Did you know, nearly 1.16 million cases of cyberattacks were reported in 2020! There was an almost 300% rise in cyberattacks in India in 2020. This speaks volumes about cybersecurity awareness while working online using your laptops, computers, and smartphones. First, you need to understand that users collectively share much of their personally identifiable information (PII) on the internet. Therefore, it is critical to establish and maintain computer security.
A range of antivirus software is available in the market for you to buy. But, it would help if you research before buying antivirus online as each software has its own set of pros and cons.
Choosing the appropriate software is critical to your systems’ performance and data security. So, before you buy antivirus, check out these 8 aspects to make the right choice.
1. Compatibility and speed
Gone are the days when people feared antivirus bogging down computer speeds. Firstly, the new generation of computers is robust enough to run smoothly even with antivirus on. But what if you aren’t using one such system? Also, chances are you are a high-end user with a lower to the mid-segment system. In such cases, you need to evaluate if the antivirus software you purchase uses too much of your system resources and, as a result, whether you should change to a less intrusive solution.
You can rely on reviews that help identify system-intensive choices, while on the other hand, they tell you all you need to know about the less system-intensive alternatives.
You will also want to ensure that your antivirus works on operating systems you may need to support. Mac-specific antivirus software isn’t completely compatible with Macs, and it has led to a rising number of Mac-targeted viruses. So, you better begin your next antivirus hunt by keeping speed and compatibility in mind.
2. Cost of product
It is true that there is a lot of free antivirus software available, but did you check its reliability?
The job of standard antivirus software is to protect computers against hackers gaining access to sensitive information. Due to the amount of work they perform on your device, they must often be bought and refreshed every year to stay functioning.
Along with malware protection, you will need a firewall, an anti-spam filter, and other capabilities, which we will discuss later in the article. But the cost of such software varies depending on the features it provides and the duration of protection.
You may get antivirus software online or at retail computer shops. A basic virus protection program will usually cost between INR 400 and INR 5,000 depending on the features, users, and subscription duration.
3. Accuracy and Efficiency in Threat Identification
Before buying antivirus online, check its efficiency in catching viruses with active monitoring. This is the key reason why you buy antivirus software.
You can count on your software for cyberthreat prevention if it:
- Constantly searches for issues within the system and your network
- Provides you with an in-depth analysis of attacks and actions to take
4. Reliability of Threat Detection Rates
When antivirus software analyses your system’s data, it must properly determine which files are dangerous and which are not. Antivirus vendors create known-threat databases to filter out malicious files.
And since cyberthreats are continuously evolving, antivirus software should be able to safeguard your system and data against all malicious programs, spyware, or adware.
Check the detection rates before you buy antivirus online, as it aids in evaluating your antivirus’s performance by determining how frequently it correctly classifies clean files and possible threats.
4. Privacy Policy
Information security is of perennial importance amidst the rising cases of cyberattacks. Verify that the software vendor has not been involved in any prior disrepute by running a thorough history check.
Additionally, opt to access and read the product’s privacy policy and see exactly how much information the software can access and what information it can use.
5. Support
This is a highly overlooked part when it comes to buying antivirus software. While most people think it is all about self care, remember that any issue in the software is the vendor’s liability. If you need an upgrade, or if your software does not update on its own, you will need their assistance.
Visit the official site of the various antivirus vendors before you zero down on a single product. Check their customer forums and see how they respond to user queries on social media platforms. You may also assess their response by live chat or calling their customer care number.
6. Range of features
Your antivirus software must have the best features to let you run your device confidently as you keep it connected to the internet. This means it should have web and email protection. It is not possible to vouch for the reliability of every website you visit, and that is where you need your antivirus software to step up.
When you buy antivirus software online, you will need to identify whether it can run uninterruptedly without sacrificing security. It is usually preferable to utilise Internet Security suites for heavy internet users.
Other features that we cannot ignore include theft prevention, data privacy, social networking safeguards, parental control, and anti-spam. Given that we are paying for the program, we have a right to expect the greatest performance possible.
7. Free Trial and Payment Terms
Consider purchasing antivirus software online that provides a free trial period so you can get a feel for how it operates and whether it is a good fit for you. Occasionally, the functions are not completely available during the free trial period, which is not ideal. Choose one that provides a complete view of what is offered — this transparency frequently indicates that the premium version is worth the money.
Moreover, it is critical to examine the payment conditions offered when buying antivirus software online. Certain programs are available for a one-time purchase, while others need monthly or annual subscriptions. You must decide which terms suit your requirements.
Bottom Line
If you’re someone who finds technology daunting, you’ll probably feel more at ease with easier-to-use software. And when it comes to user-friendly and efficient antivirus with robust protection, K7 is a trusted name in the market.
It is recommended for home and office users who prefer intuitive dashboard settings and quick tools to run virus tests for securing their systems. The subscriptions are usually one year in duration. For those who want to have a hassle-free experience of using K7, check out the Ultimate Security Infinity Edition that offers lifetime validity at INR 3,999/-.
