There’s no doubt you need to protect your computer with a reliable antivirus tool. But sometimes the question is: should I choose free? Many antivirus solutions cost absolutely nothing — and that’s a pretty strong selling point.
But what separates these free options from the many premium solutions? What do you get for your money, and are those added benefits worth it? In today’s ever-evolving digital world, a premium app can give you the edge you need.
Free antivirus for strong security basics
From the built-in Microsoft Defender included with every Windows computer, to the many third-party security apps out there, free antivirus tools are constantly competing to offer the strongest protections and most attractive features.
Here’s what you can expect a standard free cybersecurity solution:
- Detect and remove malware: Any free antivirus app worth using will detect and remove viruses and other malware, keeping you safe from hackers’ favorite tools. Mobile security apps will do the same, removing malware from your iPhone or Android.
- Prevent new malware: Malware prevention is the other core feature of a reliable antivirus tool, and most will monitor your computer in real time to block new infections.
- Help you shop and bank safely: Phishing and its large-scale cousin, pharming, use fake emails and websites to fool you into disclosing sensitive personal information. A strong free security app will feature built-in web shields.
- Monitor your home network: Some free security apps can detect unrecognized devices on your Wi-Fi network, alerting you to a possible intruder and blocking hackers.
- Protect important files: Ransomware is arguably today’s leading malware threat. A robust antivirus app will prevent ransomware from encrypting your important files and photos.
A strong free antivirus tool will keep you safe against most types of malware. Depending on which you choose, you’ll find these basic protections along with a handful of additional ones.
But are they enough to keep you safe against everything? That’s where paid antivirus apps come in.
Unlock greater protections with paid antivirus software
Premium antivirus tools build on the foundations of free software with a wide range of additional features, defending you against even more online threats such as phishing, webcam hacking, and remote access hacking and making you a much more difficult target.
A good premium antivirus tool should:
- Block webcam hacks: Almost all laptops come equipped with webcams, and if a hacker gets control of yours, they’ll have a window into your personal life. You can detect and block webcam hacking attempts with strong paid antivirus software.
- Prevent hackers from controlling your computer: Alongside ransomware, remote access attacks are one of today’s most pressing threats. Hackers can create a “backdoor” that lets them control your computer—but a premium antivirus app will keep them locked out.
- Safely use suspicious apps: Trying out a new app? Many premium tools let you securely run apps in a “sandbox” where they can’t affect the rest of your device.
- Permanently delete sensitive files: When you toss a file in the Recycle Bin, it’s not really deleted. But some paid antivirus tools will permanently “shred” files so that they can’t ever be found, even by specialized software. If you ever sell or toss your computer, this can ensure your personal data stays safe.
- Automatically update apps: Outdated apps may contain security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. When a premium security tool automatically updates your other software, you’re guaranteed to always have the most current versions.
These are just a few of the ways a paid cybersecurity tool protects you against a much wider array of threats. You’ll often get customizable options to best secure your Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. And many cybersecurity providers will cover multiple devices under one subscription.
So...paid or free?
Though many free antivirus apps are great at what they do, they’re often limited to anti-malware protection and a few extras. Premium security tools are much better suited to today’s internet threat landscape—particularly if you’re not the most experienced user.
That’s why premium antivirus apps are especially great for families. Children and seniors are often targeted by identity theft scams. With the ability to defend up to 10 devices at once, a premium tool can protect all your loved ones.
In sum, while your best defense is a strong knowledge of internet safety fundamentals, you’ll be much safer with a robust and comprehensive antivirus tool on your side.
*This story was produced by WIRED Brand Lab for Avast.*
