Whether you're using a Windows PC, Mac, tablet or phone, one thing is for sure: you are vulnerable at any time!
There are plenty of hackers looking for opportunities to break into and steal your personal information, or encrypt your drive and hold it for ransom.
Computer users worldwide experienced 2.3 trillion break-in attempts in the first half of 2020 alone, according to a report by cybersecurity firm SonicWall. This is a 19% jump compared to the same period the previous year.
That is why it is important to make sure that your devices connected to the Internet are protected by antivirus software. A 2020 survey commissioned by antivirus software company Webroot found that 83% of Americans have installed such software.
With at least dozens of antivirus products on the market, including TotalAV antivirus, you may be wondering which one to choose.
In fact, there is no simple answer that works for everyone, but here are five things to consider before making your decision.
5 Things to consider when purchasing and downloading antivirus software
1. Do you want cloud antivirus software?
Unlike traditional antivirus software, cloud software processes it on the Internet instead of on your computer's hard drive.
Not only do cloud software have a smaller resource footprint, but they can also be faster to respond to newly emerging malware threats, and they don't necessarily have to rely on manual or scheduled downloads of malware signatures to protect your devices.
One suite of cloud antivirus software that offers a range of features is TotalAV, which is available for multiple platforms and includes protection against threats ranging from ransomware to adware, as well as precautions such as scanning executable files for viruses whenever your computer tries run it.
2. What type of device and operating system do you want to protect?
One obvious point is that you need software that is compatible with your device's operating system. This is not as big a problem as it used to be, because many antivirus makers offer their products for multiple platforms.
For example, AVG Antivirus, which comes in two paid, free and full-featured versions, is available on PC, Mac, Android, and iOS (for iPhone and iPad) versions.
Another consideration is how much memory and storage space your device has, as antivirus software can sometimes eat up resources.
3. What kind of security risks do you face, and how much protection do you need?
If you mostly use your computer to write emails and watch movies on Netflix, you probably won't need full-featured security software.
And if you surf the web more extensively or run a home e-commerce business, you may find that the premium features in a paid program are worth the money.
4. What is the right price for you?
If your budget is limited and you are not a frequent computer user, you may be able to use one of the many free antivirus programs available.
And if you have a Windows PC, the simplest and cheapest step of all is to simply activate Windows Defender Antivirus, the security app that comes with Windows 10.
Another popular option is Avast Free Antivirus, which has received high ratings from security researchers and is available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
But if you can afford the extra cost for better protection, paid versions of free software often have more features. Spending a few dollars on a security suite like Bitdefender Total Security will provide more detailed defenses, such as file auditing and protecting webcams and microphones.
5. To what extent are you an expert in technology?
If you are the type of person who finds technology difficult, you will likely feel more comfortable with software that is easy to use.
But no matter which antivirus you choose, online security expert Bruce Schneier says the most important thing is to install one and set it to update automatically.
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