INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Internet security suites offer a comprehensive range of protection for your online devices
While antivirus is the always the base feature, others that these packages might offer include ransomware protection, a VPN, and even a
These really are all-singing all-dancing online security downloads for those wanting the best possible protection.And it's not just desktops
and laptops that can benefit from internet security suites as there are also versions for Android and iPhone smartphones
Because they cover multiple devices (usually five or more), you can protect all the gadgets of you and your family on one easy plan -
Windows and Macs both included.Some providers also offer a rescue disk feature to rollback any existing attack, and encryption software for
added security protection is also commonly included
Many now also come with additional privacy features, and a firewall as standard.While internet security suites and antivirus packages are
commonly aimed at domestic consumers, also note services that are specifically aimed at businesses, such as cloud antivirus and endpoint
protection to offer business grade protection
There are also online cyber security courses available to help improve staff awareness.Which ever internet security suite you're looking
for, and for whatever device, you'll end up with more than just basic software with our selection of the best
Here are the ones we think are currently best on the market.(Image credit: Future)1
Bitdefender Total SecurityBeefy protection across all fronts, plus PC maintenance toolsOperating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS |
Maximum devices covered: 10 | Stand out features: Safepay online banking protection, high-quality ransomware defenses, web protection
moduleHuge range of featuresExcellent web surfing protection30-day trial (no card details needed)Potential performance impactBitdefender
browser (Safepay) for online banking, file shredder, vulnerability scanner, password manager, email spam filter, parental controls, webcam
and microphone defenses, and more besides (including a superb web protection module for blocking malicious URLs).As well as security
features, Total Security provides various PC maintenance and optimization tools
Total Security if you have multiple devices across different platforms to protect.About the only fly in the ointment is that Bitdefender
Total Security may exact a bit more of a toll on the performance front than the best of the competition, although we found it to be around
average in terms of any slowdown caused on our PC
no payment details needed; you just have to supply an email address
committing to buying.(Image credit: Future)2
Maximum devices covered: 10 | Stand out features: Safe Money secure web browser, intelligent adaptive protection, Safe Kids parental
controlsExcellent virus engineTop-notch parental controlsBy far the best value in the Kaspersky rangeSome features are only so-so
qualityKaspersky Total Security is another veteran of the security world, and as you might expect, it delivers top-quality defenses with
basics and not delivering much else
module.The latter is an excellent parental controls system with some smart social media monitoring tools
Norton 360 DeluxeOffers an integrated VPN, and keeps the whole family safeOperating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS | Maximum
devices covered: 5 | Stand out features: Parental controls, VPN, online backup, dark web monitoring (US)Light on system resourcesFully
to resource usage, bundled with webcam protection, and dark web monitoring (for US users only, mind), and a system of parental controls.The
parental controls are top-notch, by the way, including in-depth monitoring systems to keep an eye on what your kids are doing online, and
even GPS tracking for their mobile devices
too, like a fully integrated VPN (which could be a big money-saver in itself) and 50GB of online backup storage (ditto).Norton 360 Deluxe
will cover up to five devices (and that means you can use the VPN with those five bits of hardware as well), either Windows or Mac PCs, plus
there are mobile apps for Android and iOS
given the very thorough parental controls.(Image credit: Future)4
Trend Micro Maximum SecuritySterling malware and ransomware protection in a beginner-friendly packageOperating system: Windows and Mac,
Android and iOS | Maximum devices covered: 10 | Stand out features: Folder Shield anti-ransomware, high-quality URL filter, password
managerMulti-layer anti-ransomwareStreamlined user-friendly interfaceImpressive range of featuresExperts may want more configuration
polished and user-friendly interface, backed up by robust virus protection and multi-layered anti-ransomware defenses.The package also gives
you better-than-average URL filtering for safer web browsing, and this system is smartly configurable, too
It also boasts data theft prevention countermeasures, a secure vault for storing sensitive files, and an impressive integrated password
manager.Less tech-savvy types will appreciate the ease of use here, which also goes for the capable mobile apps
Avast UltimateA quality all-rounder security solutionOperating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS | Maximum devices covered: 10 |
Stand out features: Ransomware Shield, Wi-Fi Inspector, SecureLine VPNWell-featured suiteBundled VPNPlentiful configuration optionsSome
impact on PC performanceUpselling of other products is unwelcomeAvast is best known for its excellent free antivirus product, but the firm
also provides an impressive all-round security solution in the form of Avast Ultimate
This is another offering which bundles a full VPN, giving you far more protection online than a typical antivirus suite, and making Avast
Avast Ultimate also sports a decent password manager, a secure browser, and some excellent network protection measures.This suite has plenty
of options for experts to play with in terms of configuration, and has solid enough antivirus defenses, backed up by a very commendable
flog its other products in a paid-for suite, and we observed a little system slowdown in our review
But these niggles aside, if you need a VPN as well as antivirus, Avast Ultimate is a great choice.(Image credit: Future)6
Webroot Internet Security PlusSupremely streamlined and fast-performing security suiteOperating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS |
Maximum devices covered: 5 | Stand out features: Password manager, identity protection, 70-day money-back offerUnbelievably lightweight
appReally quick scan timesLastPass-powered password managerQuestion marks over antivirus engineiOS app is limitedWebroot majors in being
incredibly lightweight and fast-performing
stored in the cloud.Yet despite this minimal impact on your machine, Webroot Internet Security Plus comes with plenty of features
independent testing labs in recent times
Maximum devices covered: 5 | Stand out features: Network protection, password manager, anti-theft featureHighly configurableVery light on
This includes parental controls, network monitoring, additional network protection, webcam protection, secure file encryption, and an
anti-theft feature for Windows devices (allowing for location tracking, and more) is an interesting bonus.That said, the quality of some
features can vary: for example, the system of parental controls is pretty barebones, but the password manager is very well fleshed-out
ESET also offers plenty of configuration options, which will please experts, although computing novices may find it tricky to get to grips
plan, and a decent shout for an all-round solid security suite (plus it covers Linux, too).(Image credit: McAfee)8
Maximum devices covered: 5 | Stand out features: Configurable firewall, password manager, performance boosting toolsBrowsing and app
baseline product, Total Protection Individual, only covers one individual device
Total Protection Multi-Device
For not much more money, you get a sound security suite which protects up to five Windows or Mac computers, and Android or iOS devices
The UI also suffers from some annoying quirks.Independent test lab reports suggest McAfee Total Protection offers solid enough antivirus
defenses, if not class-leading
browsing and app performance.(Image credit: BullGuard)9
Bullguard Premium ProtectionOperating system: Windows and Mac, Android | Maximum devices covered: 15 | Stand out features: Secure Browser,
Game Booster, identity protectionSome really smart extrasComprehensive identity protectionSupport for up to 15 devicesSo-so results from
independent test labsSlight concerns over (now fixed) security glitchesAnother internet security suite worth considering is one from
BullGuard, which offers a triple-layer of security backed by advanced machine learning to stop currently and future malware
threats.Additionally there is a built-in firewall, vulnerability scanner, and a home network scanner for ensuring your Wi-Fi connection is
While Bullguard is missing some features that others provide, it does uniquely include parental controls for protecting children in the
household from accessing malware websites.There is also the option to protect multiple devices, and this works out cheaper than a lot of
In which case, this option would suit those looking for a more basic internet security suite without all the additional tools others bundle
in that you might not use anyway.(Image credit: Panda )10
Panda Dome AdvancedNeed to cover a ton of devices? Then look no furtherOperating system: Windows and Mac, Android | Maximum devices covered:
Unlimited | Stand out features: Identity protection, anti-ransomware, USB rescue driveProtection for unlimited devicesLightweight and
streamlined suiteNot a massive feature-setInconsistent ratings from independent test labsPanda Dome Advanced has quite a proposition for
malware defenses are inconsistently rated by the independent testing labs)
On top of that, Panda Dome Advanced provides identity protection, parental controls, and advanced threat protection (including
have a lot of devices to protect.GET AN EXTRA LAYER OF PROTECTION WITH THE BEST VPNWhat's the difference between antivirus and Internet
Security?Whereas antivirus software provides a basic level of protection for your system, full internet security expands on capabilities
such as scanning files and software, activity monitoring and vulnerability search with features tailored for Internet use.Indeed, many
interface.These might include a firewall, anti-spam controls, ad blockers, webcam protection, keylogger protection, parental controls and
There might also be additional protection against web-specific types of malware such as spyware and adware.However running so many different
types of program might mean that internet security suites use more of your system resources than conventional AV.Can I create my own free
internet security suite?There are many advantages to purchasing a premium internet security suite from a trusted vendor, but it is perfectly
possible to create your own modular suite by picking the most suitable free products.While this might mean you save money, it does mean you
have to do much of the work yourself
You will have to identify the best components, whether its virus protection, firewall or backup software, and fix any problems yourself.The
more components you introduce will increase complexity and system resource use
You will also suffer from the pitfalls of using free services such as frequent adverts urging you to upgrade.Using a premium internet
security suite means the vendor integrates several services into a single package that can be managed from a single interface
suite, then you can pick the best of individual components in the following advice guides:- rescue disk- encryption software- privacy-
firewall- cloud antivirus- endpoint protection- online cyber security coursesWhat should I look for in an internet security suite?All of the
products on this list offer effective capabilities, so the difference is in additional capabilities
If there is a particular type of threat that concerns you, such as ransomware or phishing, check to see if there are specific protections
And of course, you should consider whether you need protection across multiple devices, such as smartphones.The number of additional
features and devices may impact cost though.Finally, think about usability and the impact on system performance
Do you want a high level of customization or do you want an easy-to-use interface and do you want a program that is capable of fast scans or
one that requires minimal system resources?S2k99RTyJJhGbDwQRHUsyg.jpg?#
