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We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.
Malware stands for “malicious software,” and like it’s name, it poses a big threat both to your computer’s OS as well as the data stored inside.
Malware is typically disguised as harmless files, software, and links. When downloaded and opened, they wreak havoc on the system by slowing performance, corrupting data, and even holding sensitive information hostage until a payout is received.
There are many sub-categories of malware including viruses, trojans, spyware, and ransomware—but what they all have in common is that they were designed specifically to access and cause damage to your PC without your knowledge.
Malware is a general term that comes in many forms. You may have heard of many of them: viruses, Trojans, and ransomware. Here’s a quick breakdown of each one and what specific threats they pose:
Virus: Viruses are covertly attached to downloadable files and are designed to intrude on your PC when the file is opened. Opening a file with a virus can cause operational problems and delete or corrupt your files.
Trojan: Unlike viruses, which are attached to files, trojan viruses are attached to software programs disguised as being useful and beneficial. Downloading a trojan virus can corrupt your data and affect the performance of your system.
Ransomware: A more serious form of malware than a virus, ransomware encrypts your data and essentially “holds it hostage.” The user is prevented access to their data until they pay the attacker.
Spyware: As its name implies, spyware is a type of malware that actively spies on the user from inside the computer. Once inside, spyware reports back to the attacker with information that can include your passwords and credit card numbers.
There are a number of preventative and actionable ways to protect your computer against malware. These range from common-sense practices to preventative malware protection.
Don’t download suspicious files or attachments
Use an adblocker
Be careful of clicking through websites that look suspicious or unprofessional
Invest in antivirus software from a reputable company such as Norton or McAfee
McAfee is one of the biggest and most trusted names in antivirus software. McAfee provides secure total protection for your computer and devices. No matter which package you choose you will have access to free 24/7 support, parental controls and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
When you spend a little more for the internet security and total protection packages, you get anti-malware, anti-theft and file protection for any Mac, Windows or Android device. You can also opt for parental controls, anti-spam to block dangerous emails and the True Key app to store your passwords and usernames.
Norton gives you easy-to-use protection with in-depth parental controls. Depending on the package, Norton Security includes full antivirus protection, firewall protection, identity and financial protection, parental controls, email and spam blocking, password manager, PC optimization tools and 25 GB online backup storage for up to 10 computers or devices.
When it comes to virus protection, while the Norton Security's detection rates may leave something to be desired, the solid parental controls and ease of use make it a great choice for users looking for average virus detection coupled with top of the line parental controls for their family.
Kaspersky Lab is one of the most respected companies in the cyber-protection industry, and its Anti-Virus has been shown to be 100% effective in catching both prevalent viruses and zero day attacks. However, the product itself only includes 3 features: malware protection, ease-of-use, and computer optimization. Consumers who are seeking additional features in basic antivirus software may find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2021 a more suitable option; otherwise, higher-level Kaspersky Lab products are also a good option.
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