Whether you use your computer(s) a little or a lot, it’s crucial to be vigilant against hackers continually. They’re out in force more and more all the time and come up with increasingly sophisticated ways to break into networks, crash systems, steal data, lock people out of their accounts, and more.
You can protect your information in multiple ways, such as keeping software updated, choosing hard-to-crack passwords, learning about current scam tactics, and using locked Wi-Fi. However, one of the top steps to keeping cyber-criminals out is installing quality security software on all your devices. Read on for some ways to choose the best product for your needs.
Get Clear on Which Features You’re After
You need to ensure you’re clear about which features you want in security software so you know what to look for when the time comes. Where your budget allows, it’s best to select the most comprehensive option possible so that it will protect you against numerous threats, like viruses, spam, spyware, and ransomware.
Put together a list of the various features you hope to get in the product you purchase. This will help you narrow in on those that meet your criteria and allow you to discount the ones that don’t. For instance, you might want to choose security software with a quality antivirus download to protect you from all types of incoming viruses and one that runs scheduled scans often, such as hourly or daily.
Most people like buying software that’s easy to use, download, update, and understand, and that sends weekly or monthly reports along with real-time threat detection alerts. You’re best off picking a product that protects your privacy when you browse and buy online, which can also be scaled over time to suit your changing needs. Other features on your list might include system requirements that will integrate with your computer and other devices you use the software on and a program with a host-based firewall included.
Know Your Specific Goals Upfront
It’s also helpful to know the specific goals you want to achieve by purchasing security software, so you can keep these in mind as you search for and ultimately choose a product. Of course, the thing that will be top of mind is finding a solution that protects your devices and data as well as possible, but there might be other factors you’re considering.
For example, you might be particularly keen to find an option that’s known for guarding well against phishing emails or ransomware or that is the fastest on the market at identifying and removing viruses. You could be after a product that will protect you from risks related to your work type or the activities you tend to complete when online.
Other goals may be sticking within a certain budgetary constraint or choosing security software that protects a higher number of devices than is standard.
Research Options Carefully
Take your time researching options carefully and ensure you’re comparing “apples with apples” rather than thinking there’s a fantastic deal on a product that turns out to be very different from what you expected. There are comprehensive security software products, those that only keep a specific type of threat at bay, or others again that are purely focused on cleaning up systems that have already been infected with some type of virus or malware rather than stopping it in the first place.
Most tools either excel at cleaning devices or protecting them, so it’s best to have different products for each area. As you research options, ensure you find proper security software solutions. As you read about options, check the refund and cancellation terms of each, too, so you know if you might have to pay extra fees for opting out at some point.
Another part of your research should be reading reviews and testimonials about the different products you have on your shortlist. Understanding what other consumers have thought about solutions and the pros and cons they’ve identified will help you narrow down your selection further. Check out feedback on social media platforms, blogs, forums, developer websites, magazines, and the like. Focus on more recent comments, too, since products may have been considerably updated to fix bugs and offer more to users.
Find Out What Level of Customer Support is Provided
Lastly, before you finalize a transaction to purchase security software, learn about the level of customer support that you’ll receive if you need it. Is there help easily accessible if you have trouble setting up or using a program? What about if you get hacked, the software crashes or some other problem arises?
Learn what avenues there are for customer service, such as email, live chat, phone, social media, etc., and if staff are only available on certain days of the week or set hours each day.
Security software plays an essential part in using technology safely, but it’s only as helpful as the level of quality you receive. Take your time, then, to find the perfect option for your needs, and don’t settle for something less.
