We have long crossed the age and time when there was a debate as to whether we really need antivirus software for our devices. People have incurred considerable losses to malicious attacks in the form of loss of data, privacy, and even money. Using different devices and installing safe and secure operating systems has not been able to prevent malware or virus from attacking your device. It is important to have an antivirus program installed to avoid facing a situation that you end up regretting.

A good antivirus software should do the following:

• Provide antivirus security and protection against cyber threats
• Block pages that could be involved in scams or phishing
• Block ads and unverified web pages
• Have effective firewalls and parental control features for children, if needed
• Monitor internet usage and create reports for future analysis
• Clean the system of unwanted files periodically and optimize its performance
• Scan any external device for a virus as soon as it is plugged in
• Warn and prevent potential data leakage or theft
• Recover data in case of any accidental theft or leakage or in case files are accidentally deleted
• Locate the device in case of theft
• Provide security for email and web activity and transactions
• Store passwords and offer online backup

There are some points that need serious consideration before deciding on an anti-virus program:

• Scope : Pick software that has the scope of recognizing and preventing attacks from at least 95% of malware. The software should be able to identify genuine malware, rather than identifying genuine files tagged as malware. There are many tests run by independent agencies that identify anti-virus software that recognizes maximum malware; look at their reports and select one with the largest scope.
• Free versus paid : Free anti-virus software has flooded the market and has ended up confusing people rather than giving clarity to decision making.
  If you need only basic protection, free software might be good, but it might not offer all of these features. If you are looking for advanced features to safeguard your device, you should definitely opt for a paid service. Among those, you can compare the software online and choose one that fits your requirements and budget. Many products offer a free demo, which is helpful in making a decision.

• Efficiency : It is a well-known fact that antivirus software can slow down the device, so should verify the details about the speed.
• User-friendly : Not everyone is tech savvy, and user manuals and instructions could sometimes be just too much to understand. If you are not tech savvy, you could opt for programs that guide you with simpler and easier instructions about the installation and removing malware if found.
• Combinations : Take time to do your research as some software offer a combination of features. Expensive combinations might have features that are rarely used, and you can choose cheaper software in such cases.
• Multiuser, multi-device : These combinations are cost-effective, and you can provide security for multiple devices in your household with one license.

It is important to remember that anti-malware programs clean up after a virus attack, while antivirus software prevent such an attack.