Antivirus (AV) software is created to search, detect and eliminate software Trojans, viruses, worms, spyware and ransomware that may be a threat to your computer. The program runs in the background to provide continuous security and is designed to provide an active approach to cybersecurity.
Before you start shopping around for antivirus programs, consider which are your top priorities. For instance, do you have young children at home who could infect your computer with malware? If yes, you may think about a mid-range product that has parental controls. Do you prefer a complete security system that includes identity theft protection, backup software, and password management? If so, you might be considering a high-end product.
A good antivirus program should be easy to use and should not negatively impact your computer’s performance or responsiveness. Certain antivirus programs are resource-intensive and could cause your computer’s performance to slow down or even crash. It’s important that you review user reviews and verify the system requirements before buying a specific antivirus product.
You should also consider an antivirus that is fast in scanning your system for threats. One of the best features to look for is sandbox analysis, which runs suspicious files in an environment that is simulated and allows them to run on your computer if the sandbox analyzes the file and determines it’s secure.
Another important aspect to consider is whether or not the program offers regular signature updates that meet the most recent malware threats. Also, you should always make sure your device and the antivirus program are compatible with each and are compatible with each. Two antivirus programs running at the same time can result in conflicts that could affect each other’s capacity to remove malware and slow down your device.