How to choose antivirus software
Protecting our property from criminals is something most of us do, whether it’s locking our house, our car, or even our bike. But what about protecting the personal information on your computer from viruses and cybercriminals? To help with that, Consumer Reports recently tested antivirus software and explains why you don’t have to pay much—if anything—to get solid protection.
With so many options available for antivirus software, it can be hard to tell which one would offer you the best protection. And as a reminder, you do need protection.
In its Internet Crime Report, the FBI says it received nearly 800,000 reports of cybercrime in 2020, and that’s up 69 per cent from 2019.
Consumer Reports put more than 30 antivirus programs through a battery of tests, exposing computers running both Windows 10 and macOS to malware, malicious websites, and phishing attempts. CR also gave each of the programs a data privacy score based on how the company says it collects, shares and uses your data.
The good news is that you don’t have to pay to get solid antivirus protection that also protects your personal information. CR says Kaspersky Security Cloud Free and AVG Antivirus for Mac both provide a very good defense against threats.
That’s right, Macs need antivirus software too.
Both programs are free and they both got a score of Excellent for advertising, which means you won’t be bombarded with ads to upgrade your service.
Yet CR says paid programs do offer some extra benefits. The top-rated F-Secure SAFE offers a parental filter, banking protection, and anti-ransomware and spyware technology.
If you opt to pay for software, the experts at Consumer Reports caution that a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean better protection.
Consumer Reports also says to make sure you’re downloading antivirus software from a trusted site instead of clicking on an ad promising free antivirus protection. It’s best to go straight to the source and manually type in the web address for the product you choose.
With files from Consumer Reports
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.