Our recommended security software for 2021
Unless you have some kind of security software installed, your device is vulnerable to malware. New and emerging threats like ransomware mean it’s never been so important to have your PC, tablet or phone protected.
Security software isn’t just about protecting you from viruses. The landscape of security has changed, and it’s now vital that your security software protects you against emerging threats including identity theft, spyware and yes, ransomware.
While veteran computer users will opt to use lightweight, free versions of antivirus software like AVG, for the best possible protection, we recommend using a commercial package. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to cost you loads. Every year, we make a recommendation to ensure that if you do go down the commercial software route, you get the best software out there. For 2021, we are recommending Bitdefender Total Security as our editor’s choice software.
Bitdefender has an exceptional reputation in the security industry, and this is reflected in the number of awards their software has earned them over the years. Just use this link to get your copy!
Why do we recommend Bitdefender Total Security?
Ransomware Protection
One of the most important factors that we took into consideration when picking BitDefender was its protection against ransomware. Ransomware has posed a serious threat to users over the last handful of years and its popularity has skyrocketed, resulting in millions of dollars lost and countless irrecoverable files.
Ransomware will encrypt the documents on an infected device (such as photos, music, spreadsheets etc.) rendering them useless. It will also leave a ransom letter requesting you hand over money (usually in the form of Bitcoin) to get them back. Any security expert will tell you that even if you do pay up, there is no guarantee you’ll get the decrypt key needed to get those files back.
This particularly nasty type of malware is on the rise, so it’s important to have a security software packaged installed that is designed to stop it in its tracks. BitDefender Total Security uses advanced behavioural techniques (via a new feature called Advanced Threat Defense) to help detect and prevent even the latest strains of ransomware from getting their hands on your personal files. BitDefender even uses a feature called Safe File that prevents unauthorised access from unknown apps from opening your favourite documents, effectively immunizing them from unauthorised access and ransomware encryption.
In the current climate, ransomware defence it one of the most important features your security solution needs to address, and Bitdefender Total Security has the most features aimed specifically towards ransomware that we’ve seen.
An Award-Winning Engine
A look under the hood to see what powers BitDefender Total Security reveals an engine that long been considered one of the best in the cyber-security industry. And this is no doubt the reason why BitDefender products have won so many different awards. Each year it seems that the Total Security suite has one of the best protection rates when compared to its competitors; something that hasn’t changed in 2021.
Bitdefender products routinely have the top detection rates, and this includes protection from all types of malware, not just ransomware but adware, trojans, viruses, spyware and keyloggers too.
Android and iPhone protection
A purchase of Total Security also includes protection for both Android and iPhones. With more and more of us turning to our phones to surf the Internet, it is important to make sure these devices are fully protected.
Webcam protection
Total Security can limit what apps can access your webcam, adding an extra layer of security from those trying to spy on you. You choose what programs have permission to use the webcam, and every else is left out in the cold.
Minimal system performance impact
A common complaint aimed towards certain security packages is their impact on system performance. Bitdefender products, however, are designed to have minimal impact and have featured included that can detect when – for example – you’re playing a video game or watching a movie so it doesn’t interrupt.
So many features…
The Total Security package has many features that you won’t find in most alternative packages. These include a permanent file shredder for those files you want gone for good, real-time protection that actively scans files when you open then to detect threats, Bitdefender Safepay which is a secure, isolated browser for when you use sensitive websites like online banking, and a firewall to monitor both incoming and outgoing traffic to look for anything suspicious.
Bitdefender has an exceptional reputation in the security industry, and this is reflected in the number of awards their software has earned them over the years. Just use this link to get your copy!