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Last Updated: Mar 29, 2024

Top 10 Internet Security Software of 2024
Protect your personal data

Installing antivirus on your computer means protecting your data. Get the best antivirus software & stay protected online.

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We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.

What Is Internet Security Software?

Internet security software is an active type of protection, which permanently runs in the background of your system. The software scans all incoming data to your computer or mobile device, whether that’s an e-mail coming from a work colleague or an image you’re downloading. Viruses can come from nowhere and the best internet security software makes sure that there’s always a barrier to entry. Scanning, quarantining and removing any potential threats – internet security is just the online version of traditional antivirus software.

Why Is Internet Security Important?

Threats to your computer can come in all shapes and sizes and can come from all different angles. By far the most common way that viruses make their way onto your devices is through connection to the internet. Being online is fantastic, but you need to make sure that you can enjoy it safely and securely. An internet security package combines a collection of protective software to afford you the safeguards that you need. From chat rooms and instant messaging to music downloads and movie streaming – an internet security software is an essential tool in your arsenal to keeping yourself and your family safe online.

What Are The Main Online Threats?

Aside from computer viruses, which most of us are familiar with, there are a lot of online-specific threats that an internet security software protects us against. One of them is spyware, which roots itself into your computer and records data about your preferences and habits. This is then sent to an individual or company and often leads to another threat – adware. Adware is a less malicious but more irritating feature, which continually bombards you with often-unavoidable advertisements and pop-ups.

Keyloggers are one of the more formidable threats. These lie dormant in your system and record everything you type on your keyboard. Including your personal details, private messages, bank account numbers and more.

Do I Need Internet Security Software?

A lot of people believe that computer viruses only come from their kids downloading illegal music or movies – but that’s not true. You only have to open an internet browser to find yourself at risk, hackers and criminals are getting more inventive by the day. Answering your e-mails and checking the news can be all you need to do to find yourself under attack. If you use the internet in any way, shape or form – you need to protect yourself.

What Can Internet Security Software Do?

Internet security software has come a long way in a short time. Along with providing all of the standard protection that you’d expect from traditional antivirus software – it has a few important differences. You’re going to be protected against a wider range of malware, including spyware and adware, along with being able to detect threats in real-time. Your e-mails are going to be scanned and checked before you open them and you’re also going to get a little more protection from that annoying spam.

The top internet security packages come with a firewall that can be customized to block certain incoming and outgoing traffic – much like the parental controls that are often available. You can block entire websites from being accessed and you can protect your children whilst they use social media and instant messaging. Internet security software is advancing as fast as the hackers are writing viruses – so as long as you keep up-to-date; you’re going to be safe online.

For help choosing a package that’s right for you, check out our expert internet security reviews.

Our Top 3 Picks

    1
    Aura
    exceptional
    9.8
    All-in-one antivirusShop Now
    • Features - Full featured protection
    • Support - 24/7/365 expert support
    • Guarantee - 60-day money-back guarantee (with annual plans)
    All-in-one antivirus
    Shop Now

    Aura’s all-in-one plans offer antivirus and VPN protection for up to 10 devices. It also protects your Wi-Fi network along with 24/7 excerpt support for as little as $3 per month. Additionally, Aura offers $1 million identity theft insurance, online account monitoring, and social security number monitoring. Aura offers all its antivirus and VPN features in one easy app for Windows and MacOS (with VPN also available for Android and iOS).

    Read Aura Review

    PROS

    Choice of antivirus + VPN or full protection
    White glove fraud resolution (premium plans)
    All antivirus and VPN features in one app

    CONS

    Mobile app doesn’t include antivirus features (yet)
    Multiple pricing plans are a little confusing
    aura logo
    Aura
    Shop Now
    2
    McAfee
    very good
    8.7
    Full protection that works on all operating systemsShop Now
    • Features - Full featured protection
    • Support - 24/7 technical support
    • Guarantee - 30-day money-back guarantee
    Full protection that works on all operating systems

    McAfee is one of the biggest and most trusted names in antivirus software. McAfee provides secure total protection for your computer and devices. No matter which package you choose you will have access to free 24/7 support, parental controls and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

    When you spend a little more for the internet security and total protection packages, you get anti-malware, anti-theft and file protection for any Mac, Windows or Android device. You can also opt for parental controls, anti-spam to block dangerous emails and the True Key app to store your passwords and usernames.

    Read McAfee Review

    PROS

    Easy to use, install and manage
    Above average detection rates and protection
    100% guaranteed virus removal

    CONS

    Above average price to its counterparts
    Uses more system resources than other antivirus packages
    mcafee logo
    McAfee
    3
    Norton
    very good
    8.8
    Complete protection for up to 10 devicesShop Now
    • Features - Premium safety features
    • Support - Free 24/7 customer support
    • Guarantee - 60-day money-back guarantee
    Complete protection for up to 10 devices

    Norton gives you easy-to-use protection with in-depth parental controls. Depending on the package, Norton Security includes full antivirus protection, firewall protection, identity and financial protection, parental controls, email and spam blocking, password manager, PC optimization tools and 25 GB online backup storage for up to 10 computers or devices.

    When it comes to virus protection, while the Norton Security's detection rates may leave something to be desired, the solid parental controls and ease of use make it a great choice for users looking for average virus detection coupled with top of the line parental controls for their family.

    Read Norton Review

    PROS

    Easy to install and use
    Protect up to 5 devices
    Includes ID theft, VPN, and more

    CONS

    Average detection rates and protection
    Overall, average performance
    norton logo
    Norton
Editorial ReviewsRead all reviews
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Highlights, pros & cons
Aura
Aura
Aura
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McAfee
McAfee
McAfee
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Norton
Norton
Norton
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