Why do we need Antivirus Software?
With most of our activities shifting online, our lives are at risk of getting exposed.
The majority of our life unfolds on the internet- shopping, bank transactions, communication with friends and colleagues, entertainment and so much more.
As our lives become more digitalized; our private information faces the threat of being stolen.
Our personal information such as social security numbers, bank account details, birth dates, and house addresses, can be stolen by hackers and sold on the dark web for illegal use.
Hackers don’t always have to do the hard work themselves. Malware, Trojans, Ransomware, and Spyware are some of the most common types of viruses that can be used to keep an eye on your online activity and personal data.
According to a recent report by Identity Theft Resource Centre, data breaches increased by 68% in 2021 compared to the previous years. Over the years, hackers, scammers, and viruses have become more advanced.
Viruses slow down your computer, modify or delete important files, and close programs without any consent from your side.
They will spy on your private information and then relay it to a third-party whose sole motive is to extort money from you.
If you do not wish to part with your hard-earned money, or simply do not wish to see your computer and the data stored in it suffer due to viruses, installing an antivirus is a must.
What is an Antivirus Software?
An antivirus is a program or software that protects your computer from virus threats. An antivirus will detect any malicious program trying to enter your computer and thwart its attempts to successfully infect your device.
In short, they safeguard your data and computer from cyber attacks. If any virus does enter your computer, the antivirus will run a scan and delete any programs that pose a threat to your computer’s security.
Safeguard Your Digital Life with These Top-Rated Antivirus Programs
1. Bitdefender
Bitdefender is one of the top picks for antivirus in 2023. It is one of the best antivirus software for those who want prevention-based security for their computers. It works in the background.
It runs daily scans of your computer but doesn’t slow down the device. If and when it detects any malicious program, you will get notified. It will stay in the background till you receive any notifications.
Bitdefender provides overall protection to your computer. It protects the device from adware, malware, ransomware, and web attacks.
This antivirus offers you online banking protection, a password manager, a vulnerability scanner, and a VPN service too.
Its services cover Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac devices. Its premium plan starts at INR 2,450/- per year and includes five devices, along with additional features such as parental controls, firewall, webcam, and microphone protection.
2. Norton 360
When it comes to the best antivirus programs, Norton remains in one of the top spots. It offers undefeatable malware and virus protection.
Norton uses an innovative scanning system which is powered by heuristic analysis and machine learning which enables this antivirus program to scan, detect and remove all of the newest and most advanced malware and viruses.
Norton 360 has a whole range of features such as a password manager, secure firewall, VPN with unlimited data, webcam protection, dark web monitoring, ransomware protection, and many more. Norton 360 has four levels of paid plans.
3. Webroot Security Anywhere Antivirus
Webroot is a lightweight antivirus that works excellently against phishing and all kinds of viruses.
It covers a maximum of 5 devices and offers identity-theft protection, real-time anti-phishing, and firewall monitoring.
It has a fast scanning ability; it takes no more than 20 seconds to run quick scans of your computer.
One of its unique features is that it can roll back any system changes caused by malware and ransomware.
At $23.99 price, you get one-year protection for one device. In the third level of premium which costs $47.99, you can protect up to 5 devices for a year, with additional features such as custom-built protection for Chromebook, elimination of any trace of online activities, etc.
4. Avira
Avira is an award-winning company that is well-known for its cybersecurity services. It not only protects your device from malware but also gives protection against major cybercrimes such as identity theft and financial scam.
In addition, it provides email security, firewall protection, password management, free VPN, and tracker remover.
Avira is one of the best antiviruses for free, but it also has paid versions. For the first year, at INR 1,342/- you can protect up to 5 devices. At INR 4,374/- you will get protection for a maximum of 25 devices.
5. McAfee Antivirus
McAfee is the best for those who don’t have much knowledge of antivirus but want the best security for their computers.
This software offers its users email security, a firewall and ransomware protection, a password manager, and parental controls. McAfee’s anti-phishing protection is also a strong point.
At the starting price of INR 1,699/- for the first year, it protects up to ten devices. If you run a large business, then you can opt for the INR 5,937/- plan that gives protection to unlimited devices.
6. Avast
Avast is one of the best antiviruses for those who do not wish to spend a penny. Its key features include real-time scanning and protection, firewall, email security, and ransomware protection.
The software is compatible with many operating systems such as Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Its USP is that it comes with supreme WiFi protection which scans your private WiFi for external threats.
Its free version is enough to keep your device safe from viruses but its ultimate paid protection service goes above and beyond. At INR 119/- per month, you get Premium protection, AntiTrack, Cleanup Premium, and SecureLine VPN.
7. Kaspersky
Kaspersky is an old antivirus that is well-known by even the most ignorant of people. It offers its services to individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises.
It works as an in-house IT protection squad for small enterprises as its features include email security, local scanning, ransomware protection, real-time protection, and quick neutralization of threats.
It also provides a password manager, data backup option, and patch management. The free version of Kaspersky comes with password protection and VPN coverage needed by an average individual.
8. Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes, as the name suggests, is the best at removing malware from your device. Its free version offers sufficient protection against malware and ransomware.
You can run a full or quick scan on the free version; if any malware or ransomware is detected, the program will quarantine it and eliminate the threat from its roots.
The paid version offers 24/7 protection, unlike the free version which runs on demand.
9. ESET NOD32 Antivirus
ESET is one of the best-known antivirus systems in Europe. It has a very small-system performance load which results in fast scans.
It has unusual high-technology features such as a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) scan which is a level better than the normal boot sector scan.
It is an overall good antivirus that uses advanced technology to protect your device from all cyber threats.
10. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security is a good choice at an affordable price. It offers several security tools against ransomware, protection for children online, and a Pay Guard browser that safeguards your online banking transactions.
It gets a perfect score in protection against phishing and ransomware but is not the best in malware protection.
Final Thoughts
So these are our picks for the Best Antivirus Software in 2023. All antivirus systems have many common things and some other features which are unique to their system. For overall protection, Bitdefender seems to be the best choice.
If you wish to use a free antivirus then Avast will cover all your needs. Before installing any antivirus program, pay close attention to its features and choose the one that best suits your requirements and budget.
