Whether you're looking for free antivirus protection or are willing to pay for a program that offers more security features, we have you covered. These tools are all essential in protecting your personal information. A secure virtual private network can help protect your internet privacy, and a password manager will help you create and keep track of more secure login credentials. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, and the more steps you take to lock down your online security, the safer you'll be. Note that antivirus software is only one piece of the cybersecurity puzzle.

These picks of the best antivirus programs are a combination of recommendations from independent third-party labs AV-Test, AV-Comparatives and SE Labs, as well as CNET's own anecdotal hands-on testing.

We're here to help you find the antivirus software that best fits your needs. Be sure to check the terms of the subscription plan before you buy so you won't get an unwelcome surprise when your subscription renews. The regular rate for the services may be double the introductory rate or sometimes more. After the first billing period - typically a year or two, depending on the plan you purchase - the amount you pay for the service may increase substantially. Note: The pricing structure for antivirus services can be complicated, since providers often offer low introductory prices to entice you to sign up for their services. Windows-targeted malware has a larger base of devices to infect, giving it more potential in the eyes of cybercriminals, so all our antivirus picks work on Windows. Windows devices make up three out of every four laptop or desktop operating systems, according to the latest data from Statcounter. We've put some of the most popular programs out there to the test to bring you the best antivirus software options. Fortunately, there are tons of great antivirus software programs available in 2023, so you've got plenty of options to keep your computer safe. These programs can help protect not only your devices but your information as well, which hackers, scammers and other internet bandits would love to get their hands on. Your computer is just as susceptible as you are to pesky viruses, which is why it's essential to invest in solid antivirus software.

This winter season, protect more than just yourself from nasty infections.

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