The most reliable online antivirus will safeguard your laptop, computer as well as other devices (such as routers, IoT appliances, and home appliances), from malware, ransomware attacks, cryptojackers and attacks involving phishing. It also guards you against data breaches as well as phishing and ransomware. Many antivirus programs also offer security tools for cyberspace, such as dark monitoring of websites, device optimization and identity theft security.

The most important feature is a solid antivirus engine. Any antivirus program must be able to identify threats with high accuracy. However, other factors can assist with this, including a strong detection engine for heuristics as well as behavior-based security. You should also ensure that any antivirus program has a large number of anti-malware security signatures in its database, as well as a robust and extensive collection of scanning techniques.

Windows PCs and Macs both have built-in antivirus software, but it’s usually not as efficient as a third-party application. It’s not always equipped with an updated database of malware which can lead to missing threats. It’s also often lacking the internet security features that make third-party antivirus so effective, like parental controls advanced phishing protections and websites that have filters.

Avast, Norton, and Kaspersky are the three most popular antivirus programs. Avast’s free antivirus has outstanding malware detection rates in tests conducted by an independent laboratory AV-Comparatives. It’s also simple to use. However, its parent company was convicted of selling anonymized user data through its Jumpshot service in the year of 2019 and hasn’t completely gotten rid of its business since then. Kaspersky Discover More is a similar option with a decent malware detection rate and a broad range of internet security options which include a memory security firewall, banking tools, and VPNs.