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WordPress Website Security: 7 Proven Security Strategies

Are you concerned about your WordPress website security and unsure about the necessary steps to take? Look no further, this blog is here to help!

Have you heard that WordPress is used by more than 455 million websites and over a million WordPress theme is available on the internet? This indicates that the web hosting behemoth controls an amazing 35% of the global market share for websites. Each and every month, WordPress is used by at least 400 million people all over the world. As a result of this, it should be clear why there is a rising demand for you to make your WordPress site as resistant to cyberattacks as is humanly possible.

Nonetheless, despite the fact that it is not one of the top 50 SaaS firms, WordPress is one of the most widely used content management systems in the world. But, if the content is susceptible to cyberattacks, what good is it to use a CMS that is considered to be excellent?

In point of fact, 90% of all stolen content management system websites in 2018 were powered by WordPress. On the other hand, just 2% of the data leaks were caused by a vulnerability in the basic security of WordPress. In other words, users were the ones responsible for exposing their websites to a variety of risks, most commonly through the use of insecure plugins.

It is probable that the very last thing you want is for your website to be found amidst the turmoil of a cyberattack if it is powered by WordPress, and this would be the absolute worst-case scenario. Due to the ever-increasing dangers that may be found on the internet today, ensuring your website’s safety should be one of your top priorities when developing it.

To assist you in maintaining the safety of your WordPress website, we have developed a list of the seven most effective tactics and best practices. Continue reading to find out how to keep your website and its data secure.

7 Tips to Help You Maintain WordPress Website Security

To get things started, I’ll provide you with some shortcuts (pardon the pun) that you may implement on your WordPress website in order to make it more secure.

1. Choose a WordPress Host that Offers Security

One of the most important things to think about when it comes to risk management for your project is selecting a trustworthy WordPress host. Because the WordPress host you choose plays such an important part in the overall protection of your website, you simply cannot afford to choose any old hosting service. You need to go with the option that offers multiple layers of security at the server level.

You shouldn’t be in a hurry to choose a host for your WordPress site. Rather, take your time looking into the various possibilities. It goes without saying that you should steer clear of hosting services that are suspiciously inexpensive.

In the end, the fact that they are selling their services at prices that are relatively cheaper than average is almost always an indication of concealed problems. If you are not very knowledgeable about technology, you should probably avoid the temptation to host your WordPress sites on a personal virtual private server (VPS). Finding a host that is capable of successfully addressing security events is the superior alternative. This would be a web host service that you can put your faith in.

You can feel certain that your website will be protected in every possible way if you use the services of a reputable hosting provider and sign up for their plans. You can also investigate the numerous tiers of recurring remote support that all these hosting providers make available to their customers.

Generally speaking, the ideal WordPress host is one that conducts virus scans on a daily basis and provides help around the clock. Check to see if the potential WordPress host you’re considering uses an automatic distributor to remain on top of their customers’ calls; this is one of the most common ways that 24-hour support providers handle their customers’ calls.

2. Ensure that your version of PHP is always up to date.

Your WordPress website will not function properly without the Hypertext Preprocessor, also known as PHP. On the server for your website, you should always utilize the most recent version.

As a general rule, each new release of PHP receives full support for around two years until being replaced by a newer version. Throughout the time span of two years, the developer may become aware of various vulnerabilities in the software that may require periodic fixes and patches.

PHP 7.4 is currently the most up-to-date version of the PHP programming language. Despite this, PHP.net continues to offer support for versions 7.2 and 7.3. In those other words, WordPress users who are still operating PHP versions 7.1 or lower are at a greater risk of being targeted by cybercriminals (Also Read: PHP 101).

According to the statistics provided by WordPress, an astonishing 32 percent of its customers are operating their websites using an outmoded version of PHP. It is terrifying to consider the variety of vulnerabilities in cybersecurity that they consistently expose their websites to. While it is true that business owners and website owners need some time to test the compatibility of their code with new versions of PHP, this is not an acceptable justification for running a website without the appropriate security support.

There is more to consider than just the layout template when developing a responsive website. Using an old version of PHP can have a negative influence, both on the performance and the efficiency of your website, in addition to the security risk it poses. Using the most recent release of PHP on your WordPress website is always the wisest course of action to take. Social platforms have positive as a service (CPaaS) solutions that make it simpler to ask for the assistance you require from service providers when you are unsure of what steps to take in a certain situation.

3. Ensure the safety of your passwords

You might be surprised to learn how many individuals don’t bother to set secure passwords, despite the fact that this piece of advice might come across as patronizing and a little bit like a broken record.

As according to SplashData, the number “123456” was the most commonly used password throughout the entirety of 2018. If that information did not surprise you, the following item on the list was, wait for it, the word “password.”

Using such passwords makes WordPress sites an easy target for hackers, which is something you probably already know without the help of a web expert. Because of this, mobile device management, often known as MDM, is an essential component of most projects. It indicates that you will have a device and team that are only devoted to helping you safeguard your device.

You can contact digital customer support for assistance in choosing a safe password for your site if you are having trouble doing it on your own. If you’re curious what digital customer service is, it’s a system that, rather than using a VoIP phone system, provides answers to your questions using various digital platforms. Some examples of these platforms are text messages, chat messaging, and social networking.

Anyone who is attempting to safeguard a digital system should follow the best practice of using a password that is both unique and difficult to guess on average. Although a strong password is a great strategy to protect your WordPress site from intrusion, many users complain that they end up forgetting it after making it too complicated.

You can store the password to your WordPress account in a database that is encrypted on your personal computer, or you can use a password manager that is accessible online. There are various options available to you. This ensures that your passwords in the cloud storage are protected.

No matter whatever option you go with, you need to make sure that the password you use for your WordPress website is both secure and, most importantly, distinct.

4. Ensure that your WordPress website has two-factor authentication.

Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, is an additional layer of internet security that required people to authenticate their identity through the use of not one but two distinct methods of authentication. The majority of the time, this will consist of either a code that is texted to the person’s device or emailed to their address or a confidential personal inquiry.

Increasing the level of protection on your WordPress website by implementing a procedure known as two-factor authentication is an efficient approach to do it. It is also helpful for tasks like sharing encrypted files with one another. The very greatest feature is that you get to pick the two authentication modules that you put into use.

A lot of people decide to utilize the Google Authenticator app, which will deliver a one-of-a-kind code to their phone in the form of a text message. The application will, without a doubt, make certain that you are the only person who can get such SMS sent to them.

5. Only install plugins that are safe

Installing plugins that provide users with assistance in enhancing their online activities and distinguishing themselves from the crowd is one of the leading design trends for WordPress websites. Nonetheless, this liberty may at times represent a security risk in and of itself.

According to Wordfence, insecure plugins were responsible for approximately 60 percent of the data breaches that occurred among WordPress users in 2016. Hence, as you can see, operating your site with a plugin whose level of security has not been certified may put your website in jeopardy. As a result, it is in your best interest to install plugins on your website that are both secure and reliable.

If you want to make sure that this is the case, you may start by checking in the “popular” or “featured” category on the WordPress site or getting it directly from the developer. Both of these options are good places to look. Always make careful to read the tiny print to confirm that they have concrete policies about security.

Some plugins even give users access to built-in malware scanners, firewalls, and automated database backups. There is no doubt that this is a very good sign to keep an eye out for. Even after you have installed plugins that are known to be secure, you must always keep them updated. If you do not download the most recent bug fixes, security updates, and version upgrades, you could be putting your plugins in danger and opening a conduit for cybercriminals.

6. Set the maximum number of times a user is allowed to try to log in.

There is no limit number of times that you are allowed to attempt to log in to your WordPress account when it is set up by default. If you are unable to remember your password, you will not be locked out of the website and can continue to try to access it. Even while you might think that this is a benefit if you have a history of forgetting passwords, it actually puts your WordPress sites in danger.

You need to understand that cybercriminals are also aware of this vulnerability, and they take advantage of it. In most cases, they start by compiling a list of common usernames and passwords, and then they add any user data that they have stolen or bought. After that, they go to websites powered by WordPress and employ bots to try hundreds of different login and password combos in a span of less than an hour. There are instances when it is successful and other times when it is not. A forceful assault is the name given to this method of computer hacking.

But, if you restrict the number of times a user can attempt to log in to your site, you can significantly reduce the likelihood that your website will become the target of malicious cyberattacks. If you put your max try limit to three, for example, once that number has been reached, the website will prevent access to that person (or bot) for a certain amount of time.

7. Use SSL to encrypt the data on your website

Last but not least, installing a secure socket layer is among the most effective measures you can do to safeguard your WordPress website (SSL). When you install an SSL certificate on your website, all of the data transfers that take place between your server and the site’s visitors will be encrypted. Also, it will change your website’s protocol from HTTP to HTTPS. An SSL is an absolute must if your organization intends to enhance its approaches to e-commerce.

You see, hackers are able to employ something called a man-in-the-middle attack on HTTP websites, which allows them to examine the data that users to your website transfer to the server. This can lead to data breaches and other consequences of cyberattacks. A website that uses HTTPS encrypts all of its site traffic and data, making it impossible for anybody else to view it.

Happily, the procedure for getting an SSL certificate may be described as being rather basic. It only requires that you buy it from a Certificate Authority and then install it on your WordPress website to complete the process.

Then you will need to adjust your website address such that it displays the prefix HTTPS. Certificate Authorities are capable of helping you with the purchasing and ultimate installation of the program by utilizing the appropriate cloud-based call center software. It is imperative that you acquire an SSL certificate as soon as possible if your website does not already have one.

Author bio

Travis Dillard is a business consultant and an organizational psychologist based in Arlington, Texas. Passionate about marketing, social networks, and business in general. In his spare time, he writes a lot about new business strategies and digital marketing for DigitalStrategyOne.

How To Protect Yourself Against Data Breach

What is a data breach?

A data breach is a security incident in which sensitive, confidential, or protected data is accessed, used, or disclosed without the authorization of the data owner. Data breaches can occur when cybercriminals hack into a computer system or network and steal data, or when data is accidentally or unintentionally disclosed to unauthorized parties.

Data breaches can have serious consequences, including financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal liabilities. It is important for individuals and organizations to take steps to protect their data and to have plans in place to respond to data breaches when they occur.

Data breaches are becoming increasingly common, and no person or company, large or small, is resistant to cyberattacks. Data breaches can occur as a result of carelessness or human error. Companies can also make client information public by accident. It could, however, be a clear effort by cybercriminals to obtain people’s personal information.

This data includes their emails, passwords, and other personal information. A proxy service is an excellent way to safeguard your data. Other measures, in addition to a quality proxy, may be required. The best proxy provider even provides various types of proxies based on your requirements.

Detecting a Data Breach

While we all want to avoid data breaches in the first place, it’s still important to know how to spot them.

Unusual User Activity

Keep a close eye on your user activity at all times. This includes when your gadget is used, where it is used, and which websites are in your history bar. Keep an eye out for notifications that apps have been accessed from multiple locations, as these are clear warning signs.

Reported Messages

If your contacts or client base begin to notify you that they have received strange messages, you should investigate whether there has been a data breach. If only your email address is compromised, unauthorized messages masquerading as phishing attempts can be sent to your account or from your account to your contacts.

Unauthorized Transactions

If a severe data breach occurs, it is possible that your banking information will be compromised. Keep an eye on your bank account and the transactions that are authorized on your credit card. If you discover unauthorized transactions, immediately block your card or freeze your account.

Have I been pwned?

The website “Have I been pwned?” determines whether your phone number, email address, or other sensitive information has been compromised. You use a browser to access the website and enter your email or phone number. The website will perform a check and return any public or concerning results regarding data leaks involving your information.

Security Against Data Breach

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from data breaches:

Use strong and unique passwords

One of the most effective ways to protect your accounts and personal information is to use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. A strong password is one that is at least 8 characters long, includes a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters, and is not a dictionary word. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, as this makes it easier for attackers to gain access to all of your accounts if one of your passwords is compromised.

Enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of security to your online accounts by requiring you to provide a second form of authentication in addition to your password. This can be a code sent to your phone, a biometric authentication such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, or a physical security key. Enabling 2FA on your accounts can help to prevent unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.

Keep your software and devices up to date

It is important to keep all of your software and devices, including your operating system, antivirus software, and web browsers, up to date with the latest security patches and updates. These updates often include fixes for known vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.

Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments

Cybercriminals often use phishing emails or malicious websites to trick people into clicking on links or downloading attachments that contain malware or ransomware. Be wary of unexpected emails or messages, especially those that ask you to click on a link or download an attachment. If you are not expecting an email or message, or if it seems suspicious, it is best to err on the side of caution and not click on any links or download any attachments.

Use a virtual private network (VPN)

A VPN is a secure, encrypted connection that protects your online activity from being monitored or intercepted by third parties. Using a VPN can help to protect your data when you are connected to the internet, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.

Back up your data

Regularly backing up your data can help to protect you in the event of a data breach or other disaster. By keeping a copy of your data in a separate location, you can recover your data if it is lost or stolen.

Be aware of your surroundings

Physical security is also important when it comes to protecting your data. Be aware of your surroundings when using your devices, and make sure to keep your devices with you or secure them when you are not using them.

Enable email security protocols

For a secure email experience, you must be aware of what is DMARC. DMARC can protect against an email data breach by providing a way for organizations to authenticate the emails being sent from their domains, and to instruct receiving mail servers on how to handle messages that fail authentication.

Conclusion

Data breaches can have serious consequences for individuals and organizations, including financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal liabilities. It is important to take steps to protect your data and to be prepared to respond to a data breach if one occurs.

Some effective ways to protect yourself from data breaches include using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping your software and devices up to date, being cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments, using a virtual private network (VPN), backing up your data, and being aware of your surroundings.

It is also a good idea to stay informed about the latest threats and trends in cybersecurity, and to follow best practices for protecting your data. By taking these precautions, you can help to protect yourself and your personal information from data breaches and other security threats.

How To Enhance The 2FA User Experience

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a tried-and-true way for strengthening the security of your website. Using a 2FA plugin can make your site more safe and resistant to assaults. The “issue” is that many sites do not make an effort to improve the WordPress 2FA user experience.

Improving the user experience for 2FA makes it simpler to persuade visitors to adopt your authentication option. The more registered users that utilize 2FA, the less likely it is that you will have to deal with security breaches on your website. That’s a major advantage, and you may capitalize on it by urging visitors to enable 2FA.

How Common Is 2FA Adoption?

2FA is not a novel technology. In general, multifactor identification has been present since the 1990s. However, true acceptance of the technology did not occur until the early 2000s. Nowadays, it is difficult to discover famous websites that do not provide 2FA to their consumers.

With the technology being so widely available, it stands to reason that adoption rates would be quite high. After all, 2FA is simple to implement.

In practice, however, 2FA (and multifactor authentication) acceptance is dismally low. Twitter revealed in its most recent transparency report that just 2.6% of active accounts use 2FA. From 2020 to 2021, the figure only grew by 6.3%.

Even if you provide 2FA, as a website owner, you must recognize that most users may decide not to utilize it. Using a 2FA plugin alone is insufficient. To maximize the number of individuals that opt into 2FA, you’ll need to take active measures to make it as user-friendly and frictionless as possible.

3 Methods for Improving the 2FA User Experience

The word “user experience” can refer to a variety of things. Improving the 2FA user experience entails making it easy to use.

Simply said, you want to reduce any possible user irritation while working with 2FA. Fortunately, there are various options for achieving this aim!

1. Provide a number of One-Time Password (OTP) channels

One of the primary reasons why many users do not enable 2FA is that websites and applications may not provide the preferred OTP routes. If you prefer to get OTP messages through SMS, you may be annoyed if a website requires you to install an app like Google Authenticator or receive codes via email:

Offering only one OTP channel is unlikely to satisfy all users. With this in mind, your best bet is to give many channels, including the following options:

Email (both codes and links through email) (both codes and links over email)
SMS messages
Apps for authentication (such as Google Authenticator and Authy)

In terms of OTP channels, those are the “basics.” Many popular two-factor authentication plugins, such as Two-Factor and WP 2FA, provide access to some or all of these OTP channels. WP 2FA Premium additionally includes OTP channels such as WhatsApp, push notifications, and phone calls.

Ideally, you should utilize a 2FA plugin with as many OTP channel choices as feasible. You’ll be able to provide consumers with additional alternatives this way, increasing the likelihood that they’ll wish to enable the feature.

You should also think about setting 2FA backup methods or backup codes. That implies that if a registered user loses access to a channel (for example, by forgetting their email password), they may quickly switch to a backup and acquire the OTP they require.

Simply telling consumers that they are not restricted to a particular channel will alleviate their fear of being shut out. It should be exceedingly unusual for users to be unable to access your site due to backup channels.

2. Protect Trusted Machines

Even if you make 2FA as simple as feasible to use, many customers may resent having to input codes every time they want to access their accounts. This frustration can grow enormously if they have to utilize 2FA for frequently used accounts. In certain circumstances, irritation leads to people deleting 2FA entirely.

The most straightforward solution to this problem is to utilize 2FA plugins with a “trusted machines” option. Websites that have access to this functionality can identify the machines that visitors use to access their accounts. Then, identified devices will no longer be required to provide OTP codes every time they attempt to log in.

You may even be able to review a list of allowed devices, depending on the tool:

If you use a 2FA plugin that allows users to save trusted computers (for example, WP 2FA), ensure sure the tool has expiry options. For further protection, these settings require users to re-confirm trusted devices on a regular basis.

Depending on the 2FA plugin you install, it may prompt you for device confirmation if it detects a new IP address or cannot locate the associated cookies. That implies you’ll have to do even less effort while customizing the tool. Furthermore, users will not have to “certify” devices as frequently.

3. The 2FA Process Can Be White Labeled

The fact that most websites employ third-party solutions to implement 2FA is a huge issue in improving the user experience. Most websites are unable to code a 2FA solution from scratch (even large enterprises).

Thanks to plugins, you can set up a 2FA solution in WordPress for free and in some cases in a matter of minutes. The main disadvantage is that many WordPress 2FA plugins include branding that informs consumers that they are using a third-party product.

Working with third-party tools may be a deal breaker for certain people. They may be unaware of how 2FA works. Furthermore, interacting with another service while signing in to a website may be too much.

After people have registered, explaining how 2FA works is a good place to start. If you want to go above and beyond, you may white-label the 2FA authentication page that visitors view when they try to log in to your website.

White labeling entails utilizing your website’s logo, deleting any mention of visitors through the use of a plugin, and modifying the authentication page in any way you see fit:

You may include instructions on how to utilize 2FA when modifying the authentication page. This can help to reduce user misunderstanding. Depending on the 2FA plugin you employ, you may even be able to redirect visitors to personalized sites after they have successfully authenticated.

Conclusion

We came to know how we can improve 2FA user experience. You should ideally utilize a plugin that makes the 2FA white-labeling procedure as simple as feasible. Most plugins allow you to configure them any way you see appropriate, although this typically necessitates working with code. Other WordPress plugins, such as WP 2FA, have white labeling features, which is exactly what you should seek.

Every website that has registered users should have Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). It’s a sophisticated solution that greatly improves your website’s security, making it more difficult for attackers to steal user data. Unfortunately, many users avoid using 2FA due to basic inconvenience. They frequently do not grasp how 2FA works, or your website does not provide the ideal user experience.

The Impact Of Internet Censorship On Society

Countries censor the internet to prevent individuals from spreading things they deem improper for their citizens. Governments hope to avoid cybercrime by controlling the internet, preventing the spread of fake news, and protecting intellectual property.

However, internet censorship may not always help the public. Enacting terms that restrict the viewing and publication of material may violate people’s rights.

Is Online Censorship Legal?

Citizens’ freedom of expression and access to information are hampered by Internet restrictions. Internet restriction infringes on people’s rights under the First Amendment.

The government should not regulate how and when we access material online unless the forbidden information is pornographic, vulgar, or politically objectionable.

Internet Censorship Violates People’s Right To Free Expression

Some regimes go far and limit the exchange of political content in order to reign unchallenged and negate humanist movements. Some authoritarian countries prohibit the release of certain news in order to maintain control. You’ve probably heard of people being jailed and prosecuted in court just for sharing sensitive political information.

Internet Censorship instills terror in citizens, preventing them from speaking out against societal injustices. While censorship may prevent dangerous information from spreading, it also results in the loss of good knowledge that may strengthen communities. When individuals only have access to information that the government wants them to have, they become uneducated and less concerned with the truth.

You merely lack access to filtered material at will in this age of modern technology. Proxies and other IP masking tools can provide you access to restricted information.

Censorship Strengthens The Ruling Class While Weakening The Masses.

When the topic of Internet Censorship comes up, there are so many unresolved issues. Because the government provides a certain group the authority to undertake censorship tactics, it further strengthens this subsection. Under normal conditions, such a gang will most likely disregard morality and legally mandated regulations. The agency may lack the authority to expose the wrongdoings of the government machines that fuel their existence.

Control and manipulation of published content have also been a point of contention. Will the same government not challenge the agency if its wrongdoings are exposed? The majority of regimes utilize internet restrictions to influence the populace. People with money and power can use censorship to affect what other citizens say and view. In other words, these restrictions cede authority to society’s wealthy and powerful.

Citizens in nations where the internet is censored do not have to be in the dark. They can access prohibited information secretly by using residential proxies. Residential proxies give the security and anonymity required for users to access prohibited news and publications.

Internet Censorship Limits Advertising Possibilities

Internet Censorship has a significant impact on the business sector. Yes, when a government bans internet material, sectors and businesses suffer considerably.

Governments harm businesses by restricting access to social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. It simply stifles the expansion of such firms. This is due to the firms’ inability to reach a larger client base.

Citizens in countries where social media sites are illegal are forced to rely on less popular social media platforms. The internet, like a global village, links businesses with customers from all over the world. When a country prohibits certain social media networks, businesses are left with a small client base. As a result, internet filtering causes more harm than benefit to both established and new enterprises.

Internet censorship depletes national resources.

Internet Censorship is an expensive endeavor that depletes a country’s resources. The skills and technology resources required to filter the internet are too expensive.

To make censorship work possible, the government must pay additional personnel to assist with implementation processes and secure pricey technological infrastructure and systems. Some nations may stop internet connections entirely in order to limit information access.

The expenses of imposing internet restrictions outweigh the benefits they provide to the government. Consider South Arabia, which spent millions of dollars blocking Facebook Messenger, Skype, and WhatsApp, losing the country $465 million in GDP. Consider a country like India, which adopted internet restrictions at a cost of $968 million in GDP.

Conclusion

Some kind of internet regulation is reasonable, as long as it is carried out within a country’s legal borders. Internet Censorship, on the other hand, is not always worth it when it becomes a weapon of manipulation and a method to conceal criminals, allowing them to continue terrorizing a country.

Internet filtering within legal frameworks can limit the spread of fake news, which can lead to violence and criminality. It may also prevent the media from marketing sensational material.

However, as said before, the disadvantages of internet restriction outweigh the benefits. Most governments control the internet and social media in order to influence their population. The good news is that even in nations with such limitations, people may still use proxies to obtain the information they desire.

What Are The Top Three Anti-Virus Software For PC?

A virus is a type of computer software that replicates itself after being run by modifying other programs and inserting its code.

Viruses can spread through networks, CDs, email attachments, and external storage devices such as USB sticks, in addition to networks. Because connections between machines were initially far more limited than they are now, infected floppy discs were commonly used to spread early computer viruses.

If you see any of the following indicators of malware infestation on your computer:

Unpredictable computer behavior
Computer performance is slow.
Unreported data loss
Computer crashes frequently

Installing a strong antivirus on your desktop or laptop is critical, especially in light of current world events. The threat presented by hackers and other cybercriminals who prowl the connected world has not abated in the last 10 years.

Antivirus software protects your device from malware by detecting, containing, and/or eliminating malicious code. Modern antivirus applications update themselves automatically to provide protection against the most latest viruses and malware.

Every computer is susceptible to viruses, many of which have catastrophic consequences. Fortunately, there are methods for protecting against these threats. You may use our reviews to choose the best virus removal software for your system.

Because there are several protection products available, use our recommendations to choose which virus removal solution is best for your computer.

We offer you the top three antivirus software, from which you can select the best one for your PC.

1. Bitdefender

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is an easy-to-use antivirus application that is both free and effective in protecting your device.

Bitdefender was formed in 2001 in Bucharest, Romania, in southern Romania. The company employs over 1,600 individuals in locations all around the world. Because Antivirus Plus is the company’s entry-level antivirus software, it is ideal for non-technical home users looking for small threats.

Bitdefender is extremely advanced antivirus software that identifies and fights against malware more effectively than almost any other competitor on the market by integrating a large malware library with machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Bitdefender is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution. You also get Antispam, SafePay, and an Anti-tracker, as well as full malware, ransomware, camera, and microphone protection. Because it offers a wide range of PC maintenance tools, it is an all-in-one solution for your family’s online security needs. It also supports Android and iOS devices and protects Windows and Mac PCs.

In addition to system scans, a free edition of Bitdefender for Windows offers network threat detection, internet protection, and other antivirus services. The commercial edition includes Safepay for financial transactions, many levels of ransomware security, and bug checks. A virtual private network is also offered for an additional monthly fee (VPN).

Bitdefender offers a number of low-cost programs. With the exclusion of camera protection, parental controls, and a device optimizer, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, which costs $19.99 a year, includes many of Bitdefender’s premium features. Customers may also obtain Bitdefender savings by utilizing coupon codes and offers from dpcoupon.com. It only works with Windows, but it includes a Virtual Anonymous Network (VPN) with a daily usage restriction of 200 MB to keep your online identity private. Bitdefender Total Security includes up to 5 licenses for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS and can connect up to 15 devices with some useful features like a file shredder or parental control tools for $39.99/year. For $34.99 per year, Bitdefender Internet Security includes parental controls, a firewall, and coverage for up to three Windows PCs. Furthermore, Bitdefender Premium Security costs $71.99 per year, which is more costly than other competitors, but given that the VPN is limitless with the best standalone VPNs, I feel it is still justified. Bitdefender Premium Security gives full access to all Bitdefender features as well as the VPN.

Bitdefender charges less than competitors for cloud-based antivirus scanning and a wide range of security solutions. If you’re familiar with computers and want a full cybersecurity suite with extras like a VPN, parental controls, and a password manager, I recommend Bitdefender. Bitdefender also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it out risk-free.

2. McAfee

McAfee is one of our favorite antivirus programs since it contains extra security features in addition to protection against the most recent internet threats.

McAfee Antivirus Plus is the only antivirus program that considers the growing number of devices in a single home, each of which may run four or more distinct operating systems. It also includes full network security for the house, a password manager, encrypted storage, a firewall booster, and identity theft protection for 10 devices for a year.

Total Protection is an excellent solution simply because of its superior virus protection capabilities; in a series of tests, it had a faultless detection rate of 100 percent against all malware samples. McAfee recognized, halted, and eradicated both simple and advanced threats such as viruses, trojan horses, spyware, keyloggers, and rootkits.

McAfee’s excellent anti-phishing protection prevents access to phishing and malicious websites. In detecting the great majority of dangerous websites, it surpassed both the built-in security capabilities of browsers like Chrome and Firefox, as well as web protection provided by the bulk of competitor antivirus systems.

McAfee Parental Control includes extensive location tracking, allowing you to track your child’s device with near-perfect precision while also blocking inappropriate and unwanted information and apps (this feature performs significantly better than Google’s or Apple’s capabilities for locating devices).

McAfee Total Protection Basic ($29.99/YEAR) protects only one device. Both the Premium package ($44.99/year) with parental controls and coverage for up to 10 devices and the Plus plan ($34.99/year) with coverage for up to 5 devices provide excellent value. Furthermore, McAfee offers some of the best long-term discounts and McAfee coupons up to 30% off with its 2-year contracts for numerous devices.

McAfee Total Protection offers comprehensive online security protection for all PCs and mobile devices. McAfee’s “My Home Network” feature is amazing; it gives centralized security management over all network-connected devices, and its parental controls are among the best available. As a result, McAfee Total Protection is especially advantageous for families who wish to maintain a highly secure Wi-Fi network that boosts their children’s safety both online and offline. Each Total Protection program comes with a 30-day, risk-free money-back guarantee.

3. Norton

Norton 360 antivirus is one of the greatest anti-malware programs available. Independent testing laboratories discovered that it entirely detected zero-day malware, had minimal to no performance effect, and detected no false positives.

Norton published its first antivirus product under the Symantec name in 1991. LifeLock was bought by Symantec in 2017 when the enterprise component of the firm was sold, and its name was changed to NortonLifeLock in 2019. Tempe, Arizona is the company’s headquarters.

Norton 360 with LifeLock was rated the best antivirus for Windows due to its ability to maintain and build on its reputation for keeping Windows PCs safe. LifeLock has an edge just because of its anti-identity theft capabilities. To keep you safe online, they also include a useful intelligent firewall that is a huge help in terms of policing your system, as well as some quite comprehensive browser protection capabilities.

Norton antivirus software has a unique scanning engine that combines heuristic analysis and machine learning to detect and eradicate even the most cutting-edge and current infections. It earned a perfect score in every independent test, and it frequently surpassed built-in antivirus software in terms of threat detection and prevention (like Windows Defender).

One of the unique features is dark web monitoring; it is by far the best dark web monitoring tool ever explored. It continually scans the dark web for personal data such as credit card numbers, insurance records, residence addresses, phone numbers, gamer tags, and more, and tells you immediately if any stolen information is discovered.

Norton provides excellent value across the board. The company’s entry-level AntiVirus Plus bundle costs $19.99 per year and includes real-time virus protection, a firewall, a password manager, and 2 GB of encrypted cloud storage. Norton 360 Standard costs $39.99 a year and includes unfettered VPN access, 10 GB of secure cloud storage, and dark web monitoring. The firm also offers up to $110 in savings with Norton promo codes and up to $30 in bargains.

For $49.99 per year, you may upgrade to Norton 360 Deluxe and get up to 5 more licenses, 50 GB of storage, and access to some of the most powerful parental controls available. Norton 360 with LifeLock also offers identity theft protection and credit monitoring through Norton’s sibling company, LifeLock; however, these premium plans are only available to US customers and begin at $99.48/year.

Simply said, Norton 360 is an excellent antivirus application. It is durable, fairly priced, dependable, and simple to operate. For a low-cost yearly subscription, it’s an excellent choice for home users looking for a comprehensive, user-friendly antivirus with some of the best protection features available.

Norton is one of the greatest cybersecurity packages available, offering complete protection against all hazardous threats as well as a plethora of amazing extra features such as a VPN (with unlimited bandwidth), a password manager, private cloud storage, parental controls, and much more. The company’s 60-day money-back guarantee allows you to try Norton risk-free.

Conclusion

Antivirus software currently seldom has an impact on system performance. While your solution is scanning for threats in the background, you may work on crucial projects, download movies, and play online games with your friends – all without lagging or choppy framerates.

New viruses arise every day, but the finest antivirus developers are fast to stay on top of the most recent threats to protect your system and data. These top antivirus software are guaranteed to keep your computer and home network safe from Trojans, rootkits, and ransomware.

8 Ways To Boost Site-to-Site VPN Security

Your company’s security is ensured by virtual private networks. To protect your connections, they use encryption. When accessing an unprotected internet infrastructure, a VPN is required.

It gives you anonymity and security, keeping hackers at bay. VPNs, however, are not impenetrable. They, like passwords, can always be compromised.

Here are a few tips for increasing the security of your site-to-site VPN.

Use 2FA/MFA

VPN authentication cookies to circumvent authentication, and client certificates to bypass authentication. In such circumstances, enforcing 2FA/MFA is your best option. It may be your final line of defense. A strong password policy is usually a smart idea. This could save you time and stress.

Avoid IPv6 Leaks

IPv6 is a subset of the Internet Protocol. It allows you to access more addresses than IPv4. The issue with IPv6 is that it operates outside of VPN territory. This implies that hackers can find out who you are

Fortunately, you may always do a test to ensure your safety. Alternatively, you can disable IPv6 manually.

Instead of SSL, use IPSec for your VPN.

IPsec VPN may be a better choice than SSL VPN. Create a method for balancing the security concerns of both network connection encryptions. The key distinction is in the network layers where authentication and encryption take place. IPsec operates on the network layer. It can be used to encrypt data delivered across any IP-identified system.

SSL operates on the transport layer. It encrypts data exchanged between any two processes on network-connected hosts indicated by port numbers.

Furthermore, IPsec does not expressly describe connection encryption. SSL VPNs, on the other hand, will encrypt network communication by default. IPSec VPN is important to most threat models, despite the fact that they are both safe.

Make use of the OpenVPN Protocol.

VPNs can support a variety of protocols to give varying levels of protection. The following are the most prevalent protocols:

PPTP
This therapy is less effective than the others. It has a 128-bit encryption key. Hackers have the ability to intercept the connection and authentication procedure. They have the ability to decode your data and jeopardize your security.
Despite its lack of encryption, PPTP has one major advantage: it is one of the quickest protocols.

L2TP
This protocol provides greater security than PPTP. It is, however, slower and has higher operational costs.

OpenVPN
This protocol provides you with the highest levels of security and privacy. It is quick, and you can immediately restore any lost connections. When you wish to provide the highest levels of security, consider adopting VPN solutions that support OpenVPN.

Avoid DNS Leaks

DNS leaks are security weaknesses that allow ISP DNS servers to see DNS requests. They prevent your VPN from concealing the requests. In such cases, you should contact your vendor to see if they have DNS leak prevention. If they don’t, it’s time to find another option.

Make use of Network Lock.

When your Wi-Fi network is disrupted, a network lock prevents your computer from accessing the internet. As a result, your data remains secure even as your VPN reconfigures.

Make use of a kill switch.

If your VPN connection fails, you may be forced to use an unprotected connection provided by your ISP. This is prevented by a kill switch. When a connection is lost, it prevents apps from shutting down and restricts access to websites.

Remote Wireless Network Security

VPNs are excellent for protecting insecure wireless routers. However, the vulnerabilities in your wireless routers may cause issues. They have the potential to damage the efficiency of your VPN. Request assistance from your IT department in securing the networks.

Implementing the aforementioned recommendations will increase your VPN security. It is not, however, impenetrable. To increase the efficiency of your safety measures, you should combine them. The suggestions above will dramatically improve your data security. They reduce the likelihood and severity of breaches.

If you are dissatisfied with your VPN, the market is brimming with alternatives that may meet your security requirements. Investigate them and select the best one for your requirements. Don’t assume that what works for someone else will work for you.

Reverse Proxy Services – Top Picks

Using a proxy, you can access content and websites that are blocked on the web. Any country can force online content providers to remove content or remove results by blocking domain names, filtering and blocking specific keywords, blocking a particular IP address, or tampering with the DNS. Commercial software is often used by governments to do the job for them but you can bypass using proxy services.

Difference between Proxy Server and Reverse Proxy

Reverse Proxy Servers and Proxy Servers (also known as Forward Proxy) differ depending on the point of reference. Technically, both are exactly the same. In both cases, data is sent from a source to a destination on behalf of the source. Proxy servers can be used to forward requests from end-users to internet servers.

What is the actual use of Reverse Proxy?

Presenting a website’s friendly URL
Distribute a load between multiple web servers
Apply security policies to web servers and protect them from attack

The flow of a reverser proxy server:

If you are looking for the best reverser proxy service providers online then the next part of the blog helps you to find out details:

Cloudflare

Protecting web servers from attacks and improving performance and reliability are two of the benefits of using Cloudflare as a reverse proxy. Approximately 80.7% of all websites use Cloudflare for reverse proxy services.

Official Website

Fastly

Utilize Fastly’s powerful edge cloud network to build, deploy, and secure your websites and apps. Control and reliability are what define Fastly’s a content delivery network: deliver faster websites and apps, broadcast videos at the highest quality, and gain real-time visibility – all in a platform that is API-first and agile.

We extend industry-leading CDN services to your private network, eliminating storage limitations and improving mobile and web performance. Content can be cached for as long as you wish, usually resulting in caching ratios of over 99%.

Official Website

Amazon CloudFront

The use of a managed reverse proxy architecture in Amazon Web Services for serving content. Use AWS Shield Standard for free to protect against DDoS attacks with AWS CloudFront’s traffic encryption and access controls. Consolidate requests, customize pricing options, and get zero fees for data transfers out of Amazon Web Services.

Official Website

Sucuri

Due to our highly optimized CDN, Sucuri has lightning-fast page speed. With Sucuri caching options and global CDN, you can boost website speed by 70% on average. Various caching options are available for all types of websites. A network of data centers around the world using proprietary technology and the best hardware is available to you.

Official Website

Akamai Technologies

With fast, engaging app and API performance, and automated data, Akamai attracts customers. Using intelligent load balancing, you can enhance the performance of your website.

Official Website

Reverse Proxy providers market shares:

The other best reverse proxy provider is DDoS-Guard, Imperva, Ezoic, ArvanCloud, StackPath, Variti, Qrator, CDNetworks, and DOSarrest.

Conclusion

A business may choose to build its own reverse proxy, but doing so requires extensive engineering resources, as well as an investment in physical hardware. An easy and cost-effective way to take advantage of reverse proxy services is to sign up for a CDN. Among the many features offered by CDN Proxy, all of the performance and security characteristics listed above are available.

How To Protect Your Online Store Against Fraud And Scams

If you own an e-commerce store, you understand how important it is to maintain your online store safe from fraud and scams. To secure your organization and consumers, vigilant digital security is more critical than ever. Attempts to make fraudulent transactions soared by 69 percent in 2021 alone in the post-COVID era.

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for protecting your company from these dangers. To protect themselves, small business owners must take a number of steps.

As a business owner, you have alternatives and actions to limit the risk of fraud and scam attacks on your company.

What Exactly Is an Online Scam?

Simply put, an online scam occurs when someone defrauds you or your organization on the internet. They are typically facilitated by cybercriminals and can range from credit card fraud to identity theft.

Scams on the internet have been around for a long time, but they have increased as a result of the surge in online sales caused by COVID-19, as many small businesses were driven to quickly construct an e-commerce gateway to their storefronts owing to constraints. The FBI went so far as to warn the general public about hackers and scammers at the onset of the pandemic.

Some scammers go so far as to use social engineering techniques. Scare tactics are used in these attacks to get users or workers to pass over secret and sensitive information.

What Is the Importance of Online Safety?

Business owners frequently store personal information on their computers, such as credit card information and passwords, which cybercriminals want.

Staying safe online will prevent your company from suffering major losses as a result of being compromised. Being scammed can result in more than just lost income or damaged goods; it can also result in a loss of critical brand equity with future clients.

The consequences of your company being cheated might be severe. As a result, you could have to cope with the following:

The cost of any lost merchandise, handling, or shipment associated with any fraudulent orders.
Chargeback penalties
Reputational harm to your company
The closure of your company’s bank account

The battle against fraud is difficult, but understanding the many varieties will help you identify where and when attacks may occur.

What Are the Different Types of Online Scams?

Here are some of the most popular frauds that currently target online businesses.

Phishing Scams

Every day, it seems like a new email fraud emerges. Phishing emails look to be sent by a legitimate sender, but they are designed to obtain sensitive information from the recipient. In Canada, for example, there are restrictions in place to safeguard against fraud and spam, such as the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation.

You may have gotten an email or text message informing you that your company’s account has been compromised. By clicking on the link, you may expose yourself vulnerable to hackers who may target personal and commercial information. Before opening attachments or clicking on links, make sure you trust the sender.

Business owners should be aware that scammers are becoming more creative in their delivery by disguising themselves as real brands. By keeping your firewall and anti-virus software up to date, you can avoid getting phishing emails.

Fake Invoices

Scammers who send bogus emails including invoices in an attempt to collect cash from small business owners can also deceive them.

You may avoid potential losses by ensuring that your company has a well-defined invoicing process. If your firm receives an invoice, it will be able to trace it back to approved spending in your database.

CNP (Card-Not-Present) Fraud

This type of fraud occurs when a scammer uses a stolen credit card, a consumer’s identity, or banking card information.

A CNP often follows the procedure outlined below:

The scammer uses a stolen credit card to make an internet purchase.
The purchase is approved by the issuing bank, and the items are delivered to the scammer. The cardholder does not recognize the purchase and requests a chargeback from the credit card company.
In exchange, the store must reimburse the legitimate owner of a card and incur a loss. In the worst-case scenario, your store could be punished and blacklisted.
Advanced authorization tools, such as multi-step authorization or tokenization, can help your store protect itself from CNP fraud.

Friendly Fraud

Don’t be deceived by the name; this type of scam is far from nice. It occurs when a customer files a chargeback with their credit card company after having paid for and received their merchandise.

Sometimes it’s an honest mistake on the part of the client, such as when they don’t recognize the name of the store on their credit card statements. However, there are situations when friendly fraud is committed with malice. Some clients will go so far as to hire professional refunders who will denounce fraud and get their money back in exchange for a fee.

Friendly fraud is becoming more prevalent. Furthermore, if you do not keep precise records, you may be liable for any fees and penalties associated with chargebacks.

Scams involving government agencies

Cybercriminals are attempting to defraud businesses by posing as representatives from government agencies such as the IRS or the Social Security Administration. Scammers threaten victims with legal action and demand money up advance or payment in installments by phone or email.

Calling the government agency and inquiring about the offer or benefit is the easiest method to avoid being scammed in this way. Instead of using the contact information in the ad, go to the agency’s official website.

Account Takeover

This year, account takeover (ATO) fraud is on the rise. Scammers hack into vulnerable accounts for around 22% of adults in the United States. These cyber thieves exploit the stolen data to carry out illicit transactions, which can have a significant negative impact on your business.

As cyber fraudsters grow more inventive with their methods, we should expect ATO fraud cases to continue to rise in 2022. This form of fraud is now easier than ever before because of automated approaches such as scriptwriting.

You may safeguard your consumers from ATO fraud as a merchant by requiring two-step authorization or biometric passwords before they finish their transactions.

How Can I Spot Online Fraud?

Detecting suspected fraud can be a difficult task. Today’s merchants, on the other hand, have the opportunity to undertake their own digging and investigation to assist in spotting odd purchases and tracking down fraudulent behavior.

Keep an eye out for any unexpected account activity. It’s crucial to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. Take notice of items like several failed transactions, for example. This could be an indication that something is wrong and should be looked into further. Remember that if a fraudster is successful, they may try the same scam again, so blacklist their phone number, email address, IP address, and billing address.
Examine the addresses. The most secure transactions are those in which the shipping, billing, and IP addresses are all within a few miles of one other. The greater the distance between the buyer and the seller, the more likely the transaction will be fraudulent. It could also be a hint of a hoax if the IP address is similarly hidden.

How Can I Defend My Company Against Fraud?

The last thing you want to do is fall victim to a scam. Here are a few pointers to help you avoid it:

Employees should receive fraud and theft prevention training. Training personnel and encouraging them to bring forward anything out of the ordinary is a wonderful idea. To stay current on some of the most recent internet frauds, business owners can hold cybersecurity awareness courses.
Passwords and sensitive information should not be sent by email. Make sure that no critical information or passwords are sent by email. This is due to the fact that emails are sent in plain text and hence are not encrypted. If a hacker gains access to your or any of your workers’ inboxes, vital information may be lost.
Check invoices and payments for accuracy. There’s a risk you’re dealing with con artists. Before approving payments or invoices, double-check that they are who they say they are.
Conduct regular security audits. This will enable you to discover any potential weak areas that could allow internet criminals to obtain your clients’ personal information or commit future fraud. You might conduct phishing tests or create a mirror of your site.

Stay Safe!

It might be difficult to keep your online store safe from fraud and other scams. The first step in keeping your online store secure is to be aware of its security. By remaining cautious, you can avoid becoming a victim of fraud or losing money due to chargebacks.

VPN 101: Unleashing the Power of Virtual Private Network

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. The term “virtual private network” (VPN) is an acronym for “virtual private network.” It may be characterized as enhancing privacy and security in public and private networks, the internet, and Wi-Fi hotspots.

VPNs are commonly utilized by various businesses to safeguard any sensitive information they may have. Today, there’s been an upsurge in the usage of the personal VPN alternative. It is due to the various transformations that the internet is through right now.

When you utilize a VPN, your privacy is greatly enhanced. The original IP address is replaced with a new one given by your VPN provider, and it is why you receive improved privacy with a BPN. It is a terrific way for users to receive an IP address from the gateway city of their choice, as long as the VPN service offers it. You may change your location by using a VPN. You may live in New York, but you may use a VPN to appear to be in London or elsewhere. You may choose from various gateway locations offered by each VPN provider.

Exploring the Importance of VPN

There are various reasons why VPN is so important for internet users. To begin with, you will never have to worry about someone else snooping around when using a public wireless internet connection. You can easily access and visit websites that are restricted in your area. A VPN allows you to securely tunnel your online traffic to another area or nation where such sites are not prohibited.

With this service, those concerned about their ISP and the NSA will have more peace of mind. Allowing your ISP to profit from your data is not a good idea. Some firms attempt to collect large amounts of data on internet users to sell that data to advertising companies. Don’t allow them the opportunity to do that to you; instead, take precautions to protect your online identity. Make it easier for yourself to remain anonymous.

Top 5 Benefits of VPN IN Businesses

A VPN, like a firewall, protects you and your data when you’re online. It delivers the same security, anonymity, and functionality in your office as a private network. VPN works behind the scenes as a relay between your computer and the Internet, ensuring that no one can observe your online actions. As a result, every business firm looking to provide a secure network for its customers should consider VPN solutions as key assets in its infrastructure.

1. Make sure you’re safe.

For the past years, the threat of hackers, data breaches, and eavesdropping has increased dramatically. Every time you transfer data or information over the Internet, VPN encrypts it. VPN protects employees’ privacy and protects their actions from prying eyes by preventing them from using public networks.

2. Personal space.

What’s more, VPN networks operate even when you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network. Because your data is constantly encrypted with a VPN connection, no one can eavesdrop on your actions, even while utilizing insecure access points.

3. Quickness.

As much as we would love to keep our online identities private and safe, we require a lightning-fast connection. When a VPN connection’s lightning-fast, it becomes quite beneficial. It makes data-intensive tasks like uploading, downloading, and streaming your network much easier.

4. Encryption

A VPN network should mask your IP address by blending it with the IP addresses of other users. VPN guarantees that your data is not accessed by third parties such as your ISP or local Wi-Fi operator by encrypting your data and connection between your machine and VPN servers. Furthermore, this additional layer of encryption will aid in the prevention of cyber-crime.

5. Killswitch

In VPNs, a kill switch is a must-have feature. What is the purpose of a kill switch? If you were online and abruptly lost your connection, your computer will revert to your ISP’s IP address without your awareness. It exposes you to attackers and increases your vulnerabilities. The kill switch feature in VPN connections combats this problem by completely terminating your Internet connection, allowing you to remain anonymous.

The VPN and Firestick

A VPN for Fire Stick is a must if you want to enjoy the many benefits of virtual entertainment.

Finding the finest VPN is critical since it may differ between success and failure. Since not all VPN services are made equal, many will not operate on a Fire Stick. So, it’s critical to make the proper choice, and by coming to experts, you can relax knowing that they are knowledgeable enough when it comes to VPN.

By bouncing your IP address between several servers, a VPN might make you appear to be somewhere you’re not. It implies that you may bypass geo-restricted material and stream US Netflix while on vacation in the other country, making it a great option. Additionally, it will protect your online privacy and identity.

Unlimited Bandwidth

A significant amount of bandwidth is required to stream high-definition material. While if you use a VPN, you may connect to a server with a smaller number of people. In addition to having more available bandwidth, you should also notice an improvement in the quality of your streaming experience.

Globally Dispersed Server Farms

Experts believe that an effective streaming service should provide access to content from all around the world. Geo-blocking can occur on some shows and movies. It isn’t necessarily a problem with the streaming service, but rather with the film industry and its distribution restrictions. For example, Friends was accessible on American Netflix, but not in the UK until 2020, owing to copyright difficulties. To get over this, if you want to watch your favorite show or movie right away, you can always install a VPN on your fire stick and switch servers.

Confidentiality and non-disclosure

Make sure the VPN you choose has the greatest degree of encryption and security protocols before you start downloading it. It is also recommended to check whether it comes with IP and DNS leak prevention built in automatically. Before signing up for a VPN service, it’s important to review quotations to ensure it doesn’t monitor or trace your actions.

Top Antivirus Security Software 2021

The internet can seem like a safe place to surf the web and watch a video – however, there are many dangers lurking there that can affect your computer. There is a wide range of malicious software that can be used to monitor your online activities and possibly steal your private information. Malware types used by hackers change regularly, but they can include:

Viruses can cause the software on your computer to malfunction
Adware, which bombards your screen with intrusive advertisements
Spyware, which allows people to monitor your computer activity
Ransomware, A virus that locks up your computer and prevents it from working until you pay a fee, or “ransom”, is called ransomware.
A computer worm is a piece of software code that spreads from one computer to another.

Hackers use many other ways to steal your data online. An example of this is phishing, in which a person tries to trick you into visiting a fake website (like your bank’s website) to steal your personal information.

Thankfully, antivirus software like Bitdefender and Norton, two of the best antivirus products we rated in the Best Antivirus Software of 2021, can help protect you and your computer against these and other threats. However, adding a strong password to your account and taking other common-sense security measures is essential.

If you’re surfing the web, sending emails, streaming videos, or doing anything else online, your antivirus software can scan any information and files sent or received from your computer in real-time. As soon as your software has caught something, it warns you not to click on any website or file that may pose a security risk. Additionally, antivirus software will attempt to quarantine and delete malware if you accidentally download it to your computer.

This year’s Best Antivirus Software of 2021 will help you protect your Windows computer:

Bitdefender Antivirus

Among our top 10 Antivirus Software of 2021 is Bitdefender, which offers a wide array of packages. Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS are all supported, along with one-, two-, and three-year subscriptions. While Bitdefender has an included VPN, its VPN capabilities are limited, and the company does not provide identity theft protection.

Bitdefender is a software company that sells antivirus software to small and mid-size businesses, as well as enterprise and government customers. Bitdefender is headquartered in Romania. Over 500 million devices worldwide are protected by the company’s products, and it employs close to 1,600 people. In North America, Europe, and Australia, there are over 800 engineers and researchers.

Features

Subscriptions discounted for multi-devices and multi-years
Special protections and features tailored to specific apps and functions
Available in the 15-device Family Pack
Includes separate macOS-specific solutions
All packages except the top-tier include limited access to a virtual private network (VPN)
One drawback is that no protection against identity theft

Website | Pricing

Kaspersky Antivirus

With Kaspersky Lab, you can buy antivirus software in four levels, including the entry-level plan that includes a virtual private network (VPN). All plans are available for multiple operating systems, except the entry-level plan.

In addition to providing cybersecurity solutions to companies and governments, Kaspersky Lab is one of the world’s largest privately-owned cybersecurity companies. Its parent company, Kaspersky Lab, was founded in 1997 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Kaspersky North America was founded in 2004 in Massachusetts. With operations in 200 countries and territories, 35 offices in 31 countries, and roughly 400 million consumer and enterprise users, it employs more than 4,000 people.

Features

Subscriptions are relatively inexpensive and can be used on multiple devices for a long time
Mac-specific subscriptions are also available
With VPN included in all tiers except the basic
Identity theft protections included but only in the top-level plan

Website | Pricing

Webroot

“SecureAnywhere” antivirus software packages from Webroot offer a wide variety of features for a cost that is competitive with many other antivirus software providers. Webroot provides security against cyber-threats such as ransomware, phishing, viruses, identity theft, and others are addressed.

Protecting 206+ Million devices across consumers, businesses, and technology partners. A wide range of large networking companies also uses Webroot’s BrightCloud Threat Intelligence Services.

The company was founded in 1997 in Broomfield, Colorado, where its headquarters remain. In February 2019, Carbonite, an online data backup service, acquired the company. A month later, OpenText, a company specializing in information management, acquired Carbonite.

Features

Subscriptions at an affordable price
Affecting system performance in a minimal manner
All packages include firewall and webcam protection

Website | Pricing

Norton Antivirus

Its identity theft protection plan is one of the most comprehensive available, and Norton – now officially NortonLifeLock – offers one of the most ubiquitous brands in internet security and antivirus software. Norton, with headquarters in Tempe, Arizona, is one of the world’s largest IT companies and employs more than 3,700 people worldwide.

It’s important to mention Norton’s LifeLock identity theft protection, which offers comprehensive protection against identity theft. Furthermore, it includes up to $100,000 in insurance that covers legal fees and loss reimbursement.

Despite its powerful features, LifeLock plans are more expensive than those of many other antivirus vendors. The second reason is that even the cheapest Norton plan includes features it is often necessary to acquire separately from other vendors, including a VPN, a password manager, and a cloud storage service from 10 to 500 GB.

Features

Each package includes virtual private networking (VPN).
Subscriptions tailored specifically to gamers.
Protection against identity theft by LifeLock with all multi-device antivirus packages.
Computer webcams are protected by SecureCam.
The software is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
A cloud storage service is included with all tiers