Antivirus software shields computers from malicious software (malware), including viruses that steal data, worms that inflict damage on the system instantly and trojans, which serve as payload platforms. Antivirus programs guard against phishing which is the use of fake email addresses to steal passwords and accounts information.

The engines for detecting viruses are the heart of all antivirus software, but some programs add additional features to help keep you protected. These extras may include a password manager, performance optimization tools and cloud storage, among other things. Many of the best anti-virus programs support multiple devices, and are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.

Norton 360 Antivirus Plus, one of our top antivirus programs, is a good choice if you need to secure multiple devices. It’s an effective software that defends against all types of threats that include ransomware, spyware and file-infectors. It always scores top marks in lab tests by AV-Comparatives best antivirus reviews and AVTest This makes it an excellent choice for safeguarding your Windows PC against malware.

Bitdefender Internet Security is another great option. It is a formidable malware detection capabilities and comes with a wide array of bonus features. This includes a password management system along with alerts for sites that are dangerous and a VPN. The program is offered in different levels, including a free version for one device as well as two others that provide more basic protections, and a price tag around the same as Norton’s top-rated offering.