Top Internet Security Suites in 2024

Feeling cybersafe today?

With how much we rely on the internet, online security is so important.

We put a lot of personal info out there in the Cyber Wild West!

Shopping, banking, remote work, and even posting pics of your pets can open the door for bad guys to steal your identity.

That’s why we need good internet security software to keep the cybercriminals at bay.

In this post, we’ll go through the latest in online security threats, the different types of security software, and our top picks for internet security suites in 2024.

Best Internet Security Suites of 2024

We combed through the latest offerings from all the top antivirus companies to give you our top picks for the best security packages this year.

Norton 360 Deluxe

Norton has been around for a long time. But they are still innovating! Their experience continues to produce a top-quality product with lots of extra bells and whistles. Norton’s VPN is much more generous and flexible than some other options. 50 GB of cloud backup will also protect your data.

• Covers up to 5 PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets
• Includes antivirus, firewall, VPN, password manager, cloud backup
• Has a “dark web monitoring" feature that alerts you if your details appear on shady sites
• User-friendly dashboard
• 60-day money-back guarantee
• 24/7 customer support
• $49.99 first year, $119.99 list price

 

Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender is about the same price as Norton 360 for the first year, and also user-friendly for beginners. Bitdefender has an AutoPilot system that manages features so they won’t get in your way at awkward times. Like Norton, it passes hands-on tests with flying colors. Note that the list price is currently $20 higher, so it may cost you more for renewal.

• Guards up to 5 devices – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
• Antivirus, firewall, VPN, password manager, file shredder, webcam protection
• Can restore files encrypted during a ransomware attack
• Easy to use
• 30-day free trial
• 24/7 tech support
• $49.99 first year, $99.99 renewal

Avast One Platinum

Avast One is a top performer in lab tests and offers an unlimited VPN. Known for its free antivirus software, Avast can more than hold its own with its paid Platinum option. If you want the best monitoring and identity theft protection, this may be your choice.

• Cover 6 family members and 30 devices
• Antivirus with top lab scores
• Covers device-level security best for Windows and macOS, less so for iOS and Android
• Credit, data, and social media monitoring
• Identity theft protection for six people with resolution specialists
• Up to $2 million identity theft reimbursement
• 24/7 support
• $119.88/ first year/$299.99 list price

 

TotalAV Total Security

Rated “excellent” by TrustPilot, this high-end plan from TotalAV comes with an award-winning antivirus program. Hourly definition updates provide real-time protection from the latest threats.

• Covers 6 devices including iOS and Android
• Phishing and ransomware protection
• VPN, ad blocker, disk cleaner, password vault
• System tune-up tools
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• $49.99 first year/$179.99 list price

McAfee Total Protection Advanced Plan

One of McAfee’s huge advantages is its unlimited device protection. If you have a big household, the five licenses you get from other companies may not cut the mustard. McAfee will be more expensive than the lowest plans, but it will cover everything you have!

• Guards unlimited Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices
• Antivirus, firewall, VPN, password manager, parental controls
• Alerts you about identity theft risks
• $89.99 first year, List Price $199.99

 

Panda Dome Security Suite Premium

Panda Dome is highly rated by independent software testers such as AV Comparatives and TrustPilot. Their top package, Premium is a good buy at a price that matches or beats many of the competitors.

• Antivirus and firewall for Windows
• Real-time protection for Mac and Android
• Parental control for Windows
• Hacker protection for your Wi-Fi
• Unlimited VPN
• Update manager
• 24/7 tech support
• $53.60 first year/$133.99 list price

Trend Micro Maximum Security

Trend Micro offers a good plan, with as many features for Mac as for Windows. It doesn’t perform quite as high on some lab tests, but still rates well with most experts. Parental controls may not be as powerful as some other internet security suites.

• Protects up to 5 devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
• Advanced antivirus engine, a firewall, a VPN, a password manager, and parental controls.
• Dark web monitoring
• Privacy scanner checks your social media accounts for potential privacy risks
• Simple and intuitive interface
• 30-day free trial, 24/7 customer support
• $49.95 for the first year, $99.95 after

 

ESET Home Security Ultimate

ESET is high-tech for device control and proud of it. Their plan stands out for superior device monitoring. Phishing protection is not as strong as some other suites, however. Lab tests vary. Techie folk will like this system because of the level of control and insight you get into your system. Newbies may not need that refinement. ESET protects over 1 billion users.

• Covers up to 10 devices
• Strong antivirus, firewall, unlimited VPN, password manager, webcam security
• Identity protection and $1M insurance
• Banking and shopping protection, limited parental controls
• Encrypts personal files, photos and USB drives
• Dark web monitoring
• Credit report monitoring and lost wallet assistance
• Social media identity monitoring
• 24/7 real-time protection
• $179.99 for 5 licenses, $204.99 for 10 licenses

 

What is Internet Security?

If you’re just getting into choosing your own internet security software, here’s a quick overview.

Internet security means everything you use to protect your online activities, data, and devices [1]. These programs keep bad actors from getting unauthorized access. Having a good internet security suite will save you a lot of anxiety, frustration, and financial loss. In recent years, annual losses from cybercrime have totaled over $10 billion, and they’re still climbing [2].

Internet security software uses various tools and techniques, such as antivirus software, firewalls, VPNs, encryption, and more. These high-tech solutions prevent cyberattacks, malware infections, identity theft, phishing, and other online threats.

Internet security is important because it helps you safeguard your privacy, security, and reputation online.

Without good cybersecurity, you can lose your personal and financial information and your identity to hackers, scammers, or cybercriminals.

Good internet security systems help you protect your device performance, your internet speed, and your online experience. And most importantly, you will have your peace of mind.

 

Rising Threats to Your Cybersecurity

The internet is always changing, and hackers are finding new ways to steal our information. Here are some of the latest developments:

1. AI and machine learning: Unfortunately, criminals are using these new technologies too. They create smarter malware, automate cyberattacks, and use better English to fool you in phishing [3]. But don’t worry – security experts also use AI to get better at catching threats.
2. Internet of Things (IoT): Our smart fridges, speakers, and cameras make life easier but also expand the security risks. These IoT devices need to be locked down tight with strong passwords and encryption [4].
3. Cloud computing: Storing data remotely has lots of benefits. But even your cloud data can be hacked if you’re not careful with login details and backups [5].
4. Social media: Thieves have become very skilled at getting you to share information or scanning the photos you post to invade your privacy [6].

There’s no doubt that the online world has a bright side and a dark side, and you need to be careful. But knowledge is power, so let’s look at some key software that can protect you.

Types of Security Software

• Antivirus: The original defense, tried and true. Catches malware like viruses, worms and trojans. An essential defense proven by internet history.
• Firewall: Filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on set rules. Prevents unauthorized access.
• VPN: Encrypts your connection and hides your online activity from your ISP and spies. Great for public Wi-Fi as well as at home!
• Password Manager: Generates and stores strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.

You’ll often get a suite of these tools in one package. Variety of tools was one major factor we considered in selecting the best internet security software of 2024.

 

The Importance of Internet Security

We all have so much personal data online these days. Our credit card details, social media posts, personal pics – it’s crazy how much hackers could access if they managed to sneak through our defenses!

That’s why solid security tools are a must in 2024. They put a protective barrier between you and all kinds of cyberthreats.

Helping you block cyberthreats

Here are some of the major threats that your internet security will protect against:

• Identity thieves trying to steal your name, address and social security number [7]
• Scammers tricking you for your usernames and passwords
• Viruses lying in wait to corrupt your files
• Ransomware gangs plotting to encrypt your data and shake you down for money [8]

Security software blocks this sketchy activity and safeguards your privacy online. You do NOT want to end up having your identity stolen!

Use free trials, but cautiously

The eight internet security systems we recommended here in this list are industry leaders. Several have free trials.

So, you can even test them to find the one with all the security features you need.

Just one word of warning: free trials can be the bane of your wallet if you forget to cancel them. Many of them will require your credit card number in advance. If you don’t cancel with plenty of time to spare, they will auto-charge you for a full year.

There are two techniques you can use to keep this from happening.

1. Old-fashioned scheduling: Note the end date of your free trial in your calendar and cancel two days ahead, just to be safe.
2. Use a virtual credit card that gives you a temporary number. Some major credit cards offer their subscribers virtual card numbers to use for online shopping. Capital One and Citi are known for this perk. Privacy.com allows you to sign up for their service for free.

 

Best deals on internet security you can trust

Good internet security gives you freedom to browse, shop, post, and chat online. You won’t have to constantly worry about cybercriminals peeking over your virtual shoulder.

For less than $5-10/month, you can gain big relief by investing in a robust security solution. So don’t hesitate, if it’s time to get a new subscription.

Computer shields up, friends!

Extra Security From Your Internet Provider

One last thing you should be aware of: using internet service from a reputable internet provider can also help with your cybersecurity.

Many major ISPs now provide top-of-the-line modem/routers with the latest security protocols.

In addition, the most established internet providers also have a lot of capital to invest in maintaining the security of their networks.

Fiber internet is more secure than any of the older internet technologies. We can help you check if there is fiber in your area. If not, there may be a major cable provider that can help you improve your speed and security. Enter your zip code for a detailed list of providers and prices in your area.

 

Sources

[1] CISA.gov. “What is Cybersecurity?"

[2] Statista.com. “Total damage caused by cybercrime in the U.S."

[3] NBCNews.com. “NSA official warns of hackers using AI to perfect their English."

[4] CISA.gov. “Securing Internet of Things Devices."

[5] Norton.com. “What is Cloud Security?"

[6] CISA.gov. “Cybersecurity basics for social media."

[7] IdentityTheft.org. “Statistics."

[8] SecurityMagazine.com. “2023 witnessed 68% more ransomware attacks than 2022."

 

 

 

 

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