Whether Mac or Windows: Cybercriminals use sophisticated methods to attack devices across a wide variety of operating systems. This is why it is important that you choose antivirus software that is designed for your operating system and precisely tailored to your needs.
There are significant differences between the various antivirus programs, which is why there are several factors to consider when choosing. Because there is hardly anything more frustrating than when you are comfortable surfing the Internet and your antivirus program suddenly brings the computer to a halt in order to question your decisions. And if the software does find a problem, can it solve that problem without you having to go through 20 complicated steps?
Mediocre antivirus software is as helpful as a car without tires. When it comes to the security of your data, the last thing you need is errors, crashes, and bumbling cybersecurity. Below are tips on choosing the right antivirus software, including common mistakes and recommendations.
Use Software With a Low System Load
Antivirus software runs permanently in the background and should therefore offer efficient performance. Effective products can scan data during a number of different tasks:
- Copy operations
- Compress and unzip
- Installation / de-installation of programs
- Program starts
- File downloads
- Browser usage
Not all security software offers perfect performance in all test cases. However, some programs are more efficient than others at certain tasks. Choose software that is tailored to your average needs. Ideally, fall back on a complete package that you can later adapt to your requirements if these change. Because even if a certain function is currently uninteresting, that does not mean that it will also be in the future.
Choose an Antivirus That is Easy to Use
A good way to expose yourself to all vulnerabilities and attacks is to buy antivirus software and then turn it off because it is just too complicated. It would be even more disadvantageous if you installed an appropriate program, but not the latest updates.
Most users are not experts when it comes to cybersecurity - let alone the internal components and operations of the antivirus programs as well as their settings. You don't need a program to set up firewalls and run additional tools that consume half of your computing power. The right solution depends on your individual requirements - and on whether you have confidential data on your device, such as B. save patient records or financial documents. Basic functions such as software updates, patching, and reconfigurations without a restart should be automated and without your intervention. Even better is a program that offers a clear and intuitive user interface that allows you to quickly find out whether a threat has been detected or eliminated.
Customer support is also a crucial factor as it also optimizes the program's usability. Many users opt for freeware, where - if a problem arises - they have no contact person available who could support them in solving the problem. Even if you are sufficiently familiar with anti-virus programs, you can increase the added value of your software even further with competent customer support. With the right contact person, you can lean back and relax - knowing that your system is optimally protected and that support will be offered to you in an emergency.
Determine the Quality of Malware Detection and Elimination
Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Therefore, it is impossible for antivirus software on its own to protect your computer from all malware, spyware, or adware. However, some tools are better at this than others. The way in which threats are detected and remedied by different products also differs depending on the operating system. The best antivirus for Macs doesn't necessarily mean the best protection for PCs. Consult trusted news sources and test results from reputable bloggers to find out which programs are currently performing best for your operating system.
You should also choose a program that has been extensively tested and verified by independent laboratories. Companies such as AV-TEST, NSS Labs, and AV-Comparatives carry out such tests and evaluate various anti-malware tools for Windows and Mac. Also, look out for the False Positives rating, which is where the antivirus will mistakenly identify harmless files as malware. Because you don't need software to remove relevant files.
Watch Out for Additional Notifications for High-performance Software
Certain functions can be the deciding factor for the decision to use different security software. New features are constantly being developed to catch new trends and protect users from new malware. Most companies aren't afraid to loudly promote the benefits of these new features. While it is difficult to identify the latest cyber threats in today's fast-paced security landscape, new features like the following can help you:
- Multi-level malware protection, which can evaluate the security of URLs in the address bar or in search results with a simple color code
- proactive protection that detects threats and anomalies
- Firewalls and Spam Filters
- Safe browser for financial transactions
- Secure deletion of confidential data, browser histories, credit histories, and other virtual traces such as passwords
- Cloud backups with encryption
Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for users to consider buying an antivirus solution until they already suspect an attack has occurred. Whether performance drops or suspicious errors: Often users only become active when the computer is no longer working properly. If this is the case for you, it is imperative that you install an effective antivirus solution. The right program can find and block threats without affecting your computer's performance in the least.
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