Top 8 Reasons Why You Should Get A Decent Antivirus Software Right Now
It’s 2026 and we now spend a good deal of our lives online, personally and professionally. That’s a lot of time spent in an environment where your data and security can be easily compromised.
Chances are you have a PC running Windows, and you’re wondering if you still need an antivirus program to protect you. The short and simple answer is yes, and we’re going to explore eight reasons why an antivirus is more of a necessity than ever before...
1. Because attacks are on the rise...
- Security breaches have increased by 11% since 2018 and 67% since 2014. (Accenture)- Hackers attack every 39 seconds, on average 2,244 times a day. (University of Maryland)
- The cybercrime economy has grown to enjoy at least $1.5 trillion in profits each year
- Security breaches increased by 67% Over the past five years, according to Accenture’s global survey.
2. Because Windows Defender is not enough to counter zero-day attacks
According to a report by WatchGuard, at least 30 percent of malware today is new, zero-day malware that is missed by Window’s antivirus defenses.3. Because of Spyware
If you get hit with malicious spyware, it will follow you anywhere you go – even to a trusted site like Amazon or eBay. Spyware collects information about your surfing habits or personal information (such as credit card numbers), and can pass it on to third parties without you knowing. A foreign based keylogger can even monitor your keystrokes. It’s not too hard to find a key pattern that matches a credit card number…4. Because of ransomware
Ransomware is one of the most insidious forms of modern malware – it is very difficult to detect and almost impossible to cure. It freezes access to the files stored on the hard drive (or blocks the PC completely), unless you pay a hefty ransom to the infecting hacker, often in the form of Bitcoin or other virtual currency. Frequently, the only solution is a full disk formatting; the information from the disk, of course, is lost forever. Default Internet Security software and free antiviruses are virtually powerless against ransomware.5. Because of phishing attacks
A shrewd hacker can exploit even the most tech savvy. Mostly they send messages or emails from what look like legitimate organizations, such as PayPal or your personal bank. Start clicking with abandon and you’ll be redirected to a fake site, tricked into entering account information, and suddenly you’re a victim of identity theft.6. Because you need to protect all of your devices
It’s not just your computer. Just because your front door is locked and barred doesn’t mean a determined hacker can’t find another way in. IoT devices are on the up and up, and each one presents a new entrance into your home network. Your PC is safe, but is your toaster? Your baby monitor?Unfortunately we’re not joking. At over 8 billion, the number of IoT devices today has officially surpassed the world’s population; and it’s only expected to grow, reaching over 20 billion by 2026. Antivirus doesn’t solely apply to your computer, but to any device connected to your home network, including your mobile, your tablet or any other connected device. Widen the shield.
7. Because you need to protect your family
You can protect your PC. You can protect your phone. You can even protect every IoT device under your roof. That doesn’t mean everyone else in your family is safe, or that everyone else in your family is diligent. Just because you hesitate before hitting that big download button doesn’t mean your spouse will, and just because you can cruise through the dark net unscathed doesn’t mean your kids should.Just like when you’re driving a car, it’s not just your own safety that matters – it’s everyone else in the car with you.
8. Because antivirus software also offers loads of other security features
The term ‘antivirus’ is somewhat outdated. Modern security suites offer protection against malware, as well as many other nifty features.How about enhanced webcam guards, improved anti-fingerprinting, and an email hack check to alert you if your email address has been compromised? Or a built-in VPN that allows you to surf anonymously from any country? You get the picture. Antivirus is just one aspect of a whole range of features that will essentially make you safe online.
Don’t compromise your online security for a mere $40...
Following best practices such as keeping your software and operating systems updated, not downloading suspicious files, and avoiding links from untrusted sources will go a long way in protecting you. However, it’s not enough when a brand-new malware comes along and blows right past your system’s defenses.There’s always going to be a chance that something will slip through the net. If you want the highest levels of defence, add a full security suite on top.
The best paid antivirus solutions are equipped with advanced detection capabilities that go beyond filtering out commoditized threats. The use of new techniques such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and behavioral tracking has turned the modern antivirus into a formidable defender, capable of detecting and blocking more sophisticated attacks.
If it's the best antivirus that you're after, we have some top recommendations for you. These leading antivirus brands are offering our readers discounted rates of up to 50% OFF, so that you can now get full protection for less than $40 per year!
TOP ANTIVIRUS PROGRAMS 2026
- TotalAV
Best antivirus package overall. Superior performance + Many added features. Save 80% on the newest 2026 Edition via our link!
- Norton
Norton antivirus is a pioneer in the industry and a 39 times winner of PCMag.com's Editors Choice award. The parental control features are also second to none.
- Bitdefender
Look to BitDefender if your goal is unparalleled performance and ease of use. Regardless of your device, or any assortment of devices you currently use, there is a product to suit your specific needs.
More antivirus reviews
- Avast
Out of the four tests run by AV-Comparatives, Avast earned three Advanced+ and one Advanced rating. That’s good enough in my books. Avast is in the top 10 all the way.
- Avira
If you're looking for all-encompassing protection, Avira has you covered. Surf with confidence knowing you're protected from those who would harm or spy on you. Avira is a winner in our opinion!
- Guardio
Guardio is a lightweight security layer for your browser and phone. It is very good at stopping phishing pages, scam links and risky downloads before they reach you, and it works best next to a regular antivirus program.
- PC Protect
This 'ultimate antivirus' offers an antivirus engine, real-time protection, firewall, ad blocking, disk cleaning, startup program management, a browser manager and more...
- Scanguard
Scanguard's complete protection includes all the features of a top security package. Fast antivirus engine, real-time antivirus protection, and Scanguard-specific technical support. Scanguard also offers superb extras…
- Trend Micro
Reliable protection against scams, malware, and ransomware. Easy to use with solid extra features. Unlock exclusive savings on Trend Micro today!
- Vipre
VIPRE is a security brand with a long history in both business and home antivirus software. Its home products focus on lightweight, real-time protection against malware, ransomware and dangerous websites, without a lot…
- Webroot
Webroot is a high performing and efficient antivirus solution. It has some shortcomings, but its excellent antivirus capabilities and lightweight protection mechanism make it a top-tier antivirus and an ideal choice for…
VPN
- Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a highly versatile VPN that offers a range of advanced features, including WireGuard tunnelling protocol, dedicated IPs, SOCKS5 proxy, port forwarding, and an ad- and tracker-blocking…
Ad blockers
- Cyberghost Ad Blocker
Founded in 2011, Cyberghost is a one-stop tool designed to offer users the greatest levels of anonymity, privacy, and security online. Since its inception, the prevalence of invasive adware, spyware, and other malicious…
- ExpressVPN Ad Blocker
ExpressVPN is best known as a VPN, but its apps also include a set of browsing protection tools that block ads, trackers and dangerous websites. Called Advanced Protection (it grew out of the earlier Threat Manager…
- Norton Adblocker
Norton Ad Blocker is a browser-based ad blocker from Norton, one of the best-known names in consumer security. It removes many ads, pop-ups and trackers while you browse, helping pages load faster and look cleaner. Read…
- Surfshark Adblock
Many virtual private networks (VPNs) include ad-blocking features, but Surfshark CleanWeb stands out from the crowd. Once activated, it effectively blocks ads, trackers, and malware, ensuring your browsing remains…
- Total Adblock
Total AdBlock was created and developed by TotalAV, an award-winning antivirus and security Software. It is a comprehensive solution designed to block intrusive advertisements and unwanted content across various online…
Password managers
- 1Password
One of the most popular password managers with over 15 million users, 1Password is trusted by the biggest names in the software industry: IBM, PagerDuty, AppSec Consulting, Inc., GitLab Inc., and more. It uses the best…
- ExpressVPN Keys
ExpressVPN Keys is a password manager built into the ExpressVPN apps and offered as part of ExpressVPN subscriptions. It stores your logins in an encrypted vault, fills them in for you and helps you replace weak or…
- Keeper Security
Winner of Global Infosec Awards for 2021, Keeper Security is a leading zero-knowledge and zero-trust cybersecurity platform. It protects against data leaks, security breaches, and even ransomware attacks with multiple…
- NordPass
NordPass's promise is simple — for users to securely store their passwords in a single place, and log in to their favorite websites and apps with a single click. With NordPass, you can retrieve your passwords safely on…
- RoboForm
Released by Siber Systems in 1999, RoboForm is perhaps one of the oldest password managers. It's more than two decades old, but it doesn't mean it's outdated! It has always been a reliable one-stop repository for all…
- Total Password
Total Password is the password manager from TotalAV, the security company best known for its antivirus software. It keeps your logins in one encrypted vault, fills them in automatically and helps you create strong,…
Parental control
- eyeZy
In this review, we take a closer look at Eyezy, a leading parental control and monitoring app. It's designed to help parents keep tabs on their children's online activities, providing a solution when you can't be there…
- Mspy
With mSpy installed on your children's phones, you can monitor their mobile activity from afar. The program provides data about calls, social media activity, instant messengers, locations, and much more. It runs…
- Parentaler
Parentaler is a parental control and phone monitoring app that helps parents keep an eye on how their children use their phones. From a single online dashboard, you can see a child's location, the apps they use, their…
Identity protection
- Aura
With the long list of online and device security considerations people have to deal with today, Aura offers streamlined software that does it all. The Aura platform is ideal for those who want to ensure they have all…
