Five top Windows 10 antivirus solutions to keep your data safe
Windows PCs have always been a significant target for hackers - it's no surprise considering the massive market share the Microsoft operating system still has. The reality is that you still need a regularly updated antivirus software package to keep you safe from the very latest threats.
That's because the bad guys are constantly looking for new ways to access your data and control your system. From ransomware to fileless attacks and blended malware, there are plenty of threats out there and there's the danger is great on Windows 10, no matter how careful you are online.
So which are the best antivirus products for Windows 10 you can get right now, and is Windows Defender sufficient to keep you safe these days? Good questions both - so keep reading to find out the answers.
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Monitor the testing lab reports on most antivirus products and you'll normally find results varying over time: one generation works well, the next edition has some problems initially, the company goes to work and performance improves.
Bitdefender is far more consistent. AV-Test, for example, has been running its in-depth antivirus tests since 2010, and Bitdefender has achieved a 100% protection rating in 17 out of the 20 reports produced to date (the last 'fail' was in December 2014).
That's important as it suggests Bitdefender's products aren't just accurate right now, but they're likely to be just as good next month, next year, and on after that.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2019 combines its excellent core antivirus engine with an array of smart technologies to keep you safe from harm. Accurate web monitoring detects and blocks malicious links, and a vulnerability scanner alerts you to missing security patches or poorly chosen system settings which could compromise your PC.
A secure browser prevents malware from snooping on your banking and online shopping transactions, and specialist ransomware protection ensures that even if something does penetrate your defenses, sensitive documents will still be safe.
Bitdefender's starter price is pretty competitive too, considering the power of the security tools you get with it. For one device for one year you're looking at around $25/£25, with extra for more PCs and mobiles and a reduction if you crank up the term.