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At present more than always, our security is being threatened by malware. Ransomware and botnets are big business these days, and targeted attacks have go commonplace. Even the about careful among us can autumn victim to the increasingly advanced techniques that governments and criminal organizations employ to extort and harass high-ranking officials, competing companies, and the general public.

In response, anti-malware apps are broadening in scope. No solution will ever exist able to thwart every possible threat, merely we've come a long way from the simplicity of simply maintaining a virus signature database. Heuristics have improved immensely, the nearly vulnerable avenues of set on are being reinforced, and fast-paced updates minimize damage — there's a lot going on.

Now, all you need to practice is pick which app is right for your needs. And to assist you decide, nosotros've assembled six of the best anti-malware solutions on the market. Our friends over at PCMag have tested each of these products for you in-depth.

McAfee Anti

McAfee AntiVirus Plus

If yous have as many devices equally nosotros do, you definitely exceed the number of seats available from a typical anti-malware service. Thankfully, McAfee allows for an unlimited number of Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices to be covered on a single license. And with Real Protect (the latest anti-virus engine from McAfee) in action, all of your apps are monitored closely. If something sketchy is detected, information technology reverts any changes — offering protection from zero-solar day exploits.

• Read the total PCMag review
• Buy now for as low as $54.99

Webroot Anti

Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus

Bloat and resource hogging are common complaints confronting anti-malware apps, and that's been a fair criticism for many years. To combat that stereotype, Webroot has delivered an app that's tiny, fast, and extremely capable of detecting and removing malware. Scans take just a few minutes, the app is lightweight, and handily obliterates malware in PCMag'southward tests.

• Read the full PCMag review
• Buy at present for as low as $29.99

BitDefender Anti

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Ransomware has become a particularly worrisome issue – most recently because of the NSA-derived Wannacry assault. Not only does Bitdefender Antivirus Plus provide wide protection against typical malware like trojans and spyware, but information technology also delivers an extra layer of protection from attempts to hijack specific folders. Lock your documents folder downwards with Bitdefender, and ransomware won't be able to target it.

• Read the full PCMag review
• Purchase at present for as low as $39.99

Norton Anti

Norton AntiVirus Basic

If y'all're looking for a thorough scrubbing of your system, this is a great option. A starting time-fourth dimension full browse can end up taking over an hour to complete with Norton, but it leaves no rock unturned. In fact, it ended up scanning hundreds of thousands of files when PCMag was putting it through its paces. And if you're ever worried that a normal scan missed something, the included Power Eraser tool can hunt down pesky malware hiding in the weeds, and annihilate it.

• Read the total PCMag review
• Buy now for as low equally $19.99

Kaspersky Anti

Kaspersky Anti-Virus

When it comes to standard malware removal and detection, Kaspersky consistently scores well from contained labs. Even amend, it earns top marks in PCMag's anti-phishing tests. When devious schemes like the recent Gmail attacks hit, Kaspersky tin can offer solid protection confronting these damaging campaigns. It'south never going to be able to catch everything though, then you lot'll nevertheless demand to remain vigilant when clicking email links.

• Read the full PCMag review
• Buy now for every bit depression every bit $59.99

Trend Micro Anti

Trend Micro Antivirus Plus Security

While results vary from independent labs, Trend Micro Antivirus Plus Security really fared pretty well with PCMag's tests — particularly in the anti-phishing section. And since it includes a browser plugin that scans links, and visually warns you nearly potential threats earlier you click, it's a solid way to stay out of trouble. Add in ransomware protection, a spam filter, and a "firewall booster" to thwart botnets, and there's a lot to similar with Trend Micro.

• Read the full PCMag review
• Buy now for as low equally $39.95

Now read: Best Tools for Spyware Removal and Protection

[Image credit: Ben Forsberg, edited]