With cybercrime becoming increasingly aggressive and prolific, as highlighted by the recent cyberlocker malware infections, it has never been so important to make sure your computer is adequately protected.
A question we get a lot from our readers is… what Internet security software is best? The answer depends very much on the person using the computer. It is important to always keep your security software updated to ensure you’re always updated against the latest threats, and if you’re looking to update for 2014 then read on as we outline our top ten Internet security software programs available this year, and explain which each one is best suited for.
We have great solutions for every type of online surfer here, so read on. We’ll try and keep it as brief as possible, and remember to check out our recommended editor’s security software at the number one spot.
Type: Free Antivirus
Whilst providing no real time, pre-emptive protection, Malwarebytes makes the list for its exceptional removal rates, making it a great addition to any security solution, though should not be relied upon by itself.
Whilst having a premium paid version of its software, it’s the free malware removal software that really gives Malwarebytes its great reputation, with experts across the globe praising its ability to detect malware infections that other software, even premium software, misses.
Best for… anyone wanting to complement their existing solution with this great removal tool
Type: Full premium solution.
Kaspersky have one of the best reputations in the security industry and have been around for a number of years, and only a handful of years ago was our recommended security solution. They may have been ousted from our top spot, but are still one of the best all-round full security solutions you can buy.
Like many security vendors, Kaspersky have ditched numbering their software with the year, rather just continuing to update it throughout the year to ensure you are always protected from the latest threats. It’s antivirus component is exceptional and it combines with the usual features that you would expect to find in a full solution including anti-spam, a firewall, anti-phishing and protection for online shoppers.
All the components do a great job, making it a solid all-round solution.
Best for… those looking for a reliable, reputable full security solution
Comodo provides a solid antivirus and firewall, both free of charge, and even includes some extra added features that other freeware security does not includes, such as a secure web browser for performing sensitive operations and gaming mode.
The Antivirus component of the program is above average, with good detection results, but can miss certain threats so it works best alongside another antivirus scanner. The addition of a secure web browser is great for those who do online banking and work with Paypal and the firewall is adequate.
Overall a solid antivirus solution with some decent added extras.
Best for… experienced users looking for another antivirus scanner to complement an existing solution.
Type: Free Antivirus
Avira is a great free antivirus program that consistently produces above average detection rates for all types of malware including viruses, spyware, worms and Trojans. Whilst not a full solution, this free antivirus software will work perfectly alongside many other software programs and has the ability to detect threats that many other security programs may miss.
The 2014 edition includes a firewall, recovery disc options, online storage and a monitoring program for parents too, so you’re getting more than just the standard antivirus. Not a full security solution but a great program to have on your computer for periodic scans.
Best for… experienced users looking for a reputable free antivirus to go alongside their existing solution
Type: Free antivirus
When it comes to online security, one of the leading names is Avast, which has been around for a number of years now, and just like AVG, have one of the most prolific free antivirus programs used today.
Avast have revamped their interface and resembles a mini-security manager application as opposed to the simple antivirus kit you would normally expect from a free, lightweight package. There are some great features that you wouldn’t normally expect either, like a firewall and browser plug-in for more pre-emptive Internet surfing protection.
And the antivirus is of course one of the best available, with great detection and removal rates. There are plenty of options included, some of which a beginner may find confusing, making this option ideal for more tech-savvy users looking to beef up their protection from the included operating system security.
Best for… experienced users looking for some additional protection that they can customise
Type: Inbuilt antivirus and firewall
If you’re using a Microsoft Windows computer then you may already know that it already comes included with certain security software already pre-installed. And Windows 8 has the most comprehensive coverage yet, with an updated version of its antivirus Windows Defender active by default (unless the manufacturer installed one of those “trial versions” of security software, in which case you may need to activate it)
And like previous versions of Windows, it comes included with a firewall to monitor Internet data coming to your computer. There are other security features included, including Secure Boot to prevent malware hijacking your computer.
The main advantage is that it comes included in the cost of Windows 8 and tech savvy Internet users may find the protection level sufficient (perhaps with a free copy of antivirus for backup) – However despite being the best inbuilt protection that Windows has come with thus far, novice users may be safer with a more comprehensive solution from a third party that offers more features and more timely updates. Also Windows 8 security is only available to users of Windows 8. Previous versions of Windows are still protected with included security, just not quite as well.
Best for… experienced users who are comfortable recognising threats and don’t need to pay for a full solution, though even for these users we’ d still recommend bunging a free antivirus on just for good measure.
Type: Free antivirus
When it comes to one of the most widely used antimalware programs across the globe, SpyBot S&D is certain up there. This free piece of software has a fantastic reputation in the security industry for its exceptional removal rates for certain types of malware, specifically spyware and adware which it is designed to detect.
It is not a full solution however, and much like MalwareBytes, is ideally used alongside other scanners to create a full solution. SpyBot S&D has the ability to detect certain types of malware infections that other solutions will miss, making it an ideal addition to any security conscious user.
Best for… any user looking to have a handy scanner capable of detecting threats that other solutions miss.
Type: Free antivirus
When it comes to quick and easy, lightweight security solutions at no cost, then AVG has one of the best reputations in the industry. AVG have been producing both free and premium versions of their security software for a number of years, and it is there free version that has been the most celebrated with Internet surfers, providing fantastic detection and removal rates that rival premium competitors.
It is a free antivirus edition, so it is not a full security solution, lacking many features that come with premium security software, and being free you can also expect adverts for the premium version to appear when in use. With that said the 2014 edition does include some great features including a file shredder for permanent file deletion.
Best for… experienced users looking to add a little extra protection to their existing security solution.
Type: Full premium solution
ESET are somewhat of a hidden gem in Internet security circles, with an ever increasing number of happy customers. The ESET Smart Security software includes their award winning NOD 32 Antivirus software along with several great features that make this a great all-round security solution for those looking for full protection.
The ESET antivirus has one of the best detection and removal rates in the industry, and Smart Security 7 combines this antivirus with other key components including a firewall to monitor Internet traffic for threats, antispam to prevent spam and email attacks, gamer mode to ensure it does not negatively affect online games and even social media protection to ensure your Facebook and Twitter accounts are protected from malware threats.
There are other great features too, including parental controls, protection from spoof phishing websites and even information on cybersecurity enabling users to help themselves stay safe on the Internet, because after all, no security solution is 100% effective.
ESET Smart Security 7 is a popular choice with many of our readers and deserves a place in our top two recommended full security solutions .
Best for… users looking for an easy to use, full security solution
Type: Full premium solution
When it comes to full protection, our recommended security software for both 2013 and now 2014 has landed at the feet of BitDefender and their award winning Total Security software that provides exceptional, all-round protection for the home user.
Whilst there is no security solution that is 100% effective, BitDefender is one of the leading companies at ensuring that your computer stays safe, featuring many, many different components, all designed at keeping your computer malware free, as well as protecting you from any number of other online threats.
The antivirus has exceptional detection and removal rates, being able to detect a wide range of malware types that may infect your computer. But it is the pre-emptive features that work in real-time, preventing your computer from ever getting infected in the first place that really make BitDefender Total Security stand out.
Increased social media protection and search engine link scanner, for example, will scan links on sites like Facebook and Twitter, as well as search engine results, looking for threats before you even click on them, and warning you with a “blocked page” message if you do click on a dangerous link. A Firewall keeps intruders out of your computer and keeps your personal information safe.
Anti-phishing protection prevents identity fraud and anti-span ensures dangerous email scams are blocked before you even see them. And if you do your online banking on your computer, then there is an optional feature called SafePay which is a 100% secure browser designed specifically for sensitive operations, that prevents any threats or malware being able to access or spy on banking transactions.
But one of the best things about BitDefender Total Security is the number of extra features is bundles into its package, including a file shredder, file encryption program, virtual keyboard app, secure online storage, photo technology that progressively “learns” about your computer to speed up operations and many more.
All of this within an easy to understand and intuitive interface that can be set to a handy auto-pilot mode, meaning it won’t bother or harass you with constant questions like other security programs can.
Best for… BitDefender Total Security is our recommended security software for 2014 and the program we run on our own machines. We recommend it to anyone looking for a full Internet security solution
And the best news is that we can currently offer a 20% discount off the retail price to our readers, by clicking the link below and typing NONSENSE as your discount code!
