With the market flooded with innumerable antivirus software, it is not easy to decide on the right one for your computer. And to add to that, malware artists are frantically trying to come up with nastier malware and unleash them as rapidly as possible. When the scenario is such, it becomes imperative to know what makes the best antivirus software for your computer. The below gives a quick roundup of features that a comprehensive antivirus solution should comprise.
Real-time Security against Malicious Websites
If you own a PC or a laptop, odds are, you also use Internet on it. And while the Internet is probably one of the finest inventions of mankind, it is a cauldron of threats. In the present time, even trusted websites cannot be deemed as safe anymore. You never know when your favorite news website drops a malware on your computer. And then there are websites designed for phishing attacks. Sometimes it is practically impossible to tell a fake site from the original one. To counter all such threats, your antivirus software must be armed with real-time web security protection. This feature ensures that you only land on safe, genuine, and clean websites through its real-time monitoring.
Protection from Internet Downloads
When you download a certain file from the Internet, you are permitting the file to access your computer. Most malware infections occur from Internet downloads, especially those that are free and are from unverified publishers. And then there are certain downloads that occur automatically the moment you land on a website. These are known as drive-by-downloads; a common medium of malware attacks. An antivirus solution that offers Sandbox Protection is what you require to mitigate such risks. This feature takes your Internet Browser into a virtual environment that blocks any malicious download from reaching your computer.
Protection from new and unknown threats
Does your antivirus protect you from threats that presently have no solution? If no, then you must switch to one that offers the same. New and unknown malware can prove to be the most lethal to your computer security. Because these threats have no identification, they bypass ordinary security and wreak havoc on infected machines. Advanced DNAScan is a technology that Quick Heal has introduced in its product range. This technology scans programs and analyzes their behavior. And based on their behavior, it can identity whether it as a malicious, suspicious, or clean file.
Email Scan
Email has proven to be the most resourceful carrier of malware for hackers, especially in phishing campaigns. One email with an infected attachment or a link to an infected website is good enough to hack the network of an entire organization. So, another essential feature that the best antivirus software must offer is email security. The software must be able to filter clean emails from malicious ones before they reach your inbox.
Automatic Virus Updates
No antivirus software can do without automatic regular security updates. These updates are like sentries that constantly keep a watch on new threats and block them from entering your computer.
Protection against Data Theft
Your personal, financial and login data are sensitive information that must have the highest level of protection in your computer. Things may turn ugly if they happen to fall into the wrong hands. So, data theft protection is another feature that you should be looking for while getting an antivirus software. This feature can be used to authorize external storage devices that you know, and deny access to unknown ones.
Certification
It goes with saying that the best antivirus software must come with certifications. The following is a list of some reputable organizations who are known for rating antivirus software:
If you own a PC or a laptop, odds are, you also use Internet on it. And while the Internet is probably one of the finest inventions of mankind, it is a cauldron of threats. In the present time, even trusted websites cannot be deemed as safe anymore. You never know when your favorite news website drops a malware on your computer. And then there are websites designed for phishing attacks. Sometimes it is practically impossible to tell a fake site from the original one. To counter all such threats, your antivirus software must be armed with real-time web security protection. This feature ensures that you only land on safe, genuine, and clean websites through its real-time monitoring.
Protection from Internet Downloads
When you download a certain file from the Internet, you are permitting the file to access your computer. Most malware infections occur from Internet downloads, especially those that are free and are from unverified publishers. And then there are certain downloads that occur automatically the moment you land on a website. These are known as drive-by-downloads; a common medium of malware attacks. An antivirus solution that offers Sandbox Protection is what you require to mitigate such risks. This feature takes your Internet Browser into a virtual environment that blocks any malicious download from reaching your computer.
Protection from new and unknown threats
Does your antivirus protect you from threats that presently have no solution? If no, then you must switch to one that offers the same. New and unknown malware can prove to be the most lethal to your computer security. Because these threats have no identification, they bypass ordinary security and wreak havoc on infected machines. Advanced DNAScan is a technology that Quick Heal has introduced in its product range. This technology scans programs and analyzes their behavior. And based on their behavior, it can identity whether it as a malicious, suspicious, or clean file.
Email Scan
Email has proven to be the most resourceful carrier of malware for hackers, especially in phishing campaigns. One email with an infected attachment or a link to an infected website is good enough to hack the network of an entire organization. So, another essential feature that the best antivirus software must offer is email security. The software must be able to filter clean emails from malicious ones before they reach your inbox.
Automatic Virus Updates
No antivirus software can do without automatic regular security updates. These updates are like sentries that constantly keep a watch on new threats and block them from entering your computer.
Protection against Data Theft
Your personal, financial and login data are sensitive information that must have the highest level of protection in your computer. Things may turn ugly if they happen to fall into the wrong hands. So, data theft protection is another feature that you should be looking for while getting an antivirus software. This feature can be used to authorize external storage devices that you know, and deny access to unknown ones.
Certification
It goes with saying that the best antivirus software must come with certifications. The following is a list of some reputable organizations who are known for rating antivirus software:
- Virus Bulletin
- AV-Test.org
- West Coast Labs
- ICSA Labs
- ESET Awards
By following the above tips and running a thorough research on the antivirus product you intend to buy, your investment can be worthwhile for your computer.
About the Author: With a humble Bachelor degree in Physics, Rajib penned his way into the world of technology and its wonders. In his journey as a techno blogger, he came across the world of computer security. And he has been there since, curating stories and serving them to readers across the world.
About the Author: With a humble Bachelor degree in Physics, Rajib penned his way into the world of technology and its wonders. In his journey as a techno blogger, he came across the world of computer security. And he has been there since, curating stories and serving them to readers across the world.
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