Antivirus Software – What to Look For in a Security Suite
Cybercriminals are constantly changing their tactics, which is why you need comprehensive virus protection to guard against the latest threats. A good antivirus program will identify, scan and eliminate viruses as well as trojan horses, worms and spyware. Some programs include additional security features like a virtual personal network, password management and parental controls and protection against phishing.
Antivirus software should also shield your computer from keyloggers and rootkits that can secretly record all the data you type into your keyboard including passwords and credit cards numbers. It also needs to guard against ransomware, which can infiltrate your PC and keep files hostage until you pay a ransom.
The most effective antivirus software has a high rate of detection of known malware, and it consistently scores high in independent labs for testing. A reputable security suite will also have additional security features, like a heuristic-based detection system that looks for the kinds of behavior that viruses tend to exhibit. It should also have an anti-virus system, and some applications have a sandboxing feature that lets you run malicious software in a virtual space where they won’t cause any harm.
A good antivirus program will regularly update, usually every day or more. It should also be compatible with a wide range of devices, from PCs and Macs to smartphones and smart homes. Certain antivirus applications offer low cost introductory pricing. Certain antivirus programs charge per month or annually, whereas other charge per device. The price of an antivirus program should be measured by the variety and types of devices it covers and the frequency of updates, how easy it is to use and what other security features it has.