5 Top-Rated Antivirus Software Programs to Keep You Safe
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As you pay bills online, stream your favorite movies, and buy everything from groceries to a new car on the internet, you may not consider how vulnerable your data is or the likelihood of a cyberattack. If you’re one in a sea of billions of internet users, why would anyone pick on you?
Unfortunately, vicious malware attacks and online identity theft happen all the time. According to a study by the Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, hackers attack every 39 seconds.
Thankfully, antivirus software constantly scans your computer for viruses, malware, ransomware, and more. If the program detects a threat, it notifies you, removes viruses and malware, and sometimes restores files to their original form, according to PCMag.
With so many options, it may seem overwhelming to choose the right program. We’ve rounded up five best antivirus software picks to help you decide.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus earned PCMag’s Best of the Year 2022 Antivirus Software rank. The program provides virus protection for Windows PCs and a host of extra security features like multi-layer ransomware protection that keeps your photos, documents, music, and videos safe from a ransomware attack. Plus, the Bitdefender Virtual Private Network (VPN) keeps your data and browsing history private, and Safepay secures your banking and shopping transactions to prevent fraud.
Protection plan prices range from one year to three years and cover one to 10 devices. For example, you can cover three devices for a year for $19.99.
McAfee Antivirus Plus
McAfee Antivirus Plus allows you to secure up to 10 devices (with specific plans, an unlimited number) with a single subscription. Compatible platforms include Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Features include unlimited VPN service, identity theft monitoring, malware protection, file encryption, a file shredder, parental controls, a password manager, and more. McAfee also offers a virus removal pledge.
PCMag named the software as an Editor’s Choice pick, and a Tom’s Guide review gives it four out of five stars.
