As mentioned before Paid AV does not guarantee better protection.
For Windows, stock Microsoft Defender is certainly a solid foundation to begin with and you can layer the following advice:
- Safe browsing practices
- Modern browser with Ad and Content blocking
- Perform regular backups
- Do not ignore OS and App updates
- Standard User Accounts (encouraged, though optional)
Microsoft engineered their Defender Antivirus for the general population; powerful protection with an easy UI and no confusing pop-ups, all work (local or cloud) is done behind the scenes.
End of the day mistakes can happen, be prepared.
The purpose of this thread is two fold: To share one's experience and to raise user awareness to both members of MT and guests. A few days ago, after being in contact with WinPatrol, I decided to test out their WinAntiRansom program against some nasties. I followed their guide for...
malwaretips.com
How many devices are you looking to protect? And which platforms Android, Linux, Mac, iOS and Windows?
From a personal viewpoint I would
avoid all subsiduaries under
Gen Digital, these include: Norton/LifeLock, Avast, Avira, AVG, CCleaner.