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Find the Right Antivirus for Your Windows 10 PC
Windows 10 has already been installed on 700 million devices and accounts for 52% of Windows user base. Windows 10 combines the features of Windows 7 ad 8 and transforms them into a responsive and feature-rich operating system.
And the best of all, it comes as a free upgrade to Windows users! But being free can have his disadvantages and that shows up factors like protection from malware and spyware. Windows 10 computers are vulnerable to various online threats and viruses, as pointed out by various studies and reports.
In this post, I will tell you how to find the right antivirus and protect your Windows 10 from viruses and trojans.
Features
Look for the following features in your antivirus-
Prevention-Oriented Protection
Your antivirus for Windows 10 should neutralize threats before they access your computer. Look for firewall and web monitoring so that malicious programs are detected at the first go.
Deep Scan
Running system scans come as a part of all antivirus software. You should be able to run deep scans on partitions, system registry and file systems to identify hidden threats. Some programs also let you scan external hard drives and USB drives.
Right-Based Protection
Look for whitelisting feature which allows only known and verified PC applications to be executed. New apps should also seek your permission before running the first time.
Customization
You should be able to customize your security parameters according to your individual need. The software should enable you to customize different settings to get your desired level of security.
Auto Immunization
The antivirus software shouldn’t wait for your intervention to quarantine viruses. It should automatically put the malicious object in a safe zone so that it doesn’t infect other files.
User-Friendly
Overall, the antivirus should be easy to navigate with the important security features at your fingertips.
What is the Virus Protection for Windows 10
Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender antivirus which is meant to secure your PC through a firewall and other features. But an AV Comparatives study in 2017 found Windows Defender to trail other antivirus brands in performance, protection and usability.
Windows Defender got a protection rating of 99.5%, which puts it behind seven other antivirus software. It was also 2.5% less effective than industry standards in detecting zero-day malware attacks. Zero-day attacks occur on the same day the threat is discovered.
Also, Defender is pre-built in Windows which makes it more vulnerable. Cybercriminals find it easy to target such software as they work in the same way in all devices.
Last year, there was news of a Windows 10 adware that slowed down PCs consuming high system resources.
You can’t rely on Windows Defender to protect you from all forms of threats including phishing and ransomware. It’s better that you protect your computer with a good antivirus to keep it clean and safe.
Free Antivirus for Windows
You will find many free antivirus programs for Windows 10. But using a free software may not be the best thing to do. Why you ask?
Risks of Emerging Threats
Threats like malware, virus, spyware, adware, keyloggers, botnets are continuously evolving and new threats are discovered every day. Free antivirus programs are less likely to detect new threats compared to paid software where a team is always monitoring for emerging risks.
Less Protection
Free antivirus software can have a reliable malware-detection engine but they come with simple scans, less effective firewalls and basic monitoring. You get less protection leaving you open to the target of malicious attacks.
Compromised Privacy
You can’t expect to get features like file encryption, VPN and secure browsers to protect your privacy in free software. Many people have fallen victim to identity theft and information leaks due to compromised privacy conditions.
Paid antivirus software can be a better option if you are looking for top level protection.
How do I Protect My Windows 10 from Virus?
Stay Up-to-Date
Microsoft is constantly rolling out updates with security patches and upgrades to make their OS less vulnerable. Make sure you have the latest version of Windows 10 and update all software and programs on a regular basis.
Get Antivirus
Use a reliable antivirus to stay protected from viruses, malware, worms, malicious codes and ransomware. Scan your system frequently and don’t miss important updates of virus definitions.
Use a Firewall
Activate the built-in firewall to guard yourself against online threats. Access the Security Center in Windows Defender to turn on the firewall.
Use Verified Applications
Don’t download or install dubious apps and programs that look fishy! Prevention is always better than cure.
These few tips will help you stay safe. Note that finding the right antivirus is more difficult than you think, and you only need to go for ones that you can trust.
- VPN and safe site for online protection and anonymity
- Device performance and optimization tools
- Comes with advanced two-wall firewall
- Fast
- Fast
- Lightweight and hassle-free protection
- Comes with one of the most effective antivirus engines
- A wide range of solutions to meet different needs
- Easy to install and manage
- Provides multiplatform support
- Lack of customization options
- You need to pay for extra features
- Weak antivirus protection for iOS devices
- Complete solution for Windows, Mac, and Android
- Free version with a basic level of protection
- Highly configurable to meet versatile needs
- Fast and reliable
- Very easy to operate
- Doesn't support iPads or iPhones
- Fewer features in the free version
- The firewall in the free version is not very effective
- Powerful and effective antivirus engine
- Bonus features at zero cost
- Can be customized according to your security preferences
- Network inspector, VPN mode, password manager
- Good scores from testing labs
- Comes with dedicated gaming mode
- Can impact the system performance for slower and older devices
- Contains advertisements to upgrade to pro version
- Secure browser collects search history and web behavior for selling to third parties
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