

On Windows 11, click the search icon and then search for and open “Windows security.” Click Virus & threat protection and look for the Manage settings option. For another layer of protection, you can also enable the Windows Defender Firewall by clicking Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection and then flipping the toggle to On. Once it opens, make sure Real-time protection, Cloud-based protection, and Automatic sample submission are all enabled. On Windows 10, to make sure Defender is enabled, click the Start menu, type “defender,” and open the Windows Defender Security Center. But as a backup for anyone on a PC, the free tool included with Windows, called Windows Defender, is typically as reliable as any paid software. Whether using a Windows PC or a Mac, most people don’t need to buy antivirus software-as long as you download only from trusted sources and refrain from clicking on sketchy links, you can avoid many of the problems that third-party antivirus software purports to protect you from. For more information, see our complete Simple Online Security series. 23 June 2021.This is just one step in a series created to help anyone improve their online security regardless of their technical knowledge. Always download your software directly from the developer’s website.Paid options: Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac and F-Secure SAFE.Here are the top-rated options for reputable antivirus software if you want extra peace-of-mind: X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source X Research source On the flip side, if you frequent sketchy sites, are required to protect your computer for work, or deal with very sensitive data, you might want an additional layer of security. Full antivirus suites are expensive, can slow down your computer performance, collect personal data, and often have vulnerabilities.

X Expert Source Mitch HarrisĬonsumer Technology Expert Expert Interview. As long as you install all your apps through the app store, you’re probably fine without antivirus software. Most people don’t need additional antivirus software for their Mac.
