Cyber threats are real. Even if you might not realize it, without a good antivirus your PC could get infected in a shortly after using the internet. This risks your personal data and could even making it impossible to boot the computer. Antivirus software not only defends your device against viruses and Trojans, but it also blocks spyware and it can provide efficient safety against adware or malware. And that’s a lot of protection to expect from free software. But which one should you choose with so many options on the market? Here is our list of best free antivirus solutions for Windows 10.
There aren’t many software developers as widespread as Avast, but despite the various different avenues that it has branched out into since its founding in 1988, the company is still better known for Free Antivirus, the software that many users consider to be a lifesaver. Although Avast’s free antivirus has been through many changes, deep down it has always remained a simple and straightforward solution. It includes several ways to scan the computer, from the convenient Smart Scan and ability to manually refine the scans for personal preference, to the active shields that run in the background. However, what makes Avast a must-have is that its antivirus features are just a part of the full equation: the software’s free version is equipped with extra solutions on top of the antivirus like a password manager or software updater, but it can also be upgraded with various other functions that, as a result, turn PCs, Macs, and even phones into impenetrable fortresses against wrongdoers.
The Dacian wolf, the ancient symbol of the courageous Geto-Dacian warriors. These ancestors of the modern Romanian people certainly watch with a vigilant eye over your device so that it is entirely protected and without putting any load on your system, too, unlike many of Bitdefender’s competitors. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition definitely rises up to the symbolism of its logo, having been rated as one of the most effective antivirus solutions by AVTEST, rating 6 out 6 on all levels as part of a recent test. This untamed beast comes to the rescue with a basic but effective interface, real-time threat identification, virus scanning and removal, as well as antiphishing and antifraud defense. Bitdefender also provides upgraded versions of this free antivirus, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2019 that costs only $19.99 per year for one device and Bitdefender Total Security 2019. However, can this entirely free solution with complete features that render your device a fortress against all types of malware live up to its Dacian legacy?
Today’s e-threats have evolved. There is malware, spyware, phishing websites, viruses, and much more lurking out there on the World Wide Web. As such, finding a solution to defend your system against them is important, ideally as part of a wide umbrella of numerous antivirus features and options to protect your browsing, passwords, and private information. Avira Free Antivirus is able to provide all these, and much more. It is able to detect viruses, adware, and spyware as well as repair compromised files, block infected and phishing websites, and keep known malware at bay. But it comes with a great deal of additional tools, too, from a free VPN to a browser extension and password manager, all in the name of securing your PC. There is an upgrade available, Avira Antivirus Pro, with which even more features such as are added for protection against evolving ransomware threats, which comes at a price of $35.99 per year for one device.
With so many providers promising to offer “the best” antivirus solution, especially for the free versions, it could be difficult to choose one that really suits your needs. Here are a few must-have features that antivirus software should include so that you can be assured your PC is protected well.
With today’s e-threats having evolved so much, it is not only viruses that can threaten your PC. At present, an efficient antivirus should also provide firewall and ransomware defense, as well as security against phishing websites or VPN protection to prevent monitoring.
As such, nowadays the term “antivirus” has a much broader meaning, now implying protection against all types of cyber threats including the typical range of malware. Securing yourself from ransomware is also important since these can cause even more damage than a virus. That is why it is important when choosing antivirus software for Windows 10 to look for one that offers all-inclusive defense.
There are few features as crucial as email scanning when it comes to antivirus software, and it’s important primarily because it can actually save your hard drive from being erased or from having your personal information stolen. Numerous PC attacks and problems are transmitted via spam emails, so look for antivirus tools that scan your emails and alert you if one of these issues are detected prior to opening a nasty email or clicking anywhere on it.
Even though there are free antivirus programs that can provide efficient protection against malware, keep in mind that for more complex protection – especially if you are a business owner – these free versions are only basic and designed for home use exclusively.
Their respective paid upgrades, however, all have more advanced features like a file shredder, built-in ransomware security, or a password manager.
Even though Windows 10 is perhaps the most protected operating system that has been released by Microsoft until now, hackers and online criminals will always find new ways to detects its weaknesses and attack. These might come in the shape of ransomware or fileless attacks and can threaten the security of your device without you even suspecting it, even when using Microsoft’s latest operating system and regardless of how much attention is pay to the websites being visiting.
Microsoft declared that Windows 10 is so protected because it functions with sandbox apps from the Windows Store. This is a term used in computer security to refer to the protection technology that separates running programs in order to diminish system failures and software weaknesses from spreading into the system.
Even so, this might not protect you entirely from web browsing or infected links. You still could click on a malicious link by mistake and unknowingly download malware or adware onto your device.
Sometimes, even if you have a really strong antivirus, you might still not be completely safe from deeply embedded malware. What is there to be done in these instances? For this purpose, it is advisable to use a smart defense strategy to keep you on the safe side.
For example, it is important to have appropriate backups for your personal information. You could use open source programs that are free and use them to copy the most important folders onto an external hard drive daily.
Or, you could choose to set up an additional firewall that will block outgoing connections even if you purposely click on them, since Microsoft’s Windows Firewall doesn’t do this at all.
Another thing that you can do is to have your antivirus perform periodic scans to ensure your system is still free from any infections. This is a feature that comes with most free antivirus – as well as their paid equivalents – with most of them allowing you to schedule how often and the exact date of when you want these scans to be performed on your Windows 10 machine.
What do you believe is the most appropriate antivirus solution for your PC? Please let us know in the comments below.
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