The 5 Best Internet Security for Windows 11 (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.

Discount: Temporarily save up to 70% 🔥

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.

Discount: Save 50% on this secret page

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.

Discount: Save 70% on this secret page

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.

Discount: Save 50% on this secret page

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.

Discount: Save up to 50%

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 comprehensive suite of tools designed to protect users and their devices from a wide range of online threats. These threats can range from malicious software (malware) such as viruses, worms, and spyware, to more sophisticated cyber threats like phishing, ransomware, and identity theft.

Internet security software often goes beyond standard antivirus protection to include additional features such as firewalls, anti-phishing tools, password managers, and virtual private network (VPN) services, providing a robust defense against the diverse risks of the digital world.

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

How does internet security software work?

Internet security software employs several methods to keep users and their data safe. These methods analyze potential threats and either block or remove them before they can cause harm. Here are three common detection techniques:

Signature-based detection

Signature-based detection is one of the oldest yet most reliable methods of identifying known threats. Every piece of malware has a unique string of code, known as its ‘signature’. Internet security software maintains a vast database of these known signatures. When you download or interact with a file, the software scans it, comparing it against this database.

If a match is found, the software either quarantines or deletes the file, thus neutralizing the threat.

Heuristic analysis

While signature-based detection is great for known threats, new, unseen malware, often called ‘zero-day threats’, requires a more proactive approach. This is where heuristic analysis comes into play. Rather than looking for known signatures, heuristic analysis examines the file’s behavior or structure for suspicious activities.

It can identify new strains of malware by spotting typical malicious behaviors or structures, making it an essential line of defense against evolving cyber threats.

Behavior-based detection

Also known as behavioral analysis, this method takes a similar approach to heuristic analysis but focuses more on the actual behavior of software within your system. It monitors for unusual actions, such as changes to system settings, unauthorized access to sensitive data, or unexpected network connections, which might suggest a malware attack.

When such behavior is detected, the suspect file or process is flagged, allowing the software or the user to take appropriate action. This method is particularly useful against trojans and ransomware, which often display abnormal behavior patterns.

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, they represent different levels of protection in the context of cybersecurity.

At its core, antivirus software serves as your first line of defense against malware (malicious software), including viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware. It primarily uses signature-based detection to identify known threats, and heuristic analysis to detect previously unseen, or zero-day, threats. Antivirus software scans your files and folders, ensuring no malicious software can infiltrate your system and cause harm.

On the other hand, Internet security suites provide a more holistic approach to your digital safety. In addition to all the features offered by antivirus software, internet security suites come packed with a variety of other protective tools. These may include a personal firewall to monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic, an anti-spam tool to keep unwanted emails at bay, parental controls for safe browsing for kids, and anti-phishing tools to protect you from fraudulent websites.

Moreover, some internet security packages offer privacy features, such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure browsing, a password manager to securely store and manage your online credentials, and file encryption tools to protect sensitive data.

In essence, while antivirus is a component of internet security, focusing primarily on guarding against malicious software, internet security provides a comprehensive suite of tools that aim to safeguard various aspects of your digital life. Therefore, if you require a broad, multi-layered shield against a wider spectrum of threats – not just malware – an internet security package would be the better choice.

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

How do we test internet security software?

Our testing methodology for internet security software is robust, encompassing six key areas with different weighting for each:

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

This weighted approach ensures that we prioritize the elements that most significantly impact your security and user experience.

Anti-malware protection (30%)

We place a significant emphasis on anti-malware protection, accounting for 30% of our total evaluation. Our approach is twofold, involving both in-house testing and analysis of AV-Test results.

In-house testing

In our custom test environment, we expose the test PC to hundreds of malware samples through a USB drive to evaluate the malware scanner’s efficiency and comprehensiveness. We aim to see whether it can identify and neutralize all the threats accurately.

In a separate experiment, we create a real-world scenario by executing malware files and launching ransomware attacks. The goal is to evaluate the strength of the real-time protection — how quickly and effectively the security software responds to these active threats. It’s crucial for any internet security suite to stop such assaults instantly, preventing any potential damage.

AV-Test results

Alongside our proprietary testing, we also carefully examine the protection test results provided by AV-Test, an independent IT security institute. They run comprehensive evaluations on Windows, Mac, and Android platforms, providing an additional layer of insight and validation.

Their results give us a more holistic understanding of how each internet security software performs across different operating systems and against a range of malware types, helping us deliver a more comprehensive and reliable verdict.

Security and privacy features (30%)

The range and quality of security and privacy features within a suite make up another 30% of our evaluation. Each tool plays a vital role in keeping you safe online, and we assess how well each function performs. Here’s a look at each feature we test:

Web protection (anti-phishing)

Anti-phishing or web protection tools shield you from deceptive websites that seek to steal sensitive data like login credentials or credit card information. We test these features by trying to access known phishing websites, evaluating whether the suite can effectively block them and alert us about the danger.

Firewall

Firewalls monitor network traffic, blocking unauthorized access to your device. We test this by attempting to penetrate the protected system with common network-based attacks, assessing the robustness of the firewall.

Password manager

Password managers securely store and autofill your passwords. To test these, we evaluate how easily they can generate, retrieve, and autofill strong passwords. We also assess the security measures in place to protect your stored passwords.

Virtual private network (VPN)

VPNs encrypt your internet connection, ensuring your online activities remain private. We test the software’s VPN for speed, data limits, server availability, and its ability to bypass geo-restrictions.

Parental controls

Parental controls help maintain a safe online environment for children. We assess the effectiveness of these controls, testing their ability to block inappropriate content, limit screen time, and monitor social media activity.

Identity theft protection

Identity theft protection tools alert you if your personal information appears in places it shouldn’t, such as on the dark web. We evaluate these features based on their monitoring capabilities, recovery assistance, and insurance coverage.

Secure cloud storage (cloud backup)

Secure cloud storage allows for safe, off-site data backup. We assess the storage space offered, ease of use, and the security measures in place to protect your data.

Anti-ransomware

Anti-ransomware tools prevent malicious software from encrypting your files and demanding a ransom. We test this feature by attempting to launch ransomware attacks on the test system, checking if the suite can thwart the attack.

Dark web monitoring

Dark web monitoring tools scan the dark web for your personal information that may have been exposed in data breaches. To test this feature, we evaluate the breadth of monitoring and the timeliness of alerts provided when a potential exposure is detected.

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%)

The performance impact of a security suite on a system is another critical factor we consider. A high-quality internet security software shouldn’t significantly slow down your device.

To evaluate this, we rely on AV-Test’s performance tests. These tests assess the impact of the software on computer speed while performing common tasks like visiting websites, downloading files, installing and running programs, and copying data. A lower impact score indicates a minimal performance hit, ensuring you can work or play on your device without frustrating delays.

False positives (10%)

False positives—innocuous files mistakenly flagged as threats—can be disruptive and lead to potential security risks if essential files are quarantined.

We use AV-Test’s usability tests to guide our analysis in this area. These tests evaluate the frequency of false alarms during the software’s operation, including during scans, file operations, and software installations. A lower false-positive rate is indicative of a more accurate detection system, minimizing unnecessary disruptions for the user.

Price (10%)

The cost of the internet security software also plays a part in our evaluation. However, we’re not just interested in the cheapest option; instead, we focus on value for money, considering what each package offers for its price point.

It’s worth noting that there can be substantial differences between first-year and subsequent-year prices, as many companies offer heavy discounts for the initial subscription period. We factor in these pricing strategies in our assessment to ensure you’re aware of the long-term cost of your chosen software.

Ownership and reputation (10%)

The company behind the product is as crucial as the product itself. Not all companies uphold the same ethical standards, which can directly impact the quality and trustworthiness of their products.

For example, Avast faced a scandal where they were found to be selling user data through a subsidiary called Jumpshot. Incidents like this significantly damage a company’s reputation and trustworthiness.

Hence, we carefully consider the ownership, history, and standing of each company when evaluating internet security software. Our goal is to recommend products from companies that not only provide excellent solutions but also respect user privacy and uphold strong ethical standards.

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

How to choose the best internet security software?

When it comes to choosing the best internet security software, there are multiple elements to consider. Each component plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive protection, ease of use, and value for your money. Here’s a breakdown of the critical factors you should consider:

Reliable protection from malware

Above all, the primary role of an antivirus solution is to protect your system from malware. An excellent security software must offer robust protection against various types of threats, including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and phishing attacks. Check independent test results from organizations like AV-Test to get an idea of the software’s reliability in this regard.

Security updates

Cyber threats are continually evolving, and so should your security software. A quality antivirus software should offer regular updates to keep up with new threats. It should also include real-time protection features to guard your system against new malware threats as they emerge.

Security features

Look for an antivirus package that offers comprehensive security features. These may include a firewall, VPN, password manager, parental controls, secure online transactions, and privacy tools. Depending on your needs, you may also want features like identity theft protection, secure cloud backup, and dark web monitoring.

Performance impact

The best security software provides robust protection without slowing down your device significantly. It should be lightweight and efficient, allowing you to carry out your daily activities without noticeable lag or slowdown. You can gauge the performance impact of an antivirus solution from independent lab tests or user reviews.

Customer support

Reliable customer support is essential for troubleshooting or addressing any issues that may arise. Opt for an antivirus with multiple support options, such as live chat, email, phone, and a comprehensive knowledge base. The availability and responsiveness of the customer support team can be a critical factor, particularly in times of need.

First-year and second price

Price is always a significant consideration. However, look beyond the initial cost. Many antivirus solutions offer heavy discounts for the first year, but the renewal prices can be significantly higher. Ensure you’re comfortable with the long-term cost of the software, considering the features and protection it offers, to get the best value for your money.

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 is designed to guard against a broad spectrum of cyber threats. While it’s not an impenetrable fortress, it significantly reduces your vulnerability to various types of malicious software, or ‘malware’. Let’s delve into these threats:

Malware

Malware is an umbrella term for any malicious software designed to harm or exploit any computing device or network. This includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, and more. Internet security software continuously scans for such threats and neutralizes them before they can cause harm.

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

Adware

Adware is software that automatically displays or downloads advertising material, often unwanted, when a user is online. Some adware can compromise your privacy by tracking browsing habits and serving targeted ads. A good security suite will block such software, keeping your online experience clean and secure.

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

Botnets

Botnets are networks of compromised computers, or ‘bots’, controlled remotely by cybercriminals for malicious activities like DDoS attacks, spamming, or spreading malware. Your security software can prevent your device from being hijacked into such networks.

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

Keyloggers

Keyloggers are malicious programs designed to record your keystrokes, often used to steal personal information like usernames, passwords, and credit card details. Internet security tools with robust real-time protection can detect and block keyloggers.

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

Ransomware

Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts the victim’s files, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the cybercriminal. A reliable internet security software includes measures to detect, block, and remove ransomware threats.

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

Rootkits

Rootkits are a set of software tools that allow unauthorized access to a computer. They are often used to mask malware activity. Quality security suites can detect and eliminate rootkits, ensuring your system’s integrity.

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

Spyware

Spyware is malware designed to spy on you, capturing and transmitting user activities to an attacker, often without the user’s knowledge. Internet security software can detect and eliminate spyware, safeguarding your privacy.

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

Trojans

Trojans are harmful programs that disguise themselves as legitimate software. They can create backdoors, giving hackers remote control over a computer. Internet security software helps identify and remove these threats.

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

Viruses

Viruses are malicious programs that can copy themselves and infect a computer, altering the way a computer operates or locking it down entirely. They can spread across networks and through file sharing. A robust antivirus tool is a must to detect, quarantine, and eliminate viruses.

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

Worms

Worms are malware that replicate themselves to spread to other computers over a network, often causing harm by consuming bandwidth or overloading web servers. Internet security software can prevent such threats, maintaining the health and performance of your network.

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

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

Even the most advanced internet security software has its limits. There are several cyber threats that, due to their nature, can evade detection or don’t rely on vulnerabilities that security tools can fix. Understanding these limitations is key to adopting a holistic approach to cybersecurity. Let’s explore these threats:

Phishing

Phishing is a form of deception where cybercriminals trick individuals into divulging personal information, like passwords or credit card numbers, by pretending to be a trusted entity. While internet security suites often include anti-phishing tools, they can’t catch every phishing attempt, especially those that rely on human interaction, such as via email or text messages. User vigilance remains a crucial part of phishing defense.

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

Online Scams

Online scams involve deceptive practices to defraud individuals, often through fake websites or fraudulent emails. These scams can take numerous forms, including lottery scams, romance scams, or tech support scams. While internet security software can sometimes identify scam websites or flag scam emails, their effectiveness relies heavily on the user’s ability to recognize and avoid such scams.

For more, read our blog post on online scams.

Social Engineering

Social engineering exploits human psychology, rather than technical hacking techniques, to gain access to buildings, systems, or data. Examples include impersonation, baiting, or tailgating. While internet security software can provide a robust defense against many forms of cyber threats, it cannot prevent a person from being manipulated by a skilled social engineer. Education and awareness are the best defenses against these kinds of attacks.

For more, read our blog post on social engineering.

Zero-Day Exploits

Zero-day exploits take advantage of undisclosed vulnerabilities in software, giving attackers access before developers can issue a fix. Because these exploits are, by definition, unknown to the vendor at the time of the attack, even the most sophisticated internet security software may not protect against them immediately. This is why it’s vital to keep your software and systems updated – as soon as a patch becomes available, it should be applied.

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.