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Updated: Jun 21, 2023, 3:34pm
Edited By
Edited By
Now more than ever, the threat of a cyberattack is very real.  As our lives move more online, the chances of our personal information being compromised increase. Over the past year alone, millions of Australians have fallen victim to a raft of data breaches, including high-profile ransomware and cyber attacks at Optus, Medibank Private and Latitude Financial. Data released by the ABS in June, found cyber security incidents have doubled over the past four years, with 22% of businesses experiencing a cyber security attack during the 2021-22 financial year, compared to 8% in 2019-20.
That’s why it’s important to have the best antivirus software installed on your devices.
To help you choose the right antivirus software for your needs, Forbes Advisor compiled a list of the best antivirus software of 2023. We considered factors that include ease of use, price, features and more when making our selections.
Note: the below list represents a selection of our top category picks, as chosen by Forbes Advisor Australia’s editors and journalists. The information provided is purely factual and is not intended to imply any recommendation, opinion, or advice about a financial product. Not every product or provider in the marketplace has been reviewed, and the list below is not intended to be exhaustive nor replace your own research or independent financial advice. For more information on how Forbes Advisor ranks and reviews products, including how we identified our top category picks, read the methodology selection below.
Featured Partner
1
Avast
On Avast’s Website
Starting price
Free;
Inclusions
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection
Moneyback guarantee
30
2
Norton Antivirus
Starting price
$84.99 AUD per year
Inclusions
Cloud-based protection
Money-back guarantee
60 days for annual, 14 days for monthly
3
McAfee
Starting Price
Starting From $39.99USD Per Year
Inclusions
Firewall, Anti Virus and Expert Online Support
Moneyback Guarantee
30 Days
Free; Pro is $27.95 AUD for the first year (one device)

Firewall, email security and ransomware protection

60
days
Free; Pro is $27.95 AUD for the first year (one device)

Firewall, email security and ransomware protection

60
days
Forbes Advisor’s pick for the best value in antivirus software is Avira. This program provides comprehensive protection against malware, including ransomware and phishing attacks. It also includes a firewall and email security to protect your devices from being hacked.
Avira also comes with a password manager, free VPN and tracker remover. This way, you can keep your devices and personal information as safe as possible. It offers a free version, as well as premium versions starting at $27.95 AUD for the first year (for one device) and renewing at $46.95 AUD per year thereafter.
Who should use it:
Avira is a great choice for those who are looking for comprehensive protection against malware without breaking the bank.
$64.95 AUD per year
(for one device)
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection

30
days
$64.95 AUD per year
(for one device)
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection

30
days
McAfee is a great option for those who don’t have a team of IT experts but want security like they have one. This program comes with a firewall, email security and ransomware protection. It also includes a password manager and parental controls.
For $64.95 AUD for your first year (or two years), you can protect up to one device with a Basic subscription. For $84.95 AUD for your first year, you can get a plan that covers up to five devices at once with Total Protection.
Who should use it:
McAfee is ideal for those who want comprehensive protection against malware but don’t want to deal with the hassle of managing it.
Free;
Free; $70.68 AUD per year for up to five devices
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection

30
days
Free;
Free; $70.68 AUD per year for up to five devices
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection

30
days
Avast is a great option for those who work remotely. This program comes with a firewall, email security, ransomware protection and real-time protection. It also includes protection from malware, phishing, ransomware and other cyberattacks.
With 24/7 tech support, your business can get help with any software issues within an hour. It does offer a free plan, but not for commercial purposes. For protection against more than 10 devices, consider its Essential Business Security plan, which is ideal for growing businesses. This allows you to manage devices and subscriptions remotely.
Who should use it:
Avast is a great option for businesses with remote employees or growing and needing protection against more than 10 devices.
Free;
Free; $59.98 AUD for first year for up to five devices
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection

30
days
Free;
Free; $59.98 AUD for first year for up to five devices
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection

30
days
Bitdefender is a strong option for those who want prevention-based security. It performs daily scans without slowing down your device and doesn’t interfere with other apps. This means you’ll get notified if there’s an issue, but it will stay out of sight until you want to see the notifications.
Bitdefender protects against adware, malware, web attacks and ransomware. The Total Security Plan starts at $59.98 AUD per year for up to five devices and includes ransomware prevention and mitigation, endpoint risk management, network attack defence and layered endpoint protection.
Who should use it:
If you want prevention-based security that doesn’t slow down your device, choose Bitdefender.
$58.90 AUD
per year per device
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection

30
days
$58.90 AUD
per year per device
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection

30
days
Emsisoft protects your data using four distinct layers of security, including a zero-day malware protection layer. The first step is to protect your company from the most serious dangers by blocking harmful websites in the browser. Emsisoft employs machine learning to identify zero-day malware and block it in real time after that.
Behaviour analysis is employed in the program to identify potentially malicious apps, and it’s used to detect things such as ransomware before they can encrypt your data. Then, Emsisoft delivers a centralised web dashboard with which you may monitor the protection of your entire company. You can organise your teams and establish unique security settings.
Who should use it:
If you want high-tech defence against zero-day malware and ransomware, Emsisoft is the best option.
$70.41 AUD
per year for one device
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection

30
days
$70.41 AUD
per year for one device
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection

30
days
F-Secure uses a cloud-native platform to protect different aspects of businesses in Australia. Endpoint protection reduces attack surfaces, identifies threats from community-sourced data and defends your data in the event a breach happens.
Its standard plan costs $70.41 AUD per year for a single device or $88.02 AUD, per year, for five devices. However, there are many additional options available for small businesses, but you must contact its sales team to come up with a custom plan. This may not be ideal for start-ups that need a quick and easy solution.
Who should use it:
If you’re looking for a lot of customisation options and are willing to work with F-Secure’s sales team, this is the best antivirus software for you.
$59.99 AUD per device
per year
24/7 chat, phone and email support, AI software and tamper/uninstall prevention

60
days
$59.99 AUD per device
per year
24/7 chat, phone and email support, AI software and tamper/uninstall prevention

60
days
Malwarebytes is a comprehensive security solution that offers real-time protection against malware, spyware, ransomware and other online threats. It also includes a powerful malware removal tool that can get rid of tough threats that another antivirus software might miss.
The software is easy to use and comes with a variety of features, making it a good choice for both home and business users in Australia. It’s on the high end of the price spectrum, but it’s worth the investment for the peace of mind it provides.
Who should use it:
Business users who want comprehensive protection against malware, spyware and other online threats.
$84.99 AUD per year
per year for five devices
Cloud-based protection

60 days for annual, 14 days for monthly

$84.99 AUD per year
per year for five devices
Cloud-based protection

60 days for annual, 14 days for monthly

Norton Antivirus is one of the longest-running and best-known anti-malware solutions on the market. For three decades, Norton has been protecting users against viruses, spyware, malware and other online threats. Its antivirus software is constantly updated to stay ahead of the latest threats, making it a good choice for Australian business users who want peace of mind.
Businesses can pay monthly or annually for Norton Antivirus. For five devices, you’ll pay $84.99 AUD per year. For three, it’s $69.99 AUD per year, and $59.99 AUD, per year, for one device. Plans automatically renew (35 days in advance when paying annually).
Who should use it:
Small businesses with up to 20 devices that want thorough protection against malware, viruses and other online threats.
An antivirus is a program that protects your computer from viruses. It’s important to have an antivirus on your computer because there are many types of viruses that can damage your computer or steal your personal information.
Antivirus software works by scanning your computer for viruses and then removing them. Some even help prevent viruses and neutralise attacks in real-time. The best software takes a combined approach to security, using a variety of methods to keep your computer safe.
These methods include:
There are many antivirus programs available, and it can be difficult to choose the best one. The most important thing to consider is what type of protection you need. Some programs are better at detecting viruses, while others are better at preventing malware attacks. You should also consider how frequently the software updates, the compatibility with each of your devices and customer support.
When it comes to choosing antivirus software, the most important thing to consider is the level of protection it provides against threats. The best antivirus software uses a variety of methods to protect your computer, including signature-based detection, heuristic-based detection, behavior monitoring, sandboxing and artificial intelligence.
Some threats, such as ransomware, are difficult to detect and require a multilayered approach to security. Others, such as viruses, are easier to detect but can still do a lot of damage if they’re not removed quickly. To assess how reliable antivirus software is, you should look at independent lab results and user reviews in addition to ensuring it takes a multilayered approach to threat prevention, detection and removal.
The best antivirus software is constantly updated to stay ahead of the latest threats. This is important because new threats are created all the time and old threats are constantly evolving. To ensure your computer is protected, you should look for an antivirus program that updates its database of known viruses regularly.
Your software should also update its virus definitions at least once a day, but more frequently is better. Some programs allow you to set the frequency of updates, while others update automatically. Most sales pages will tell you how frequently the software updates. If it doesn’t, ask before you purchase.
Users should expect to pay around $30 AUD to $70 AUD for a year’s subscription to an antivirus program that provides reliable threat protection, frequent updates and good customer support. This price may vary depending on the features offered by the program. For example, a business usually pays more for priority support than a home user. 
The main cost factors for antivirus software are the frequency of updates and the number of devices covered. Some programs offer discounts for multiple devices, while others charge extra for updates that occur more than once a day.
When choosing antivirus software, you should also consider how compatible it is with your operating system and how much of your computer’s resources it consumes. The best software is compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac and Linux.
It’s also important to consider how much of your computer’s resources the software uses. Some programs consume a lot of memory or CPU power, which can slow down your computer or even cause it to crash. You should look for an antivirus program that uses minimal resources so it doesn’t impact your computer’s performance.
​​Customer support is important in case you have any problems with the software or need help using it. The best antivirus programs offer 24/7 customer support, either by phone or live chat. They also have extensive online knowledge bases that can help you troubleshoot any issues you may have.
When considering customer support, you should also look for programs that offer a money-back guarantee. This way, you can be sure you’re getting a product you’re happy with and that you can get your money back if you’re not.
The best antivirus software can protect against a wide range of threats, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, rootkits, keyloggers and more.
While antivirus software is designed to protect against a wide range of threats, there are some it cannot protect against. These include:
Kaspersky Anti-Virus maintained a top spot on our list of the best antivirus software, and for good reason. The program offers excellent protection against all types of malware, including viruses, trojans, worms and spyware. It also features a simple interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners. However, it’s no longer on our list of recommendations.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has declared Kaspersky a national security risk. With the war in Ukraine, accusations of Russian espionage and the US government banning Kaspersky products from its own systems, we recommend you proceed with caution if you choose to use Kaspersky.
In addition to antivirus software, we also recommend using a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to your ISP (internet service provider). It does this by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel between your computer and the VPN server. This can protect you from snooping and malicious attacks. See our list of the best VPN services for Australians.
Taking a multipronged approach to protecting your business from viruses and other cyber threats is important, however, there are some elements at higher risk than others. Employees are typically the weakest link in the security chain, therefore, it’s critical to concentrate on features preventing unsafe internet environments, such as through browsers and email. An antivirus service can help identify phishing emails and web links.
Ransomware can be especially devastating to Australian business. It’s important to have an antivirus service that offers protection against this type of malware, as well as the ability to recover data if it’s encrypted.
Forbes Advisor analyzed dozens of different antivirus companies across hundreds of data points based on features, price, ease of use and customer support. Each company was scored on price, features, customer reviews, value for money and ease of use. We weighted features such as malware protection, firewalls, PC cleaners and identity protection before coming up with our top eight picks.
A Note on Star Rankings
You will note that we have included a star rating next to each product or provider. This rating was determined by the editorial team once all of the data points above were considered, and the pros and cons of each product attribute was reviewed. The star rating is solely the view of Forbes Advisor editorial staff. Commercial partners or advertisers have no bearing on the star rating or their inclusion on this list. Star ratings are only one factor to be considered, and Forbes Advisor encourages you to seek independent advice from an authorised financial adviser in relation to your own financial circumstances and investments before you decide to choose a particular financial product or service.
Featured Partner
1
Avast
On Avast’s Website
Starting price
Free;
Inclusions
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection
Moneyback guarantee
30
2
Norton Antivirus
Starting price
$84.99 AUD per year
Inclusions
Cloud-based protection
Money-back guarantee
60 days for annual, 14 days for monthly
3
McAfee
Starting Price
Starting From $39.99USD Per Year
Inclusions
Firewall, Anti Virus and Expert Online Support
Moneyback Guarantee
30 Days
Anyone who owns a computer (or mobile device) should be aware of emerging trends and changes in the antivirus and cybersecurity market, but antivirus application is an especially important need in any business. Here are the major 2023 antivirus trends to keep in mind while traversing today’s virtual landscape.
A 2022 ANU study of 3,500 adults found that one in three Australians have had their personal data exposed due to a cyber attack. Meanwhile, a US study  by the University of Maryland revealed an unsecured computer can be targeted as often as every 39 seconds. For businesses—and even those businesses with robust antivirus software protecting their systems—the potential threat may be even greater. It’s estimated that on average, companies are targeted by a ransomware attack every 14 seconds. Ransomware is one of the most lucrative types of malware cybercriminals can use to make a profit from vulnerable businesses.
Cybercrime in general is increasing—bad news for companies and individuals alike. Protecting yourself and your business in 2023 will become even more important as we continue to see upward trends in the amount and severity of cyberattacks. You can learn more about how to protect yourself through the Australian Government’s Ransomware site.
Technology in general is becoming more functional and sophisticated, and antivirus software is no exception. Most advanced software now includes real-time scanning, automatic updates, protection across multiple applications, auto-clean features and coverage for all types of malware. In 2023, we expect more software companies to include a full suite of features with more advanced functionalities in order to remain competitive in the growing market.
Anything that connects to the internet is at risk of malicious cyberattacks. This means smart devices, appliances and even cars are at risk from cybercriminals. The damage is easy to imagine when you consider attackers’ ability to target moving cars or a smart fridge full of life-saving medication.
As more technologies and devices interconnect by way of the internet, it will be crucial for antivirus software companies to adapt products and extend protection to vulnerable technologies. Remaining competitive in 2023 will mean building this important coverage into antivirus products and adapting to new threats as they appear.
Additional research: Anna Rey
Avira: If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck when it comes to antivirus software, look no further than Avira. In addition to being comprehensive protection against malware, including ransomware and phishing attacks, it also includes a firewall and email security to protect your devices from being hacked.
McAfee: If you want world-class security but don’t have a team of experts, then McAfee is the program for you. This top-of-the-line software comes with a robust firewall, email protection and industry-leading ransomware defence. In addition, it has a password manager and parental controls to keep your family safe online.
Avast: Avast is an excellent program for people who frequently work from home. It comes with a firewall, email security and real-time protection against cyberattacks such as malware, phishing and ransomware.
Yes, we recommend antivirus software, especially if you’re running a business. This is because there are many types of viruses that can damage your computer or steal your personal information. Not only that, but sophisticated viruses can even steal customer data, potentially opening you up to millions of dollars’ worth of damages.
While today’s leading antivirus services offer helpful features, the truth of the matter is that it’s not enough to keep you fully protected. Human error is responsible for a large number of security breaches for both private individuals and businesses. Using common sense when it comes to password usage, deciphering phishing scams and other tools are essential when it comes to keeping your information secure.
Some essential features that you want the antivirus software you install on your computers to have include real-time scanning and the ability to schedule scans, automatic virus and program updates, quick access to an on-demand scanner and specific scanners such as those for webmail, POP3 email, instant messaging, compressed files, scripts and other threats.
Although no harm should come to your computer by having competing antivirus programs on it, there’s no benefit to having multiple ones, especially if you are paying for them. If you have acquired a new antivirus program to replace an existing one, the best option is to uninstall the existing antivirus program from your computer before installing the new antivirus program. Once installed, run the new program in its entirety to make sure your computer is virus-free. Check to make sure it is up to date as well.
No, antivirus software cannot stop hackers. However, it can detect and remove any malicious software that hackers may have installed on your computer without your knowledge. In addition, antivirus software can also help to protect your computer from being hacked in the first place by identifying and blocking any suspicious activity.
Most antivirus programs can be downloaded and installed directly from the internet. Once you have downloaded the program, simply double-click on the file to begin the installation process. Some programs may require you to enter a valid email address to activate the program, while others may ask you to create an account. Follow the prompts provided by the program to complete the installation process.
There are several free antivirus software options, such as Avast, AVG and Microsoft Defender, that use similar threat lists as major paid services, meaning they’ll protect you from widespread malware and threats. Free services usually lack features such as phishing and ransomware protection, however, so it’s a good idea to pay for those features.
Yes, Macs need antivirus protection just like any other computer. While the risk of infection is lower on a Mac than on a PC, there are still plenty of malware threats out there that can damage your computer or steal your personal information.
Although Windows 10 offers some form of antivirus security, it is not enough to protect you from making human errors that could lead to your personal information being compromised. Phishing scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to discern, so using a password manager as well as practising good cyber hygiene habits are essential when it comes to keeping your information safe.
Even with new operating systems, you want an antivirus. Before purchasing antivirus software, ensure the one you buy is suited for Windows 11.
While the risk of infection is lower on a phone than on a computer, there are still plenty of malware threats out there that can damage your phone or steal your personal information.
Kathy Haan, MBA is a former financial advisor-turned-writer and business coach. For over a decade, she’s helped small business owners make money online. When she’s not trying out the latest tech or travel blogging with her family, you can find her curling up with a good novel.
Cassie is a deputy editor, collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. She is passionate about economic development and is on the board of two non-profit organizations seeking to revitalize her former railroad town. Prior to joining the team at Forbes Advisor, Cassie was a Content Operations Manager and Copywriting Manager at Fit Small Business.

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