Total security software

Total security software comparison chart for 2024

Total security software explained

Most total security software combine these functions:

• Anti-virus, to stop computer viruses damaging your software and files.
• Anti-spyware, to block spyware monitoring how you use your computer.
• Anti-spam, to prevent junk email clogging up your inbox.
• A firewall, to stop hackers breaking into your computer via the internet.
• Phishing protection, to warn you of fake websites.
• Parental controls, which block potentially inappropriate sites and content.
• Identity theft protection, to keep your safe from online fraudsters.
• Tune up tools, which help your computer run faster and more reliably.
• Backup tools, to keep safe copies of important files online.

Total security software is very convenient. Once you install it, it will run constantly on your computer, keeping you protected so you can use the internet with confidence. You don’t have to worry about installing more than one piece of security software, and it also usually works out cheaper than purchasing separate packages.

As long as you keep the software updated (most total security software will do this automatically), it will keep you safe.

Performance improvements and data backup

As well as guarding your computer from online threats, total security software can actually improve your computer’s performance. Most packages will scan your hard drive for unnecessary files and settings, then remove them for you. Like servicing a car regularly, this will result in a computer which runs noticeably more smoothly.

Your total security software may also include online backup space. This copies your most important files (maybe documents or photos?) to another server on the internet, so you have a second copy just in case anything happens to your computer.

What to look for in total security software

Total security software provides you with all the tools you need to keep your computer secure. A few years ago anti-virus software was all you ever needed to keep your computer safe, but the emergance of new threats from hackers and cyber-criminals as meant that other forms of protection are needed.

Anti-virus

Despite the increase of new computer security threats, your anti-virus is your first layer of protection. It's the one feature we would always pick above another. You should choose an anti-virus that scores highly in the dependent lab tests. The most recognised of these labs are AV-Comparatives and AV Test.

You may have noticed that alot of security suites offer cloud based virus detection. Don't worry too much about whether your solution is in the cloud, the most important thing is that it is effective. Something that is worth looking at is the number of false positives it produces. A false positive is when a file is determined to be a virus, but in actual fact it is a legitmate file.

Personal firewall

Having a personal firewall is still a very important. You no longer need to purchase a separate personal firewall, because most security solutions come with one installed. We always recommend that you choose a firewall that offers two network monitoring and includes intrusion detection.

Identity theft protection

Having your credit card details, social security number or website login details can be a costly and frustrating experience. So having the right security tools to minimalize that risk is very important. Spyware is one of the worst culprits, so anti-spyware is a must in a total security suite. Many suites now include website advisors which alert you potentially fraudulent websites. Adware protection that blocks pop-ups is also a consideration, so too anti-spam that intercepts harmful emails.

Parental controls

The majority of total security suites now include parental controls, however none are quite as comprehensive as the individually sold parental control software suites. A few of the major vendors don't include parental controls in their total security solution, so if you have children and its an important feature for you make sure you pick a solution where it's included.

Backup

Backing up your data doesn't necessarily seem like a form of computer security, but if someone is able to hack into your computer and wipe your entire hard-drive, you'll be glad you considered back-up. The vast majority of total security suites offer online backup, where your data is incrementally backed up to an outside server. Be warned that most companies charge extra for online back up, although most will offer you a couple of megabytes of storage for free.

Tune-up tools

The latest range of total security suites now offer PC tune-up tools. We aren't quite sure why as they don't really fall into the bracket of computer security. However they can be quite useful, particularly if your computer has become a bit slow.