The 5 Best Internet Security Software (2023 Update)

Summary

Norton has the best device, privacy, and identity protection. It has all the security features you need and a great price too.

• Malware protection: 100%. Norton averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 protection tests. It is excellent at detecting and removing malware.
• Speed impact: 100%. Norton averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 performance tests. It does not slow down your PC.
• Features: 100%. Norton offers anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, unlimited VPN, password manager, parental controls, and more.
• Price: 95%. Norton offers better value for money than all competitors, except for Kaspersky, which is slightly cheaper.

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Summary

Bitdefender offers excellent protection and bonus features. However, it’s pricey if you want the VPN and password manager.

• Malware protection: 95%. Bitdefender averaged 5.95 out of 6 in the last 10 protection tests. It is excellent at removing malware.
• Speed impact: 100%. Bitdefender averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 performance tests. It does not slow down your PC.
• Features: 95%. It offers anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, parental controls, and more. But the VPN and password manager cost extra.
• Price: 75%. If you only want the antivirus, Bitdefender offers great value. But if you want all features, Norton offers a better deal.

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Summary

McAfee offers excellent device, privacy, and identity protection. However, some features are only available in the USA.

• Malware protection: 100%. McAfee averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 protection tests. It is excellent at detecting and removing malware.
• Speed impact: 85%. McAfee averaged 5.85 out of 6 in the last 10 performance tests. So it has a minimal impact on your PC’s speed.
• Features: 100%. McAfee offers anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, unlimited VPN, password manager, parental controls, and more.
• Price: 95%. McAfee offers better value for money than most competitors, except Kaspersky, which is slightly cheaper.

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Summary

Panda offers excellent protection and has flexible pricing. However, it’s expensive if you want the unlimited VPN.

• Malware protection: 99%. Panda averaged 99.9% in the malware protection tests. It is excellent at detecting and removing malware.
• Speed impact: 99%. Panda averaged 99% in the performance tests. So it has almost no impact on your PC’s speed.
• Features: 100%. Panda offers anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, unlimited VPN, password manager, parental controls, and more.
• Price: 75%. Panda offers the most flexible pricing of all brands. But, if you want all the security features, Norton is more affordable.

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Summary

Kaspersky has excellent protection at a low price. But the war in Ukraine raises concerns about its ties to the Russian government.

• Malware protection: 100%. Kaspersky averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 protection tests. It is excellent at removing malware.
• Speed impact: 100%. Kasperksy averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 performance tests. So it does not slow down your PC.
• Features: 100%. Kaspersky has anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, unlimited VPN, password manager, parental controls, and more.
• Price: 100%. Kaspersky Plus is the most affordable way to protect a Windows PC with all essential features, including an unlimited VPN.

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Internet security software buying guide

Below we cover a range of topics:

• What is internet security software?
• How does internet security software work?
• What’s the difference between internet security and antivirus?
• How do we test internet security software?
• How to choose the best internet-security software?
• What cyber threats can internet security protect you from?
• What cyber threats can internet security not protect you from?
• What internet security software have we tested?

Clicks the links to be taken to the one of your choice:

What is internet security software?

Internet security software is a suite of programs designed to protect your digital world. It acts as a gatekeeper, securing your computer and online activities against a variety of cyber threats such as viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and more.

More than just an antivirus, this software often includes additional features like a firewall, VPN (Virtual Private Network), password manager, and parental controls. By providing a multi-layered shield of defense, it ensures your data stays safe and your online experience remains uninterrupted and secure.

For more, read our blog post on what internet security software is.

How does internet security software work?

Internet security works by constantly monitoring your computer and online interactions for signs of malicious activity. It utilizes various methods to detect and eliminate threats, ensuring your digital world remains safe. These methods typically include signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, and behavior-based detection.

Signature-based detection

Signature-based detection is one of the most traditional methods used by antivirus software. It works by comparing the files on your system to a database of known virus “signatures” – essentially, the digital fingerprints of identified threats. If a file’s characteristics match a signature in the database, the antivirus software flags it as potentially harmful and takes appropriate action, such as deleting or quarantining the file.

However, signature-based detection is only effective against known threats, which is why it’s often used in combination with other detection methods.

Heuristic analysis

Heuristic analysis adds a proactive layer to antivirus protection. Rather than solely relying on known virus signatures, heuristic analysis attempts to identify new, unknown viruses or variations of existing viruses. It does this by analyzing a file’s structure, behavior, and other characteristics to detect potentially malicious code.

For instance, if a program attempts to write data to an executable file, a heuristic analysis might flag this as suspicious behavior indicative of a virus.

Behavior-based detection

Behavior-based detection, also known as behavioral analysis, further enhances the antivirus’s ability to detect and neutralize threats. It monitors the behavior of applications in real-time, identifying actions that deviate from typical, safe operations. For example, a program trying to modify system files or send data to an unrecognized IP address might trigger the behavior-based detection system.

This method is particularly effective against zero-day attacks, which are new threats that aren’t yet recorded in virus signature databases.

For more, read our blog post on how antivirus software works.

What’s the difference between internet security and antivirus?

While the terms “internet security” and “antivirus” are often used interchangeably, there are key differences to understand. Essentially, all internet security software is antivirus, but not all antivirus software is internet security.

Antivirus software is a program or set of programs designed to prevent, search for, detect, and remove software viruses and other malicious software like worms, trojans, adware, and more. Its main purpose is to safeguard your computer system from potential threats that can damage or disrupt its operation.

Internet security, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive solution. It still includes antivirus protection as a core feature but goes a step further by providing protection against a broader array of threats that you encounter while surfing the internet. These can include phishing attacks, spyware, ransomware, rootkits, and more.

Additionally, internet security suites usually come equipped with a range of other protective features not typically found in basic antivirus software. These can include a firewall to block unauthorized access to your system, a VPN for secure browsing, parental controls for safe web usage by kids, a password manager to store and manage your passwords securely, and anti-spam tools to ward off malicious emails.

In summary, while antivirus software provides necessary protection against specific threats, internet security offers a more comprehensive safety net, covering a wider range of potential cyber risks and providing additional tools for enhanced online safety.

For more, read our blog post on the difference between internet security and antivirus software.

How do we test internet security software?

Our comprehensive approach to testing internet security software hinges on six key elements, each contributing a different weight to our final assessment:

• Anti-malware protection (30%)
• Security and privacy features (30%)
• Speed impact (10%)
• False positives (10%)
• Price (10%)
• Ownership and reputation (10%)

By evaluating these crucial aspects, we ensure an all-around assessment that delves beyond just feature comparison, ensuring that you get a product that’s high-performing, reliable, and value-for-money.

Anti-malware protection (30%)

The core function of any security software is its ability to shield your device from malware threats. To assess this, we utilize a two-pronged approach: in-house testing and analyzing third-party results from AV-Test.

In-house testing

Our in-house tests put antivirus software through rigorous real-world scenarios. We bombard our test PC with hundreds of malware samples via USB to gauge the software’s scanning capability. This test primarily observes if the malware scanner can successfully detect and neutralize all threats.

Following this, we simulate live malware attacks by executing malware files and initiating ransomware attacks. This tests the real-time protection feature of the software, providing a clear picture of how the antivirus reacts and responds to live threats. Through this robust methodology, we ascertain whether the software is truly effective in thwarting various malware attacks.

AV-Test results

We supplement our in-house tests with results from AV-Test, a respected independent testing lab. They run periodic evaluations on a host of antivirus products for Windows, Mac, and Android platforms, providing an objective overview of their protective capabilities.

By integrating their results with ours, we offer a holistic and unbiased perspective on the anti-malware efficacy of each internet security software.

Security and privacy features (30%)

A robust internet security suite goes beyond just antivirus protection. It provides a broad range of additional features to enhance your online security and privacy. We meticulously test each of these features for effectiveness, ease of use, and integration within the overall software package.

Web protection (anti-phishing)

Web protection, or anti-phishing, works by scanning and blocking malicious websites that aim to steal your personal information. We test this feature by attempting to access known malicious websites and observing if the software correctly identifies and blocks them, keeping user data safe from phishing attacks.

Firewall

A firewall controls network traffic, allowing or denying communications based on predefined security rules. We test the firewall’s effectiveness by simulating various network attacks and checking whether it can efficiently block them without disrupting normal network activities.

Password manager

A password manager securely stores all your passwords, generating strong and unique passwords when needed. We evaluate the password manager for its encryption standards, ease of use, and the ability to generate and auto-fill passwords across various websites and apps.

Virtual private network (VPN)

A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection to the internet, ensuring privacy and anonymity. We assess the VPN for its speed, server locations, and effectiveness in protecting your IP address and encrypting your data, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.

Parental controls

Parental controls help safeguard your children online by limiting access to age-inappropriate content and managing screen time. We evaluate the comprehensiveness of these controls, their ease of customization, and how well they enforce the set rules across various devices and platforms.

Identity theft protection

Identity theft protection monitors your personal information, alerting you to potential threats like unauthorized use of your financial details. We gauge this feature by examining the breadth of monitoring, the speed and clarity of alerts, and the assistance provided in case of identity theft.

Secure cloud storage (cloud backup)

Secure cloud storage allows you to back up important files in an encrypted format, safeguarding them from data loss or ransomware attacks. We assess this feature by testing the backup and restore processes, encryption strength, and storage capacity.

Anti-ransomware

Anti-ransomware defends your system against ransomware attacks that encrypt your files and demand a ransom for their release. We test this feature by simulating ransomware attacks to see if the software can prevent them and restore any affected files.

Dark web monitoring

Dark web monitoring scans the dark web for your personal information, alerting you if it appears in potentially malicious contexts. We evaluate this feature based on its ability to detect exposed personal data and alert users promptly, thereby enabling them to take preventative measures.

Bonus features

An antivirus program can come with various entry-level functions, such as spam filters and secure browsers, and premium options like online storage with enhanced security. We consider the following bonus features worthy of your consideration:

• Ad Blocker
• Anti-theft
• Email protection
• File encryption
• File shredder
• Gaming mode
• Microphone protection
• PC maintenance features
• Secure browser (hardened browser to protect your online banking)
• Spam filter
• Startup optimizer
• Tune up tools
• Virtual keyboard
• Webcam protection

Speed impact (10%)

One critical aspect of testing internet security software is its impact on system performance. A robust antivirus shouldn’t compromise your system’s speed or hinder your daily tasks.

We rely on AV-Test’s performance evaluations to guide our analysis in this regard. They conduct comprehensive tests by executing common tasks, such as loading websites, downloading files, installing and launching applications, and copying data. These tests provide valuable insights into the potential slowdown a user might experience with the antivirus software active.

False positives (10%)

False positives refer to instances where harmless files or operations are flagged as malicious by the antivirus software. Too many false positives can lead to user frustration and potentially dangerous actions, such as turning off real-time protection.

We use AV-Test’s usability tests, which quantify the frequency of false alarms during system scans and daily usage, including while installing and using third-party software. These results provide a clear indicator of how discerning and accurate the antivirus software is in differentiating threats from non-threats.

Price (10%)

When it comes to price, we focus on value for money. Not all antivirus software are priced equally, and a higher cost doesn’t always translate to better protection. We compare the features and performance of each product against its price.

It’s also crucial to note the significant price differences between the first and subsequent years due to introductory discounts. We make sure to consider these aspects to give you a realistic picture of the long-term costs associated with each product.

Ownership and reputation (10%)

The reputation and ethical practices of the company behind the antivirus software are equally important. Trust is a crucial factor in cybersecurity, and not all companies are created equal in this regard.

For instance, the scandal involving Avast selling user data through a subsidiary, Jumpshot, highlighted the potential issues related to data privacy and misuse.

We take into account such instances, along with factors like company ownership, history, customer service quality, and user reviews, to evaluate the overall credibility and reliability of the brand.

For more, read our blog post on how we test antivirus software.

How to choose the best internet security software?

When choosing the best internet security software, it’s crucial to consider multiple elements that contribute to comprehensive protection, usability, and value for money. Each aspect plays a critical role in ensuring that you have an effective defense system that suits your specific needs and usage habits.

Reliable protection from malware

The primary function of any internet security software is to provide reliable protection against various malware types, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and more. You want a solution that consistently blocks these threats in real-time and effectively removes any that make it onto your system.

Independent lab test results, such as those from AV-Test, are a good source for unbiased evaluations of an antivirus product’s protective capabilities.

Security updates

Cyber threats are continuously evolving, and your antivirus software needs to keep pace. Regular security updates are crucial to ensure your software can effectively combat the latest malware variants and exploit strategies. Choose a product that offers frequent, automatic updates to its malware database and software capabilities.

Security features

The best internet security software goes beyond basic malware protection. Additional features like a firewall, VPN, password manager, parental controls, and identity theft protection significantly enhance your overall security posture. Look for these features in any solution you consider, and ensure they are both effective and easy to use.

Performance impact

While robust protection is essential, you don’t want software that significantly slows down your computer. An ideal internet security solution balances effective security measures with minimal system impact, ensuring smooth operation of your daily tasks. Again, independent testing labs can provide reliable information on a product’s performance impact.

Customer support

Quality customer support can be vital when facing security issues or technical challenges. The best antivirus providers offer comprehensive support, including 24/7 live chat, email support, and an extensive knowledge base. Check out user reviews and test the support channels yourself to gauge their responsiveness and effectiveness.

First-year and second price

Finally, price is a significant consideration. While first-year prices are often discounted, the full cost typically kicks in from the second year onwards. It’s essential to consider these prices and compare them against the software’s features and performance to ensure you’re getting good value for your money. Remember, the most expensive product is not always the best one, and there are often excellent budget-friendly options available.

Operating system

If you have a specific operating system that you would like to protect, we probably have a dedicated antivirus comparison for it:

• The best antivirus of 2023 – For all OS.
• The best antivirus for Windows 11 – For Microsoft’s latest desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for macOS – For Apple’s desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for Android – For Google’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus for iPhone – For Apple’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus with a VPN – For both security and privacy.
• The best VPN providers – For a dedicated privacy solution.

Click the links to be taken to your comparison of choice.

What cyber threats can internet security software protect you from?

Internet security software plays a crucial role in safeguarding your digital life from a wide array of cyber threats. While it’s important to remember that no solution can guarantee 100% protection, a robust security suite significantly reduces the risk and potential impact of most common cyber threats.

Malware

Malware, or malicious software, is a broad term encompassing various harmful programs, such as viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware. These programs are designed to perform unwanted and often damaging actions on a user’s system. They can steal data, damage files, or take control of certain system functions. Comprehensive internet security software continually scans your system for these threats, eliminating them before they can do harm.

For more, read our blog post on malware or malware examples.

Adware

Adware is software that displays unwanted ads on your system, often in the form of pop-ups. While not as harmful as some other types of malware, adware can be extremely annoying, slow down your system, and sometimes bundle other malicious software. Internet security software blocks and removes adware, keeping your user experience clean.

For more, read our blog post on adware or adware examples.

Botnets

A botnet is a network of computers infected by malware and controlled remotely by a cybercriminal, often without the users’ knowledge. These networks can be used to carry out large-scale attacks like distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Internet security solutions prevent your system from becoming part of a botnet by blocking the malware that facilitates this control.

For more, read our blog post on botnets or botnet examples.

Keyloggers

Keyloggers are malicious programs that record your keystrokes, capturing sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. Advanced internet security software detects and eliminates these threats, thereby protecting your personal information.

For more, read our blog post on keyloggers or keylogger types.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files, rendering them inaccessible. The attacker then demands a ransom for the decryption key. Internet security software offers proactive protection against ransomware threats, preventing unauthorized encryption of your data.

For more, read our blog post on ransomware or ransomware examples.

Rootkits

Rootkits are a type of stealthy malware designed to provide continued privileged access to a computer while actively hiding its presence. Internet security suites often have specialized rootkit detection capabilities to find and remove these advanced threats.

For more, read our blog post on rootkits or rootkit examples.

Spyware

Spyware is software that secretly monitors and collects information about users without their knowledge, often resulting in identity theft. Robust internet security software can detect and remove spyware, protecting your private data.

For more, read our blog post on spyware or spyware examples.

Trojans

Trojans are malicious programs that disguise themselves as legitimate software. Once on a system, they can carry out various damaging activities like stealing data or giving remote control to the attacker. Internet security software regularly scans for and eliminates these threats.

For more, read our blog post on trojans or trojan examples.

Viruses

Viruses are a type of malware that can copy themselves and spread to other computers, often damaging files and system software. They typically attach themselves to executable files or documents. Antivirus components within internet security suites provide strong defense against these threats.

For more, read our blog post on viruses or virus examples.

Worms

Worms are a type of malware that can spread between computers without any user action, exploiting vulnerabilities in a system’s software. They can cause significant network slowdown and carry payloads that damage host computers. Internet security software helps prevent worm infections by patching software vulnerabilities and removing any worms already on the system.

For more, read our blog post on worms or worm examples.

What cyber threats can internet security software not protect you from?

Even with the most comprehensive internet security software, some threats still require a combination of technology and user awareness to tackle effectively. These are often threats that leverage human interaction or ones that exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities.

Phishing

Phishing attacks are attempts by scammers to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, by impersonating trustworthy entities via email or other communication methods. While internet security can help identify known phishing sites, it can’t prevent you from voluntarily sharing your information. Thus, understanding and recognizing phishing attempts remains crucial for your online safety.

For more, read our blog post on phishing or phishing examples.

Online Scams

Similar to phishing, online scams often involve deception to trick users into giving away their money or personal information. This could include fake auctions, non-existent goods for sale, or ‘Nigerian Prince’ scams. While internet security software may block known scam sites, new ones pop up all the time, and it can’t prevent you from falling for a scam conducted through legitimate channels, such as email or social media.

For more, read our blog post on online scams.

Social Engineering

Social engineering is a tactic used by cybercriminals that manipulates individuals into revealing confidential information. It may involve impersonating a colleague or a service provider to trick you into granting access to sensitive data or secure areas. Even the most sophisticated internet security software can’t fully protect you from these manipulative tactics – it’s crucial to maintain vigilance and verify requests for information.

For more, read our blog post on social engineering.

Zero-Day Exploits

Zero-day exploits refer to vulnerabilities in software that are unknown to those who should be interested in mitigating the vulnerability (including the vendor of the software). Since these vulnerabilities are unknown, they’re impossible to defend against until they are discovered.

Therefore, even the most advanced internet security software cannot provide full protection against zero-day attacks. However, many solutions employ behavior-based detection methods to identify and respond to suspicious activity that may indicate a zero-day exploit.

For more, read our blog post on zero-day exploits.

What internet security software have we tested?

We have tested 28 antivirus and internet security programs, ranging from entry-level free antivirus programs, to mid-range paid antivirus software and full-featured internet security suites.

As a general rule of thumb, even the best free malware removal programs, like Avast One, cannot compete with the comprehensive malware protection offered by paid solutions, like Norton 360 Deluxe or Bitdefender Total Protection.

Below is the list of the 20 most important brands:

• Avast
• AVG
• Avira
• Bitdefender Antivirus
• ESET
• F-Secure
• Intego
• Kaspersky
• MacKeeper
• Malwarebytes
• McAfee Antivirus
• Microsoft Defender (Windows Defender)
• Norton Antivirus
• Panda
• PC Matic
• Sophos
• TotalAV
• Trend Micro
• VIPRE
• Webroot

The best antivirus programs are Norton 360 Deluxe, Norton 360 Advanced, and Bitdefender Total Security. By comparison, the other antivirus software cost too much, offer less capable protection from malware threats, or have no unlimited VPN access.