Today, the internet is the origin of most malware programs and cyber-attacks. But that doesn’t have to scare you from accessing the internet because all you need is reliable internet security software.
Fortunately, your Windows computer usually comes with an excellent inbuilt Windows Defender.
However, it doesn’t provide the required online protection; besides, Microsoft rarely gats it updated. Here, if you are one of many people who keep thinking whether Windows Defender is good enough in 2024, Privacy Savvy, an excellent VPN and digital security resource, has got an in-depth answer for you that’s worth reading.
There’re three possible routes any Windows user can take regarding system security. The first one is to use the inbuilt Windows security option. The second is to install third-party security software and the last one, being a big no in this age, is to ignore security altogether. But whichever the route you opt to take is significant.
The primary function of internet security is offering rules as well as regulations against all the cyber-attacks that result from the internet.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get your Windows computer in good shape for protection. You can consider several free internet security software in the market, but what do you look for in free security software?
For instance, a program may detect malware in your PC for free but may require a payment to remove it. Therefore, our best-rated free internet security software will offer the following;
- Strong protection – they’ll all offer a safe level of security.
- Excellent test results – unlike most antivirus that can’t be trusted, our list consists of what you can entirely rely upon.
- There’re no surprises with every antivirus doing what it promises.
- All are genuinely free.
Here are the top 5 rated free internet security software that you can consider;
1. Panda Free Antivirus
Panda free antivirus is arguably the best overall free Windows antivirus. It’s secure, lightweight, and very easy-to-use. Once you choose panda, you get everything laid out attractively on the dashboard in an intuitive way.
It’s the best option for beginners because there are no advanced settings to worry about. The program only requires that you feed it bamboo to ensure it’s up and running.
Moreover, the recent updates introduced a multimedia mode that stops it from interfering with your system resourcing at the critical points.
Panda offers a 100% virus detection rate with an included firewall that’s pretty powerful in blocking intrusions than any free antivirus.
Furthermore, the fact that panda free antivirus boasts an in-built VPN (Virtual Private Network) makes it one of the best. A VPN is very significant in protecting your data not to be exposed when connected to a public network.
Feature `s
- Offers the best anti-spyware, antimalware as well as external device protection
- It uses a cloud database hence offers up-to-date malware definitions
- Excellent internet protection via URL filtering and analysis
- Features a free VPN with a data limit of about 150MB per day
- Advertisement popups that ask to upgrade once in a while
2. Bitdefender Antivirus Free
Bitdefender free antivirus has ranked highly as one of the best edition with award-winning protection for Windows computers over a long period now.
You’ll say goodbye to viruses, ransomware, malware, phishing, and several other scam sites with free Bitdefender. Its robust feature is that it offers real-time antivirus protection and takes instant action in protecting your system.
If you’re looking for a free antivirus scanner that you don’t have to think about after installing it, then Bitdefender is the option. It’s designed to run in the background, with important notifications only when there’s a suspicious program activity.
Despite the little customization options, Bitdefender’s free antivirus is an excellent free internet security software.
What It Offers;
- 100% malware detection running in the background
- Monitors browsing and keep the computer safe
- Works excellent with various resource-intensive programs like media editors and games
3. Avira Free Antivirus
With Avira free antivirus, you’ll get exactly what you’d expect and even more from a quality internet security software. It’s one of the best options available, and it outperforms most kings of security, such as Kaspersky and notion in the controlled comparisons of the real-world effectiveness.
It runs on cloud-based technology, meaning it’s capable of detecting malware and virus faster. Moreover, it requires few system resources, which makes it excellent for the low-performance PCs.
If you have older Windows PCs, you don’t have to worry as Avira runs efficiently, and it won’t impact your PC’s performance.
Furthermore, Avira has a free plan with excellent extra internet security features that will include your security online.
Unfortunately, its only downside is popup numbers, which at times could be disturbing. But that should not be a problem so long as your security is assured.
4. Kaspersky Security Cloud Free
It’s yet another edition from Kaspersky Lab, and its arguably the best and most effective antivirus option you can think about. It merely brings the core antivirus experience to your PC without the premium product’s whistles and bells.
It’s a top-notch free antivirus option with the best-added features. It includes the cloud-based malware/adware scanning of Kaspersky that offers 100% internet protection. Moreover, the security cloud scan provides a thorough privacy protection thanks to a VPN inclusion, password manager as well as dark web/deep web scanning.
Your computer won’t be sluggish, although it offers only 200MB daily limit space. Moreover, the suite is elementary to navigate. Also, it provides a bootable antivirus disk that can be used to clean even the stubborn malware.
Kaspersky cloud-free also includes instant messaging, email, and another excellent local program scanning as well as protection.
5. Sophos Home Free
Are you looking for a free security program that will offer excellent malware protection as well as protection of your households? Sophos home free is the option to look at for you.
Sophos’s free plan features excellent parental controls. Its web filtering tool also enables one to block toddlers from accessing malicious sites.
Moreover, it features real-time malware protection as well as an internet security browser that blocks phishing websites. Interestingly, you can install it on up to three devices. Moreover, once you install it, you’ll get a 30-day free trial period of the premium version.
The Key Features In a Flash;
- An easy to use interface
- Malicious webpage and integrated phishing blocking
- Unlimited protection for iOS and Android devices
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the internet presents numerous security risks, but equipping your Windows computer with effective internet security software is a powerful defense. The top five free options – Panda Free Antivirus, Bitdefender Antivirus Free, Avira Free Antivirus, Kaspersky Security Cloud Free, and Sophos Home Free – offer robust protection against a variety of cyber threats. These programs provide features like malware detection, cloud-based technology, and additional benefits like VPNs and parental controls. While no solution may be entirely foolproof, especially against advanced threats, these free security software options are excellent choices for enhancing your computer’s defense in 2024, ensuring a safer online experience.
