

A secure virtual private network can help protect your internet privacy, and a password manager will help you create and keep track of more secure login credentials. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, and the more steps you take to lock down your online security, the safer you'll be. Note that antivirus software is only one piece of the cybersecurity puzzle. We regularly research and test software to determine which product leads the pack, and we update this list periodically based on those tests. These picks of the best antivirus programs are a combination of recommendations from independent third-party labs AV-Test, AV-Comparatives and SE Labs, as well as CNET's own hands-on testing. We're here to help you find the antivirus software that best fits your needs.

Windows-targeted malware has a larger base of devices to infect, giving it more potential in the eyes of cybercriminals. Windows devices make up three out of every four laptop or desktop operating systems, according to the latest data from Statcounter. We've put some of the most popular softwares out there to the test to bring you the best antivirus software options out there. Fortunately, there are tons of great antivirus softwares available in 2023, so you've got plenty of options to keep your computer safe. These rascals are getting smarter every day, developing new techniques and methods all the time. These programs can help protect not only your devices, but your information as well, which hackers, scammers and other internet bandits would love to get their hands on. That's why it's so important to invest in an antivirus software that can efficiently protect your system. You might think you're smart enough to avoid viruses, but even the smartest of tech aficionados can get fooled - yes, even us.
