Keeping your Mac safe: what is the best antivirus for your device?

Let's debunk a common misconception about Mac invincibility. It's still highly advisable to prioritize the security of your Apple devices, incorporating dedicated software and antivirus tools into your daily computing regimen.

Although macOS is generally less susceptible to cyber threats compared to Windows, it's crucial to understand that it's not entirely immune. Malware targeting macOS, while less widespread, does exist. Therefore, the installation of antivirus softwares plays a key role in ensuring the safe download of applications, documents and files. Moreover, it fortifies the integrity of your web browsing activities and facilitates the utilization of VPN services, for enhanced online anonymity.

It is recommended to adopt these protective measures and actively shield your devices. This not only secures your system but also proactively mitigates potential future disruptions and inconveniences. In a prevalent digital age, it is mandatory to proceed with caution and make the most of the appropriate security tools to safeguard your digital ecosystem.

Free or trial/demo-version antivirus softwares often provides minimal protection beyond what your device already offers, and their effectiveness can be scarce.

However, the market offers multiple alternatives to protect your computer, supplied by various reliable brands. In our endeavour to find the best practice for your investment, we've carefully selected five antivirus solutions, each offering distinct security packages. We have also carried out a comparative analysis to assist you in making an informed choice. Let's explore these options:

KASPERSKY

• Standard: The Standard Security Plan offers solid protection against viruses, malware, and ransomware. It also provides performance optimization tools to maintain the speed and efficiency of your devices. These tools include software cleanup and application updates.
  Key features include real-time antivirus protection, online payment security and performance optimization.
  
  
• Plus: The next level of the Standard plan, the Plus option provides unlimited superfast VPN (Virtual Private Network) access and data loss control.
  
  
• Premium: Taking it up a notch, the Premium plan extends the Plus features with identity protection, expert monitoring, and 24/7 remote IT support. It also includes a complimentary one-year subscription to Kaspersky Safe Kids, which empowers parents with control and restrictions for users.
  Additionally, it provides SecureConnection VPN as part of the package, with unlimited usage for web browsing.
  
  
• Total Security: The Total Security plan encompasses all the benefits of the Kaspersky suite. This includes comprehensive identity protection, daily data scanning to monitor your computer's health and Kaspersky's SecureConnection VPN.
  However, there's a limitation to the amount of data traffic available for web browsing, akin to a VPN trial version. Other features comprehend a Web Password Manager and an extension for your search engine for daily activity and browsing scans, resulting in a customised daily report.
  
  
• Anti-Virus: The Anti-Virus plan is tailored for home or daily work usage. It excels in scanning and filtering out malware, viruses, and corrupted files. The plan offers a trial VPN with basic features and the opportunity to create a "Rescue Disk" for deleting and shutting off malware already installed on your computer.

KASPERSKY COMPARISON:

A brief comparison of the various editions and versions offered by this brand reveals excellent products, suitable depending on specific needs, market pricing, and intended usage.

The "Anti-Virus" package is a solid offering but tends to be priced higher on the market compared to other variants from the same brand, which often offer more comprehensive features for just a slightly higher cost. A notable example is the "Total Security" package that  represents an exceptionally reasonable pricing option (market prices may vary based on the edition, vendor, and availability), despite lacking unlimited integrated VPN, and serves as an ideal choice for a wide range of needs.

For those who require a Virtual Private Network (VPN), they are free to either upgrade their existing plan with the brand's VPN or go for the "Premium" edition, for an increased  price. The "Premium" edition, as underlined before, offers the clear advantage of including the VPN application with no limitations on data traffic, making it an appealing choice for users in need of a comprehensive protection and VPN functionality.

ESET

• NOD32 Antivirus: This package provides essential protection against malware, ransomware and phishing attacks. It focuses on safeguarding your device from malicious software and online threats.
  
  
• Internet Security: Building on the NOD32 Antivirus package, Internet Security offers a comprehensive protection. It includes network and device security, privacy safeguards, and payment protection. Additionally, it encrypts sensitive data, enhancing your online security.
  
  
• Smart Security Premium: The Smart Security Premium takes your protection a step further. It covers all the features of Internet Security and adds defence against emerging threats. Moreover, it includes password management to help you securely store and manage your login credentials.

ESET COMPARISONS:

In recent years, ESET has lost ground in terms of innovation and effectiveness compared to its competitors. However, in 2023, the "Smart Security Premium" version remains the most complete choice for daily protection, including password management, payment security, firewall protection, and privacy. Other ESET packages may not measure up to more cost-effective alternatives currently available.

NORTON 360

• Standard: Provides protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, hacking, and includes a private internet connection with VPN.
  
  
• Deluxe: Integrates the Standard plan by adding Dark Web Monitoring and Parental Control features for enhanced security and family safety.
  
  
• Premium: Different from the Deluxe package, Premium grants protection on more devices and includes built-in Cloud Storage of up to 50GB for personal files and documents.
  
  

NORTON COMPARISON:

Norton has demonstrated remarkable consistency and innovation in recent years, gaining ground on the market and outperforming many competitors in terms of user preference.

Even the Standard version of Norton offers exceptional features that its counterparts struggle to match at a similar price. It also includes a private network connection with a VPN, enhancing users' security.

The Deluxe version goes a step further by introducing monitoring capabilities for actions and interactions on the "Deep Web," a realm without controls or censorship. For those well-versed in navigating this space, having the right tools is absolutely essential.

Our top recommendation, the Premium version, delivers exceptional value. It includes all the built-in features and functions of the other two versions, while also providing a generous 50 gigabytes of Cloud storage as part of the Norton package. While it may not be the leader in terms of design, user-friendliness, or top-tier malware protection, Norton ranks among the best brands available on the market today, especially for straightforward business needs.

MCAFEE

• Antivirus 2023: Provides real-time protection and malware detection.
  
  
• Internet Security 2023: Includes all features of Antivirus 2023, plus Ransomware Protection, Web, email, and firewall protection, Vulnerability Scanner, Safe Web Browsing, and Identity Theft Protection.
  
  
• Total Protection 2023: Builds upon Internet Security 2023 with additional features such as File encryption, Password Manager and premium support.
  
  

 MCAFEE COMPARISON:

McAfee stands out as one of the most recognized and favoured brands in the current market. Its user-friendly interface makes it a common addition in trial versions or purchase bundles for many PCs, often pre-installed on Windows devices when purchased.

While it may not be the top choice for experienced users with specific requirements, it certainly fulfils its core purpose effectively. Notably, the price differences between different versions are relatively paltry, making the Total Protection version a highly recommended choice.

To most users, particularly those seeking comprehensive protection without the need for specialised features, McAfee's Total Protection version proves to be a wise and cost-effective option.

BITDEFENDER

• Total Security: Extends the features of Internet Security with the addition of a Device Optimizer for improved system performance

BITDEFENDER COMPARISON:

For macOS the Total Security version is the only one available; while for Windows there are also:

• Antivirus Plus:Provides protection against malware, spyware, adware and multilevel ransomware.
  
  
• Internet Security:Enhance Antivirus Plus by adding Parental Control and a Privacy Firewall for enhanced security. Either way, it remains the best product for business use and for more experienced users. It's a versatile and powerful security solution that excels in its niche. Bitdefender's integration with search engines enhances security by scanning web data, even for Tor and deep web browsing, making it invaluable for censorship circumvention. Moreover, its seamless integration of VPN into the search engine ensures user convenience. While Bitdefender comes at a premium price, its unmatched advantages and extra features make it the top choice  in its market segment for security-conscious users and businesses.
  
  

CONCLUSIONS

Bitdefender is the go-to choice for business and experienced users. It offers a versatile and powerful security solution that stands out in its market segment. Bitdefender's integration with search engines enhances security by scanning web data, even for deep web and Tor browsing, making it ideal for censorship-sensitive environments. Additionally, its built-in VPN simplifies user experience. While Bitdefender comes at a higher price, its numerous advantages and extras make it a standout option for security-conscious users and businesses.

Indeed, it's essential to be aware that mobile device-compatible editions may not offer the same array of features as their laptop or desktop counterparts. Users should make their choice based on the insights provided in the article, deeming their specific needs and device preferences.

Rest assured, all these products have their unique strengths and qualities, granting the users a variety of good choices.