4 antivirus to protect online privacy

Online privacy has become the second most important criteria for choosing antivirus software after, of course, web security. In fact, the different brands of protection software try to integrate new features for privacy year after year, with two objectives. 1) Protect user data from a malicious attack, through, for example, the storage of their passwords. 2) Provide absolute privacy to the user, as the sole owner of their information, regardless of any commercial use that third parties may obtain by tracking their online behavior.

In this regard, companies such as SoftwareLab constantly update their list of recommended antivirus. Here are the top four antiviruses based on the latest update in March 2022.

4 antivirus to protect online privacy

1. Norton

Undoubtedly one of the best antivirus taking into account its cost-benefit ratio, as well as the different features or functionalities. The brand includes plans that range from the protection of one device (mobile or PC), to the protection of 10 devices, which makes it cost-effective for family or business plans.

As for privacy, Norton’s basic plan includes password management. More advanced plans include the use of VPN private network at no additional cost. This VPN works on all devices.

On the other hand, if you own a Windows computer, Norton plans (except basic) offer Norton SafeCam service that will protect your webcam from hackers attack.

Specifically on Android devices, Norton offers two interesting features: the Privacy adviserwhich identifies privacy risks in certain apps before you download them from Google Play, and the App adviser that analyzes if the applications contain intrusive advertising.

2. bitdefender

According to SoftwareLab, Bitdefender is the best cheap solution for Windows, with prices much cheaper than Norton, and without sacrificing quality. Analysts consider the Bitdefender VPN to be the most exceptional:

• fast and secure
• With an auto power off button
• With a zero logs policy
• Functionality with Netflix and torrents

Unfortunately, Bidefender has a big stumbling block: the VPN of its antivirus plan requires an additional cost. In the most advanced plan, the VPN would represent a cost almost 37% higher than the same plan without VPN, if the regular price is taken into account after the first year. However, there is a free version of the VPN that works with a maximum of 200 MB per day.

Bitdefender has other features to protect privacy. For example, safe pay, a service that offers security in banking transactions. Other features include password management and audio and video protection.

3. Panda Dome Antivirus

According to experts, Panda competes with Bitdefender in terms of price and features, with the big difference that Panda’s good protection extends to macOS, Android, and iOS. This provider would highlight its password management and administration service. It has, in the words of its official website, an “unbreakable and unique password generator”. However, it is only compatible with Chrome and Firefox browsers.

Panda Dome also offers unlimited VPN but only on the most advanced protection plan. The VPN, unlike the one Norton offers, has a slightly more basic operation, although it serves its purpose.

Some extra features of Panda in relation to privacy include file encryption (using a password), selective blocking of applications and calls (mobile devices) and email search on the dark web.

4. Kaspersky

This provider is excellent for any operating system and, like the other recommended antiviruses, there are different price ranges depending on the level of protection sought.

It is worth noting that when it comes to online privacy, SoftwareLab analysts give it a slightly lower score than Panta and Bitdefender. This could be due to the VPN offered by Kaspersky. Unlike those offered by its competitors, it has an automatic data inclusion policy and, like Bitdefender, it incurs an additional cost.

Some interesting features of Kaspersky: its vulnerability scan, which detects any risk to the security of the device. A firewalls that “customizes” the flow of data between the device and the network. And the private browsing (other than VPN) that blocks and deletes tracking cookies. Other features include file encryption and webcam protection.

Online privacy: priority when choosing an antivirus

In addition to web protection that includes, among other things, malware detection and removal, it is important to consider data privacy when choosing an antivirus. However, the level of privacy desired will depend on the particular interests of the user: their online activity, their job title, the constant use of digital banking, among others. It is important to note that all the antiviruses mentioned here have the highest scores in the opinion of SoftwareLab experts, so the user is recommended to choose based on their own needs.