Antivirus comparison: Which option is best for your PC or Mac?
If you browse the internet regularly, you can’t get around the fact that you need antivirus software. Viruses can pop up in unexpected places, and you want your device to be able to fight one off if it appears.
Dangerous malware making the rounds is what makes having antivirus software protecting you so critical. But what’s the best antivirus software for a Mac or Windows computer? Keep reading to see the best options.
TotalAV
TotalAV works with Windows PCs, Macs, Android phones and iPhones. TotalAV is Kim’s pick and a sponsor of her national radio show. As far as features go, it stacks up compared to the other names on the market you already know. And you can get a killer discount using Kim’s special offer.
Here are the pros and cons.
The good
- Blocks phishing URLs through its SafeSite extension, which stays up-to-date on the latest malicious phishing URLs.
- Spots, quarantines and eliminates ransomware, viruses, adware, spyware, trojans and more.
- Provides remote firewall access to stop unauthorized access to private data.
- Schedule scans so you don’t have to mark a date on your calendar for your next scan.
- Lets you choose the type of scan you want to run (it’s hassle-free).
- Cleans your disk, app cache and duplicate photos to save disk space.
- Enhances your computer’s performance.
The bad
- No boot-time scanning.
- No email security features.
Get the best security suite and save 85% at TotalAV.com/Kim. That’s just $19 for a year of protection on up to five devices.
Bitdefender Antivirus
Bitdefender Antivirus can be used on Mac and Windows computers, and mobile versions for your smartphone also exist. A $39.99 subscription can cover five devices.
Protect up to 5 devices from malware, viruses and more - Just $20 for an entire year
There’s nothing wrong with looking for ways to save money. Cutting back on things like your cable or electric bill is just good business. But you need to be smart about where to cut corners. Protecting your devices and critical files should not be skimped with all the cybercriminals and digital threats lurking.
5 steps to make sure hackers cannot access your home network and files
Hackers may have already compromised your network. Tap or click here for a free test to see if your router has been hacked. Keep reading for ways to protect your system from hackers.
This tip is brought to you by our sponsor, ExpressVPN. Protect your privacy. Get three months free when you sign up for one year at ExpressVPN.com/Kim.
5 signs of a hacked webcam
You look at your PC or Mac and notice the webcam light is on. But wait, you haven’t even opened your camera.
Hackers or even some creepy admins in a chat room can remotely take over webcams. Terrifying.
Free online tool shows where your Mac apps are connecting
TikTok has been a hot topic with government officials for quite some time now. The app is based in China, and it’s feared that it gives your data to the Communist China government. Scary! But TikTok isn’t the only app with ties to China. Tap or click here for a list of Chinese apps you should delete ASAP.
Best free Windows and Mac security downloads for your computer
We rounded up some of the best ways to protect your computer against viruses, cyberattacks and other threats. We’ve got you covered if you aren’t familiar with how cybersecurity threats work. Tap or click for a quick breakdown of the five most common digital threats you’ll encounter.
Stop looking for free software this way - It's a malware trap
The Google Ads network is home to many seedy individuals, and this new development sheds light on how dangerous your search results can be. What is malvertising? What can you do to protect yourself? Tap or click here for everything you need to keep your data safe.
Best security cameras for properties with bad or no Wi-Fi
One of my readers is interested in security cameras but is also worried about hackers. She asked me, “Can wireless cameras work without Wi-Fi?” The short answer is yes.
Of course, that introduces a follow-up question: “What are the best security cameras that don’t require Wi-Fi?” Type that into a search engine and you’ll be swarmed with countless options. But you don’t have time to research every camera on the market.
Must-do tech cleanups for your inbox, network and gadgets
The best way to embark on a new year is to start fresh. After all, you can’t make a new beginning if you’re tied to the past. Tech issues can hold you back when you’re trying to leap forward.
Cleaning up your tech is one of the best ways to obtain a clean slate. By tidying up your tech, you can ensure they’re working in tip-top shape. Tap or click here for five ways to quickly clean up digital junk.
Use this site to check your network for unauthorized devices
You keep your device’s operating systems updated. You’re using internet security software. You’re pretty savvy about not falling for online scams.
Even so, malware and cybercriminals can still get through. Run this free check to see if your router has been hacked by criminals.
Firewall vs. antivirus: What's the difference and do you need both?
When it comes to protecting yourself online, there’s a lot of confusion. Between VPNs, two-factor authentication, antivirus software and firewalls, there are so many ways to protect yourself that it can be hard to track them all.
Top 14 security, speed and productivity tips for your PC
If you’re working from home, you may leave your PC vulnerable to security and productivity issues without even realizing it. Most offices have IT departments that maintain machines, install security software, and check for updates, but you’re in charge of your PC’s health at home.
Do this or anyone can see what your security camera sees
Security cameras are among the first lines of defense in protecting your home from criminals. They can notify you of suspicious activity even when you’re far away. You can keep an eye out for package deliveries and check up on your house while you’re at work.
Your stolen information is on the Dark Web - What to do next
The Dark Web keeps internet activity private and anonymous. Dark Web content isn’t indexed by search engines, and you need special software to access it. You can imagine the applications for this, such as avoiding government censorship and keeping one’s identity private.
Giving up Kaspersky? Get a year of Kim's antivirus pick for only $19
With tensions mounting across the world during the Russia-Ukraine War, cybersecurity experts warn not to use Russian-owned Kasperksy antivirus protection. Here’s why.
A question I get time and time again is, “What’s your antivirus recommendation?” Whether you’ve never used antivirus, stopped years ago, or want to get rid of Kaspersky, I can help.
5 things you need to update now because of the Ukrainian war
Anyone who thinks they’ll be unaffected by the Russia-Ukraine war is dead wrong. During World War II, conflicts were confined to physical battlefields. Thanks to the internet, cyberwar is a new threat that impacts every corner of the globe.
5 genius tech hacks to do before it’s February
It’s a new year, and we’re busy setting goals and making resolutions. One of mine is to spend at least an hour outside every day.
Of course, I still have work to do, and much of that happens via email. I started 2022 by cleaning up my inbox. Tap or click for the steps I take every year to clear out old emails and start fresh.
5 common VPN issues and how to fix them
VPNs, or virtual private networks, are typically set and forget services that don’t require a lot of troubleshooting. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean there aren’t problems with VPNs you might have to address from time to time.
Change this one setting to get faster internet speeds
Slow internet speeds are incredibly frustrating. You pay a boatload of cash to your internet service provider, and your connection is spotty and slow.
Many things could be causing delays in your connection speed. We’ll go over each of these things at the end of the article, but we’re going to focus on your DNS or domain name system for now.
Dangerous security issues found in millions of smart TVs
Smart TVs are computers just like your phone and laptop, and they’re vulnerable to the same kind of threats. If security holes exist in a smart TV model, it’s only a matter of time before hackers find a way to break in and control it.