Antivirus software shields computers from malicious software (malware) that includes viruses that steal information and worms that attack the system instantly and trojans, that serve as payload platforms. Antivirus software also guards against phishing attacks which are fake email addresses that are designed to get passwords and account information from users.
Certain programs provide additional features that keep you safe. These additional features can include password management, performance optimization tools and cloud storage, among others. A majority of the top antivirus software programs also have support for a variety of devices and are specifically designed to work with Android and iOS phones, too.
Norton 360 Antivirus Plus is one of our top picks for antivirus software and is a good choice for those who require multi-device security. It’s a powerful program that protects you from all kinds of threats like spyware and ransomware. It consistently earns high marks in lab testing from AV Comparatives and AVTest. This makes it a good option to protect Windows PCs against malware.
Another excellent option is Bitdefender’s Internet Security, which has amazing malware detection capabilities and comes with a a robust collection of extra features. This includes alerts for dangerous websites as well as a password manager and a VPN. This program is available in several tiers and includes a free version for one device and two others that includes more basic protections, and an estimated cost of around the same as Norton’s top rated offering.