Computer security software

Why do you need security software? Without it, the data on your computer could be ripe for the taking by hackers or susceptible to viruses, spyware and spam. Some security software also help protect your computer from email scams and malicious websites, which can attempt to access your personal data.

When it comes to protecting your computer, we recommend security software. These types of software offer a raft of protection measures in one package. They are also easier to manage than individual programs as they only require one installation, one regular update and one subscription payment for you to remember.

Separate anti-malware (also known as antivirus) programs can offer similar levels of protection, but to achieve this you need to install multiple programs – such as a virus scanner, malware removal tools and a firewall – and keep tabs on multiple accounts. You also need to update each program individually.

We think you should always use security software – either paid or free – to protect your computer while surfing the internet.

• Pop-up blocking and ad-blocking: This stops pop-up windows from loading. These windows can contain adware or viruses.
• Cookie-blocking: This stops cookies (small text files containing information) from being allowed into your computer.
• Content filtering – also known as parental control software: This allows certain websites to be blocked using whitelist, blacklist, or heuristic controls.
• Phishing protection: Phishing sites are designed to look like legitimate websites, such as banks or online shops, in the hope you will enter your credit card or bank details. Many security programs block sites known to be involved in phishing.
• WiFi protection: Allows you to manage your wireless security and detect unauthorised access. This feature may only work with certain brands and models of wireless routers.
• Game mode: Allows playing games or viewing entertainment over the internet while maintaining security. This can activate automatically when launching an online service and does not interrupt or impact the service.
• Help access: Decide what level of support you need. Most security software have comprehensive help functions, tutorials, and online assistance. But if things go wrong, is email contact enough or would you prefer personal assistance via a helpline? Don’t assume a helpline is free, even if it uses an 0800 or 0508 number. You may have to pay for support and assistance.
• Scan on install: Ideally, you’ll be installing your software on a virus- and spyware-free computer. If not, look for software that scans your computer before it installs, or one that updates and scans immediately after installation.
• Remote file check: Allows you to send a copy of a suspected infected file to the software developer’s lab for diagnosis.
• Scheduled scan: The software can be set to scan specified folders or files at regular times.
• Archive scan: Downloaded files are often compressed or archived to save space. Archiving hides the properties of the threat the security software looks for. This scan finds them.

• Before installing any new security programs, ensure your computer’s operating system and all other software has the latest updates.

• Microsoft release security patches on the second Tuesday of each month (called Patch Tuesday) and you should get the most recent updates.

• Most malware gets on to your computer through email attachments sent by unknown people or by clicking on unsafe links. If you don’t know the sender or website, don’t click!

Though there’s more malware targeting Windows computers, Macs aren’t immune. In 2016, Mac malware infection rates soared 744%, according to McAfee. There are now more than 700,000 malware targeting Macs. We’ve found the macOS operating system (OS) provides almost no protection against malware. macOS also requires an administrator password before allowing changes to the system software. It’s essential to give permission only when you trust the source and know exactly what you’re allowing access.

Security software is released annually, but throughout the year manufacturers continually update the virus database to protect your computer from evolving malware. We now test security software to reflect this. While we assess the basic software package at the beginning of the year, including ease of use and system impact, protection is tested over 5 months.

Our macOS security software test differs from our Windows test in that we couldn’t find enough websites targeting Macs with malware so didn’t run web or ransomware tests for Mac software.

Some security software have licences that let you use them on more than one computer, but what if you want to protect more than just your home computer? Many security programs have licence options that allow you to cover additional computers and other computing devices (such as smartphones and tablet computers). These “multiple-device” licences are often pricier but can protect a range of operating systems and devices (iOS, Android, Windows and Apple OS X).

A firewall prevents unauthorised access to your computer from the internet, such as a malicious program or hacker trying to steal your personal details.

A firewall stops this by monitoring data going into and coming from your computer and filtering out malicious connections. These connections can be attempts to take your data, gain control of your computer or to initiate downloading a virus.

• Update regularly: threats are continually evolving. Set your operating system and security software to update automatically.

• Free programs can be laced with viruses and spyware. Download only from well-known and reputable sites.

• Don’t click links from emails, Twitter, Facebook or any other source unless you’re certain of where they came from. This is especially so for “phishing” scams that pretend to be from banks or other organisations. It’s not rude to ask the sender where the link goes if you’re not sure.

• Hovering over a link with your mouse will usually reveal (in the bottom left corner of your browser) exactly where the link goes.

• Your bank will never send you an email that links to its website. Always access your bank’s website by following an existing bookmark, by typing in its web address or using its official app.

• Only install banking apps from the app store. Your bank’s website should direct you there.

• Check the site is secured. This will be shown by a padlock icon in the URL address bar or the URL starts with “https”.

• Change your password regularly.

• Make sure none of your online passwords are the same (for example, your online banking password shouldn’t be the same as your email password).

• Always use “strong” passwords that include lower case and upper case letters as well as numbers.

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if provided by the bank. The most common form of 2FA sends you a text message when you log into its site.

• Never use online banking when connected to public WiFi, unless you’re using a VPN.

• Regularly monitor your account for unusual activity.