Top 10 best Internet security software today

Today, users can pay to protect all their devices - whether it's a PC, Mac or smartphone. But with so many options on the market today, it's hard to know where to start. Below is a list of the best Internet security software suites today.

Bitdefender Internet Security

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Bitdefender's standalone antivirus packages have more features than some suites, and Bitdefender Internet Security has even more. Its core antivirus technology consistently earns perfect scores from independent testing labs, and its ransomware-specific protection passes tests. Other key features include firewall, spam filter, password manager, file shredder, full-featured parental control system, etc. And all this protection is packed into one package. The AutoPilot system allows you to sit back and enjoy with minimal interaction.

Bitdefender includes a VPN but there are limitations. You cannot choose from available servers and can only use 200MB of bandwidth per day. This limit is enough to try out VPN protection, but if you plan to use a VPN seriously, you'll have to pay to upgrade.

Norton 360 Deluxe

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When purchasing a security suite, make sure it will keep you safe. Norton 360 Deluxe takes that promise seriously. As long as you choose auto-renewal, you're guaranteed that Norton support will take care of any malware within the app's protection. And it's a strong defense — independent labs regularly give Norton high scores. The program also passes many practice tests.

The suite includes a powerful, smart firewall, basic password manager and local spam filter, as well as a dark web monitoring system to warn if private data is exposed. Subscription allows protection of up to 5 devices running Windows, macOS, Android or iOS. Norton 360 Deluxe also offers 5 full licenses for Norton's VPN. That's a rarity; many other suites require additional payment to remove limitations from included VPN components. And 50GB of online storage for backup is a nice bonus.

Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender Total Security brings all the great, well-performing features of Bitdefender Internet Security to Windows and continues to provide protection for macOS, Android, and iOS devices. The Windows version is also taken to a new level with system optimization and a special anti-theft component.

You can manage your settings (or launch new ones) from the handy Bitdefender Central online console. When you install protection on your Mac, you get Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, the same limited VPN as in Windows. Password manager and parental control features also support macOS.

Norton 360 With LifeLock

Norton security software can protect your device and local data, but it cannot protect your identity. That's why you need Norton 360 with LifeLock. This suite starts with everything loved in Norton 360 Deluxe and adds identity monitoring and identity theft remediation.

After setting up LifeLock, Norton will monitor the dark web for any signs that your identity has been compromised. It tracks potential SSN misuse, unwanted new accounts in your name, and unusual financial transactions. If you've lost your wallet (or had it stolen), Norton can help deal with the consequences. You receive periodic credit reports. And if the worst happens and your identity is stolen, Norton will spend up to a million dollars to remediate the theft.

Avast One Platinum

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Avast scores perfect in most labs. Avast One Platinum also ranked near the top in hands-on tests, and its full scan is faster than most available options. If malware interferes with Windows itself, Avast's boot-time scanning process will take care of it and prevent malware by prohibiting unauthorized file changes.

Antivirus software protects data locally, while VPN protects that data in transit. Avast's VPN isn't the most feature-packed service, but you can use it unlimitedly. Avast can protect sensitive documents, including other accounts on the same PC, prevent untrusted programs from using the webcam, and check to see if any passwords were exposed in a breach. Are not. You also get a set of performance-enhancing features freed from the limitations imposed in Avast's free version.

In addition to powerful device-level protection, a Platinum subscription also includes identity theft protection for you and up to five family members. It warns you about data breaches and other dangers, provides easy access to dedicated resolution experts, and promises to spend up to $2 million to repair the damage. You also get 24/7 concierge-level support for all tech issues.

McAfee+

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The McAfee+ software suite allows you to protect every device in your home, whether it runs Windows, macOS, Android or iOS. It even supports Chromebooks and ARM-based laptops. That protection includes using McAfee's VPN with no limits on bandwidth or server selection, as well as many additional security features. In addition, the antivirus component has also passed practical protection tests.

McAfee+ has 3 levels: Premium, Advanced and Ultimate. You get basic personal information monitoring on the Dark Web at all three levels. The Advanced and Ultimate levels include comprehensive identity theft monitoring and remediation, roughly equivalent to Norton's LifeLock. McAfee+ doesn't monitor many different aspects of your identity, but it does hit the important ones. And, like LifeLock, McAfee+ comes with a guarantee. If your identity is stolen, McAfee will spend up to one million dollars to help you fully recover.

Trend Micro Maximum Security

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Trend Micro Maximum Security offers protection for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS devices. The software also scored very highly in real-world tests for its ability to protect against websites that host malware and phishing.

On Windows, Trend Micro offers a range of features, among them multi-layered ransomware protection, online transaction protection, a PC health check system, a scanner to detect privacy flaws on social networks, an advanced encryption system for sensitive documents and a file destruction tool to securely delete originals after encryption.

Some of Trend Micro Maximum Security's features aren't all that great. The parental controls are limited, password management only handles the basics, and spam filtering only works with Outlook. Even so, the collection of security features is still impressive.

Avira Prime

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Signing up for Avira Prime gets you all the security tools from Avira, but that's not all. You'll understand that whenever Avira comes out with a new security app. Many of these apps are available separately in both free and Pro versions - Avira Prime users will naturally get the Pro version. It also supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

You can use Avira Prime VPN freely, with no limitations on bandwidth or server selection. System Speedup Pro With HyperBoost aims to fine-tune performance, Software Updater Pro automatically finds and applies needed security patches, and password manager Pro adds advanced security reporting not available in the previous version. free version.

ESET Home Security Essential

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ESET Internet Security is more about high technology. For example, it provides a Device Control system that allows detailed control of the types of devices that can connect to the PC. For example, you can block USB drives in general but allow the use of USB drives that you have personally tested. The software comes with a large set of security tools, some of which are suitable for all users and some of which require technological expertise.

An impressive network checker allows viewing of all devices connected to the network, with the option to receive notifications when new devices connect. It also checks for security issues on the device, such as ports that should not be open. Avast used to boast a similar feature but no longer does. Other ESET features include a firewall, spam filter, anti-theft for laptops, webcam security, banking protection, and a parental control system.

F-Secure Total

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F-Secure Total adds a cross-platform VPN, password manager, and monitor to warn if your personal information is breached. Its pricing is quite competitive for those wanting 10 or more licenses.

The built-in password manager handles all the expected basic tasks, but it's not possible to fill out personal data in web forms. It also lacks secure sharing, password inheritance, and multi-factor authentication.

A simple VPN is also built right into F-Secure Total and is very quick to use. It includes useful features like Kill Switch and Split Tunneling, but its server network is sparse compared to the best VPNs.

Jessica Tanner

Update 19 June 2024