The Best Internet Security Software Review & Buyers Guide
Internet security has become more important than ever. Since its early days, the Internet has been a risky channel where cybercriminals can steal your personal information through fraud and phishing.
What Is Internet Security Software?
Internet security software usage allows you to set up rules on your computer or network to counter online threats. These threats come in various forms including traditional malware like viruses, spyware, Trojans, worms, zero day (also known as 0-day) and relatively new ones like cryptolockers and ransomware.
As the use of one kind of security solution like antivirus software might not be enough, Internet security software suites address the concern with their wide array of integrated tools.
Comparison Of The 5 Best-selling Internet Security Software
Here’s a quick look at our list of top Internet security suites that can fit into your budget and requirements.
| Product | Software Firewall | Antivirus / Antimalware | Intrusion Detection / Prevention System | Sandbox | Zero Trust | |
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Comodo Internet Security
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Kaspersky Internet Security
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McAfee Internet Security
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AVG Internet Security
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BitDefender Internet Security 2020
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1. Comodo Internet Security
Comodo Internet Security suite consists of different layers of security tools to make your web browser, network, and devices protected from cybercriminals, starting from the OS level and up.
Apart from having a sophisticated antimalware and software firewall. Capped with a reasonable price tag of less than $20, you also get a sandbox environment and Comodo’s proprietary valkyrie system with this suite.
Key Features
- Valkyrie System
Comodo Internet Security’s Valkyrie technology shields you from unknown malware by conducting real-time checks. The Valkyrie system’s scanning techniques include trusted certificate validation and signature-based detection.
- Optional Firewall Activation
Comodo Internet Security allows you to turn off the integrated firewall. Nonetheless, you can use the Internet security suite’s other features like its antivirus without having to change anything in your current settings.
- Defense+ or Host-based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS)
Comodo’s Defense+ host-based intrusion prevention system monitors and regulates executable files. HIPS tips you about unknown and unsafe programs.
- Auto Sandbox Technology
Comodo Internet Security’s sandbox is a testing environment for applications. A virtual box, here you can surf the web without pondering on malicious programs that can make changes within the system.
- Zero Day Protection
2. Kaspersky Internet Security 2020
Kaspersky Internet Security consists of antimalware, file encryption, parental control, software firewall, and privacy protection features. Positioned at the forefront of your shield against Internet threats, it comes with encryption, secure VPN, webcam protection, and anti-tracking. These features work together to hide you from cybercriminals. Kaspersky’s antimalware monitors different forms of malware, including cryptolockers and ransomware.
Key Features
- Secure VPN
With this feature, Kaspersky Internet Security obscures your identity when you go to the Internet and visit websites that use tracking services that will try to access your personal information and learn your Internet behavior.
- Anti-Tracking
Kaspersky Internet Security shields your device against tracking services that collect data. These services come from the websites that you visit. Kaspersky also features a private browser for added security.
- Webcam Protection
Kaspersky Internet Security’s webcam protection feature stops websites that are trying to do unauthorized access on your device’s camera. With this feature, you no longer have to worry about invasion of privacy.
- Bank-grade Encryption
Kaspersky makes sure that your financial transactions on the web secure, whether you’re banking or shopping online. The software’s bank-grade encryption protects you from bank frauds, phishing activities, and other threats.
- Zero Day Protection
3. McAfee Internet Security
McAfee Internet Security utilizes cloud-based analysis to keep your devices shielded against threats without slowing down its performance. This Internet security suite provides you with clear notifications when you’re visiting unsafe websites.
In addition, McAfee offers free customer support to help you with any issues regarding the product.
Key Features
- Cross-Platform, Multi-Device
McAfee Internet Security allows you to manage all your devices even if they are using different operating systems in one network through a user-friendly webpage.
- Password Manager
Leave behind the hassle of having to recall all your passwords or save them in files that are open to unauthorized access. McAfee comes with a password manager that keeps your passwords safe.
- Secure Online Transactions
With McAfee Internet Security installed on your devices, you can banking and shop online minus worrying. McAfee warns you about dangerous websites to keep cybercriminals at bay.
- Performance Optimization
Another useful feature of McAfee Internet Security, this software suite reduces your device’s bandwidth usage and enhances its performance while running in the background in silence.
4. AVG Internet Security
AVG Internet Security protects your devices from various forms of cyber threats. Besides having antimalware, it also comes with a software firewall that protects you from email threats and phishing sites. It may come with at a high price for an Internet security suite compared to other offerings, being able to use it in several devices makes it a good deal to steal.
AVG works well with devices running on Android, Windows, and Mac.
Key Features
- Enhanced Firewall
AVG Internet Security comes with a built-in software firewall that monitors your device’s incoming and outgoing traffic. The software firewall performs whether you are hooked up to a wired or a wireless network, protecting you from cybercriminals.
- Webcam Protection
AVG Internet Security’s webcam protection tool keeps your device away from the prying eyes of cybercriminals. The security software suite blocks or disables any malicious program that clings with your downloads for protection.
- Multiple Devices
With a price less than $100, you can install AVG Internet Security on up to ten devices with a one-year subscription. If you’re just looking for an Internet security solution for your PC alone, you can choose to avail of a one-device plan.
- Fake Website Detection
Because many financial transactions happen online these days, more people become victims of phishing threats. Fake websites fool people to input their personal data. AVG blocks these websites to make sure your transactions are secure.
- Tech & Community Support
AVG Internet Security’s premium version comes with a call and chat support available 24/7. There’s also a community of AVG users who can assist you regarding common questions on the website.
- Zero Day Protection
5. Bitdefender Internet Security 2020
Bitdefender Internet Security 2020 provides unbeatable protection to keep your devices safe from existing and emerging threats. This Internet security software adapts to your system’s hardware so that it can provide maximum performance without impact on your system’s speed.
Most importantly, it takes care of your privacy and personal information with the latest file encryption, password manager, and social network protection features.
Key Features
- Private Information Protection
BitDefender also provides web protection blocking dangerous websites and online threats. You can stay protected against cybercriminals that are attempting to steal your information as you browse the Internet.
- Anti-spyware & Anti-malware
BitDefender Internet Security 2020 comes with a sophisticated anti-malware engine that thoroughly scans malicious applications. With this versatile security suite, your devices remain safe from the cyber threats of spyware and other forms of malware.
- Parental Control
You can also set rules on specific websites or web content if you have children at home. This software has the capability to filter content, limit screen time, and track location.
- File Shredding & Encryption
Most of the spyware detection you can see today defends your computer but doesn’t have any protection feature for your files. BitDefender focuses on this area through tough encryption and file shredding technique.
What Is Internet Security?
Internet security, in spite of the term, covers not only the Internet but also computer security and network security. Internet security software usage aims to set up rules and ways to counter attacks happening over the Internet.
Since its advent, the Internet has been a crucial channel where fraud and phishing can happen. Cybercriminals can also send malware like Trojans, worms, and viruses through the Internet. Eventually, more aggressive forms of malware like ransomware surfaced online.
Why Do You Need Internet Security Software?
Free Internet security solutions have been popular among consumers and businesses. The increase in cases of cyber attacks and their impact have compelled people to search for the best Internet security software solutions online.
With the full rollout of 5G happening next year and rising adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of things (IoT), more people are anticipated to adopt Internet security solutions on their computers and phones.
Types Of Internet Security Solutions
Considering the wide array of malware and other types of online threats out there, Internet security software solutions today come in a variety of categories. That said, choosing and buying among Internet security solutions for your home or business use can become a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with these products. To further help you, we have broken them down into these categories.
According To Purpose
Internet security solutions under this category vary in terms of purpose but might also share similar features and functions with other products. As software manufacturers realize the interspersing attributes of these software solutions, this scenario paved the way and gave birth to Internet security suites.
Antivirus
Internet security solutions come in various types, but most of them fall under the antivirus or antimalware category. These software applications are Internet security programs that protect devices like PCs and phones from malware attacks. These security software solutions do this by detecting and destroying malware like viruses, spyware, Trojans, and worms.
Read More Here: The Best Antivirus Software Review & Buyers Guide in 2020
Anti-Spyware
An anti-spyware software is an Internet security solution designed to detect and destroy spyware. Spyware is a malware type that allows cybercriminals to rob personal information of unsuspecting users. Cybercriminals can do this by looking at computer activity, changing the machine’s configuration, attaching spyware to software downloads, or links clicked on by users. Spyware can also be integrated features and plugins that you install on your browser.
Read More Here: The Best Anti-Spyware Software Review & Buyers Guide in 2020
Anti-Trojan
An anti-Trojan software eliminates Trojan horses on computers and other devices. Trojans pretend to be useful programs while causing harm to your system and stealing data. Trojan horses spread when you open an infected email or download a file or application. Trojan malware slows down your computer. It can also download other malware like spyware on the device it’s already infected.
One way to check if there’s Trojan in your device is by using a Trojan scanner with your malware removal tool. When removing Trojan, always make sure that you also remove the programs that you downloaded when you got the virus.
Read More Here: The Best Anti-Trojan Software Review & Buyers Guide in 2020
Password Managers
Password managers are software applications that assist users to organize and store passwords. Passwords are stored in an encrypted manner, enabling the user to create a master password. Such a password must be very strong so that the user can have access to the entire password database.
Read More Here: The Best Privacy Protection Software Review & Buyers Guide in 2020
Internet Security Suites
Security suites refer to a collection of different security-related programs like antivirus, antispyware, and a software firewall. They also provide users with features like antispam, file shredder, portable storage device scanner, private browsing, and theft protection.
According To Platform
Malware and other types of cyber threats have key target platforms or operating systems and these depend on the number of potential victims that they can penetrate. That said, we can assume that cybercriminals look at platforms and OSes that are popular or have the most number of users.
Windows
Microsoft’s Windows operating system has long been a popular target among cybercriminals not only because of the number of people running on the platform but also because most crucial industries operate on Windows. Windows remains one of the most popular OSes with 35.29% market share.
Mac
Apple’s macOS has only 8.07% share in the market but the platform has been increasingly becoming a favored target among cybercriminals because of its users. Knowing that macOS devices like MacBook laptops and iMac desktops are expensive, cybercriminals know that users of these devices have thick wallets. Another factor why cybercriminals target macOS is its association to Apple’s mobile platform, iOS.
Read More Here: The Best Security Software for Mac Review & Buyers Guide in 2020
Mobile
Undoubtedly, mobile devices like smartphones and tablets have already surpassed the number of laptops and desktops across the globe. As a matter of fact, Google’s Android platform has already eclipsed Windows market share at 38.9 percent, followed by iOS with 14.97% market share. Apart from the overwhelming number of users, another factor why cybercriminals see mobile platforms as a lucrative prey pool is because of their accessibility and availability.
Read More Here: The Best Mobile Security Apps Review & Buyers Guide in 2020
Things To Look For When Choosing An Internet Security Suite
Internet security suite, given its array of features, can be considered as the best type of Internet security solution for both consumers and businesses. Instead of purchasing Internet security features individually, picking an Internet security suite makes sure that you get a better set of preventive measures against cyber threats.
Most Internet security suites are initially offered as trial versions. But once you are about to make a decision, what are the factors that you should consider when choosing an Internet security suite? Let’s take a quick look.
Real-Time Protection
Your Internet security software must perform scheduled scans to search for malicious apps you might have downloaded and running on your device. Look for the one that notifies you as soon as possible threats emerge.
Device Compatibility
Some Internet security solutions are incompatible with some operating systems. Make sure that the software suite you’re buying will install and run on your device without any issue.
Encryption Technologies
One example is a virtual private network (VPN). Some Internet security software have this to hide you from cybercriminals when you are online. A VPN masks your identity and location to protect you from any threats.
DNS Protection
DNS hijacking happens when an inauthentic website lures you to visit it instead of the authentic ones. Look for Internet security solutions with DNS protection so you know you’re safe fraudulent websites.
Webcam Protection
Camfecting has become more prevalent these days and while the cybercriminals behind this threat do not attempt to get your bank info, they go after your privacy and capture intimate footage for their pleasure.
Anti-Phishing
Make sure that your Internet security software has an anti-phishing feature that can identify phishing content in emails and websites. This feature warns you when you are about to disclose information to threats.
Ongoing Support
You might encounter an issue or have a question about your Internet security solution. Make sure that the company behind it offers aftersales support as some will just leave you behind after you pay.
Price
Evaluate the prices offered. Some Internet security software will be cheaper than others but will ask you to shell out extra bucks if you want to add or keep some additional features for added security.
