Do I really need any kind of AV at all?

Yes, you really do, even if you think that you don't visit unusual websites or put yourself at particular risk online. The statistics around malware and loss related to computer security in Australia are truly staggering, with more than a million dollars lost just to ransomware in 2021 alone according to Scamwatch . While operating system makers such as Microsoft and Apple do bake in a degree of security into their platforms, it's an ever-evolving threat landscape, and AV software is the equivalent of your armour against it.

Is it important to keep my subscription active?

Yes, it is. It's not enough to buy an AV package and let its updates lag because you're effectively trapping yourself at a moment in time. As new malware threats emerge, you won't be protected against them unless your AV software is up-to-date.

Will AV software slow down my computer?

As with any other software package, AV software does require a certain quantity of resources on your computer to both install and run. Because good AV software is effectively always checking in order to keep you safe, it will use up some of your computer's memory, potentially affecting performance. For the packages we've selected above, we've kept this in mind, noting where software was noted to particularly affect computer performance and marking down accordingly.

Do I have to opt for paid AV software?

Not entirely, but you do need to be careful to get a reputable package when selecting a "free" AV option. There's a lot of malware out there that masquerades as security software, so carefully check and compare, and make sure that the package you're getting is what it claims to be. If you've never heard of the brand before, it may well be that it's a scam application designed to create the very problems you're trying to solve.

Do you need antivirus software if you have a firewall?

Antivirus software is installed on your computer to protect it from malware and viruses. It helps contain the infection to avoid compromising your data. A firewall acts as a barrier between your computer and external networks. To ensure your computer is well-protected, you need both antivirus software and a robust firewall, especially in a day and age when cybercriminals are getting more and more sophisticated.

Can antivirus software protect your device from hackers?

Your antivirus software can protect your device and your data from hackers. It works by neutralising attacks, preventing them from stealing data and infecting your computer with malicious malware or a virus.

Alex Kidman

Contributor

A multi-award winning journalist, Alex has written about consumer technology for over 20 years. He has written and edited for virtually every Australian tech publication including Gizmodo, CNET, PC Magazine, Kotaku and more. He has also been the Editor of Gizmodo Australia, PC Mag Australia, CNET.com.au and the Tech and Telco section at Finder. Alex has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New England and a serious passion for retro gaming.

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