My Voki

Security Suite Recommendations

Security has become extremely important for every aspect of everyone’s life. We are living in a high tech electronic age where we are bombarded on an almost hourly basis with advertisements, solicitations and spam as well as hackers who would steal our most private financial and personal information to use in a most unscrupulous and illegal manner. Identity theft and theft of corporate secrets are occurring at an alarming rate so security has become a priority in our personal and business lives.
           When it comes to our computers and personal information, we have moved far past the simple password and locked screen. To ensure our information is not only safe and protected, security software is used by most businesses and many personal computer users. There are many software programs designed to make a security suite that will protect personal information and protect the personal computer that most of us have in our homes as well as personal pads and smart phones that we carry with us everywhere.  Some suites are barely more than an antivirus plus firewall, while others include every feature imaginable, making all components equally effective.

New computers with Windows versions already include an antivirus and a firewall, so why would anyone need any more that what is already equipped on the product. The built-in firewall does a good job hiding your computer from outside attack, but it doesn't exercise control over which programs can access your network the way third-party firewall components will. As for the built-in antivirus, its stated purpose is to make sure everyone has at least some protection, not to compete with third-party antivirus vendors. The Anti-virus vendors look to what Microsoft provides on the computer when it is initially delivered as a baseline.  Most of the antivirus vendors strive to improve on that baseline and offers the consumer a program choice that will raise the bar on the level of protection as well as offer updates to protect the consumer from the ever changing level of attacks.  

With the daily constant threats of new and updated types of attacks on your computer and your personal information, it is difficult to determine if you are getting the best protection for your computer for the right price.  Out of the three to four dozen security software companies that are available, I have chosen three that are comparable, not only in the protection, but also in price: McAfee, Kaspersky & Norton security software.

McAfee is one of the most well-known security software on the market. McAfee was founded in 1987 and since 2011 has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel and forms its Intel Security division. With the growth of virus’ being developed  always outpacing the growth of security product lines, McAfee says it’s fair to say they are best known for its anti-virus and anti-spam product lines. McAfee offers protection for all your devises, as well as protection for your cloud. McAfee’s Cloud secure program which includes security controls, processes and certifications that are provided on an annual basis.

 McAfee has four types of software: McAfee Live Safe, McAfee All Access, McAfee Total Protection and McAfee Antivirus Plus. All four software programs offer protection again viruses and malware. McAfee Antivirus Plus is their basic software that will only protect one computer and costs around $35 to $50, depending on where you find the best deal. McAfee Total protection will block spam and dangerous email, protect your identity and guard your devises again hackers and thieves and costs around $45 to $90. McAfee’s All Access has the basic protection as well as added features of remote protection with unlimited protection for all your devises and a safekey password manager. It costs around $50 to $100. McAfee’s best software is the McAfee LiveSafe program. LiveSafe offers all of the same features as listed above and adds unlimited device protection and seals sensitive data in your own online deposit box and security advisors. All four software’s come with a 30-day money back guarantee, free support and McAfee Secure site.

Kaspersky Lab first came into the security market in 1997 and was the first Russian company to be included in the ranks of the world’s leading security software companies. Kaspersky is the most award winning software since 2008.  Kaspersky offers consumer security products, anti-virus, anti-malware and fire wall applications in addition to security systems designed for small business, corporations and large enterprises. Kaspersky Labs offers a good, best and better selection of programs for the consumer. Kaspersky’s Anti-virus for PC is strictly for anti-virus protection. Kaspersky offers 1-3 years of protection ranging from $60 to $120. Kaspersky’s better program is Internet Security 2015, which offers the same protection as the Anti-virus but also includes Notifications for public Wi-Fi networks for your mobile devices, applications control & application mode. Internet Security 2015 also offers network attack blocker, ant-banner, spam and advanced Parental Control as well as identity & financial protection. Cost ranges from $60 to $120. Kaspersky’s best software is Total Security. Total Security offers all the same protections as the programs just mentioned and adds Digital Asset Protection, Management and Android protection, as well as smart phones & mac protection. Cost ranges from $70 to $130. All three programs come with Customer Service, Technical support, free 24/7 online sales support & 14 day money back guarantee.

Norton internet security was developed by Symantec Corporation in 1990. Norton provides malware prevention and removal during subscriptions as well as personal firewall, email span filtering and phishing protection. Norton offers protection for one device or multi devices, including macs, smartphones and tablets. Norton is a traditional security suite, with essential features like antivirus, firewall, anti-spam, parental control, and phishing protection. Norton rolled all three of their popular independent programs into one Norton Security 360 program for a cost of around $80 for up to 10 devices.  Norton offers several other types of protection software such as online backup, utilities, computer tune up, family premier & ultimate help desk. Each costs around $50. As with the other Security software programs, Norton offers Free 24/7 technical, auto renewal & 60 day money back guarantee.

My personal choice for Security software is Norton. I have trusted Norton for many years. I know my devices are always protected. Norton programs give the user  a customization aspect such as daily check ( so the consumer can set the scan to work on a schedule he/she sets up), to scan the computer for malicious malware or virus’ as well as to update my computer against the newest threats.  I am confident that my devices are always protected with the most up to date protection. Norton always checks the sites I travel too, ensuring no possible threats or attacks are waiting patiently to pounce.

 I have tried other security software programs and have found them lacking the level of protection and security that Norton provides. Since I pay for Norton on my home computer & laptop, I also get coverage on my cellular phone. With virus and malware threats to computer & personal information constantly changing, I am always on the lookout for software that will keep me updated & protected just as Norton does, but perhaps at a lower price. Regardless of how much lower the price is, I have always ended up unhappy with the software & requesting my money back & continue to use Norton.  My peace of mind is worth the cost of the Norton products.

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