{"id":8815,"date":"2026-05-29T16:09:54","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T14:09:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/?post_type=manual_kb&#038;p=8815"},"modified":"2026-06-15T14:02:58","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T12:02:58","slug":"selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions","status":"publish","type":"manual_kb","link":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Which antivirus software is worth using?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"translation-block translation-block-merged\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Antivirus software helps protect your devices against malware, phishing attempts, ransomware, and other online threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern security solutions do more than scan files for viruses. Many include features such as real-time protection, phishing detection, password management, VPN services, and identity monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"mybox-1891246282\" class=\"mybox-content mybox-entity-placement\"><div class=\"early-access-banner-inpost\">\r\n  <div class=\"banner-left-inpost\">\r\n    <div class=\"icon-box-inpost\">\r\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/square-info-icon.svg\" alt=\"Info\">\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"text-box-inpost\">\r\n      <span class=\"label-inpost\"><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Early access<\/span><\/span>\r\n      <h4><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Still need help?<\/span><\/h4>\r\n      <p><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Contact our customer service team.<\/span><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"banner-right-inpost\">\r\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/panel.mybox.com\/helpdesk2\/v\/list\/\" class=\"banner-button-inpost\"><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Message us<\/span><\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"translation-block translation-block-merged\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The right antivirus depends on your devices, browsing habits, and the level of protection you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/#What_an_antivirus_program_does\" >What an antivirus program does<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/#What_to_consider_when_choosing_antivirus_software\" >What to consider when choosing antivirus software<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/#Popular_antivirus_solutions\" >Popular antivirus solutions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/#Avast_Free_Antivirus\" >Avast Free Antivirus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/#AVG_AntiVirus_Free\" >AVG AntiVirus Free<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/#Norton_AntiVirus_Plus\" >Norton AntiVirus Plus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/#Bitdefender_Antivirus_Plus\" >Bitdefender Antivirus Plus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/#ESET_NOD32_Antivirus\" >ESET NOD32 Antivirus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/#Kaspersky_Standard\" >Kaspersky Standard<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/#McAfee_Total_Protection\" >McAfee Total Protection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/#Trend_Micro_Internet_Security\" >Trend Micro Internet Security<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/#Are_free_antivirus_programs_enough\" >Are free antivirus programs enough?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/#Antivirus_software_is_only_one_part_of_security\" >Antivirus software is only one part of security<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/selecting-the-right-anti-virus-solutions\/#Summary\" >Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_an_antivirus_program_does\"><\/span>What an antivirus program does<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Antivirus software monitors your device for suspicious activity and known threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most solutions provide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>real-time malware protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ransomware detection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>phishing protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>web browsing security<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>email scanning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>automatic security updates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some products also include additional features such as password managers, parental controls, VPN access, and identity theft monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Antivirus software is an important layer of protection, but it works best when combined with good security practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding common threats can help you recognize suspicious activity before it causes problems. The article What is phishing and how does it work? explains how attackers use deceptive messages to steal sensitive information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_consider_when_choosing_antivirus_software\"><\/span>What to consider when choosing antivirus software<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before selecting a product, consider the following factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>protection against current threats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>impact on system performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>compatibility with your operating system<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ease of use<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>privacy features<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>subscription cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>independent test results<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look for products that perform well in independent evaluations from organizations such as AV-Test and AV-Comparatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Popular_antivirus_solutions\"><\/span>Popular antivirus solutions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avast_Free_Antivirus\"><\/span>Avast Free Antivirus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avast offers free protection against common threats, including viruses, spyware, and malicious websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Features typically include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>real-time protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wi-Fi network scanning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>phishing protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>suspicious file analysis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The free version provides basic protection for personal use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"AVG_AntiVirus_Free\"><\/span>AVG AntiVirus Free<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AVG includes many of the same core protections as Avast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>malware detection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ransomware protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>malicious link detection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>email protection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its interface is designed to be simple and easy to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Norton_AntiVirus_Plus\"><\/span>Norton AntiVirus Plus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Norton provides comprehensive protection with additional security features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>advanced threat detection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ransomware protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>phishing prevention<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>password management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>cloud backup options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Norton is a paid solution with multiple subscription plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bitdefender_Antivirus_Plus\"><\/span>Bitdefender Antivirus Plus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bitdefender is known for strong protection and low system impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Features include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>real-time threat detection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>anti-phishing protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ransomware remediation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>web attack prevention<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its automated protection tools require minimal configuration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ESET_NOD32_Antivirus\"><\/span>ESET NOD32 Antivirus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ESET focuses on efficient performance and advanced threat detection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>malware protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>exploit prevention<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>anti-phishing tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>low resource consumption<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can make it suitable for older devices or users who prefer a lightweight solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kaspersky_Standard\"><\/span>Kaspersky Standard<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kaspersky provides a wide range of security features, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>real-time protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ransomware detection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>secure browsing tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>privacy controls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Availability and feature sets may vary depending on your region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"McAfee_Total_Protection\"><\/span>McAfee Total Protection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">McAfee combines antivirus protection with additional privacy and identity features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>malware protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>password management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>VPN services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>identity monitoring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trend_Micro_Internet_Security\"><\/span>Trend Micro Internet Security<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trend Micro focuses on web security and phishing prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Features include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>malicious website blocking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ransomware protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>email scam detection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>privacy tools<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_free_antivirus_programs_enough\"><\/span>Are free antivirus programs enough?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Free antivirus software can provide effective protection for many users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It may be sufficient if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>keep your operating system updated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>install software only from trusted sources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>use strong passwords<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>enable multi-factor authentication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>avoid opening suspicious links or attachments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paid solutions often include additional features, centralized management tools, and more advanced security options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision depends on your requirements rather than the assumption that paid software is always better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Antivirus_software_is_only_one_part_of_security\"><\/span>Antivirus software is only one part of security<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No antivirus program can protect against every threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good security practices remain essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can improve your protection by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>keeping software updated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>creating regular backups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>using unique passwords<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>enabling multi-factor authentication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reviewing email senders carefully<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>avoiding unexpected attachments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you receive suspicious emails, the article How do I do a basic analysis of the source of an email from the sender&#8217;s point of view? explains how to inspect email headers and verify message authenticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a deeper understanding of advanced phishing techniques, see What is the Kobold Letters method in phishing attacks?.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you operate a website or online store, security should also include protecting your applications and customer data. The article How to make your website GDPR compliant explains the basic requirements for handling personal information responsibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing antivirus software involves balancing protection, performance, features, and cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most modern antivirus products provide effective protection against common threats. The best choice depends on your devices, security requirements, and how you use the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Antivirus software is most effective when combined with good security habits and regular software updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","manualknowledgebasecat":[10,42],"manual_kb_tag":[247,4127,4146,4153,6585,6586,6587,6588,6589,6590],"class_list":["post-8815","manual_kb","type-manual_kb","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","manualknowledgebasecat-safety","manualknowledgebasecat-miscellaneous","manual_kb_tag-phishing-protection","manual_kb_tag-malware-protection","manual_kb_tag-email-scanning","manual_kb_tag-antivirus-software","manual_kb_tag-antivirus-programs","manual_kb_tag-antivirus-protection","manual_kb_tag-ransomware-protection","manual_kb_tag-phishing-detection","manual_kb_tag-realtime-protection","manual_kb_tag-web-browsing-security"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/8815","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/manual_kb"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/8815\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8817,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/8815\/revisions\/8817"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8815"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"manualknowledgebasecat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manualknowledgebasecat?post=8815"},{"taxonomy":"manual_kb_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb_tag?post=8815"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}