Whether you’re running a large-scale business or just using a few computers at home, antivirus software is an essential part of using a computer. With so many cyber threats out there, you simply can’t afford to surf the web without the right antivirus services.
Without antivirus software, you run the risk of being a victim of things like ransomware or trojans. But how do you select the right cybersecurity software to protect your devices? There are so many different options out there that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with choice.
This article lists some things you need to consider when shopping for antivirus programs.
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Payment Terms
When looking at antivirus software, you should carefully consider the payment terms. Different software has different payment plans. Sometimes you might make a one-time payment for the software. In other cases, you might pay a monthly or annual subscription fee.
Unfortunately, this can make comparing different programs quite difficult. For example, it might seem that making a one-time payment is better than paying for a subscription. With that said, a one-time payment might not include lifetime updates.
It really pays off to research the different options available to you without jumping to any conclusions. The payment terms may also be impacted by the number of devices you want to use. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that having a subscription automatically gives you unlimited licenses, as this isn’t always the case.
Will it Slow Down Your Devices?
Antivirus software uses the processing power of your computer in order to scan for threats and to keep your devices safe. In some cases, this can have a noticeable effect on the performance of your computer.
Depending on what you use your computer for, this could be a problem. For example, if you’re someone who likes to play a lot of games, you need to be careful about what software you pick.
A lot of antivirus software has a “gamer mode,” which enables you to play games without suffering from any performance loss. This is something you should look for as a gamer.
If maximum performance is important to you, it makes sense to look up performance reviews and see how much your computing power will be impacted by the software. There is software available that offers a significantly lower performance hit if this is an issue for you.
Scanning Methods
Another important function to consider is how your software goes about scanning for threats. For example, do you need to manually initiate a malware scan, or does the software always scan for threats automatically?
While a less active piece of software will incur less processing power, it’s also less secure. It’s therefore recommended that you go with software that is always on and always scanning your system for threats.
You can get more info here about the various kinds of scanning methods used by antivirus software.
Privacy Policy
Given the amount of access that antivirus software has to your data and computer, it makes sense to think about the privacy policy. In some cases, antivirus developers have been caught selling customer data to information brokers.
Therefore, it makes sense to investigate a company’s privacy policy before doing any kind of business with them.
Up to Date Database
An antivirus system is only as good as its database. Any antivirus software has an extensive database of various cyber threats. If a file matches up with something in the database, the software will protect you against that file.
If the database isn’t updated quickly enough, it means your computer could be vulnerable to the latest threats. This means that you should only work with an antivirus company with a tried and tested reputation for protecting customers against the latest threats.
Any good antivirus company will publish records of their latest databases. You should compare companies and see which ones have the fastest response times to the latest malware.
System Compatibility
You should also consider system compatibility when buying antivirus software. In some cases, a particular manufacturer might not support your operating system. A common issue is people on Macs buying software intended only for Windows users.
Thankfully, this issue is fairly straightforward to figure out. Any antivirus developer should clearly show on their site which systems the software is compatible with.
Additional Features
These days antivirus programs come with a wide array of extra features. Your need to make sure you consider everything an antivirus program can do before you buy.
For example, many programs also offer integrated firewalls or anti-theft services. You might even add parental blocks to the device to make sure children can’t access anything inappropriate.
Tech Support
When something goes wrong with your software, you need to know that you’re in good hands. Problems with your antivirus software can be an incredibly frustrating experience, so it makes sense to go with a company with a good reputation for looking after its customers.
Do some research into a potential antivirus provider and see how well regarded their customer service is. While you hopefully won’t need to rely on it, it’s nice to know that you’re covered in the event that something does go wrong.
Picking the Right Antivirus Services Will Keep You Safe
With threats like ransomware and trojans wreaking havoc on professional organizations and individuals alike, you can’t afford to be protected. It’s important that you find a good company that produces software that fits your needs.
It makes sense to do a lot of online research as antivirus services can be quite confusing. Rushing into buying something means you’re likely to make a mistake as antivirus software has a lot of extra features these days.
If you want to learn more about other technology-related topics, take a look at some of our other blog posts.
