Expert Picks: Best Virus Protection for PC 2022 (Free & Paid)

In today's digital age, having reliable virus protection software on your computer is crucial to safeguarding your personal data from hackers and cybercriminals. With so many online activities taking place, your computer is vulnerable to attacks, but a good virus protection software can protect your data and keep your computer safe. There are various options available, including free and paid subscriptions, but even the best free software may not be 100% effective. For the best protection, investing in a premium subscription can provide peace of mind, and we've listed several tested and proven virus protection choices for you to consider.

• 1. Bitdefender Total Security
• 2. Norton Security (360) Deluxe
• 3. Kaspersky Total Security
• 4. McAfee Total Protection
• 5. Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete

Criteria of Good Virus Protection Software

When selecting a virus protection program, consider key factors such as the program's ability to detect and remove malware, its impact on system performance, and the level of customer support offered. Look for programs that can scan your system regularly, identify and eliminate threats, and provide real-time protection against new viruses.

• Compatibility: Ensure that the software is compatible with your operating system and any other software you have installed on your computer.
• Ease of use: The software should be user-friendly and have an easy installation process, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
• Effectiveness: The software should be effective at detecting and removing various types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, and spyware, and have a good reputation for protecting against new threats.
• Value for money: When choosing a virus protection program, it's essential to consider whether it offers good value for money. Compare the features and prices of different programs to make an informed decision, ensuring you get the best protection for your investment.

Here are five virus protection options:

Best Five Virus Protection for PC

1. Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender Total Security is a comprehensive antivirus software that offers protection for multiple devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Once purchased, it can be installed on all your devices, providing a robust shield against online threats. The suite includes a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-phishing tools, as well as a host of other features, such as a parental control module and a virtual private network (VPN). Additionally, it comes with a password manager, making it an ideal choice for those seeking comprehensive protection against online threats.

Highlights:

• Industry-leading threat detection to deal with sophisticated malware
• Protect against zero-day attacks with innovative technologies

Price Plans:

• $39.98 - 1-Year Plan (5 devices)
• $104.99 - 2-Years Plan (5 devices)
• $139.99 - 3-Years Plan (5 devices)

2. Norton Security (360) Deluxe

Providing comprehensive, multi-Norton 360 Deluxe offers layered protection for multiple devices, defending against malware, ransomware, and other online threats with real-time threat detection and removal. It also protects personal information and online privacy, providing peace of mind and a 100% money-back guarantee.

*Activation is required for the money-back guarantee.

Highlights:

• Additional 50 GB of cloud space for backup
• Defend various types of malware: Cryptojacking, Formjacking, Ransomware, Remote Access Trojans (RAT)

Price Plans:

$49.99 - 1-Year Subscription (5 devices)

Norton offers various software packages beyond Deluxe, including Antivirus Plus, Standard, and Premium, with more details available on their official product page.

3. Kaspersky Total Security

Kaspersky Total Security is a comprehensive internet security suite that protects your devices and data from various threats. It features real-time scanning, email and web protection, parental controls, and more, ensuring your online safety. Additionally, it comes with tools to manage passwords, encrypt personal data, and back up files, providing a complete security solution for your digital life.

Highlights:

• A free VPN service offers up to 300 MB of daily data transfer, allowing users to browse the internet securely and privately with limited data usage.
• Buy one get two free: Kaspersky Password Manager Premium+Kaspersky Safe Kids Premium 

Price Plans: (For new customers)

• $44.99 - 1-Year Plan (3 devices)
• $49.99 - 1-Year Plan (5 devices)
• $74.99 - 1-Year Plan (10 devices)

4. McAfee Total Protection

McAfee Total Protection is antivirus software that provides comprehensive security against malware, spyware, and online threats, as well as a firewall to block unwanted Internet traffic. It also includes parental controls to manage family online activity and a web-based console to monitor and manage devices from anywhere, making it a reliable choice for basic or full-device protection.

Highlights:

• The premium plan supports unlimited devices
• Multi-Protect your Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android device with this platform, ensuring compatibility across a range of devices.

Price Plans:

• $39.99 - Basic (1 device)
• $49.99 - Plus (3 devices)
• $74.99 - Premium (unlimited devices)

5. Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete

Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete is a comprehensive security solution that protects against all online threats, featuring real-time scanning, a firewall, and safe browsing, as well as anti-spam and password management tools.

Highlights:

• Supports protecting Chromebooks
• Protect users' personal data, such as name, address, and contact information, as well as sensitive financial information, like credit card numbers and bank account details, when they engage in online shopping and banking activities. This includes safeguarding against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber threats.

Price Plans:

• $59.99 - 5 Devices

Virus Protection Methods

Protecting your computer from viruses requires a multi-faceted approach. Installing a reputable antivirus program and keeping it up to date is a crucial step, as it scans for known viruses and prevents them from infecting your system. However, it's also essential to exercise caution when downloading files or visiting websites, as no antivirus program can detect every single virus. By combining these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your computer falling victim to a virus.

To protect your computer, create backups of your important files, so if your system is infected with a virus, you can restore your files from the backup and avoid losing data. Additionally, keep your operating system and software up to date, as software developers often release updates that patch security vulnerabilities.

Wrap Up

To protect your computer from viruses, use a combination of methods. Install an antivirus program and keep it updated, be cautious when downloading and installing software, avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or messages from unknown sources, and regularly back up your important files to external devices. Additionally, ensure your operating system and other software are up to date with the latest security patches to further reduce the risk of a virus.

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