These picks of the best antivirus programs are a combination of recommendations from independent third-party labs AV-Test, AV-Comparatives and SE Labs, as well as CNET's own hands-on testing. To help you decide on the best antivirus software for your needs, we've put together a list of the best antivirus products for Windows 10, encompassing both free antivirus programs and subscription options. It could also include a password manager, secure online backup, identity theft protection, a VPN, parental control, webcam protection, protection against phishing and malicious websites and more - all worthwhile tools that can keep your data secure and guard your privacy. A full AV software protection package can monitor your Windows operating system as well as MacOS, iOS and Android devices.

However, keeping your personal data safe and guarding your privacy extends beyond virus protection, and that's where third-party antivirus software shines. (Amazingly, Microsoft provided no built-in protection for Windows back in the days of Windows 95, 98 and XP.) Using Microsoft Defender for threat detection should be your starting point for antivirus security on Windows and most people will find they don't need to go any further when it comes to identity theft protection. If you're looking for malware protection and antivirus software with the best security features, here's the first thing you need to know: Microsoft Defender Antivirus - the free antivirus software and virus protection program that comes with Windows 10 - is a decent tool for protecting your PC and offering internet security. It should also offer a secure browser experience. Antivirus software is crucial for anyone with a Windows PC as it protects you from cybercriminals or viruses that make it through your ordinary defenses.īut what makes good antivirus software? And how can you be sure you're staying ahead of the cyber criminals who always seem to find a savvy workaround to increasingly complicated security measures? You want a program that includes features like malware protection, that monitors downloads and that observes your system's activity for malicious software and suspicious behavior. The best antivirus software are the ones that act as an essential tool for identity protection - especially now that there's so much personal information on your computer that can't be risked. You need antivirus software to keep yourself safe from the online world.

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