There are some people out there with too much time on their hands. Intent on ruining someone else’s day or searching for personal information they can use for their own nefarious purposes, hackers continue to be a constant threat. With the right software, you can avoid this threat and protect your electronics and your family. The best part is that the software is free to get and readily available online.
The Masses Nearly Lost Internet
Malware is a very real threat. In 2007, a hacking spree threatened to cause thousands to lose Internet access. Our government stepped in, patching around the problem and keeping the Internet running for those people with infected computers. They recently started an ad campaign to get the word out about fixing infected computers, so they could remove the patch and save the government some money. The entire operation went successfully, and the Wall Street Journal reported that very few people lost their Web access to this vicious malware.
However, this only serves to underscore how clever hackers are, and how determined they are to flex their intellectual muscle at your expense.
Double the Protection
Consumer Reports recently put out a security software buying guide to help you find the right software. They recommend running a firewall along with your anti-malware software to ensure that your system is protected from threats. A virus can sneak into your computer and lie dormant, so it’s essential that you have the best protection available. You can also double up on your protection by choosing more difficult passwords, which will protect your computer from hackers.
Microsoft Security Essential
Produced by the brilliant minds at Microsoft and designed to protect your computer from threats, this free software is available on the Internet. It’s easy to download, and it won’t slow your system down. It offers automatic scanning and cleaning. Seamlessly integrating with your Windows Firewall, it offer rootkit protection, which will keep you and your computer safe from real threats. Constantly scanning your system and protecting it, it will address potential threats before they have a chance to damage your system. It will also notify you if you receive suspicious files on your PC or if any programs present a threat.
Avast Free Antivirus
Also recommended by Consumer Reports, the Avast Internet protection is available in three different levels. Casual surfers who use the Internet for entertainment, or to convert video files with a handbrake download, can get by with the free antivirus software, but you might want to invest in the more secure Avast Internet Security if you use your connection for banking, work, or if you transmit other personal information.
This software offers many of the same services as Microsoft. It includes an intrusion detection system that will block suspicious URLs to provide you with an added layer of security. It also runs virus definition updates in small areas to reduce the load on your system and keep it running fast. Automatically processing files and eliminating threats, it constantly works in the background to protect your system from hackers.
Avira Free Antivirus
Designed specifically for Macs, this anti-virus offer one click restoration and ongoing protection that never stops working. The interface is designed to be easy to use, but it is highly effective with multiple levels of security. You choose how much of your system to scan, so you can have it scan small areas in the background without slowing you down, or you can have it scan the entire computer while you’re taking care of something else. Free to download and highly trusted, this is one of the best options for Mac users.
The best anti-virus protection doesn’t have to involve annual fees and hefty charges. You can protect all the computers in your home with these free software options. Protect your personal information, secure your computer, and ensure that you don’t fall victim to hackers by downloading the best software available today.