If you use a computer on a regular basis, you’ve almost certainly been a victim of viruses or malware at some point. This problem is almost universal in today’s digital environment. Depending on the nature of the virus, you may have experienced everything from slower speeds to a complete breakdown.

Many people continue to suffer damage from viruses because they simply don’t understand the myriad of solutions currently available. Others procrastinate because they assume it’s difficult or expensive to obtain protection. In reality, however, a variety of options are available for securing your device – and some are completely free of charge.

Still skeptical? Keep reading to learn why antivirus protection is so important. We’ll also explain the differences between free and paid solutions and how you can tell which option is best for you.

Benefits of Antivirus Protection

Given the sheer scope of today’s digital threats, simple solutions, such as antivirus protection, are more important than ever. As its name implies, this option’s main function involves shielding systems against viruses, which can quickly wreak havoc if left unchecked.

Antivirus programs are capable of detecting when viruses are present and how to remove them. Typically, this occurs before viruses can cause any damage to vulnerable devices or networks. The proactive nature of these programs frees users from the stress of seeking solutions after they’ve been attacked. These programs provide the ultimate digital example of the cliché, “an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure.”

Free Antivirus vs. Paid: Which Is Better for Your Situation?

Any antivirus protection is better than none at all, but some situations call for the additional features that only a paid solution can provide. Keep in mind that paid options can look dramatically different from one provider to the next – and they don’t automatically offer better protection than their free counterparts. Rather, most are packed with bonus security features that can deliver greater convenience for busy users.

Top features often provided by paid antivirus software include:

Parental Controls – Standard with most paid software, these controls allow parents to manage access for certain applications or otherwise dictate how children can interact with technology. This option can provide valuable peace of mind for parents worried that their kids will inadvertently access problematic websites or applications.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) – While antivirus on its own can provide an impressive degree of protection, the inclusion of a VPN can prove just as valuable. This offering harnesses the power of an encrypted tunnel to shield web traffic. This limits the potential for hackers accessing sensitive information.
24/7 Scanning – While all antivirus programs offer regular scans, paid versions up the ante with 24/7 solutions designed to provide full protection at all times. The continuous nature of these scans appeals to those in need of elite protection, as well as the swiftest response possible if malicious activity is detected. Scheduled scans, although valuable, can be even more effective when complemented by continuous scanning that occurs in the background.

Free plans, although not as comprehensive in nature as their paid counterparts, offer several benefits worth considering. They provide a base level of coverage that may prove valuable for casual users or those who might otherwise neglect to invest in antivirus protection.

All antivirus programs – free or paid – conduct regular virus and malware scans. This increases general awareness of your device’s security status while also making it possible to react quickly if malicious activity occurs. In addition to conducting scans, both free and paid solutions can monitor web and email activity, with many even blocking unwanted software or malicious websites.

Some features in paid plans simply aren’t necessary for all users, who can still enjoy exceptional protection from free antivirus. If there’s a downside, it’s that some free programs slow down devices. With many plans, however, this slight lag time is not noticeable when browsing the internet. Other users may miss the convenience of parental controls and VPNs bundled within a single plan.

Paid programs are especially beneficial for people who have previously suffered significant attacks. The advanced features of these programs deliver an elite level of support to ensure full peace of mind. This is essential for anyone prone to worrying about digital security.

Whether you opt for a free or paid antivirus solution, it’s important to look closely at several options to get a sense of which features are included. After examining your options, you may realize that you can get by with a free plan – or that you could benefit from the unique features offered by a specific paid solution. Either way, your decision to obtain antivirus protection will dramatically improve your digital security.

NerdsToGo: Your Guide to Comprehensive Cybersecurity

If you’ve yet to invest in antivirus protection, you could be susceptible to devastating attacks. The sooner you seek a solution, the better. The team at NerdsToGo can help you determine which antivirus option best fits your situation. In addition to antivirus, we offer a variety of business IT services. Feel free to get in touch to learn more about our residential and commercial options in Milwaukie!