prominent Norton antivirus features is the VPN service. It provides sufficient security with AES-256 encryption and the OpenVPN or IKEv2 tunneling protocols. 

Pricing: Norton antivirus software pricing starts from $19.99 per year for its Plus plan. This antivirus is a great choice for strong malware protection. Also, you can test the feature-rich and more advanced Norton 360 plans like Deluxe and choose to use the seven-day free trial. 

Operating Systems: macOS, iOS, Android, Windows

Maximum Simultaneous Connections: 10 devices 

McAfee Software

McAfee antivirus software is an ideal option for those who do not have a team of IT professionals but want security protection. This software comes with ransomware protection, email security, and a firewall. Also, it includes parental controls and a password manager.

Test Results: The quick scan was very fast. It scanned 4k files within 2 minutes and needed more than 35% of the CPU resources. However, it only found 40% of threats. On the other hand, the complete scan took 40 minutes to scan 190k files and showed only a 50% success rate. 

Meanwhile, the recent September-October 2023 test results from the AV test show a different picture. In their analysis, McAfee Total Protection lives up to its name and offers full protection against all types of malware types. 

Features: McAfee’s pricing is divided into three tiers, Premium, Plus, and Advanced. The Plus tier includes all features, including scanning and real-time protection. It also has a Protection Score and VPN that focuses on improving and monitoring the security of online accounts. The Premium plan unlocks Personal Data Cleanup, which helps eliminate any data about you that is circulating online. The Advanced plan is made to identify and prevent thefts and includes up to $1 million in insurance for any fraud recovery expenses.

Pricing: McAfee’s starting price is from $39.99 per year. Also, there are both low-priced and expensive tier options. However, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee to test all the features without the risk of unsatisfactory service.

Operating Systems: Unlimited devices 

Maximum Simultaneous Connections: iOS, Mac, Windows, Android  

Comparison Of Antivirus Softwares 2024: 

Final Words:

Without antivirus software, your personal data, your bank account, and everything is at risk. It is essential to choose the best antivirus program or software to protect devices from malware and ransomware attacks. In this complete guide, we have given the five of the best antivirus programs that will surely benefit you and protect you from malware and any other threats.