More people and companies are looking to invest in better cybersecurity software in the wake of escalating online threats. Both Mac and Windows users realize that their operating system’s defenses are just not good enough to secure their data and their privacy. But picking the right cybersecurity software can be tricky.
Find Reputable Antivirus Tools
It’s best to avoid some popular free antivirus software out there. While you don’t pay for it with your money, you may be paying for it with your data. For example, a joint investigation by Motherboard and PCMag found that one of the world’s most popular antivirus brands was collecting confidential user data to generate revenue. So, always buy software from a reputable cybersecurity company.
Download Intelligent Antivirus Software
While PC viruses can corrupt your data, such threats are turning into relics. For one, most security tools can stop them by scanning their signatures. For the other, threat actors are focusing on more complex malware that makes them money. It would be best if you had intelligent antivirus software with behavior-recognition anti-malware technology that can ward off a simple virus attack or more sophisticated malware threats:
- Ransomware can lock your files or computers until you pay an extortion fee.
- Keyloggers secretly record your keystroke to help threat actors steal your sensitive information.
- Spyware allows a cybercriminal to snoop on you.
- Banker Trojans target your financial information like the usernames and passwords to your bank or credit card accounts.
- Kernel rootkits allow a malicious party to take over your system without your knowledge.
Your Antivirus Must Suit Your Scale
Are you looking to protect yourself or an organization? For home users, comprehensive anti-malware software will be sufficient. For organizations, Endpoint Detection and Response software that secures every endpoint in your business and can even remediate ransomware attacks may be necessary.
The Antivirus Must Be Light
Nowadays, many antivirus programs are bloated with features you don’t need. Not only does this slow them down, but it can also slow your system. Find cybersecurity software that doesn’t hog your computer resources. It must be as light as it is effective.
It Should Offer a Trial
Even after selecting a good antivirus software, don’t subscribe without taking it out for a spin — run it on your computers to see if it’s the right fit!
Good Antivirus Doesn’t Throw False Positives
Does your antivirus throw up the same threat alerts after every scan despite claiming to remediate the malware? If so, it’s either incompetent or throwing up false positives to appear useful.
It Complements Your Operation System’s Security Tools
It’s critical for your cybersecurity tools to complement your operating system’s antivirus app. Any download that causes software conflicts or crashes your computer is more trouble than it’s worth.
Remember, even the best cybersecurity tools can’t offer complete protection on their own. It would help if you took the following protective measures for a well-rounded defense against modern malware threats:
- Strengthen network security with a top VPN and a firewall.
- Mitigate the risk of threat vectors like malicious attachments, phishing emails, and fraudulent links and websites by recognizing and avoiding them.
- Create regular backups of your data on drives not connected to networks.
- Close software vulnerabilities with security updates.
- Hire cybersecurity consultants for risk-reduction strategies and online security training.