With new cyber threats popping up almost daily, it’s never been more important to protect your devices and data with antivirus software. There’s no denying the importance of safeguarding your data and devices, in an age where hacking is common and personal data is invaluable. But which antivirus is good enough to protect you online?
There are so many antivirus options on the market, and it can be overwhelming to sift through the marketing and decide which one’s right for your needs and will keep you safe online. Here are 3 of the most common mistakes people make when choosing antivirus software, and what to look for instead to ensure you are picking the right antivirus to maximise the protection of your devices and data.
Mistake #1: Overlooking Extra Protection
Just like with any purchase, it’s worth taking the time to research software and make sure it has all the features you need. The good news is, most modern antivirus software programs go beyond basic protection. For example, pared-down software might help to protect against viruses by scanning files for known threats and malware types. But unfortunately, in today's cybersecurity landscape, that isn’t always enough.
In today's rapidly evolving cyber landscape, simply relying on basic antivirus features may leave you vulnerable to advanced threats. Look for antivirus software that offers robust extra protection, such as AI-powered behaviour blockers that proactively identify and flag suspicious actions. Comprehensive security suites with cloud backups and password managers provide an added layer of defence, ensuring your valuable data remains secure at all times.
To get the best cybersecurity coverage for your business or home life, you want to look for antivirus software that doubles as a security suite, with a firewall, parental control options, browser plugins, password managers, cloud backups and behaviour blockers that flag suspicious or malicious actions. It should have helpful tools to target malware, ransomware, spyware and phishing scams. You also want to choose software that’s constantly updated by the manufacturer. That way, it will identify new, emerging and even zero-day threats along with the more mainstream attacks.
As for how to choose a good antivirus, the most premium programs on the market have sky-high “detection rates,” which refers to their ability to safeguard your system against known and unknown threats. Software with a multi-layered approach provides peace of mind and protection against a spectrum of cyber threats, as long as you keep it updated.
Top tip:
Be wary of free antivirus programs, as these rarely offer optimal protection. The worst case scenario is that the free plug-in or app you downloaded is a cyber threat disguised as software, and ends up compromising your data. Antivirus software is a worthy investment. But if you’re not yet fully ready to commit, most high-quality antivirus companies offer a free trial that lets you try their security product before you buy.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Loose Privacy Protocols
It may be tempting to scroll past privacy pages or dig through a program’s terms and conditions. But if you’re considering antivirus software, try to at least learn about its data collection policies before committing to the purchase.
Your privacy is paramount when choosing antivirus software. Take the time to understand how your chosen software handles data collection. Look for vendors that prioritize transparency and anonymize customer usage data for analysis. Additionally, ensure that your mobile antivirus respects your privacy by providing options to control the collection of sensitive information like geolocation data. By being vigilant about privacy policies, you can confidently protect your personal information from unauthorized access.
Some companies gather data about their customers’ device usage to improve their products. While this data is typically anonymized, this is something you’ll want to confirm before giving software access to your devices. For example, some vendors may upload suspicious files to the company’s cloud to scan them and use that information to monitor future threats. This may not sound like an issue, but it could become a big problem if a sensitive document is among those uploads. Or if you’re using mobile antivirus on your phone, it could gather sensitive data such as your geolocation.
To find out more about how an antivirus software vendor handles data and privacy, go to the fine print of the website, or contact the company directly. They should be transparent about their policies and be willing to answer your questions.
Mistake #3: Accepting a Poor User Experience
Protection and privacy are the key parts of the equation. But it’s also important for antivirus software to have a user-friendly interface. In other words, it should be easy to navigate, with clearly marked menus and options, and not slow your computer down. It should also include settings that can be adjusted to meet your unique needs — for example, the ability to turn on automatic updates so you can “set it and forget it.”
While protection and privacy are crucial, a seamless user experience is equally important. Opt for antivirus software with an intuitive interface that simplifies navigation and enhances usability. Ensure that the software operates efficiently without slowing down your computer's performance. Customisable settings, such as automatic updates, allow you to tailor the software to your specific needs, providing a hassle-free experience. Choose software that not only safeguards your devices but also makes your digital life easier and more enjoyable.
Along with a good user experience, the best antivirus software programs offer good customer support. This is one of our antivirus requirements. Chances are, you might have questions while you’re installing, updating or even buying your software, and you want to make sure you can reach the company behind the product. Live chat, email or phone support should do the trick, and bonus points if the company boasts a quick customer response time.
Take Your Security Seriously
In conclusion, when choosing antivirus software, it is crucial to avoid common mistakes to ensure maximum protection for your devices and data. Firstly, don't overlook the importance of extra protection beyond basic antivirus features. Look for software that offers a comprehensive security suite with firewalls, parental controls, browser plugins, password managers, and behaviour blockers. Additionally, choose software that is constantly updated to combat emerging and zero-day threats. Secondly, be cautious about privacy protocols and carefully review data collection policies to protect your sensitive information. Finally, prioritize a good user experience with an intuitive interface and reliable customer support. By avoiding these mistakes and making an informed decision, you can safeguard your online presence effectively.
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