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Selecting the right AntiVirus package

Viruses can come in various forms such as email attachments, files that are downloaded, software that is installed intentionally or unintentionally. So what is the easily solution to this?

AntiVirus

By connecting to the internet you are immediately vulnerable to your desktop computer, laptop or smartphone becoming infected through a malicious virus that can attempt to destroy data, steal information, corrupt files, wipe your device or various other harmful forms of attach.

Viruses can come in various forms such as email attachments, files that are downloaded, software that is installed intentionally or unintentionally, plus a number of very sophisticated mechanisms.

Although the type of device and the operating system (OS) it is running impacts its susceptibility to infection, no devices are immune to potential attack! Computers running Microsoft Windows have tended to be targeted more than Mac or Linux users due to market share and hence making it more lucrative to write viruses for this platform.

So what is the easily solution to this? Well there isn’t an easy solution but there are steps you can take of which one is to have AntiVirus (AV) software installed AND that it is kept up-to-date so that as new viruses are identified then the AV software can better detect them.

Considerations

When selecting AntiVirus software there are two main factors to take into consideration:

  1. Operating System – some AV programs are OS specific whilst others cover multiple OS’s though each platform will usually have its own download installation file or application store where it can be obtained e.g. App Store for iOS, Google Play for Android.
  2. Cost – the are many free and paid AV programs with more and more becoming part of a security suite covering many other aspects of security such as safe web browsing, privacy, firewalls. Many free alternatives are limited to antivirus or cut-down versions of security suites with the option to upgrade. With paid versions they can be subscription based or one-time purchase.

Options

The decision on which package to select largely depends on which OS you are running and a personal decision on what you can afford plus the features you desire. The main thing to remember is that something is better than nothing because the impact of inaction can be losing personal photos, identify theft, having to rebuild a computer, financial loses if your bank details are stolen plus many more dire consequences.

Below is a list of some options that you might want to consider when choosing anti-virus software that is right for you:

  • Android (for Chrome computers, tablets & smartphones)
    • Norton Mobile Security
      $14.99 for first year then $29.99
      Protects up to 3 devices.
      Includes App Advisor, Spam & Fraud Call Alerts, Wi-Fi Security, Web Protection and Device Security.
  • iOS (for iPads & iPhones)
    • McAfee Mobile Security
      Free version available with in-app ads, also $29.99 and $79.99 annual subscriptions available without ads and other benefits included.
      Includes System & Wi-Fi Scan, Media Vault, Anti-Theft and Contacts Backup.
  • Linux
    • ClamAV
      Free.
      “An open source antivirus engine for detecting trojans, viruses, malware & other malicious threats”.
    • ESET NOD32 Antivirus
      Free 30-day trial then $39.99 for 1 year.
      “Protects you against all types of malware, including viruses, ransomware, worms and spyware.”
  • MacOS (for MacBooks & iMacs)
    • Avast Security for Mac
      Free.
      Includes Anti-Malware Security, Web & Email Shields and Wi-Fi Security Scan.
    • Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac
      $23.99 for one year
      Protects against hackers, attackers & more.
      Protects your privacy & personal information.
      Protects money when you bank & shop online.
  • Microsoft Windows
    • AVG AntiVirus Free
      “Stop viruses, spyware, ransomware & other malware. Block unsafe links, downloads, & email attachments.”
    • Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus
      $29.99 (1 PC) or $37.49 (3 PC’s).
      “Being fully cloud-based allows Webroot to complete scans faster than our competitors.”

Many of the above packages cover multiple platforms which means that the same package or vendor’s offerings could potentially cover multiple devices though more than one subscription or purchase may be necessary.

If you have any comments on the above please share below? If you have other package preferences or recommendations then please share which ones and why?

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