Looking for a new antivirus suite? Here are some key features you need to make sure your security software has to keep you protected.
It's apparent that we all need some form of antivirus software on our devices, especially those that are connected to the internet. But a bare bones antivirus program often isn't enough to protect us nowadays, with attacks and scams becoming increasingly sophisticated. So, here are some key features your antivirus software needs to keep you safe.
Malware and viruses can attack your device at any given moment. This is why you need real-time protection. Real-time protection ensures that your antivirus program is regularly checking for suspicious or dangerous files. Once the software picks up on something potentially harmful, it will block, quarantine, or delete it before it gets the chance to exploit your computer.
When it comes to scanning for viruses and malware, you should also opt for automatic scans so that you don't need to run scans yourself. It's easy to forget or put off running a manual scan, and this can leave your device vulnerable. Enabling automatic scans gives you the peace of mind knowing that your antivirus program is taking care of things in your absence.
Spyware and ransomware can both pose a huge risk to your devices and yourself. While spyware is used to monitor your activity, ransomware is used to encrypt files on your device until a ransom is paid. Despite these differences, both malware types can steal data.
For instance, a spyware program could record the calls you make, or the data you input (such as login credentials and payment information). Ransomware, on the other hand, can result in the theft of all your device's files regardless of whether you cooperate with the attackers. Some attackers decrypt your files when the ransom is paid, while others simply hit the road with your money.
It's incredibly important that your antivirus program has spyware and ransomware protection to help you avoid falling victim to these vindictive programs.
Many VPN users pay a fee for a dedicated service, such as NordVPN or SurfShark. These are great products and can sufficiently protect you when online. However, if you're already using an antivirus program, you may not need to pay extra for a separate VPN tool.
Your ISP can see everything you do online if you don't have a VPN, and cybercriminals also stand a chance of exploiting you without the protection of a VPN. If you want to stay anonymous online, keep your activity private, and protect yourself against malicious actors, a VPN is a must.
Nowadays, a lot of antivirus products come with a VPN feature. This will allow you to encrypt your data and hide your IP address while surfing the web without forking out a significant amount of cash on two plans.
Not sure if your antivirus comes with an in-built VPN? You may be able to easily find and activate your antivirus program's VPN feature by heading to the client and checking the sidebar or settings. Alternatively, a quick internet search of your provider's features can also give you an answer.
In a virtual sense, a firewall is just that: a wall. Firewalls act as barriers in a network, both monitoring and filtering incoming and outgoing data. Above all, firewalls are very useful in blocking external traffic that may pose a threat.
Firewalls can be given various requirements, with some being stricter than others depending on the user or provider's preferences. But even a standard firewall can play a role in protecting you online.
A lot of antivirus programs come with a built-in firewall, but you should check whether your chosen provider offers this feature instead of assuming. There may not be a dedicated firewall feature in your antivirus client like you'd see with a VPN feature. The firewall may be an always-on element that can't be disabled, so it's best to check your plan's specifications online to see whether a firewall is present.
That's right, you can now get a password manager as part of your antivirus software. It's tough to keep track of our different passwords, especially if we have a lot of accounts. Because of this frustrating task, password managers have become a popular choice.
Password managers let you store all your passwords, as well as other login credentials and important data, so that it can all be accessed quickly and easily from one place. These apps often use strong encryption and various security layers to safeguard your private data from prying eyes.
There are various reputable password managers out there today, such as Dashlane, 1Password, and Bitdefender. But you may not need to spend extra money for a separate service. If your antivirus program has its own secure password manager, you can safely store your passwords in one place, without having to pay any extra fees for another program.
If you have a child who regularly uses the internet, you may want to consider enforcing parental controls to keep them safe from harm.
We all know how dangerous the internet is, but these threats only escalate when it's children being targeted. Scammers, predators, and harmful content are unfortunately commonplace. If your child has a smartphone, they can be even more exposed to threats, so it's crucial that you enforce certain restrictions to ensure they are being protected.
Having an antivirus program installed on your family or children's devices may already mean that parental controls are an option for you. Norton, Kapersky, Bitdefender, and McAfee all have packages that offer parental controls, so don't hesitate to check if your chosen program has such a feature.
Your antivirus program is there to help, but it can still run into technical issues now and then. Additionally, you may simply have a few questions regarding your antivirus software, such as how to activate a certain feature or change your payment details. Whatever the subject may be, it always helps to have online support.
Online antivirus support can come in a number of forms, including virtual chatbots, direct messages with representatives, ticket requests, forums, and FAQs. Some of these options offer direct support, while others serve as references for more common problems or queries.
In any case, it's always wise to choose an antivirus program that comes with online support, so that you're not left high and dry when you need answers.
Gone are the days when malware, viruses, and scams were rare in the digital realm. Cybercrime is more rampant than it ever has been, which is why it's key to take your antivirus capabilities seriously. Make sure the software you're using offers the features listed above to give you the best chance at protecting yourself.
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.
Katie has been writing about tech-based topics for two years, with a specific interest in cybersecurity, AI, and cryptocurrency. Katie has covered a variety of topics during her time at MUO, including crypto explainers, cybersecurity guides, VPN reviews, recent hacks, and software tutorials. With a passion for emerging tech, Katie is also excited to see what new devices and digital platforms the coming years will bring.
