Benefits of Malware Protection

Malware protection is critical to protect your devices from damaging foreign software. From adware to viruses, malware can result in stolen data, misused bandwidth, and more.

In addition to malware virus protection, certain software brands provide valuable tools and services to keep your computers, identity and household safe from internet security threats. For instance, software may encrypt and manage login details. Likewise, you may consider using parental controls to keep your children safe while they browse the web.



Find out how different malware protection brands work and what they are protecting you from. Check out the other additional features different products offer that can help keep your device safe and operating smoothly.  

Types of Malware Virus Protection Available:

Malware protection can be both preventative and restorative. Certain malware virus protection tools protect your system from being attacked while others find and repair damage previously caused by malware. Anti-malware software can detect malicious activity already interfering with your computer, remove the foreign software, and make repairs to your system. 

Real-time scanners or firewalls check each file your computer accesses and stops the operations if they detect malware. An on-demand and an on-access scan refers to when the scanner performs a check. While an on-access scan occurs automatically when files are open, altered or run, you perform on-demand scans manually by selecting the folders and drives to review. 

Different malware protection brands protect devices from specific malicious activity. Your computer or device will need protection from the following forms of malware:

  • Trojan horses, which are malicious programs that misrepresent themselves to entice you to download or activate them
  • Viruses, which are software that destroys what it attacks and can duplicate itself, causing it to spread through the operating system
  • Worms, which are similar to viruses but spread to other computers
  • Adware, which is software that uses advertising to generate revenue for the developer by displaying the ad or enticing a click (also known as pay-per-click)
  • Backdoors, which are unauthorized connections that bypass normal procedures to allow easy future access 
  • Spyware, which are programs that monitor web browsing, redirect affiliates or presents unsought advertising
Other methods of malware virus protection involve separating data from harm. Known as “air gap” isolation, you can place your valuable information in a device not connected to the internet. However, this method may not be practical if you need to conveniently access your data on a device that connects to the web.

Top Malware Protection Brands:

McAfee Total Protection:

When it comes to malware virus protection, McAfee is a household name. The brand has several security tools including services to identify the safety of websites. In addition to offering malware protection for personal devices, McAfee has encryption services for businesses.

McAfee Total Protection covers a certain number of devices in your house for one annual subscription fee. This malware virus protection costs vary by the number of devices but start at $80 a year for one device, $100 for five and $120 for 10. Small businesses can have unlimited devices for $80 annually. However, there is often a deep discount for the first year.

In addition to malware protection, McAfee Total Protection has other useful security tools like protection against identity theft, notifications of breaches and guidance from identity experts. The brand also has password managers that remember your login information.

If you are a parent, then you can also take advantage of additional features to keep your kids safe. You can filter websites, limit time on devices or certain apps as well as track devices’ and, therefore, your child’s location. 

Pros:

  • For Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
  • Cross-platform suite
  • Network and web protection
  • Identity theft protection
  • Password manager
  • Access to security experts

Webroot Secure Anywhere AntiVirus:

Whereas most malware protection prevents suspicious programs from running, Webroot uniquely works by monitoring unidentified programs. Essentially, it keeps an eye on and allows unknown programs to run excluding certain irreversible actions. If it makes a determination that a program is malware, then it counteracts all prior actions and removes it. 

This means that Webroot doesn’t prevent you from accessing safe and legitimate files just because they are foreign. Webroot is a good option if other malware protection you have used stopped you from appropriate but doubtful folders.

Also, unlike other types of malware virus protection, this anti-malware software takes up less than 4 MBs. The malware virus protection costs $40 for three devices and $60 for five devices.

Pros:

  • For PCs and Macs
  • Great antivirus
  • Small installation size
  • User-friendly
  • Inexpensive

Bitdefender Total Security:

The parental controls on Bitdefender are unlike other malware protection software. For an additional fee, you can receive notifications if the software detects your child posting inappropriate pictures on social media or being cyber-bullied.

The malware protection software also shortens start-up time by clearing any unused backup files. Likewise, you can also use Bitdefender to delay or disable certain apps from starting when the device turns on. 

While many brands offer security for both Mac and PCs, Bitdefender’s user interface for both systems is identical, which makes navigation a seamless process when switching between devices. The malware virus protection costs $90 for five devices, regardless of system, or $100 for 10 devices.

Pros:

  • For PCs and Macs
  • Cleans background clutter
  • Increases start-up speed
  • Premium parent controls and alerts