The Internet is full of free things – maps, music, email and for many years now, malware software. Yet can we actually trust free antivirus?

Basically that antivirus protection is a vital part of the computer’s reliability, fighting viruses, ransomware, spyware, phishing and also other cybersecurity dangers. Free programs commonly offer the same basic tools as their paid counterparts, yet fewer features.

One big difference between paid and free antivirus programs is usually that the latter would not typically incorporate real-time safety. This means that they only check known malware, leaving your laptop or computer vulnerable to new malware that may have however to be detected.

Another disadvantage is that a large number of free malware programs is going to bombard you with pop-ups telling you to upgrade with their paid edition. These can be very bothersome and even annoying.

Most paid programs may also over here include a firewall which can help protect you when linked to public wifi, as well as password managers that can help keep your online and physical identity safe from cyber snoopers. Paid antivirus security software programs generally also have a customer care team you can contact if you run into issues with their program.

Finally, paid antivirus programs will often offer a online private network (VPN) that could shield you from online hackers and snoops by building a secure tunnel between your device and their web servers. This is especially important if you home based or are traveling with hypersensitive information which might be stolen by harmful actors.