Security when surfing the internet and protecting your privacy are the primary goals of the best 2020 antivirus for Windows 10
Every time you access the internet, perhaps from a public network in a bar or station, open an email with a suspicious attachment or download an app from a website, you're taking a risk. To surf online in complete safety with your Windows 10 computer, you need to have an antivirus to protect your data.
Among the tools you need to ensure online safety and surf by lowering the risk of running into a virus, malware, ransomware or phishing attempts, you need to rely on appropriate antivirus programs. Not everyone knows that Windows 10 comes with its own antivirus, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which already keeps you safe in the normal operations you carry out from home with your computer. There are several antivirus that you can use in the free version and that protect you properly, but to have a complete protection you often need to pay and here we propose some of the best antivirus 2020 for Windows 10.
Antivirus, the features it must have
There are some features that must be common to every good antivirus so that it protects you properly and meets your needs. The first one is undoubtedly the effectiveness, that is, the degree of protection it offers in real time against viruses, malware and ransomware. An antivirus software should not weigh down your PC, but should do its job without slowing it down.
If you are willing to pay for complete protection, before buying an antivirus you can check for discounts or offers on the manufacturer's website, which also vary depending on how many PCs and devices to be protected are included in the subscription package. Privacy is a separate issue: a good antivirus must be able to monitor what happens to your PC and protect your data, with the help of a password manager and cloud backups, for example.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Windows 10 offers a completely free tool for protecting your computer from viruses. Microsoft Defender Antivirus, the evolution of Windows Defender, protects your PC from viruses, malware and ransomware in real time, blocks new threats when you make a download and potentially malicious applications. Microsoft's antivirus is installed by default on Windows 10 devices and is disabled when you install a third-party antivirus. If the antivirus is deactivated, Microsoft Defender springs back into action, without the need for reinstallation and protects you.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
Another free program is Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition, which offers powerful protection for your Windows 10 computer but at the same time lightweight. You only need to download it and run it to enjoy your computer's online protection from the main threats on the web, despite its minimalist approach. The free version also offers automatic upgrades, for constant protection against new viruses. To access the additional features, which include Advanced Threat Defense, multi-layered ransomware protection, anti tracker, microphone and webcam monitoring, anti-phishing, privacy firewall and parental control you have to pay.
McAfee Total Protection
McAfee Total Protection antivirus only offers a free 30-day trial version, then you will activate the subscription. This program also offers Total Protection features, from real-time online protection as you browse from viruses, malware and ransomware, anti-phishing features, protection of your credentials with password manager, firewall and identity protection, as well as encrypted storage of your data
Avira Free Security
A free version of Avira Free Antivirus Security is available for Windows 10, offering options to scan your computer for viruses, malware, and other threats, firewall protection, secure VPN connection, and performance optimization to keep your PC from weighing you down. Paid versions, on the other hand, add important features regarding real-time threat protection, password manager, blocking of annoying ads and privacy protection.
Norton 360 - Security All-in-One
Norton 360 - Security All-in-One is an antivirus that protects both your devices and your online privacy in a single solution, but its services are only for a fee. The antivirus keeps you safe from viruses, malware, ransomware and phishing. It also comes with a password manager to help you manage your credentials, a cloud backup system of your most important data. Norton 360 also offers a VPN service, to securely access the Web when you're connected by Wi-Fi, especially on the go; a Firewall system that monitors your PC and blocks unauthorized traffic; and a SafeCam system that alerts you if someone tries to access your webcam without authorization. For the little ones, it also offers a parental control service and best of all, a "money back" clause if it fails to keep your PC safe from a virus.