How to Turn Incident Management Failures into Long-Term IT Wins
Is your incident management system meeting expectations, or is it like you’re constantly firefighting? What if your approach’s failures could set the stage for long-term success? That’s the power of a strong ITIL framework. By learning from an ITIL Course, your organisation can evolve its ITIL Incident Management practices, creating smoother processes and minimising disruptions.
Instead of seeing incidents as mere roadblocks, consider them valuable insights to drive improvement. So, how do you turn those painful failures into IT wins that last? Let’s explore how the right approach can turn your incident management setbacks into opportunities for growth, stability, and long-term success.
Table of Contents
Key Strategies for Turning Incident Management Failures into Wins
Dealing with incident management breakdowns calls for a thorough strategy. It is about enhancing the system overall, not only about resolving the current problem. These are the key strategies your team may use to make failures into long-term IT triumphs:
Identifying the Root Cause of Incidents
The first inclination during an incident is usually to remedy things quickly, which is very reasonable. Still, finding the underlying source of the problem is among the most crucial steps in turning failure into success. Many times, events are manifestations of more serious underlying issues. Ignoring these fundamental problems will probably cause similar events to recur, compromising your team’s capacity to create a strong system.
Knowing the root cause requires a methodical technique, including root cause analysis (RCA) or post-incident evaluations. Not only is the current problem fixed, but the underlying cause is also sought to understand how such problems might be avoided going forward. Techniques like Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Five Whys will help you dissect the issue and identify solutions beyond temporary fixes.
Teams that learn to spot and fix the fundamental problems stop reoccurring events, enabling better, more effective operations. This strategy reduces disturbance over time and raises service standards.
Implementing a Learning Culture
Many companies view events as failures that should be covered up or dismissed. This is a crucial error. Establishing a learning culture inside your company can help you turn events into long-term gains.
This encourages your staff to see events as opportunities for development rather than causes of liability. Failures should be transparently examined, and lessons should be shared throughout the company. Organising frequent post-incident reviews or “blameless” retrospectives, where the emphasis is on learning from the event and avoiding similar problems in the future, helps one apply this.
A robust learning culture enhances one’s reaction to upcoming events and motivates team members to be more aggressive in spotting possible hazards before they become more serious. By developing this thinking, your team will be more ready to face upcoming difficulties and keep enhancing incident handling procedures.
Building a Proactive Incident Management System
Using a reactive approach to event management can lead to a never-ending loop of difficulties, with your staff left scurrying to fix problems as they develop. Developing a proactive incident management system that forecasts possible events before they start will help to break this loop.
Including monitoring solutions with a real-time view of your systems and networks can help you do this. Early identification of problems allows teams to act before a major incident starts. Moreover, a proactive incident management system entails routinely reviewing systems and procedures to find possible flaws and hazards. Predictive analytics and artificial intelligence tools can also help forecast and prevent incidents by spotting trends and patterns that might otherwise go undetectable.
Creating a proactive system requires a shift from responding to problems as they develop to first-hand prevention. This results in fewer accidents and more seamless operations, freeing your staff to concentrate on innovation and expansion rather than constantly juggling disturbances.
Leveraging Technology for Continuous Improvement
Digital times depend on technology to maximise incident management. Using the correct tools and technology can help you to constantly enhance your IT operations, lower reaction times, and simplify incident management procedures.
Many technologies abound that can help automate incident identification and resolution. For instance, automation technologies can reduce the requirement for human involvement by triggering alarms and reactions depending on predefined criteria. By studying past data and identifying trends, machine learning systems can also assist in forecasting and stopping possible events.
Another crucial technology to consider is a thorough IT service management (ITSM) platform, which centralises incident tracking, ticketing, and communication. This guarantees that no incident goes unsolved and lets your staff react to events more rapidly. Constant integration and improvement of these technologies will help you create an incident management system that solves problems and learns and advances with time.
Conclusion
Though it takes time, turning incident management mistakes into long-term benefits is achievable with the correct strategy. Identifying the causes of events, encouraging a learning culture, developing a proactive incident management system, and using technology will help you turn obstacles into stepping stones towards more success. Consider The Knowledge Academy courses to hone your incident management techniques and give your staff the tools to turn failures into long-term IT successes.
Are you looking for the best anti-pharming software? We’ve got the best picks for you!
Pharming is a cyberattack that focuses on harvesting users’ information by redirecting users’ traffic to a counterfeit website. Therefore, using reliable anti-pharming software is the best way to prevent this.
The term pharming comes from combining two words: phishing because it uses methods similar to phishing to harvest information and farming. This is because it harvests information on a larger scale from multiple users.
There are several ways of countering both malware-based and DNS-based pharming attacks. However, using robust antivirus software and a premium VPN service has proven to be the best way of countering pharming attacks.
For this purpose, I will review some of the best anti-pharming software for countering pharming attacks.
Released in April 2019, the Norton 360 offers complete protection against viruses, malware, Trojan horses, worms, etc.
It also includes a secure VPN for protecting your privacy online, cloud backup for safe file storage, and a password manager for managing and safeguarding your password. Hence, the name Norton’ 360’.
Combining powerful antivirus software and a secure VPN makes Norton 360 one of the best anti-pharming software for protecting you against malware and DNS-based pharming attacks.
Features of Norton 360 antivirus
Real-time threat protection
Secure VPN for browsing anonymously and securely
360O antivirus protects your device from viruses, malware, worms, etc.
Password manager to generate, store, and manage passwords to keep your information safe and secure
PC Cloud backup to save essential files in cloud backup as a measure against hardware failure
Firewall for PC and Mac
Even more, it has parental control to manage your kids’ activities online
SafeCam for PC to prevent unauthorized access to your webcam
Thor Vigilance from Heimdal Security offers unparalleled threat detection and protection using its ‘next-gen’ antivirus engine to protect you from ransomware,e, DNS leakage, viruses, APTs, and other digital threats. This makes Thor a capable anti-pharming software for combating pharming.
Features of Thor Vigilance (Premium)
Next-gen antivirus engine to protect you from advanced phishing and pharming, malware, and ransomware attacks
Secure web browsing feature to ensure you’re clicking on safe links
Continuous monitoring and protection against potentially malicious files
Automatic app updates that ensure that your apps remain updated at all times
Panda Dome is one of the best antivirus software at the forefront of threat protection. It is known to be the inventor of the TruPrevent technology, a series of proactive steps that prevent unknown viruses from infecting your system.
Its collective intelligence model makes Panda the precursor of Adaptive Defence Security, a model that detects, analyzes, and classifies malware automatically in real time.
Therefore, a subscription to the Panda Dome Premium version offers you a set of complete protection tools, which includes
A next-gen antivirus protection engine to protect your device against viruses, advanced threats, and cyberattacks, which include Phishing and Pharming
Premium VPN to browse the internet securely and anonymously, and also evade all forms of cyber attack
24/7 technical support to give you technical assistant
F-Secure brings to the forefront its 30 years of experience in cybersecurity to offer you the F-Secure Total, which is a combination of
One of the most powerful antivirus software to protect your devices from viruses, malware, ransomware, and spyware
Freedom VPN is one of the top-ranked privacy protection solutions for enjoying anonymous browsing and real-time data traffic protection, even when browsing from an unsecured network.
Password manager for generating, securing, and protecting your passwords.
This combination of robust features makes F-Secure an anti-pharming software to reckon with.
Ivacy VPN is a stand-alone VPN solution to pharming attacks. One of Ivacy’s most robust features is an efficient protection mechanism.
Using military-grade encryption technology protects you from data harvesters (phishing and pharming attacks), hackers, and malicious websites. Also, its multitude of dedicated high-speed servers preserves your privacy and keeps you anonymous online.
With over 6,000 servers worldwide and powerful encryption technology, CyberGhost is one of the best anti-pharming software that protects you from DNS leakage and other pharming attacks.
Therefore, CyberGhost offers an anonymous internet experience while protecting your data from all sorts of cyberattacks.
PureVPN offers you a standard VPN package, which includes data protection and encryption using military-grade encryption technology. There is also an online protection option using PureVPN’s numerous dedicated high-speed servers.
Therefore, with PureVPN’s protection features, PureVPN can offer you adequate protection against pharming attacks by preventing the illegal diversion of data traffic from your device to counterfeit websites.
Best Anti-Pharming Software: Frequently Asked Questions
What software can you use to stop pharming?
There isn’t a single magical anti-pharming software. However, a combination of tools can significantly reduce your risk:
Antivirus Software: Many antivirus programs include features that can help prevent pharming attacks. These features might involve:
Blocking access to known malicious websites associated with pharming.
Warning you about suspicious links or websites.
Security Software Suites: Some internet security suites offer additional protection against pharming, including:
Web filtering that blocks access to known phishing and pharming websites.
DNS filtering prevents your computer from being redirected to malicious websites.
Password Managers: Using a password manager reduces the risk of entering your credentials on a pharming site. It automatically fills in login information for legitimate websites, reducing the chance of accidentally entering it on a fake site.
What can prevent pharming?
Here are some practices that can help prevent pharming attacks:
Be Cautious of Emails and Links: Don’t click on links or attachments in emails from unknown senders. Verify the legitimacy of emails before interacting with them.
Check Website URLs: Before entering any information on a website, scrutinize the URL. Legitimate websites typically use HTTPS encryption (indicated by a lock symbol in the address bar).
Beware of Typos: Phishing and pharming sites often have typos or slight variations in the domain name of a legitimate website. Be cautious of URLs that don’t look exactly right.
Use a Bookmark Manager: Instead of clicking on links in emails, use a bookmark manager to access trusted websites directly.
Keep Software Updated: Outdated software can have security vulnerabilities that pharming attacks can exploit. Regularly update your operating system, web browser, and other software.
What is pharming software?
There isn’t technically “pharming software” in the traditional sense. Pharming is a technique used by attackers, and there aren’t any programs explicitly designed to perform pharming attacks (though malware can be involved in redirecting users).
What are the solutions for phishing and pharming attacks?
The solutions mentioned above address both phishing and pharming attacks. Combining security software with cautious browsing habits significantly reduces your risk of falling victim to these scams.
What is a famous example of pharming?
In 2005, a large-scale pharming attack targeted users of Lloyds TSB, a British bank. The attack redirected users to a fake Lloyds TSB website that stole login credentials.
What kind of software can prevent hackers from entering our programs?
While pharming attacks target websites, antivirus and anti-malware software can help prevent hackers from entering your programs directly. These tools can detect and block malware that tries to infiltrate your system and steal information.
By employing a layered approach that combines security software with innovative online behavior, you can significantly enhance your online security and stay safe from pharming and other cyber threats.
Conclusion
Aside from protecting yourself from pharming attacks using a VPN and antivirus, you should also:
Scan removal devices before usage
Use two-factor authentication to protect online transactions
Also, it changes the password of your new WiFi router
Watch out for the padlock logo when browsing a website
In this post, we will show you the top cybersecurity trends every web developer should expect in 2024.
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and with it, the threats posed by cybercriminals. As web developers, staying abreast of the latest cybersecurity trends is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.
In 2024, we can expect a continued rise in sophisticated attacks, demanding a proactive approach to securing web applications and user data.
Let’s delve into the top trends web developers should be aware of and incorporate into their development practices:
Therefore, below are the top cybersecurity trends you should expect in 2024;
1. The Escalation of Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks have become a dominant threat, crippling businesses and organizations with data encryption and extortion demands. In 2024, we can expect a rise in “Ransomware-as-a-Service” (RaaS), making these attacks more accessible to less technical criminals.
What Developers Can Do:
Implement robust access controls and strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Regularly back up critical data and maintain offline backups to ensure recovery in case of an attack.
Stay updated on the latest security patches and vulnerabilities for all software and libraries used in your application.
Employ encryption at rest and in transit to protect sensitive data.
Traditional perimeter-based security models are struggling to keep up with the increasingly distributed nature of modern applications. Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) prioritizes “never trust, always verify,” continuously authenticating users and devices before granting access to resources.
What Developers Can Do:
Design applications with the principles of ZTA in mind, focusing on micro-segmentation and least privilege access controls.
Implement strong authentication methods and leverage API security solutions to verify access requests.
Integrate security considerations into the entire development lifecycle, from design to deployment.
3. The Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Defense
AI is making inroads into cybersecurity, offering powerful tools for threat detection, analysis, and prevention. AI-powered solutions can analyze vast amounts of data to identify anomalies and potential attacks in real-time.
What Developers Can Do:
Explore the use of AI-powered security solutions to augment traditional security measures.
Leverage automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify and address security gaps in your code.
Utilize machine learning algorithms to detect suspicious user behavior and potential breaches.
While quantum computing technology is still in its nascent stages, it poses a significant long-term threat to current encryption standards. These powerful computers could potentially break the algorithms that secure our online infrastructure.
What Developers Can Do:
Stay informed about the development of quantum computing and its potential impact on cryptography.
Start exploring and adopting post-quantum cryptography algorithms in anticipation of future threats.
Encourage collaboration between developers and security researchers to prepare for the quantum computing age.
5. The Growing Threat of Supply Chain Attacks
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting software supply chains, compromising third-party libraries and frameworks to gain access to multiple applications. These attacks can be especially dangerous as vulnerabilities remain undetected for longer periods.
What Developers Can Do:
Implement secure coding practices and conduct thorough security audits for your applications.
Utilize dependency management tools to keep third-party libraries up-to-date and patched.
Work with vendors and maintain open communication regarding security vulnerabilities in their software.
Data privacy regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) continue to evolve, imposing stricter requirements on how companies collect, store, and use user data.
What Developers Can Do:
Familiarize yourself with relevant data privacy regulations and incorporate them into your development process.
Implement mechanisms for user consent, data minimization practices, and secure data deletion upon request.
Design applications with user privacy in mind, prioritizing data security and minimizing unnecessary data collection.
7. The Rise of Serverless Computing and Security Implications
Serverless architectures offer several advantages but also introduce new security considerations. Developers no longer manage underlying infrastructure, leaving them reliant on the security practices of cloud providers.
What Developers Can Do:
Choose reputable cloud providers with a proven track record of security.
Understand the shared responsibility model of security in serverless environments.
Implement access controls and security best practices at the application level for serverless functions.
8. The Increasing Popularity of Low-Code/No-Code Development
Low-code/no-code development platforms are becoming more popular, allowing non-technical users to build applications. However, these platforms can have security vulnerabilities if not used carefully.
What Developers Can Do:
Advocate for secure coding practices when using low-code/no-code platforms.
Ensure proper access controls and data security are implemented for applications built with low-code/no-code tools.
Encourage developers using such platforms to receive basic security training to identify potential vulnerabilities.
9. The Continued Importance of Security Awareness Training
Human error remains a significant factor in many cyberattacks. Security awareness training for developers equips them to identify and avoid social engineering tactics used by attackers.
What Developers Can Do:
Participate in regular security awareness training programs offered by your organization.
Stay informed about the latest social engineering techniques used by cybercriminals.
Report suspicious activity and potential breaches to the appropriate security personnel.
10. The Need for Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
Cybersecurity is an ongoing battle, demanding collaboration between developers, security professionals, and management. Open communication and a culture of security awareness are essential for a robust defense.
What Developers Can Do:
Actively participate in discussions regarding security practices within your development team.
Stay up-to-date on the latest security vulnerabilities and trends through conferences, online resources, and security blogs.
Advocate for a security-first mindset throughout the development lifecycle, integrating security considerations from design to deployment.
Conclusion
By understanding these top cybersecurity trends and actively incorporating them into your development practices, you can play a crucial role in safeguarding web applications and user data.
The digital landscape will undoubtedly evolve further in 2024, but by prioritizing security and staying informed, web developers can build a more resilient and secure online environment for everyone.
Note: This was initially published in December 2019, but has been updated for freshness and accuracy.
The menace that is online crime continues to persist, taking different forms. According to statistics, coordinated cybersecurity attacks affect more than 3.8 million records every day. Such a high number is alarming, and as an internet user, it calls for attention to protect your privacy.
Indeed, you must have been told to install an antivirus, VPN, firewall, and the list goes on. These solutions are critical, and as experts in the cybersecurity space, we couldn’t agree more.
But, one problem individuals and businesses face when sourcing cybersecurity tools is cost. Paying for an antivirus, a VPN, a firewall, and other software can be expensive.
Solutions like Surfshark One exist to help you deal with such high pricing. Rather than pay for the cybersecurity tools you need individually, you can get them all in one package.
Nevertheless, is the tool, Surfshark One dependable? Or is it another on the list of poor-performing cybersecurity solutions? We carried out a test to provide answers.
So, you’re on the right page if you want to know is Surfshark One worth paying for. Read on as we uncover our findings from our review of the solution.
Table of Contents
Is Surfshark One Worth It?
The standout tools in the Surfshark One bundle are the VPN and Antivirus. With the former, you can surf the web anonymously to bypass restrictions, while the latter ensures your devices are free from viruses and malware. That you can get both solutions in an affordable package is impressive and 100 percent worth it.
Surfshark Search and Alert tools are still highly reliable for protecting you online. These complementary tools ensure you get unfiltered search results and that you’re notified whenever your data links again. You get them at no extra charge – still for the same affordable price.
Many such software bundles exist. However, Surfshark ranks among the best in terms of features and cost. So, to reiterate, the Surfshark One is 100 percent worth purchasing.
Surfshark One
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that...Show More
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that combines security, privacy, and convenience into one powerful package. Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Show Less
What is Surfshark One?
Surfshark set out to protect internet users with a swift VPN solution. Along these lines, the company moved to expand its collection, building more security features. Today, the outcome is a complete cybersecurity package — Surfshark One — with four robust tools, including:
VPN
Antivirus
Search
Alert
You can manage all aspects of your web privacy with the four solutions above, which you’ll confirm as we cover how they work subsequently.
The power of Surfshark One dwells not in the individual strength of each tool the package houses. Instead, the software is reliable due to the collective functions of all four key features.
We found Surfshark One to be highly dependable when we tested the solution. So, based on our experience, the tool is worth it. It’s worth paying for, and it’s worth using.
However, we’re not going to impose our POV on anyone. Let’s review Surfshark One’s features one after the order, and then, you can understand why we recommend the platform for online privacy and security.
Surfshark One
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that...Show More
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that combines security, privacy, and convenience into one powerful package. Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Show Less
Surfshark One Features
Let’s look at each tool in the Surfshark One package.
Here’s Surfshark’s flagship feature, the first before every other in the company’s history. It’s a top-rated solution on notable publishers like Cnet and Techradar, and the VPN has also won many industry awards:
This isn’t surprising, considering the features the app packs.
Secure and high-speed protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN UDP / TCP.
AES 256 GCM, which, from our experience, is the standard in the industry.
No-logs policy, ensuring your privacy is intact.
Two-factor authentication for added security.
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What You Can Do With Surfshark VPN
Generally, VPNs mask your online traffic via an encrypted tunnel, hiding your actual IP address.
You get the same functionality with Surfshark, with lightning-fast speed and super-tight security. With these, it’s clear how Surfshark VPN can improve your internet privacy and security.
More particularly, you can use Surfshark VPN to bypass internet restrictions. For instance, if you want to access a website unavailable in the US, simply select a VPN server from a country where the site is accessible.
With one or two clicks, you unlock the site. This can work for streaming content on the net, or purchasing items, among other use cases.
Surfshark
Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Surfshark VPN has servers located in...Show More
Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Surfshark VPN has servers located in more than 60 countries worldwide. Show Less
Here’s a solution from Surfshark to protect your devices from viruses and malware. You can install the app on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. It’s a lightweight solution, so it doesn’t consume much space.
In addition, as you use it to scan your smartphone or computer, the antivirus won’t interfere with other apps.
Features of Surfshark Antivirus
Below are the features you get with Surfshark Antivirus:
All-round protection from viruses and malware
Manual, scheduled, and real-time scans
Protection from zero-day threats
Easy-to-use interface
Cloud Protect System for analyzing unknown files
Webcam protection to safeguard your camera
The above shows that Surfshark Antivirus has enough features to rival any popular antivirus solution.
What You Can Do With Surfshark Antivirus
Install Surfshark Antivirus on your device for advanced protection against cyber threats. Unlike many other antivirus solutions, this one isn’t limited to stopping known malware.
Instead, you can protect your device from unknown, zero-day threats with the Cloud Protect System. That’s one of the chief advantages of the Surfshark Antivirus.
Another notable feature is the software’s weight. It runs smoothly in the background, so smooth that you won’t even know it’s running. In addition, you will find the antivirus easy to use, thanks to the uncluttered interface.
Surfshark Antivirus
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories.
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories. Show Less
Surfshark Alert’s primary duty is to inform you whenever your data is at risk. For instance, if your email details appear on an unexpected website, you get a notification to take action. Subsequently, you can act accordingly to ensure your information is off the site.
Features of Surfshark Alert
Using the Surfshark Alert notification, you can set up notifications for the following details:
Email addresses
Passwords
Phone numbers
Credit card details
ID numbers
Besides the above, Surfshark Alert will occasionally deliver security reports to your email inbox. This ensures you’re constantly updated on the status of your online data.
Using the tool is easy. Simply authorize Surfshark to monitor your info on the web by supplying your details, and the tool starts working automatically. Rest assured that the information you provide the Alert tool to work with stays 100% secure.
What You Can Do With Surfshark Alert
Considering the features, we recommend Surfshark Alert for identity protection. If you’re unaware, identity theft is one of the most pressing cybersecurity concerns, with more than 1.4 million cases reported in 2021.
The downsides of having your profile hijacked by a hacker are innumerable, making Surfshark Alert a crucial solution for safety.
Surfshark Alert
Surfshark Alert is a real-time data breach protection tool that safeguards your email accounts, passwords, personal...Show More
Surfshark Alert is a real-time data breach protection tool that safeguards your email accounts, passwords, personal identification numbers, and credit cards from cyber-attacks. Show Less
If you want genuine organic search, Surfshark Search is the go-to solution. Google, Yahoo, and Bing will filter search results depending on your region and other factors. But Surfshark Search won’t.
It gives you pure organic search results without ads or trackers. Consequently, you can scout for information on the web without exposing your browsing history.
Features of Surfshark Search
Many premium benefits come with using Surfshark Search. Check out some of the top features below:
True organic search results
Online search without any trace of adverts
Online search without trackers
No browser history logging
Support for multiple countries for regional search results
With these features, Surfshark Search is one of the best alternatives to Google, Yahoo, and Bing in terms of security.
What You Can Do With Surfshark Search
You can use Surfshark Search for a smoother online search experience. Indeed, the tool lets you search the web for authentic organic results, not considering your location. However, you can still select a country for native results. It’s like using the Surfshark VPN.
For instance, if you stay in the US and you want to get native search results in Canada, simply select the country from the All Regions list:
Notably, since the solution skips displaying ads, you can save data — in other words, money. Your browsing will also be faster.
Another important aspect to talk about as we answer the question – is Surfshark One worth it? – is the Surfshark One pricing plan.
Antivirus programs cost between $30 to $100 per year on average. How about VPNs? They have a median cost of around $10 per month.
With Surfshark One, you get an antivirus, a VPN, and other security tools. Yet, you don’t pay as high.
Check out the Surfshark One pricing plans below:
1 Month Plan: $14.99 per month
12 Months Plan: $3.07 per month (plus 4 free months)
24 Months Plan: $2.69 per month (plus 4 free months)
If you plan to use a VPN or Antivirus long-term — which you should — we recommend opting for the 24-month plan. It’s lower than the regular monthly plan by over 80 percent.
Surfshark One
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that...Show More
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that combines security, privacy, and convenience into one powerful package. Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Show Less
Conclusion
In this post, we answered this question – is Surfshark One worth it? You can save on purchasing individual cybersecurity tools when you get the Surfshark One Bundle. It includes a VPN, antivirus, online search tool, and identity alert solution.
We recommend the package not only because the programs it houses are dependable but also because of the cost-friendly pricing plans.
Surfshark One
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that...Show More
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that combines security, privacy, and convenience into one powerful package. Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Show Less
Here is the Heimdal Security review. Are you looking for a security solution to protect your device from the many dangers online? Well, I was once in the same position. And truthfully, the many solutions available can be overwhelming, making it challenging to settle on one.
After many searches, I came across Heimdal Security and tried the software. The initial interest was because the software promises complete protection from all cybersecurity dangers. In this post, I’ll share my first-hand experience using Heimdal Security.
So, if you’re like me and considering using a versatile cybersecurity solution, this Heimdal Security review will help. Ultimately, you’ll learn about its features, pricing, and how it compares to some alternatives.
Let’s get into the Heimdal Security review.
Table of Contents
What Is Heimdal Security?
Heimdal Security is a device protection solution. It has a comprehensive, unified threat platform to defend your devices from several cybersecurity harms. In particular, the unified threat platform includes the following:
Email fraud protection
DNS filtering
Remote desktop control
Next-Gen antivirus
Ransomware encryption protection
DNS filtering
We’ll subsequently discuss most of these features and my experience using them in detail. Besides the unified threat protection system, Heimdal includes Patch & Asset Management and Admin Rights Management. These are advanced features you’ll appreciate if you’re an enterprise user.
It’s worth noting that Heimdal boasts more than 10,000 business users. The number of individual users is even higher, which is a testament to the platform’s reliability.
Furthermore, top platforms like Trustpilot, Capterra, G2 Crowd, and even Reddit highly rate Heimdal Security solutions.
Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best...Show More
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best intelligent threat prevention tool. Show Less
All of these were influential in my decision to use Heimdal Security.
In my experience, the protection software employs a five-step approach to cybersecurity. These include:
Prevent: First, the software aims to stop attacks before they manifest.
Detect and Respond: Suppose cyber threats already penetrated your device. In that case, Heimdal Security will detect and attend to the associated files accordingly.
Comply: While fighting off digital dangers, Heimdal Security always stays on the good side of the law. The tool ensures your rights and access are handled as they should.
Defend: The Defend approach primarily targets businesses. If you’re one, you can count on Heimdal Security to protect your brand image and customers.
Assist: whether you’re a business or individual user, you can get help managing your cybersecurity anytime, anywhere.
Heimdal Security started by developing security add-ons for antivirus software. With the widespread success of its add-ons, Heimdal Security decided to upgrade its services to combat the rising incidence of cybercrimes by launching its Thor series.
A traditional antivirus only has a layer of security, but Heimdal stepped up its game by offering an antivirus and a traffic monitoring application in one package.
Heimdal Security has four significant products, namely:
Heimdal Thor Free
Heimdal Thor Vigilance
Heimdal Thor Foresight
Heimdal Thor Premium
Heimdall Security has two classes for all products, excluding Thor Free – Home (for individuals) and Enterprise (for organizations). Let’s take a brief look at what these products offer.
Thor Free
The Thor Free package increases your PC’s security by monitoring and automatically updating outdated applications. Outdated applications are often vulnerable to cyber-attacks; Thor Free helps you update your applications in the background.
It saves you the stress of constantly checking for outdated apps and prevents you from downloading infected updates. Thor Free also provides free and fast installation of popular applications with a single click.
And you guessed right. It’s free to use!
Thor Vigilance
Thor Vigilance is Heimdal’s antivirus system. Thor Vigilance uses some of the most sophisticated malware detection technology to protect you from malware and viruses. It also offers a comprehensive range of scanning options (seven options) you can find on any antivirus.
Thor Vigilance Scanning
Thor Vigilance uses signature code to scan your local files to detect malware, viruses, data leakage, and other threats. Unknown files are sent to its cloud system for more scanning. It also ensures your firewall is always on to protect you from online threats.
Thanks to Thor Vigilance, home and enterprise users can access next-generation technology absent in regular antivirus applications.
Thor Foresight
Heimdal Security created Thor Foresight as a proactive internet security add-on for antivirus applications. Thor Foresight protects you from cyber-attacks by scanning your internet traffic for malicious content and filtering out cyber threats before they reach your computer.
Xploit dashboard on Thor Foresight
Besides being fully compatible with any antivirus in the market, Thor Foresight provides three layers of protection – Xploit Resilience, VectorN Detection, and Darklayer Guard.
Xploit Resilience is responsible for automatic updates of your applications. It also offers Compliance, Vulnerability, and Software Asset Management.
VectorN Detection identifies malware that no Antivirus or Endpoint platform can detect by using Machine Learning Detection.
Darklayer Guard is a two-way traffic filtering engine that blocks network communication at DNS, HTTP, and HTTPS levels to mitigate Zero Hour exploits, next-generation attacks, Ransomware C&Cs, and data leakages.
This unique product stops second-generation attacks that no antivirus can detect from coming close to your computer. Thor Foresight is available for home and enterprise users.
Thor Premium is the ultimate product in the hierarchy of Heimdal Security’s products. It’s just as it’s called – Premium. This product contains a combination of Thor Vigilance and Thor Foresight.
Thor Premium is considered one of the best products on the market that can provide you with all-around protection against malware.
While Thor Foresight is a unique product, Thor Vigilance is not the best stand-alone antivirus. However, both products, combined with additional next-generation protection layers in Thor Premium, are highly recommended security solutions you might want to use.
Thor Premium offers you reactive protection against malware on your local computer alongside proactive protection to keep threats away from your computer as you surf the internet.
It also patches your installed applications automatically to ensure no window for cyber attacks.
Even though all the products are packed into this supreme product, it is straightforward to use and navigate for beginners.
Let’s now consider how Heimdal Security’s onboarding process weighs up.
Getting Started With Heimdal Security
When you launch the Heimdal website, you can get started by clicking the “Start a free trial” button. Indeed, the platform allows you to open a free account. However, when I registered, the free account version was more or less a demo.
So, if you want to use Heimdal Security, prepare to pay a complete subscription before you can access most features.
Nevertheless, as a first-time user, you must book a demo with an expert. I recommend it, as it allows you to verify if the solution is right for you. It’s more essential if you’re a business.
Thankfully, the demo-booking process is as straightforward as I did when writing this Heimdal Security review. You only need to fill out a form, as shown below:
Accordingly, you’ll enter your name, company name, business email, and phone number. You’ll also join the number of workstations with which you aim to use Heimdal Security. This translates to the number of computers you have in your office. In my case, I registered 20 workstations for a start.
After submitting the form, a Heimdal agent will contact you. Subsequently, after the demo, you’ll get a quote that suits your business size.
If, from the demo, you recognize that the solution is the best for you, then pay and start using it.
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Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best intelligent threat prevention tool. Show Less
How To Download And Install Heimdal Security
Installing the Heimdal Security app is a straightforward process. Follow the below steps:
Download the Heimdal Security installer file from the website.
Run the installer file after download. You may get a pop-up if Windows Defender is installed on your PC. If you do, click on “Run anyway” and proceed.
Accept the installation terms and conditions by clicking on “I agree.”
Set your preferred language (default is English), and click on “Next.”
Choose if you want to customize the installation (it’s recommended that you do not), and click “Next.”
Choose the version of Heimdal Security you want to install: Trial, Free, or Home/Enterprise. If you’ve purchased the tool, select Home/Enterprise, enter your activation key, and click “Activate.”
Click on “Install” and allow the software to install. Afterward, click on “Finish.”
That’s all; you can start using Heimdal Security on your PC. Ideally, it would be best if you reboot your PC after installation.
Let’s discuss its features to help you understand if Heimdal Security is the solution your business needs.
Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best...Show More
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best intelligent threat prevention tool. Show Less
Heimdal Security Features
Check out Heimdal Security’s top features below and what you should expect when you start using the tool:
Next-Gen Antivirus
Heimdal Security’s flagship feature is the next-generation antivirus.
In particular, this is a 4-layer malware-fighting solution that works against both old and new threats. Old threats like worms and trojans and new threats like ransomware and stealth viruses.
The first stage of the antivirus is to compare suspicious files with Heimdal Security’s virus database. This helps uncover whether a file is infected or not. In my experience using the tool, this helped, as you can spot corrupted files before they spread.
The software scans the files in stage two using the native Threat Cloud. This is a relatively fast process that uses AI for maximum effectiveness.
Stage three and stage four are similar. Both ensure no malicious links exist between the corrupted files and other device controls.
Extended Firewall
Also included in the Heimdal next-gen antivirus is a firewall. The firewall doesn’t stand out as a sub-feature of the antivirus. However, after trying it out, I found some aspects worth highlighting.
Notably, what you get with Heimdal Security is a hybrid firewall. Such a firewall type is typically associated with antiviruses or other inspection systems. And it’s comprehensive enough to check every aspect of your network.
The above is possible thanks to support for deep packet analyses. Also known as deep packet inspection (DPI), this feature automatically implements critical actions to protect a computer’s network. These actions include blocking, alerting, re-routing, or logging.
Notably, it saves you time, as you won’t necessarily need to configure the firewall yourself. Furthermore, based on first-hand observations, the firewall is dependable for fending off brute force attacks.
Email Security
Email Security is one of Heimdal Security’s best features for businesses. It stops mail-delivered threats, including malware, malicious URLs, ransomware, and phishing.
Phishing and scam emails remain prevalent among cyber threats. Heimdal Premium Security Home tackles these with a dependable email protection system. It employs live threat intelligence and over 125 vectors of analysis to identify and block malicious emails of any kind.
Drawing from my experience, the feature works in three ways. First, it applies more rigorous spam filters – much more reliable than your email’s default ones. As a result, you’ll hardly get junk mail in your inbox.
The following approach is Full Email Protection. Heimdal Security monitors emails you send and receives any red flags via this medium. If any, it immediately identifies them for you to take action.
The third approach focuses on email attachments. It involves deep-scanning attachments for any malicious content.
With the three-approach protection, you can rest assured that this software gives you prime email security.
Email Fraud Prevention
In addition to email security, Heimdal offers an exclusive email fraud prevention solution. The option focuses on stopping business email compromise and phishing. It works with the live platform threat intelligence, using data from over 125 analysis vectors.
You get advanced email scanning technology with Heimdal Security’s email fraud prevention. It also supports multiple languages. So, it doesn’t matter how hackers attack; it’ll stop their efforts.
One popular method of email fraud is CEO imposter or impersonation. This is a situation where a hacker poses as a company’s CEO and contacts you.
Using Heimdal Security, we confirm that preventing such fraud is straightforward. All in all, it’ll save your business from suffering negative brand impact.
Ransomware Encryption Protection
Ransomware encryption protection forms a core part of Heimdal Security’s endpoint protection. The software has an antivirus that stops ransomware. However, this option is a more particular solution to deal with the malware type.
Heimdal Premium Security transcends just virus, malware, and ransomware attacks. With ransomware encryption protection, the software protects you from malicious encryption attempts common with ransomware attacks.
It works as a high-grade defense system against advanced persistent threats like exfiltration and data loss. With incident reports, you can review the full details of every attack.
Based on first-hand observations, this feature works against any ransomware attack. And it integrates seamlessly with the antivirus, so both solutions work hand-in-hand.
However, what’s more, interesting is that the feature is universally compatible. Universally compatible, it will work with any antivirus, not just that of Heimdal Security.
Furthermore, you get insightful reports occasionally to stay on top of the software’s performance. The report is accessible from the dashboard, and you can filter the metrics or export them as you deem fit.
Software Updater
When your installed program and applications become obsolete, you don’t have to stress about updating them. Heimdal Security includes a software updater you can use at no cost. The updater will monitor your apps and automatically update them the moment there’s a recent version.
However, note that this feature only works on Windows PCs. In particular, you can install it using Windows 7 or recent versions. And there are versions for 32 and 64-bit variants.
When you install the software updater, you can specify which apps you want it to work on. The software will check each program version every two hours and update accordingly. As you’d expect, for this to work, you must be online.
Remote Desktop
Heimdal Security Remote Desktop is handy for enterprise and business users. It allows you to access and secure devices remotely from anywhere.
This state-of-the-art feature will work on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Aside from security, Heimdal Security Remote Desktop also works for content sharing and collaboration.
As an enterprise user, you can leverage Heimdal Security’s remote desktop software to manage your devices from anywhere. This feature allows you to transfer files without trouble and record sessions.
Heimdal Security’s remote desktop supports multiple operating systems. When we tested the tool, we used it on Windows and MacOS. However, it’ll also work on Android, iOS, and Windows Server.
Furthermore, the feature is ideal for leveraging collaboration. As you remotely manage your devices and files, you can invite others to support you. And when it comes to file sharing, the solution supports all types of files.
It’s worth mentioning also that the remote security feature is highly secure. It supports multiple encryptions with RSA 2048/4096, AES-256, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Threat Hunting
Heimdal Security doesn’t sit and wait for viruses and malware to come. According to our findings, you can leverage the software to find and finish malware in its earliest stages. This is possible with the threat-hunting feature.
You’ll appreciate using threat hunting as it’s relatively straightforward. You get a single, unified interface, which isn’t complex to navigate. And from there, you can issue any action to combat malware.
One mention-worthy aspect of this feature is enhanced visibility. You get a clear picture of your entire digital landscape as an enterprise. With this, you can easily spot the areas the feature should target.
It’s up to you to specify what action follows when threats are identified. Nevertheless, Heimdal Security offers expert action tips to guide you.
Extended Detection & Response (XDR)
You can’t leave out Extended Detection Response (XDR) when discussing Heimdal Security features. This feature is next-level and revolutionary in the cybersecurity space.
With XDR, you get more accurate threat detection and faster response. The feature employs artificial intelligence and machine learning to find and remedy threats. It’s also less complex to use yet uses powerful technologies.
The reports you get from XDR are well presented in graphs and charts. Consequently, using the insights to make data-driven decisions becomes easy.
Customer Support
Most Heimdal Security users attest that the company has a staunch, quick-to-respond support team. The support will handle any problem you have using the security solution.
From first-hand experience crafting this Heimdal Security review, we can confirm that the platform has a prompt support service.
You can initiate a quick help session with the live chat button on the website. The live chat is available 24/7, so you can use it anytime.
Besides the live chat, you can also call Heimdal Security’s helpline. Another option is to send an email; a third is to submit a support ticket.
However, you can quickly get help from the Heimdal Knowledge Base for most inquiries. The knowledge base is well-detailed, with guides for home, enterprise, and free users. There are FAQs also and a troubleshooting guide.
Furthermore, you can get exclusive VIP support as a premium user.
Heimdal Security includes a plethora of cybersecurity solutions. When preparing for his Heimdal Security review, I can say that Heimdal costs around $35 annually.
Heimdal Security has different pricing plans to suit your needs. However, you can try out any of their products for free for 30 days.
Thor Vigilance: This next-generation antivirus is the cheapest product in the Heimdal Security suite. You can download Thor Vigilance for $49.95 annually if you only need a traditional antivirus.
Thor Foresight: This is a required add-on that complements your antivirus work. If you have viable antivirus software, you can get this proactive security add-on for $59.95 yearly.
Thor Premium: This ultimate plan provides proactive security from Thor Foresight and reactive security from Thor Vigilance for just $89.95 annually. If you are starting or need a complete security package, this is the plan for you.
Note: These prices are for home users. As a business user, you must register or contact support for prices.
Note that you get a 30-day money-back guarantee with each subscription you make. This is ideal as it means your payment is safe. I never needed to request my money back anyway. And if the software works for you as it did for me, you won’t need to either.
Furthermore, in my experience, Heimdal Security supports multiple currency payments. Euro, Dollars, British Pounds, Danish Krone, and Swedish Krona.
Irrespective of your currency, the price stays the same as Heimdal Security, which uses international exchange rates.
Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best...Show More
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best intelligent threat prevention tool. Show Less
Heimdal Pros
Free tools
Malware and ransomware protection
Reliable antivirus
Relatively fast
Agile Internet security solutions
24/7 prompt support
Advanced threat protection
Software updater
Email Protection
Threat hunting and action center
Heimdal Cons
Some features are limited to Windows
Pricing isn’t transparent
Heimdal Security Review Ratings
Features
Heimdal Security features several cybersecurity solutions to keep you safe. Most importantly, these features are regularly updated to keep up with the dynamic nature of the internet.
Score: 5/5.
Apps
Heimdal Security is primarily a security solution for businesses mainly targeting desktop users. Only a few of the software’s solutions are available as apps for mobile users.
Score: 3.5/5.
Pricing
Most Heimdal Security users say the price is expensive, which is true. However, it’s the industry standard as other alternative solutions cost just as much. The good thing is that from time to time, you get price discounts.
Score: 4/5.
Customer Service
Quality customer service is one of the best aspects of using Heimdal Security. They quickly respond across all support channels and are skilled in resolving issues.
Marlin Equity Partners owns the Heimdal Security company. Marlin Equity Partners wasn’t the company behind the conception of the platform. However, the company acquired the cybersecurity solution after some years. Note that Marlin Equity Partners is a UK-based company operating out of buildings in London.
Who is the CEO of Heimdal Security?
The current CEO of Heimdal Security is Morten Kjaersgaard. Morten has years of cybersecurity experience, reflecting his position as a critical cybersecurity solution leader. In one interview, the CEO confirmed that the focus of Heimdal Security is to remain proactive in the correct approaches to tackling cyber threats.
Where is Heimdal Security headquarters?
Heimdal Security has its headquarters in Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark. From Denmark, the company can offer cybersecurity services to Europe and other continents. Notably, Heimdal Security’s parent company operates from London. So, it’s safe to say the company also has a strong presence in the United Kingdom.
What Does Heimdal Security Do?
Heimdal Security ensures 360 cybersecurity protection. The software has an antivirus that stops malware and a firewall that protects your network from hackers. Furthermore, it also includes email protection to secure your email messages and prevent fraud. Another thing Heimdal Security does is automatically update your installed programs.
Is Heimdal Free?
Heimdal Security Thor is just one part of the Heimdal Security package. It’s the antivirus part of the package and is not free. You must pay the annual subscription fee to use it.
The only free tool Heimdal Security features is the free software updater for Windows. It ensures your installed apps and programs are up to date to avoid vulnerabilities.
How much is Heimdal Security?
Heimdal Security doesn’t have explicit pricing plans. The amount you pay will depend on the size of your business. And you’ll discuss with a sales agent to settle on an ideal price. However, from my experience using the cybersecurity solution, pricing typically starts from around $35 per year.
Is Heimdal Security Safe?
Heimdal Security is a verified company on TrustPilot with 4.6 stars out of 5 ratings. The company has 77 percent excellent ratings and 15 percent great ratings from close to one thousand reviews. That’s a total of 92 percent positive Heimdal Security reviews. As a result, it’s clear-cut that Heimdal Security is safe and software you can count on to keep your devices safe.
Is Heimdal Security Legit?
With all the positive reviews and features, it’s evident that Heimdal Security is a legitimate security solution. According to customers who have used and are currently using the platform, it’s easy to implement and lightweight. In other words, it won’t affect the performance of your device. As mentioned before, people only complain about the price, but reliable products aren’t always low-cost. Ultimately, you get the worth of your money with Heimdal.
Listed below are a few benefits of Heimdal Security.
Security from all forms of cyber attack: Heimdal Security Suite protects you from malware hidden in emails, instant messages, online ads, and malicious links. It also provides different layers of security between your computer and infected content.
Optimal Performance: Heimdal Security uses very little memory while running scans in the background. It doesn’t eat into your RAM as it scans files, allowing your computer to run smoothly. This is good because you can do other things with your laptop while Heimdal Security runs.
Automatic patching of third-party apps: Heimdal automatically updates your outdated and vulnerable third-party applications. It checks for new updates every two hours. Heimdal Security also patches vulnerabilities in your operating system.
Ease of Use: The Heimdal Security suite is straightforward for beginners. It also doesn’t require any tech knowledge to install as I did for this Heimdal Security review. Its user interface is vibrant and user-centric.
Multiple Computers: Heimdal allows you to use a single subscription across various computers, depending on the number you pay for while subscribing.
Flexible Payment Options: Heimdal Security is flexible with its payment plans. You can opt for the monthly pay-as-you-go license. It also offers a 30-day free trial period for all products.
Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best...Show More
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best intelligent threat prevention tool. Show Less
Heimdal Security Alternatives
Before concluding the Heimdal Security review, let’s see how it compares with other cybersecurity solutions.
Here, we compare the software with popular alternatives like Surfshark Antivirus, Malwarebytes, and Trend Micro.
1. Heimdal vs Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark Antivirus is an affordable solution to free your devices from viruses and zero-day threats. It’s a relatively simple solution with an intuitive interface, so anyone would find it easy to use.
While the antivirus is at the forefront, that’s not all you get with Surfshark. You can purchase the Surfshark One package and get a VPN, secure search tool, and alerts tool.
To use Surfshark, your pricing options start at $12.95 per month. This is unlike Heimdal Security, which has no public pricing. In addition, you can reduce the rate to $2.39 per month when you pay for 24 months.
However, Surfshark Antivirus doesn’t have as many advanced features as Heimdal Security. For instance, the software lacks solutions such as email protection, threat hunting, and extended detection response.
You can pick Surfshark Antivirus ahead of Heimdal Security if you need a lightweight, low-cost solution. However, Heimdal Security is the better tool for advanced features and business applications.
Surfshark Antivirus
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories.
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories. Show Less
Like Heimdal Security, Malwarebytes offers a cybersecurity solution for homes and businesses. Home users get an antivirus for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
The home solution also comes with a VPN connection and an Ad Blocker. These tools help ensure a better browsing experience.
For businesses, you can use Malwarebytes as an SME or enterprise. Available solutions include endpoint protection, detection, and response. Malwarebytes also comes with managed detection and response. Accordingly, millions use the software.
From first-hand observations, it’s easy to say Heimdal Security and Malwarebytes are equal solutions. However, Heimdal Security offers more to IT security teams than Malwarebytes.
You can use Heimdal Security or Malwarebytes as an individual business or enterprise. But if you’re an IT security firm, you get more versatility with Heimdal Security.
This is thanks to exclusive features like ransomware encryption protection, email fraud protection, and threat hunting, as depicted in this Heimdal Security review.
Malwarebytes
Your everyday protection against malware like ransomware, spyware, viruses, and more.
Your everyday protection against malware like ransomware, spyware, viruses, and more. Show Less
Trend Micro is a renowned cloud security solution patronized by many enterprises. The company has been operating since 1988, so it’s easy to understand why it has such a strong cybersecurity stance.
Trend Micro products include cloud security, network security, endpoint and email security, security operation, and SME security. These are the same features Heimdal Security offers.
So, which should you pick? Heimdal or Trend Micro? It’s worth noting that Heimdal Security has the upper hand in some areas, as depicted in this Heimdal Security review.
An example is Managed Detection and Response (MDR). Heimdal Security is more reliable for MDR than Trend Micro, although the latter software takes the upper hand regarding cloud security.
Like Heimdal Security, Trend Micro doesn’t have public pricing plans. You first need to contact the sales team and discuss a quote. But you can request a demo or free trial.
Then, it depends on your business needs. But you won’t go wrong whether you pick Heimdal Security or Trend Micro.
Trend Micro Maximum Security
Maximum security for households and office use.
Maximum security for households and office use. Show Less
McAfee is an award-winning security solution with two significant products: an antivirus and a VPN. Other security products you get from McAfee include identity monitoring and personal info removal tools.
Using McAfee is simple, as you can personalize all the solutions. You can use McAfee on all major devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
McAfee is a premium solution like Heimdal Security. Pricing starts from $29.99 for the first year with the basic plan.
The highest is the advanced plan, which costs $84.99 per month. Notably, this progressive plan comes with identity theft coverage worth $1 million.
You can also go for the exclusive antivirus plan, which gives you access to all antivirus features for $29.99 per year.
McAfee Total Protection
An easy-to-use security suite for data safety and device protection.
An easy-to-use security suite for data safety and device protection. Show Less
To conclude this Heimdal Security review, I will say that Heimdal is dependable if you need an extensive security solution to keep you and your device safe.
Heimdal is renowned by businesses and individuals as a reliable solution to stop cybersecurity threats. I can always attest to that, having used the tool. And this is why I recommend it.
This review clearly shows that the software is indeed robust regarding cybersecurity. The next-gen antivirus, hybrid firewall, endpoint protection, email security, and software updater all stand out. The only major con is that there aren’t detailed pricing plans.
Leave a comment below regarding this Heimdal Security review.
Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best...Show More
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best intelligent threat prevention tool. Show Less
In this post, we will answer the question – is Windows Defender good enough for 2024? Also, we will reveal its effective use cases as well as alternatives.
With the increasing spate ofcyber attacks, which have become much more sophisticated than ever before, PC users have been asking; would Windows Defender be enough come 2024? Follow us as we attempt to provide a credible answer to this question.
Windows Defender is the proprietary antivirus program for Windows PCs. And it comes pre-installed on modern PCs, particularly Windows 8/8.1/10/11.
However, the antivirus has been viewed as somewhat “substandard”, compared to other notable AV programs. This, coupled with the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals, has raised questions over the reliability of the software.
Nonetheless, in spite of the widespread assumption, WinDefender remains one of the best out there. And while the program has been below-par in the past, recent upgrades have significantly jacked up its performance.
However, the controversial question is still hanging over it: Is Windows Defender enough for 2024? Read on!
Table of Contents
Is Windows Defender Enough For 2024?
While Windows Defender has undergone significant improvements and gained ground against standard antivirus programs, it remains insufficient for comprehensive cybersecurity in 2024.
This insufficiency stems from the evolving nature of cyber threats and the limitations of single-layered security solutions.
The Changing Landscape of Cyber Threats
Diversification of attack vectors: Cyberattacks have moved beyond traditional virus injections. Today, a diverse range of threats including malware, adware, spyware, ransomware, and trojans pose significant dangers.
Evolving sophistication: Malicious programs have become increasingly sophisticated, employing advanced techniques like camouflage and disguise. This makes them difficult to detect, bypassing even robust antivirus defenses.
Hidden and persistent: Many malware strains remain hidden within the system, mimicking legitimate applications or extensions. This stealthy approach further hinders detection and mitigation efforts.
Limitations of Single-layered Defense
Rigid detection methods: Traditional antivirus programs rely on known virus signatures for detection, leaving them vulnerable to novel or disguised threats.
Limited scope of protection: Antivirus programs primarily focus on malware detection and removal, neglecting other critical aspects of cybersecurity like data protection and online privacy.
Moving beyond Windows Defender
While Windows Defender offers basic protection, it falls short in addressing the multifaceted nature of modern cyber threats. A layered approach to cybersecurity is crucial for comprehensive protection. This may involve:
Multi-layered antivirus solutions: Combining multiple antivirus engines with different detection mechanisms can offer broader coverage against diverse threats.
Advanced threat detection tools: Employing sandboxing, behavioral analysis, and machine learning enhances the ability to identify and neutralize novel or disguised malware.
Data security solutions: Encryption, data backup, and intrusion detection systems provide additional layers of protection for sensitive information.
Privacy-focused tools: VPNs, ad-blockers, and anti-tracking software can help safeguard privacy and control online data exposure.
Best Third-Party Antivirus to Pair With Windows Defender
The obvious downside of Windows Defender, which is basically in the area of malware detection, is obtainable in other standard AV packages. Forget the hype; no antivirus program offers absolute protection against malware, which is the key element of cyber attacks today.
Therefore, to reinforce your system and internet security setup, you need a stand-alone “anti-malware” package – to augment Windows Defender.
While Windows Defender has improved significantly in recent years, its limitations against evolving threats require additional security measures. Pairing it with a third-party solution can offer a more comprehensive defense against malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
Additionally, here are some recommended antivirus programs you can use to replace Windows Defender:
Kaspersky Lab
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Panda Dome Security Suite
Your advanced protection suite for home and business needs.
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Norton 360
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Avira Prime
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Avira Prime is the ultimate security suite for data safety and protection from online threats that gives you full access to Avira products like antivirus, Phantom VPN, software updater, system optimization tool, and a password manager. Show Less
ESET HOME Security Premium
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ESET HOME Security Premium is a fully-fledged security software with amazing features and even a password manager. Smart protection for Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Show Less
G DATA Total Security
G DATA Total Security is a complete protection suite that offers total security online and offline. The suite includes...Show More
G DATA Total Security is a complete protection suite that offers total security online and offline. The suite includes an antivirus engine, a password manager, firewall protection, device control, and internet security tools. Intelligent security suite for all device types. Show Less
AVG Ultimate
A combined antivirus plus VPN for total protection.
A combined antivirus plus VPN for total protection. Show Less
McAfee Total Protection
An easy-to-use security suite for data safety and device protection.
An easy-to-use security suite for data safety and device protection. Show Less
Trend Micro Premium Security Suite
Premium security suite for device protection and identity safety.
Premium security suite for device protection and identity safety. Show Less
VIPRE Advanced Security
Best security solution for emerging threats and data safety.
Best security solution for emerging threats and data safety. Show Less
Total AV
Protects your devices and online activities in real-time.
Protects your devices and online activities in real-time. Show Less
PC Matic Security
PC Matic Security is a security software that protects against malware, viruses, and ransomware.
PC Matic Security is a security software that protects against malware, viruses, and ransomware. Show Less
K7 Total Security
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K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats, as well as features such as parental controls, data encryption, and a personal firewall. Show Less
F-Secure Total
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F-Secure Total is a security suite that provides protection for your devices against malware, viruses, and online threats with features like antivirus, firewall, VPN, and parental control. Show Less
Sophos
Sophos Antivirus is a security software that helps protect computer systems from various malware and online threats.
Sophos Antivirus is a security software that helps protect computer systems from various malware and online threats. Show Less
Surfshark One
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Avast One
Avast One is an all-in-one security suite offering antivirus protection, VPN, performance optimization, and privacy...Show More
Avast One is an all-in-one security suite offering antivirus protection, VPN, performance optimization, and privacy tools for comprehensive digital security. Show Less
Summarily, Windows Defender is enough to serve your “virus protection” needs; however, you should consider getting a third-party antivirus program or antimalware as a backup. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to get a standard anti-malware tool, like Malwarebytes, as a support program.
Microsoft Defender: Your Built-In Antivirus Powerhouse
Windows Defender, formerly known as Microsoft Security Essentials, is the free, built-in antivirus solution for Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10. This means you already have a robust security tool at your disposal, eliminating the need for a separate third-party antivirus program for most users.
So, is Windows Defender enough?
Let’s delve into its capabilities and see how it stacks up:
What Windows Defender Offers:
Real-time protection against viruses and threats: This includes blocking malware, spyware, and other harmful software before it can harm your PC.
Network firewall: This monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking suspicious activity and protecting your computer from online threats.
App and browser control: You can manage which apps can access your system resources and which websites you can visit, providing an extra layer of security.
Performance and system health optimization: Helps keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently.
Free updates and upgrades: Microsoft regularly provides updates and upgrades to Windows Defender, ensuring you always have the latest protection.
How Does Windows Defender Compare?
In the past, Windows Defender often fell short of other antivirus programs. However, recent updates have significantly improved its reliability and effectiveness:
Independent Labs: Other independent labs have also praised Windows Defender’s performance, often ranking it among the best free antivirus solutions available.
Enhanced Zero-Day Protection: Windows Defender now boasts an improved 99.7% detection rate for zero-day attacks, according to AV-Test’s October 2023 report. This signifies a significant advancement in combating previously unseen threats.
AI-Powered Threat Detection: Microsoft leverages advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect and neutralize emerging malware strains. This proactive approach helps stay ahead of even the most sophisticated threats.
Improved Performance Optimization: Recent updates have further optimized Windows Defender’s resource utilization, ensuring it runs seamlessly without impacting your system’s performance.
Enhanced Tamper Protection: Windows Defender now features strengthened tamper protection, making it more resistant to malicious attempts to disable or manipulate its functionalities.
Cloud-Based Threat Intelligence: By leveraging Microsoft’s vast global security intelligence network, Windows Defender receives real-time updates on the latest threats and vulnerabilities, ensuring continuous protection.
Why Choose Windows Defender?
Free and Pre-Installed: It’s readily available on your Windows system, eliminating the need for additional software purchases and installations.
Effective Threat Detection: With consistently high detection rates for known and emerging threats, Windows Defender provides reliable protection against a wide range of malware.
Minimal System Impact: Its optimized design ensures smooth operation without compromising your computer’s performance.
Automatic Updates and Improvements: Microsoft continuously updates Windows Defender with the latest security definitions and features, ensuring you always have the best protection available.
Seamless Integration with Windows: As a built-in solution, Windows Defender integrates seamlessly with the Windows operating system, providing a user-friendly and streamlined security experience.
Is Windows Defender Enough for Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11?
Windows 7
While Windows Defender still technically runs on Windows 7, it is not recommended as your primary antivirus solution. Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 7 in 2020, which means Windows Defender no longer receives updates or bug fixes. This leaves your system vulnerable to new threats that emerge after support ends.
Windows Defender offers basic protection for Windows 8, but it may not be sufficient for everyone. It performs well in detecting and removing viruses, but it lacks some features found in more advanced antivirus programs, such as:
Real-time protection against ransomware and phishing attacks.
Parental controls.
Firewall protection.
Password management.
If you need these additional features, consider using a third-party antivirus program.
Windows 10
Windows Defender has significantly improved in recent years and now provides excellent protection for Windows 10. It offers real-time protection against viruses, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other threats. It also includes features like parental controls and firewall protection.
For most users, Windows Defender is sufficient to protect their Windows 10 computer. However, if you need advanced features or want peace of mind, you can consider using a third-party antivirus program.
Windows 11
Windows Defender continues to evolve and is the recommended antivirus solution for Windows 11. It offers comprehensive protection against all types of threats, including zero-day attacks, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. It also integrates seamlessly with Windows 11 and has minimal impact on system performance.
For most users, there is no need to look beyond Windows Defender for their antivirus needs on Windows 11.
Yes, Windows Defender is enough for virus protection for most users. While it may not offer all the bells and whistles of some paid antivirus programs, it provides excellent protection against the most common threats, including:
Viruses
Malware
Ransomware
Spyware
Phishing attacks
Here are some reasons why Windows Defender is a good choice for virus protection:
1. Free and Pre-installed: Windows Defender comes pre-installed on all Windows 10 and 11 machines, so there is no need to purchase or install any additional software. This makes it a convenient and cost-effective option for most users.
2. Excellent Detection Rates: Windows Defender has received consistently high marks from independent testing labs for its ability to detect and block malware. In recent tests, it has been found to detect over 99% of all known malware threats.
3. Real-time Protection: Windows Defender provides real-time protection against malware, meaning it is constantly scanning your system for threats and taking action to block them before they can cause any damage.
4. Regular Updates: Microsoft regularly releases updates for Windows Defender that include the latest virus definitions and security features. This ensures that you are always protected against the latest threats.
5. Low System Impact: Windows Defender is designed to be lightweight and efficient, so it will not slow down your computer.
6. Built-in Features: Windows Defender includes a number of useful features, such as:
Firewall: Protects your computer from unauthorized access by hackers.
Parental Controls: Allows you to monitor and restrict your children’s online activity.
Tamper Protection: Helps to prevent malware from disabling or modifying Windows Defender.
However, there are a few limitations to Windows Defender:
Lacks some advanced features: Some paid antivirus programs offer additional features, such as password management, file encryption, and VPN protection.
May not be sufficient for high-risk users: If you use your computer for sensitive activities, such as online banking, you may want to consider using a more robust antivirus program.
Windows Defender has come a long way in its ability to remove malware. While it might not have been the most effective solution in its early days, Microsoft has significantly improved its capabilities, making it a capable defense against various threats, including:
Here’s a breakdown of Windows Defender’s effectiveness in malware removal:
Pros:
Improved Detection Rates: Independent testing labs consistently give Windows Defender high marks for detecting and blocking malware. Recent tests show a detection rate exceeding 99% for known malware threats.
Real-time Protection: Windows Defender constantly scans your system for threats and takes action to block them before they can cause harm.
Offline Scan: The offline scan mode specifically targets rootkits and other malware that hides when connected to the internet.
Free and Pre-installed: No need to purchase additional software, making it convenient and cost-effective.
Low System Impact: Designed to be lightweight and efficient, ensuring minimal impact on your computer’s performance.
Regular Updates: Microsoft regularly releases updates with the latest virus definitions and security features, keeping you protected against evolving threats.
Cons:
Limited Advanced Features: Some paid antivirus programs offer additional functionalities like password management, file encryption, and VPN protection.
Might Not Be Sufficient for High-Risk Users: Users involved in sensitive activities, like online banking, might benefit from a more robust antivirus solution.
Windows Defender offers a strong foundation for small business security, but it might not be enough on its own.
While it boasts excellent features like:
Virus and Malware Detection: Provides reliable protection against common threats.
Microsoft Defender Security Center Integration: Enables centralized monitoring of multiple computers, vulnerability assessments, and security recommendations.
Detailed Security Reports: Offers comprehensive insights into your system’s security status.
File Encryption with Labels: Enhances data security for sensitive information.
However, some limitations make it less than ideal for all small businesses:
Limited Advanced Features: Lacks functionalities like password management, advanced threat prevention, and endpoint protection, which are crucial for data security and compliance.
Management Challenges: Manually managing security across multiple computers can be cumbersome for growing businesses.
Limited Protection for Mobile Devices: This does not offer mobile security solutions, leaving mobile devices vulnerable.
Therefore, whether Windows Defender is enough for your small business depends on:
Size and Complexity: Small businesses with few computers and basic security needs might find it sufficient.
Industry and Data Sensitivity: Businesses dealing with sensitive data or operating in regulated industries might require additional security features.
Budget: Paid antivirus solutions offer more comprehensive protection but require investment.
Here’s a balanced approach for small businesses:
Leverage Windows Defender: Utilize its built-in features for basic protection.
Invest in a Business-Grade Antivirus: Consider a paid solution with advanced features like centralized management, mobile security, and endpoint protection.
Implement Security Best Practices: Implement strong passwords, regular backups, and employee training to minimize vulnerabilities.
Review Security Needs Regularly: As your business grows and data becomes more sensitive, re-evaluate your security needs and adjust your approach accordingly.
Remember, a layered security approach is crucial for small businesses. Combining Windows Defender with additional solutions and best practices can ensure robust protection for your valuable data and assets.
While Windows Defender has significantly improved over the years, it still has limitations that some users might find inconvenient or deal-breaking.
Here are some of its key limitations:
1. User Interface Complexity
The dashboard can be overwhelming for beginners, with a complex layout and unclear navigation.
Microsoft’s attempt at a professional aesthetic might have sacrificed user-friendliness.
2. Activation and Deactivation
The process for enabling and disabling Windows Defender can be confusing and unintuitive.
3. Detection Consistency
While it effectively detects most threats, Windows Defender’s ability to identify some emerging threats might not be as consistent.
4. Browser Protection
Limited functionality with popular browsers like Firefox and Chrome, leaving users vulnerable to online threats and phishing attacks.
Although add-ons and extensions exist for these browsers, their effectiveness is questionable.
5. Parental Control Limitations
Parental control features work only with Microsoft browsers, hindering their effectiveness in monitoring children’s online activities across all platforms.
6. Performance Impact
Users have reported performance slowdowns during system scans, particularly on older or less powerful PCs.
While faster on high-end systems, the scan speed still lags behind some competitors.
7. Lack of Additional Features
Unlike many antivirus programs, Windows Defender lacks features like password management, a VPN, and advanced threat prevention.
8. Limited Customization
Users have limited control over how Windows Defender operates, making it difficult to tailor its behavior to their specific needs.
It’s important to note that these limitations may not be significant for all users. However, for those who prioritize user-friendliness, comprehensive protection, and advanced features, a paid antivirus solution might be a better choice.
Ultimately, the decision of whether Windows Defender is enough for you depends on your specific circumstances and priorities. Weigh the limitations against its benefits and consider exploring other options if necessary.
Do I Need Antivirus Software If I Have Windows Defender?
While Windows Defender offers good protection against most threats, you may still consider installing another antivirus program depending on your specific needs and priorities.
Here’s a breakdown of the factors to consider:
Reasons to stick with Windows Defender:
Free and Pre-installed: No need for additional purchase or installation.
Effective Protection: Provides robust protection against common viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Real-time Protection: Continuously scans your system for threats.
Minimal System Impact: Designed to be lightweight and not affect your computer’s performance.
Regular Updates: Microsoft constantly updates Windows Defender with the latest virus definitions and security features.
Reasons to consider another antivirus program:
Limited Advanced Features: Lacks features like password management, VPN, and advanced threat prevention.
User Interface Complexity: The dashboard might be confusing for beginners.
Performance Impact: Scans can slow down older or less powerful PCs.
Limited Browser Protection: Less effective with popular browsers like Firefox and Chrome.
Parental Control Limitations: Only works with Microsoft browsers.
Inconsistent Detection: Might miss out on some emerging threats.
No Customization: Limited control over how Windows Defender operates.
If you prioritize user-friendliness, comprehensive protection, advanced features, or specific functionality not available in Windows Defender, then investing in another antivirus program might be beneficial.
Remember:
Installing another antivirus program automatically disables Windows Defender.
Paid antivirus programs often offer more features and customization options.
Consider your individual needs and threat profile before making a decision.
Combining Windows Defender with other security best practices can significantly enhance your protection.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to use another antivirus program alongside Windows Defender is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and choose the solution that best suits your security needs and preferences.
Are Windows Defenders and Windows Firewalls Enough for My PC?
To answer the question, you should note that both Windows Defender and Windows Firewall offer value.
While both Windows Defender and Windows Firewall offer valuable security features, whether they are sufficient for your specific needs depends on your individual circumstances and priorities.
Here’s a breakdown of their strengths and limitations:
Windows Defender
Strengths
Free and pre-installed.
Effective protection against common threats.
Real-time protection.
Minimal system impact.
Regular updates.
Limitations
Limited advanced features.
Complex user interface.
Performance impact on older PCs.
Limited browser protection.
Parental control limitations.
Inconsistent detection of some threats.
No customization options.
Windows Firewall
Strengths
Free and pre-installed.
Effective at filtering data and blocking harmful programs.
Blocks unauthorized connections.
Allows creation of advanced rules.
Comparable functionality to most third-party firewalls.
Limitations
Unfriendly user interface.
For most users, Windows Defender and Windows Firewall can offer a good level of protection against common threats. However, if you need:
Customization options: Control over how security programs operate.
Then considering additional software solutions might be beneficial.
Here are some additional points to consider:
Combining Windows Defender and Windows Firewall with other security practices like strong passwords and regular backups can significantly improve your overall protection.
The effectiveness of these programs depends on your individual threat profile and online activities.
Paid security solutions often offer more features and customization options.
Ultimately, the decision of whether Windows Defender and Windows Firewall are enough for you depends on your specific needs and security priorities. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and choose the solution that best suits your situation.
Windows Defender represents a good starting point for basic antivirus protection. However, its limitations and the evolving threat landscape demand a more comprehensive approach to cybersecurity in 2024.
Utilizing a layered security strategy that combines antivirus with additional tools and best practices can provide robust protection against the ever-evolving threats of the digital world.
Here is the FastestVPN review. Is FastestVPN as fast as it claims? Is this VPN worth its salt for its speed and security? Find out more about FastestVPN from this review.
Table of Contents
What Is FastestVPN?
FastestVPNis a VPN service launched in 2016 and headquartered on Cayman Island. The VPN service promises unrivalled speed, robust security measures, and additional features, including 2TB of cloud storage space and a password manager.
In addition, FastestVPN is a VPN service that makes the internet a safer place via private networks that act as a buffer between you and the places you visit online. This protects your privacy and shields you from cyberattacks and other internet negativities, including hacking and data monitoring.
Overall, FastestVPN offers users various features that protect their privacy online, make them anonymous, and provide extra security layers.
How To Get Started With FastestVPN
The following steps will walk you through getting started with FastestVPN
Enter your email address and select a payment method
Make payment and get a username and password
Download and run the appropriate FastestVPN App for your device
Launch your VPN app and choose a server to connect to; tap the ‘Connect’ button to start enjoying VPN protection.
FastestVPN Key Features
User Interface
FastestVPN has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for less technologically savvy users to navigate FastestVPN’s feature-rich apps. Users can switch between servers quickly right from the interface, activate split tunnelling, and enjoy other features without needing an assistant.
VPN Protocol
FastestVPN uses OpenVPN as its default VPN protocol; users can choose from its multiple VPN protocols, including IKEv2, IPSec, OpenConnect, and L2TP.
OpenVPN: This is an industry-preferred VPN protocol for its speed and security. Being open-source means it is continually examined and strengthened. For FastestVPN, this is not a default option; hence, users have to go through the pains of setting up OpenVPN protocol manually on their device. However, users can make the setup easy by following FastestVPN’s tutorials for setting up OpenVPN for their devices.
IKEv2: This is a speed-optimized VPN protocol that prioritizes speed over security. FastestVPN uses the IKEv2 as its default VPN protocol. Personally, this VPN protocol is preferred over OpenConnect for its balance of speed and security.
OpenConnect: This VPN protocol is an open-source, high-speed VPN protocol. Although this protocol type is outdated, it is still preferred for its speed.
L2TP/IPsec: This is one of the oldest VPN protocols optimized for speed but is often a poor choice for security-conscious people.
FastestVPN Servers
FastestVPN has about 250+ VPN servers in 40 countries and 52 locations. Interestingly, FastestVPN’s servers are optimized for streaming, downloading, and torrenting.
Additionally, FastestVPN has good server coverage in the US, Europe, and Asia. However, server coverage in South America is poor, with less than five servers in South America and none in Africa.
Unlike most VPNs, FastestVPN has a server in Russia; although I couldn’t connect to it, there’s no way to test its speed and unblocking abilities.
Encryption Protocol
FastestVPN uses the Industry-standard 256-bit military-grade encryption protocol to encrypt and protect inbound and outbound users’ data traffic from third-party interception, even when connected to unsecured public WiFi networks.
This implies that your data traffic cannot be decrypted even by the world’s most powerful computer; hence, your data and online privacy stay protected from cyber threats.
Torrenting
FastestVPN has all of its servers optimized for anonymous, high-speed torrenting. I had an excellent torrenting experience on its US and EU servers during this FastestVPN review.
However, torrenting on FastestVPN’s Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India servers was a nightmare as they offered me the slowest torrenting speed I have ever recorded.
IPV4, 6, DNS, and webRTC leak protection
For this FastestVPN review, I tested its leak protection features using www.ipleak.net and www.whatismyipaddress.com. I didn’t experience any leaks or IP address, location, or device info leakage.
It is reassuring to know that FastestVPN has its own private DNS server to prevent any leakage via DNS; hence, there’s no issue of DNS leakage. Also, all of FastestVPN’s apps have webRTC blocking enabled to avoid webRTC leaks.
Kill Switch
FastestVPN recognizes the importance of a Kill Switch; hence, all its apps come with its functionality.
A kill switch prevents accidental data exposure by instantly tripping off your internet connection when your VPN connection cuts off suddenly.
FastestVPN’s Kill switch worked on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. However, for Android devices, the Kill Switch is compatible with other protocols except for IKEv2 and OpenVPN protocols.
NAT Firewall
The NAT Firewall is a built-in feature of all FastestVPN servers to protect you from malicious data traffic by acting as a gateway for all data traffic to your device, thus effectively blocking out all malicious or unwanted data traffic.
The NAT Firewall feature gives FastestVPN an edge over other VPN providers since only a handful of VPN providers have servers with built-in NAT Firewalls to offer users an additional security layer against cyber threats.
Ad Blocker
FastestVPN’s adblocker blocks out annoying ads. This is not a feature shared with most VPN providers; this puts FastestVPN in the preferred list of VPNs.
I tested this feature on Facebook, YouTube, and other websites I visit commonly, and there was not a single ad on my screen.
Smart Tunneling
Smart Tunneling is FastestVPN’s split tunnelling feature you can use to select what app on your device uses the VPN service. I tested this feature by excluding my banking apps from using the VPN; while my VPN was on, I could do transactions successfully on my banking apps without triggering any security alert from my bank (due to a change of IP address and location) while watching Netflix US. However, this feature is only available for FastestVPN’s mobile apps.
Strict No Logs Policy
FastestVPN does not log users’ info or online activities as stated in their policies.
However, FastestVPN logs users’ email addresses for billing and account registration. This information is deleted as soon as a user deactivates his email address.
Simultaneous device connectivity
FastestVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections to a single subscription. It also supports WiFi routers; hence, you can extend FastestVPN services and protection beyond ten simultaneous devices by connecting your devices to a FastestVPN-protected router.
You can add 20 more devices to a single subscription; however, FastestVPN will charge you $1 each for extra devices. This is an excellent option if you have a large household or want to use a VPN service for your business.
FastestVPN is compatible with more than 20 apps, devices, and platforms, including:
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Routers
Chromebook
PlayStation
Xbox
Firestick
SmartTVs
Apple TV
Kodi
Chromecast
Nintendo
Browser extensions.
FastestVPN offers detailed installation guides for all its apps; therefore, as a new user, you will find every resource you need to walk you through installing, configuring, and using FastestVPN’s apps and services.
FastestVPN Review: Test Results
Speed And Performance Test
For a relatively new VPN, I am impressed with its performance. Testing its UK server, I recorded a significant speed drop from a base speed of 268Mbps to 108Mbps; also, there was a considerable ping reduction from a base ping of 30 to 25Ms, which makes FastestVPN ideal for gaming and torrenting.
Servers in the US and Europe performed well, recording an average speed of 150Mbps. However, servers in Australia, Japan, and India experienced significant speed drops to an average of 10Mbps and higher pings.
Streaming Performance
I was impressed with FastestVPN’s performance; it not only unblocked Netflix US, UK, Canada, Peacock TV, HBO Max, Spotify, and other streaming platforms but also had a fast buffering speed.
Although I experienced difficulty unblocking Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and ESPN, I remain optimistic that FastestVPN will improve its unblocking abilities.
FastestVPN Customer Support And Resources
FastestVPN offers reliable customer support services via the following channels:
LiveChat: support service is available 24/7 on this channel, and the response time is fast.
Email support: Response via email at its fastest will take 1 to 2 hours to get a response; overall, replies do not go beyond 24 hours.
FAQ: FastestVPN’s FAQ answers your questions, solves your issues, and provides you with every resource you need to get started with FastestVPN.
At $1.11 per month for its 3-year plan and extra features, including a password manager and 2TB cloud storage space, FastestVPN is the most affordable VPN service, offering you more for less.
However, FastestVPN’s monthly plan is not competitive at $10. Still, you also get a free password manager and 2TB storage, thus giving you more features and services than you will get from other VPN providers.
Compared with other VPN’s yearly plans, FastestVPN’s annual plan at $2.49 per month is quite affordable, and like other plans, it comes with Hulk Password manager and 2TB storage space.
Additionally, FastestVPN offers you a range of customizable plans and pricing to suit your needs.
Note: all plans come with a 15-day money-back guarantee. This is far from the 30-day money-back guarantee other VPN service providers offer. Testing their refund policy, I had to make a refund request manually on the 15th day, and surprisingly, I was given a refund within a week.
Is FastestVPN Safe?
Yes, FastestVPN is 100 percent safe. It offers users additional security features unfamiliar to most VPN providers and uses the most robust VPN encryption protocol to protect users’ data from cyber threats.
A Final Word On The FastestVPN Review
Regarding server strength, FastestVPN does not compete favourably with other top VPN providers; however, its added features below make it a recommended VPN of choice for those desiring affordability, speed, extra security measures, and other freebies.
Optimized for speed, streaming, downloading, and P2P torrenting
Cheapest plan
NAT Firewall and Kill Switch for added security
Strict No-logs policy
Headquartered in Cayman Island, a country with a friendly data policy and not part of the 5-9-14 Eyes alliance
Free Password Manager and Free 2TB cloud storage space
Want the Best Antivirus For 2024? Read on to find out…
In today’s digitally connected world, safeguarding data and personal information is crucial. The threats online are endless; hence, you should have an antivirus software. These programs serve as the first line of defense in keeping you cyber-safe.
Regardless of your needs and budget, you’ll find a workable antivirus. In this article, we’ll explore the best antivirus for 2024 to help you decide which to go for.
Table of Contents
Best Antivirus For 2024
Whether you’re tech-savvy or a beginner, check out the best antivirus programs in 2024 below.
Total AV is a comprehensive security suite that checks all the boxes for anyone looking to protect themselves online. It offers a strong array of features that go beyond basic virus protection.
You get real-time antivirus, firewall services, and even a secure browser. One particularly useful feature is the intuitive interface, which makes navigation easy. Additionally, the antivirus has mobile compatibility, and you can secure multiple devices with just one subscription.
Total AV runs smoothly and doesn’t lag system resources. So you can use your device without any hiccups. When it comes to ransomware, the software is also reliable. Regarding costs, Total AV comes with various plans, but the most popular one is priced at $179 per year.
Total AV
Protects your devices and online activities in real-time.
Protects your devices and online activities in real-time. Show Less
If you’re looking for an antivirus that offers more than just malware protection, Surfshark Antivirus is one of the best antivirus software for 2024.
It’s not just an antivirus program; it’s an all-in-one security solution that includes a VPN service, among other programs. Hence, you’ll be killing multiple birds with one stone.
Surfshark ensures your online activities remain private, protecting you from viruses, trojans, and other malicious software. The user interface is sleek and straightforward, but the real upside is speed. Notably, you can run quick scans, which barely impacts system performance.
Furthermore, this antivirus offers a competitive edge at $17.95 per month for the antivirus and VPN bundle. However, you can save up to 80% when you pay for two years at a go or 75% when you pay for a year.
Surfshark Antivirus
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories.
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories. Show Less
Norton Antivirus Plus is one of the oldest antivirus software. It’s been around for years, continually adapting and staying relevant in the ever-changing world of online threats.
The software’s robust, full-suite protection includes virus scans and features like a password manager and online backup storage. So you can safeguard sensitive information and files.
Norton Antivirus is particularly reliable at identifying phishing sites. As a result, if you’re always worried about clicking the wrong link and entering your info, Norton can pass as the best antivirus for 2024.
Furthermore, the software has a “Smart Firewall,” which actively monitors the data sent and received from your computer. This ensures no third party spies on your information.
Norton Antivirus Plus will cost you around $19.99 for the first year. Considering its wide array of features and longstanding reputation, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Norton Antivirus Plus
Your award-winning cybersecurity solution for complete device protection.
Your award-winning cybersecurity solution for complete device protection. Show Less
Heimdal Security offers something different from your standard antivirus software. Specializing in “next-gen protection,” it stops advanced malware attacks and patches software vulnerabilities in real time.
The software’s proactive approach includes layers of security features like advanced firewall and email filtering. You even get protection against financial fraud.
Notably, the Heimdal Security user interface is crisp and clean. However, the Thor Foresight module is one of its more unique selling points. This feature will automatically update your software applications, ensuring there are no security loopholes for hackers to exploit.
Heimdal Security offers a variety of packages, but they’re all affordable.
Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best...Show More
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best intelligent threat prevention tool. Show Less
Panda Antivirus Pro aims to make cybersecurity as user-friendly as possible. As a result, the software brings together antivirus protection, a personal firewall, and even an option for a VPN in an all-in-one suite.
For this reason, we recommend it as an option for the best antivirus for 2024 if you want multiple layers of security without switching different services.
What sets Panda Antivirus apart is its focus on simplicity. Its user interface is minimalistic, with large icons and straightforward language, making it accessible to everyone.
However, that doesn’t mean the software doesn’t pack features. You get a variety, from real-time scanning to Wi-Fi protection.
As for the cost, Panda Antivirus Pro offers plans starting at $22.99 per year. That makes it a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skip on necessary features.
Panda Antivirus Pro
A working antivirus solution for all devices.
A working antivirus solution for all devices. Show Less
Trend Micro Maximum Security is renowned in the cybersecurity space. Its features include parental controls, a password manager, and even social media privacy settings.
However, the software’s main strength is preventing web threats and safeguarding against phishing and malicious websites. It does that impressively.
Trend Micro integrates seamlessly with various browsers, providing an extra layer of protection when surfing the web.
It also boasts excellent performance, running smoothly in the background without stressing your system’s resources. On top of that, it can cover up to ten devices, so you can count on it if you have multiple systems to protect.
A yearly subscription for Trend Micro Maximum Security is priced at $49.95. It may be higher, but its all-encompassing security features make it a worthwhile investment.
Trend Micro Premium Security Suite
Premium security suite for device protection and identity safety.
Premium security suite for device protection and identity safety. Show Less
AVG Internet Security takes a more targeted approach, focusing on individual users rather than multiple systems. This makes it perfect for anyone particular about personal cybersecurity.
You get strong antivirus capabilities with an enhanced firewall. Additionally, AVG includes email security to keep your personal conversations private.
The antivirus scanning engine is powerful, yet it doesn’t affect your daily tasks. Particularly, you’ll appreciate the turbo scan feature, which speeds up the scanning process by skipping files it identifies as safe.
Also, you’ll find a do-not-disturb mode, which you can use for uninterrupted gaming or streaming sessions.
AVG Internet Security pricing is per PC, starting at $3.89 per month for one. The good thing is that the cost is reduced significantly if you buy up to 10 devices.
AVG Internet Security
Your award-winning antivirus for total security
Your award-winning antivirus for total security Show Less
Avira Antivirus Pro is not very popular in the antivirus market, but it’s steadily attracting users thanks to its top-of-the-line detection rates and lightweight design.
One of its standout features is the cloud-based scanning technology. This tech enhances detection capabilities while ensuring your computer stays speedy.
Another top feature is the secure shopping browser extension, which protects your financial transactions from prying eyes. The software also offers customizable settings, so you can tailor the security protocols to your preferences if you’re an advanced user.
A one-year subscription to Avira Antivirus Pro costs $35.99, but you can get it for just $21.99 for the first year. Hence, we rate it as another solid option if you want the best antivirus for 2024.
Avira Antivirus Pro
Avira Antivirus Pro is an award-winning anti-ransomware protection that secures your PC against cyber threats. Your best...Show More
Avira Antivirus Pro is an award-winning anti-ransomware protection that secures your PC against cyber threats. Your best malware solution for Windows and Mac. Show Less
ESET NOD32 Antivirus is a lightweight yet potent solution for cybersecurity. Notably, you’ll appreciate this software if you use Windows, as it’s an award-winning antivirus for the operating system.
However, the ESET NOD32 offers more than virus protection, with unique modules to safeguard against script-based attacks.
As a result, it’s a workable antivirus if you frequently browse various types of websites. It’s perfect for those who want strong protection without a hefty system impact.
However, what sets ESET apart is its advanced heuristics engine, which can identify zero-day malware. It’s a noteworthy feature because new threats roll out daily.
Regarding pricing, ESET NOD32 starts at a yearly subscription for $23.80. Considering the advanced technology and efficiency you’re getting, it’s a relatively fair price. You can even download it for free on trial before paying a subscription.
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
ESET NOD32 Antivirus is essential protection against malware, giving you peace of mind that your devices are safe from...Show More
ESET NOD32 Antivirus is essential protection against malware, giving you peace of mind that your devices are safe from threats. NOD32 also has a blazing-fast virus scanning engine that can detect, block, and remove cyber threats in real-time, so your system is always protected against the latest malware strains. Show Less
VIPRE Antivirus Plus is one antivirus software many people underestimate. Indeed, it’s not as famous as some other brands, but it performs well above its weight when it comes to malware protection.
The software employs advanced machine learning and real-time behavior monitoring to identify and neutralize threats in record time.
It even has an anti-tracking feature that keeps your online activities private. That means no third party can spy on your information.
Yet, one of the best things about VIPRE is its straightforward interface. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to navigate it, as everything is intuitive and user-friendly. Even with its easy-to-use design, it doesn’t skimp on customization options.
This antivirus comes with a base price tag of $60.49 per year, which you may consider expensive. However, for the first year, you can get it for less at $19.99. All these make it a noteworthy candidate for the title of the best antivirus for 2024.
VIPRE Antivirus Plus
Top-rated cybersecurity solutions for essential protection.
Top-rated cybersecurity solutions for essential protection. Show Less
G DATA Antivirus might not be a household name, but it’s a cybersecurity software that means business. Originating from Germany, it brings meticulous engineering into the realm of antivirus software.
Why is it an option for the best antivirus in 2024? Well, G DATA provides a solid two-engine scanning system, which you can rely on to stop various kinds of malware, including zero-day threats.
One of its standout features is its “BankGuard” technology. It ensures your financial transactions are safe and secure. So, if you do a lot of online shopping or manage your finances online, this could be a workable option for you.
G DATA Antivirus has affordable pricing. As a result, you don’t have to incur exorbitant purchase for G DATA Antivirus.
G DATA Antivirus
A proactive antivirus program against all malware types.
A proactive antivirus program against all malware types. Show Less
F-Secure SAFE offers a multi-faceted approach to internet security. It not only provides solid antivirus protection but also integrates browsing and banking protections, as well as robust parental controls.
This makes it a versatile pick for the best antivirus for 2024. Particularly, you’ll prefer it if you want an all-in-one solution for their varied digital needs.
The software excels in user-friendliness with its clean, intuitive interface. Hence, it’s easy to manage settings and perform scans.
One noteworthy feature is the “Finder” functionality, which allows you to locate, lock, and erase data on a lost or stolen device. With such a feature, you get an extra layer of peace of mind.
A one-year subscription for F-Secure SAFE comes in at $39.99 for the first year. Afterward, the regular pricing is around $80. The good news is that one subscription covers up to three devices.
F-Secure SAFE
F-Secure SAFE is an internet security tool offered by F-Secure that provides protection for your devices against...Show More
F-Secure SAFE is an internet security tool offered by F-Secure that provides protection for your devices against malware, viruses, online threats, and hacking attempts. Show Less
For Mac users, Intego’s Mac Premium Bundle X9 is a top-tier choice designed specifically to harmonize with macOS.
This software offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including antivirus protection, a two-way firewall, and parental controls. Intego could be your best bet if you’re a Mac aficionado concerned about compatibility and performance.
A standout feature is its real-time scanning, which quietly works in the background without hampering your system’s performance. Another impressive aspect is the Washing Machine feature that helps declutter your Mac, optimizing storage and improving speed.
As for the price, a yearly subscription for Intego’s Mac Premium Bundle X9 starts at $84.99. While it’s a bit pricier, it’s custom-tailored for Macs, making it an investment worth considering.
If you’re in the macOS ecosystem and searching for the best antivirus for 2024, Intego’s Mac Premium Bundle X9 might just be the solution you’re looking for.
Intego - Mac Premium Bundle X9
Total Protection for all Mac device types
Total Protection for all Mac device types Show Less
Kaspersky Internet Security is a familiar name that has consistently performed well in various cybersecurity tests.
Known for its thorough malware detection and minimal system impact, this software also comes with various extras like a VPN service, a password manager, and webcam protection.
The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for even novices to navigate through its multiple features.
If you’re a fan of online shopping, Kaspersky’s Safe Money feature is a life-saver, providing an extra layer of security during financial transactions.
The price tag for a yearly Kaspersky Internet Security subscription starts at $19.99. However, the highest and most reliable plan costs $30.99. Based on our review, we consider the price moderate and workable if you’re on a budget.
Kaspersky Internet Security
Premium protection against online threats.
Premium protection against online threats. Show Less
Malwarebytes has carved out a niche for itself as a highly effective tool for removing stubborn malware.
Notably, it’s reliable against threats that other antivirus programs might miss. While it started as a dedicated malware remover, it has evolved into a full-fledged antivirus solution with real-time protection against various threats.
One of its strong suits is its ability to work alongside other antivirus software without causing conflicts. So, it’s one of the best antivirus of 2024 if you want a secondary layer of protection.
Additionally, the interface is user-friendly, with simple navigation that allows you to perform quick scans or delve into more detailed settings if you choose.
Regarding pricing, a one-year subscription for Malwarebytes costs up to $45.50. You can go for the comprehensive suite, which costs $59.99. Also, Malwarebytes has team pricing plans you can consider to save money if you have many devices to protect.
Malwarebytes
Your everyday protection against malware like ransomware, spyware, viruses, and more.
Your everyday protection against malware like ransomware, spyware, viruses, and more. Show Less
Notable Mentions Best Antivirus 2024
We’ve listed our top 15 picks for the best antivirus for 2024 above. However, other quality security programs didn’t make the cut, but you can still consider them.
Acronis True Image goes beyond typical antivirus software by offering robust backup and recovery options alongside its cybersecurity features.
This dual functionality makes it perfect for those who want to protect their data and ensure it’s easily recoverable.
The software’s real-time protection keeps malware at bay. Impressive, its backup features save your essential files securely. A one-year subscription costs $49.99, which is reasonable given the software’s versatility.
If you’re keen on data protection and security, Acronis True Image is a strong contender.
Acronis Cyber Protect (Formerly True Image)
Acronis Cyber Protect provides data protection for personal users, including backup, archive, access, and recovery for...Show More
Acronis Cyber Protect provides data protection for personal users, including backup, archive, access, and recovery for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android operating systems. Your all-in-one solution for cybersecurity. Show Less
Sophos Antivirus offers enterprise-level security for home users, and its user-friendly interface is perfect for those who aren’t tech experts.
It provides real-time malware protection and even has parental controls for family-friendly browsing.
Sophos is unique in offering a free version that’s surprisingly comprehensive, but the premium plan adds extras like ransomware protection. It’s private, so you have to contact the sales team.
Sophos
Sophos Antivirus is a security software that helps protect computer systems from various malware and online threats.
Sophos Antivirus is a security software that helps protect computer systems from various malware and online threats. Show Less
HitmanPro takes a slightly different approach to antivirus protection. It’s a cloud-based scanner that’s highly effective in identifying and removing malware, but it doesn’t offer real-time protection.
It’s often used as a second opinion scanner alongside other antivirus software. The pricing starts at $24.95 for a one-year license.
HitmanPro offers a nifty, cost-effective solution if you’re looking for a quick and efficient way to double-check your system for malware.
HitmanPro
HitmanPro is a cloud-based anti-malware software that provides advanced scanning and removal of various types of viruses...Show More
HitmanPro is a cloud-based anti-malware software that provides advanced scanning and removal of various types of viruses and malware. Show Less
What Is An Antivirus Software?
Antivirus software, also known as anti-malware software, is a program or set of programs designed to prevent, detect, and remove malware from your devices.
Malware is a broad term for malicious software, which includes viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, adware, and ransomware.
Antivirus software works by scanning your devices for known malware signatures, which are unique patterns of code that identify specific threats.
When antivirus software detects a threat, it can take a variety of actions, such as quarantining the file, deleting it, or blocking it from running.
Benefits Of Using Antivirus Software In 2024
Here are some of the benefits of using antivirus software:
Protects your devices from malware: Antivirus software can help to prevent malware from infecting your devices and damaging your data or stealing your personal information.
Improves your system performance: Malware can slow down your devices and make them more unstable. Antivirus software can help to improve your system performance by removing malware that is bogging down your resources.
Protects your privacy: Malware can be used to steal your personal information, such as your passwords, credit card numbers, and social security number. Antivirus software can help to protect your privacy by preventing malware from accessing your personal information.
Zero-day attack protection: Modern antivirus software goes beyond simple signature matching and uses advanced heuristics and behavior analysis to detect even never-before-seen malware (zero-day attacks).
Ransomware protection: Dedicated ransomware shields block suspicious encryption attempts and help prevent data loss from crippling ransomware attacks.
Phishing and scam protection: Many antivirus programs warn you about malicious websites and links before you click, protecting you from falling victim to phishing scams and identity theft attempts.
Firewall protection: Built-in firewalls monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic, filtering out unauthorized connections and preventing hackers from accessing your device.
Vulnerability scanning: Antivirus software scans your system for outdated software and unpatched vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
Parental controls: Set time limits, restrict access to certain websites and applications, and monitor children’s online activity for safer internet usage.
Automatic updates: Regular and automatic updates of virus definitions ensure your protection stays up-to-date against the latest threats.
Real-time monitoring: Constant background scans ensure your device is continuously protected, even while you’re not actively using it.
Quarantine and removal: Detected threats are safely quarantined to prevent further damage, and then you can choose to remove them permanently or whitelist them if they’re deemed safe.
Bottom Line
The best antivirus for 2024 isn’t just a software you get simply because you need cyber protection. You should make it an investment that’ll last you well across the year and into the next. Of course, you don’t want to jump from one product to another, as that can affect your system.
Thankfully, selecting the right antivirus isn’t an impossible task. For our list, you can easily pick an option that meets your budget and protection needs. Rest assured that each one is reliable, and you get nothing short in quality.
Leave a comment below regarding the best antivirus for 2024.
A VPN is necessary to stay secure and private on the internet. It masks your real IP, preventing third parties from uncovering your location and stealing your data.
The best VPN services available come with a price tag. And the general opinion of many internet users is that VPNs are expensive.
However, getting a reliable VPN at a cost-friendly rate is possible. You’ll find out the best cheap VPN in 2024 as you read on. First, let’s consider how to make a choice.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Cheap VPN
Price is, of course, the critical factor when choosing the best cheap VPN. However, a low price shouldn’t cost you quality or performance. So, when choosing the best cheap VPN, you should also consider these:
Check the number of servers the VPN has. The more servers a VPN has, the more locations you can explore. VPNs usually come with hundreds of servers, but it’s ideal to consider those with over a thousand.
You need a secure VPN. Secure VPNs feature advanced encryption algorithms and protocols and do not keep logs. Notably, you should avoid free VPNs, which are usually not assured. There’s a huge difference between free and cheap.
Check the platforms and devices the VPN supports. Imagine having an iPhone and then paying for a VPN that doesn’t have an iOS application. That’s a waste of money.
Check for extra features. Some VPNs have additional features like stealth mode, ad blocking, and multi-hop connections. These are secondary features since you can get them with other tools. But it would be an advantage if your VPN comes with them.
With the four points above in mind, you can choose a cheap VPN without sacrificing quality. But what determines a cheap VPN? Well, the average cost of VPNs is $10 monthly. A VPN that sells for around this price or lower is cheap. On the other hand, expensive VPNs start at around $20 per month.
One key difference between cheap VPNs and more expensive ones is the long-term prices. For example, an affordable VPN may offer a deal price of less than $5 per month if you pay for two to three years. In fact, for some, the price is as low as $1 per month for three years.
Let’s get to know these cheap VPNs.
Best Cheap VPN Services 2024 (Ranked by Cheapest Monthly Price)
Here are the best cheap VPN services recommended in 2024:
The most cheapest VPN service in 2024 is Ivacy at $1 per month.
Ivacy is a VPN with ioXt security certification, a testament to its reliability. The VPN exists to help users protect their digital presence and unblock the internet.
Using Ivacy VPN, with the 5-year plan, costs just $1 per month. Meanwhile, the regular monthly plan costs $9.95.
Atlas VPN makes the internet accessible to everyone with a transparent service. This service costs an affordable $1.64 monthly with the two-year plan plus 6 free months and $3.29 with the one-year plan. The regular monthly plan is, however, $11.99.
VeePN is a virtual private network (VPN) service that provides online privacy and security by encrypting internet...Show More
VeePN is a virtual private network (VPN) service that provides online privacy and security by encrypting internet traffic and hiding the user's IP address. Show Less
Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Surfshark VPN has servers located in...Show More
Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Surfshark VPN has servers located in more than 60 countries worldwide. Show Less
Top companies like TechRadar, CNet, Yahoo, and Mashable use PureVPN. It’s a reliable VPN for streaming online content without worrying about geo-restrictions.
The cheapest Standard deal you get from PureVPN is the 2-year plan, which costs $1.96 per month plus 4 free months. You can also pay $3.74 with the 1-year plan.
PureVPN is one of the best VPN service providers with presence across 150 countries in the world. An industry VPN leader...Show More
PureVPN is one of the best VPN service providers with presence across 150 countries in the world. An industry VPN leader with more than 6,500 optimized VPN servers. Show Less
CyberGhost VPN is a VPN service provider with more than 9,000 VPN servers spread in over 90 countries. Complete privacy...Show More
CyberGhost VPN is a VPN service provider with more than 9,000 VPN servers spread in over 90 countries. Complete privacy protection for up to 7 devices! Show Less
As its name says, this VPN is all about privacy. Not just privacy, but PIA also employs strong encryption for maximum online security.
To use PIA VPN, you pay $11.99 per month. With the 6 months plan, you pay $7.50 per month; with the 2-year plan, you pay $2.19 per month plus 2 free months.
PrivateVPN is relatively new but commands a large customer base. It’s a VPN with all the right features and comes at the right price.
PrivateVPN is available for $2 per month with the 36-month plan. Also, it is available for $6 per month with the 3-month plan. Ordinarily, you would pay $9.90 per month.
Why choose PrivateVPN?
It works on mobile, desktop, smart TVs, and routers
FastVPN is a NameCheap product. It is fast – like its name – and secure and private. Also, it is affordable, which is typical of NameCheap’s services.
The monthly plan is a flat $7.88, but the annual price costs $2.88 per month. Interestingly, as a first-time subscriber, you pay $0.99 for the first month and $1.57 for the first annual plan.
NordVPN is one of the best cheap VPNs you can get.
NordVPN has three Standard pricing plans; you can pay monthly, 1-year plan, or 2-year plan. The highest plan on a 2-year subscription costs only $3.99 per month.
TunnelBear is a VPN service provider that provides you with privacy, security, and anonymity advantages. It has VPN...Show More
TunnelBear is a VPN service provider that provides you with privacy, security, and anonymity advantages. It has VPN servers in more than 46 countries worldwide. Show Less
ProtonVPN, a Swiss-based service, comes with highly exclusive features. It ranks among the cheapest VPN services in terms of quality.
Despite being feature-rich, the VPN costs $4.99 per month with the 2-year plan. The Unlimited version, however, costs $7.99 per month for its 2-year plan, which covers all proton products.
A dependable VPN service that works on all devices and platforms.
A dependable VPN service that works on all devices and platforms. Show Less
Best Cheap VPN: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about cheap VPNs:
Is a cheap VPN worth it?
A cheap VPN is worth it if you use one with the right features. Sure, the price comes first, but the quality is also essential. At the least, you must pick a cheap VPN that is secure, has apps for your devices, and has sufficient servers. Otherwise, your device will be at risk.
Are cheap VPNs secure?
The best cheap VPNs, as listed in this article, are secure. You know a VPN is secure if it uses best-in-class encryption, blocks third-party data stealers, and keeps no logs. The VPNs in this article tick these boxes. So, if you go for any, rest assured that it’s secure.
Why are the long-term VPN subscriptions the cheapest?
Long-term VPN subscriptions are the cheapest because they come at considerable discounts. Some VPNs offer up to 60 to 70% discounts for 2 to 3-year plans. Some offer as much as 80% discounts for 5-year plans.
Which is the best VPN without money?
There are a couple of VPNs you can use without paying money. TunnelBear, ProtonVPN, and Atlas VPN are two good options on this list of the best cheap VPNs. However, it’s always advisable to go for a paid, premium VPN. You don’t get many features when you don’t pay for a VPN service.
Conclusion
The best cheap VPNs in this post have pricing plans that cost below $7 per month. You can go for any, but an overall recommendation would be Ivacy.
Ivacy, at $1 per month the cheapest among the best cheap VPNs in 2024. Not to mention, it balances a premium password manager, affordability, and quality with many top-notch features you don’t get with other cheaper VPNs.
![Is Surfshark One Worth It? [Honest ANSWER]](https://secureblitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Is-Surfshark-One-Worth-It-Honest-ANSWER-768x402.png "Is Surfshark One Worth It? [Honest ANSWER]")
