Question 1

How do password managers keep passwords safe?

Accepted Answer

Most top password managers protect user data with industry-standard features like:

256-bit AES encryption — the same type of secure encryption that banks and militaries use (it’s never been broken).
Zero-knowledge protocols — means that no one else can access the sensitive data located in your vault besides you. The only way for your passwords to be decrypted and accessed is through your master password, which only you should have knowledge of.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) — an extra layer of security that uses a second factor (like another device or a one-time code) to verify your identity before logging into your account.

My personal favorite password manager is 1Password — it’s very secure, feature-rich, has strong customer support, and is user-friendly.

Question 2

Is it possible to hack a password manager?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s possible to hack a password manager, but it’s very rare. However, a password manager could still get hacked if your device is infected with malware, or if a hacker gains access to your login credentials and master password. That said, most top password managers offer a variety of security features to keep your account and personal information protected, including military-grade encryption, advanced 2FA options, and more.

If you’re looking for a password manager with strong security, I recommend using 1Password — it’s never been hacked and comes with industry-standard features like 256-bit AES encryption, a zero-knowledge policy, and two-factor authentication (2FA), along with key extras like Travel Mode and virtual payment cards (US only).

Question 3

What’s the best password manager?

Accepted Answer

1Password is our top-rated password manager in 2024. Along with industry-standard security features, it offers useful extras including password security auditing, dark web monitoring, and secure password sharing. Additionally, 1Password is extremely easy to set up and use, offers affordable payment plans, and has strong customer support.

Question 4

What happens if I lose my master password?

Accepted Answer

If you lose your master password, you could lose access to your password manager account, along with all of the items stored in your password vault. However, most top password managers offer account recovery options if you happen to lose your master password so that you can regain access to your personal data without having to create a new vault.

I recommend LastPass if you’re looking for a good password manager for recovering your account — it offers multiple account recovery options if you lose your master password, including sending a recovery code to your phone and providing an option to restore your master password for 30 days after creating a new one.

Question 5

Is it safe to use a password manager on my smartphone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to use a password manager on your smartphone or mobile device. Many top password managers offer extremely secure, intuitive, and feature-rich mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. Similar to their desktop apps, you face very little risk of the sensitive information in your vault being breached while using the mobile apps of most premium password managers.

My favorite mobile password manager is 1Password — it has one of the most customizable mobile apps on the market, allows you to create mobile-only vaults, and is ranked #1 in our list of top password managers for both Android and iOS in 2024.

Question 6

How can I tell if my iPhone has been hacked?

Accepted Answer

There are several signs that your device may have been hacked — your iPhone display may change, you may have new apps on your device, or your device might run really slowly or overheat.

The only way to install malware directly onto an iPhone is by jailbreaking it — if somebody else has access to your iPhone, they could have jailbroken your device and changed your operating system. If you think your device has been jailbroken, take it to a professional technician.

Most iPhone hacks are things like phishing attacks, data breaches, fleeceware apps, or unsafe Wi-Fi hacks. It can be hard to tell if your information has been compromised — I’ve given instructions above with some simple methods to keep your iPhone safe. Plus, iOS security apps like Norton can protect you from the vast majority of iOS attacks in 2024.

Question 7

What do I do if my iPhone has been hacked?

Accepted Answer

It depends. If your iPhone has been jailbroken and had malware installed on it, you should factory reset it and restore your original iOS installation. But if you’ve simply installed some suspicious apps or downloaded an unsafe configuration profile, you can fix your device really easily. Uninstalling apps and configuration profiles only takes a few taps.

However, if you think hackers have gotten access to your login credentials, you’ll want to follow my step-by-step instructions above to secure your accounts. You should always be running 2-factor authentication on as many accounts as possible (which is much easier with a secure password manager), and you should protect yourself against future attacks using a good iOS security app like Norton.

Question 8

Are iPhones more secure than Android?

Accepted Answer

Yes — iPhones have a much more restricted operating system than Android, which prevents users from downloading third-party apps or accessing their system files. Android devices provide much greater flexibility, which can be really great for developers and users that like to customize their devices. But iOS is much harder to hack than Android (although iPhones are still vulnerable to a range of cyberattacks).

Question 9

Which iPhone has the best security?

Accepted Answer

Any iPhone that has a fully updated version of iOS running is highly secure. But note that since iOS 16 was implemented, older iPhones are no longer receiving regular security updates. I’ve given instructions for installing iOS updates above, and all of the best iOS security apps are compatible with a wide range of iPhones and iOS versions. Norton Mobile Security runs on iOS versions 14.0 and later, so iPhone 6s and beyond are compatible with it.

Question 10

Why does Reddit say I don’t need antivirus software?

Accepted Answer

Some people suggest that strict internet safety habits negate the need for antivirus software, but it’s essential to understand that not everyone is super tech-savvy. Much like relying on a mechanic for car issues, most of us depend on external aid for our devices too. Antivirus software gives that extra security cushion, especially for those not deeply familiar with digital security.

Your digital security could be compromised at any moment for a myriad of reasons. Compromised family members could send you malware files, phishing sites might mimic legitimate sites to seize your data, or your data could be exposed in a massive data breach, all beyond your control. Malware files impact millions of Windows, macOS, and Android users daily.

The best antivirus programs provide improvement over Microsoft, Apple, and Google’s built-in protections, add additional security features, and provide trained customer support staff in the event of an emergency. Norton even offers live dark web monitoring.

Question 11

Does Windows 10 or 11 need antivirus protection?

Accepted Answer

Windows Security (formerly known as Windows Defender) is an excellent security tool built into Windows 10 and 11. It used to be famously very bad, but Microsoft has put a lot of work into improving its built-in Windows antivirus protection. But it’s still not as good as the best antivirus programs.

Windows Security regularly receives worse scores than standalone competitors in malware stress tests. These standalone competitors provide advanced malware detection tools, as well as helpful additional features like VPNs and password managers that Windows Security lacks.

Question 12

Which antivirus should I use?

Accepted Answer

There are good antivirus programs for every system — but overall, I think Norton is the best antivirus in 2024. It provides excellent malware detection rates for every operating system, plus it has great additional security features, a really helpful customer support team, and its plans cover a wide range of devices.

Question 13

Do Android phones or iPhones need antivirus?

Accepted Answer

Android and iOS systems both offer reasonable in-built safeguards, yet they each have similar issues. The Google Play Store and Apple App Store contain a large quantity of apps, within which there are harmful apps created to exploit user data and obtain unauthorized entry to devices.

As I discuss above, both Android and iPhone users have been hacked in recent years. While it’s a lot easier to put malware on Android devices, iOS users still face risks from online threats like phishing attacks and data breaches. Norton and TotalAV both make excellent apps for Android and iOS.

Question 14

How do I create strong passwords and remember them?

Accepted Answer

The best and easiest way to create a strong password is to use a password manager. They include password generators that can create super complex and unique logins for all of your accounts — and they store those logins in a secure encrypted vault, auto-filling logins with a single click. 1Password is our #1 password manager for 2024.

Question 15

How long is a strong password?

Accepted Answer

For secure passwords, aim for a minimum of 12 characters. Passwords of 8 characters are outdated and unsafe; some hacking tools can breach them in less than 6 hours. Also, using the same long password for multiple accounts is counterproductive; each password should be unique.

But generating lengthy passwords for every one of your accounts can become daunting. To simplify this task, you could use a superior password manager such as 1Password. This tool allows you to generate impenetrable passwords, save them safely in an encrypted vault, and auto-fill login details when you sign into your accounts.

Question 16

What is an example of a strong password?

Accepted Answer

A strong password looks something like this “nSwQTr*A!e9hTP!9”. If you look closely, this password has all the characteristics of a strong password — it is 16 characters long and includes a mixture of lowercase and uppercase letters, symbols, and numbers.

The above password was generated by the SafetyDetectives password generator tool. You can use it to generate any number of long, complex, and strong passwords for free. However, passphrases like “correct-horse-battery-staple” can be just as secure as randomly generated passwords (1Password even includes a passphrase generator — it can make passphrases that are up to 15 words long).

Question 17

What are the 5 most common passwords?

Accepted Answer

The 5 most common passwords are:

123456
123456789
qwerty
password
12345

You should strictly avoid using these passwords or any other password similar to these. These passwords are always the first ones to be tried by cybercriminals during a hacking attack. Moreover, all of these passwords are extremely weak because they are too short, use plain dictionary words or simple number sequences, and completely lack complexity.

You can easily generate strong passwords using one of the techniques I shared above. Even better, you can use a password manager like 1Password to instantly generate secure passwords.

Question 18

Do I really need to update Windows?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It’s incredibly important to keep your Windows system updated.

Windows firmware updates include important bug fixes and security patches that prevent hackers from exploiting your system, accessing your private information, or deploying hidden malware to track your activity.

Thankfully, Microsoft has made updating your PC or laptop pretty easy, but you can follow our step-by-step guide to ensure you’ve properly updated your system.

Question 19

Do I have to pay for Windows updates?

Accepted Answer

No, you don’t have to pay for Windows updates. If you already have Windows 10 installed, you don’t have to pay for Windows 10-related updates.

However, if you want to upgrade to a newer version of Windows (e.g. from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10), then you’ll have to pay for the upgraded version.

Question 20

How do I know if I need to update my PC?

Accepted Answer

To check for Windows 8.1 updates, click Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates. The window will show any available updates. If there are available updates, click on Install updates and follow the instructions.

While Windows 10 systems are set to update automatically, you can check for Windows 10 updates accessing the Windows settings from the Start menu, then click Updates & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Question 21

Does Microsoft still provide Windows 7 updates?

Accepted Answer

No. In January 2020, Microsoft discontinued Windows 7 software updates, including system security patches.

While it’s still possible to use Windows 7, users will become increasingly vulnerable to malware and other cyberattacks.

If you still use Windows 7, I highly recommend you to upgrade to a newer version of Windows, such as Windows 10, which provides regular software and system security updates.

Question 22

Does Facebook notify you if someone tries to log in?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Facebook will notify you if someone tries to log in from an unrecognized device or browser. The alert typically includes the device type, location, and time of the attempt, asking whether it was you or not. These notifications help you identify any suspicious login attempts to protect your account.

However, be cautious of phishing scams that mimic these alerts. Scammers often send fake notifications to trick users into providing their credentials. Always verify login attempts by checking Facebook’s Security and Login settings rather than clicking on any links in emails or messages.

Question 23

Why do I keep getting a login alert from Facebook?

Accepted Answer

You might keep getting login alerts if you’re signing in from different devices or locations. Facebook will notify you of any logins from unfamiliar sources to ensure your account’s security. Sometimes even clearing your browser’s cookies or using a VPN can trigger these alerts.

However, if these alerts are unexpected or frequent, they could be phishing scams. Scammers often use fake login alerts to steal your credentials. Always check any alerts through Facebook’s official app or website to ensure the notifications are legitimate.

Question 24

How do I check my login alerts on Facebook?

Accepted Answer

To check your login alerts, access your Facebook account and go to the security settings page. Here, you can see all recent login attempts, including the devices and locations used. This feature allows you to monitor any unauthorized access and secure your account if needed.

If you notice any suspicious activity, you should change your password immediately and log out of all devices. For added security, follow these important safety tips to ensure that only you can access your account and that you don’t fall victim to Facebook phishing scams — even if someone gets hold of your login credentials.

Question 25

Can I find out who logged into my Facebook account?

Accepted Answer

No, Facebook won’t tell you exactly who logged into your account — but you can check the device, location, and time of each login attempt through your security settings. This gives you an overview of when and where your account was accessed, helping you identify any suspicious activity.

If any login attempt looks unfamiliar, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security. By doing this, you can prevent unauthorized access in the future and make it harder for hackers to log into your account.

Question 26

What is the best virus removal software for Windows 10?

Accepted Answer

Norton 360 Deluxe is my favorite virus removal program for Windows 10 — it’s got one of the best virus scanners on the market, with 100% virus detection and removal. It also includes plenty of additional security features like a firewall, Wi-Fi scanner, VPN, anti-phishing protection, and identity theft protection.

While Windows 10 has a built-in antivirus (Windows Defender), it only offers basic protection against some viruses. It can’t protect your computer from cybersecurity threats like adware, spyware, ransomware, phishing, network-based attacks, or brute-force attacks. The best third-party antivirus programs (like Norton) have advanced scanning tools like machine learning, heuristic analysis, and behavior monitoring to detect all of these threats — and much more.

Question 27

Do I need a virus removal app for my Android device?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you need a dedicated virus removal app for your Android device! Android devices have built-in security features, but you need more to protect you against malware, data breaches, phishing attacks, and other sophisticated forms of malware and online attack.

The best virus removal software on this list includes excellent security suites that extend protection to Androids. They also provide a wide range of really useful additional features to protect phone and tablet users — including VPNs, parental controls, system optimization tools, and much more.

Norton 360 has an excellent Android app that blocks all malicious apps before you download them to your device. Norton also comes with advanced cybersecurity protections, including anti-phishing, a Wi-Fi network scanner, and lots more.

Question 28

What measures do antivirus programs take to ensure my data remains intact during virus removal?

Accepted Answer

Antivirus programs use several measures to protect your data during virus removal. Top-tier solutions like Norton 360 offer comprehensive backup and restore options, allowing you to back up your important files regularly. This way, if any data is compromised during the virus removal process, you can easily restore it. Additionally, features like ransomware protection are very important as they prevent your data from being encrypted or held hostage by malicious software. Bitdefender, for example, provides advanced ransomware protection, ensuring your data remains safe and accessible even in the event of a ransomware attack.

Question 29

Is it true that iOS devices don’t need antivirus software?

Accepted Answer

No, it’s not true! While iPhones can’t get “viruses” because of their built-in protections, iPhone users are still vulnerable to cyber threats like phishing sites, unsafe Wi-Fi networks, adware, spyware, and ransomware.

To make sure your iPhone is protected against all these threats, you should get antivirus software that improves on iPhone’s built-in protections. While all the products I recommend have good iPhone apps, my favorite antivirus for iPhones is Norton — which comes with anti-phishing protection, a Wi-Fi scanner, a VPN, dark web monitoring, and lots more.

Question 30

What’s the best virus removal software for Macs?

Accepted Answer

Intego is the best dedicated virus removal software for Macs — it has perfect virus detection rates, excellent real-time protection, a highly customizable firewall, cloud backup, parental controls, and excellent Mac optimization tools.

However, if you’re looking to protect multiple devices, including PCs and Androids, I recommend Norton, which supports all operating systems, is excellent at virus detection and removal, has tons of additional features, and works really well on Macs.

Question 31

What’s the best free virus removal tool?

Accepted Answer

Avira has a great free virus removal software package — it includes a virus scanner, real-time protection, ransomware protection, and a few other essential antivirus tools.

However, it’s still incredibly limited and can’t compare to the best premium antivirus packages. For example, it’s missing anti-phishing protections, and the VPN only offers 500 MB of data per month, which is nowhere near enough. Also, you don’t get any real customer support.

If you’re worried about viruses and other online threats, it’s worth investing in a premium solution. The best antivirus packages aren’t expensive, and they include everything from virus scanners to password managers and parental controls. The security and peace of mind they provide are well worth the small subscription cost.

Question 32

Are my laptop’s built-in protections good enough?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Both Windows and Mac have some built-in security tools that provide a little protection against certain viruses. But they’re not able to protect your laptop against advanced threats like phishing, adware, spyware, and ransomware.

The best laptop antiviruses have advanced anti-malware engines that can detect even the most sophisticated cybersecurity threats, and they also include tons of extra tools that improve a laptop’s overall security, such as:

Network firewalls.
Wi-Fi security scanners.
Anti-phishing protection.
VPNs (virtual private networks).
Webcam protections.

For example, Norton 360 has an advanced antivirus scanner, a VPN, parental controls, anti-phishing, dark web monitoring, and a lot of other internet security protections to ensure laptop users stay fully protected.

Question 33

Can I use a free antivirus for my laptop?

Accepted Answer

Free antiviruses are okay for basic protection. If you only use your laptop to watch YouTube videos or check emails, a free antivirus is probably good enough. But you’re better off with something like Norton 360 if you’re using your laptop for online shopping or banking, or if you’re storing a lot of sensitive or personal files like credit card information, account logins, photos, or Word docs. You really can’t rely on a free antivirus to keep all of that stuff secure.

Premium antiviruses like Norton 360 and Bitdefender Total Security are way better than any free antivirus, and they provide complete online protection (for a really low price).

Question 34

Do laptops really need antivirus software?

Accepted Answer

All laptops need antiviruses, especially ones that run on Windows (although MacBooks need protection, too). Since each operating system only offers basic antivirus protection, most laptops don’t come with:

Real-time malware protection.
Advanced malware scanning.
Anti-phishing protection.
Ransomware protection.
Dark web monitoring.
A VPN (virtual private network).
A password manager.
Many other important protections…

On the other hand, a good laptop antivirus will protect your laptop from all types of malware, keeping your identity and data secure while also preventing any damage to your device.

Top-rated antiviruses like Norton, Bitdefender, and Avira all have excellent malware scanners and additional protections such as VPNs, anti-phishing tools, dark web monitoring, and more.

Question 35

Which antivirus is best for laptops?

Accepted Answer

My personal favorite is Norton 360. It has a powerful malware scanner that detected 100% of the test malware on my laptops, and it uses very little CPU, meaning you can use your laptop pretty much as normal during scans. Norton also has excellent Wi-Fi scanning capabilities and a VPN with unlimited data, both of which are particularly useful if you ever connect to public Wi-Fi on your laptop. Norton’s plans are affordable, and Norton 360 Deluxe offers all Norton’s features for up to 5 devices.

While Norton is definitely my number 1, you can’t go wrong with any of the other antiviruses on my list either — they’ll all keep your laptop protected in 2024.

Question 36

What&#8217;s the best antivirus for MacBook?

Accepted Answer

Intego is the best antivirus for MacBook due to its exceptional malware detection rates — it successfully identified and blocked 100% of Mac-based malware in my tests. Additionally, it extends its protective cover to any connected external drives or iOS devices. Plus, it identifies PC-based malware, ensuring no accidental transmission of infected files to Windows users. Its malware scanning is fast and efficient thanks to its file-caching technology, which significantly accelerates subsequent scans by skipping previously scanned and cleared files.

Intego also has a smart firewall, parental controls, Mac cleanup tools, and backup utilities. Its comprehensive suite not only elevates the standard security provisions of macOS but also enhances the overall user experience, making it a solid and reliable choice for MacBook users.

Question 37

Will an antivirus slow down my laptop?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which antivirus you choose to install. The antiviruses on this list won’t slow down your laptop — even if your device is pretty old.

Also, antiviruses like Norton 360 and Avira have device optimization tools that actually improve overall system performance, so your laptop will ultimately perform much better.

Question 38

What should I look for in an antivirus for my laptop?

Accepted Answer

Most importantly, you should look for an antivirus that stops malware threats. Norton, for example, blocked 100% of malware in my tests. But that applies to all computer users. If you have a laptop, you’ll also be concerned about issues like battery drain, overheating, and excessive noise. Like any intensive program, antiviruses can cause all 3 of these issues. But the best options are highly efficient and mostly free from these problems. Ultimately, there are several factors to consider when choosing an antivirus for your laptop.

Question 39

What is the best antivirus for businesses?

Accepted Answer

Bitdefender is my #1 pick for businesses looking for an antivirus. Depending on the business suite your business chooses, the following features are available:

Endpoint detection and response.
Application and device management.
Network security.
Mobile device protection.
Sandbox analyzer.
Threat intelligence solution.
MITRE event tagging.

Bitdefender GravityZone’s dedicated business solutions are highly versatile, including plans for small businesses as well as plans with more advanced tools for medium-to-large enterprises.

Question 40

What is the best antivirus for businesses using Mac computers?

Accepted Answer

Intego is my preferred provider for businesses that primarily use Macs. All of Intego’s products are developed specifically for Mac users, so businesses using Mac computers can be assured that the anti-malware scanner is able to protect against the most up-to-date Mac-based threats.

Intego doesn’t offer as many advanced features as Bitdefender, like a sandbox or a central hub, but its reputation as a Mac-specific security suite is well-earned, and it will provide Mac-dominant companies with the best all-round protection.

If your company uses a mix of Mac and PC devices, Intego is still a good option as it also offers protection for Windows devices. It’s able to identify Windows-based threats as well as Mac-based ones, so your business will be protected against all vulnerabilities.

Question 41

How do I choose the best antivirus for my business?

Accepted Answer

Here are some things you should consider when choosing the best antivirus for your business:

What features your business requires. Consider whether your employees travel often, how many employees work remotely, and if confidential information is handled. Depending on factors like these, certain features like protection against unsecured Wi-Fi connections and file encryption should be prioritized. Bitdefender is a great option for businesses that require a lot of features like these and more.
Who will be managing the antivirus program? Regardless of whether your company has an IT administrator, department, or a non-technical person managing the system, you will want to choose a solution that they can use efficiently. Norton Small Business is a great user-friendly antivirus option for businesses without a dedicated IT team.
Number and type of devices requiring protection. Determine the number of devices that need protection — if you’re a growing company, you’ll want to find a company with scalable license options. If you want to protect PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones, be sure to choose an antivirus program that is compatible with all of your devices.
Pricing and money-back guarantees. You should choose an antivirus solution that offers a good value and that suits your business’s budget. It is difficult to know if a solution works well with your business’s needs and workflow without actually testing it out. That’s why you should always pick a solution with a money-back guarantee.

Question 42

Do you need an antivirus for your business?

Accepted Answer

Yes! While some devices have built-in security features, it is far from sufficient to protect your business and client data.

Many jurisdictions require businesses to comply with strict data protection laws, so it’s important to have high-level security solutions in place, including antivirus protection.

Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit with things like advanced ransomware attacks. By choosing an antivirus program specifically designed for business use, you are able to protect your business from the inconvenience and huge cost of cyber attacks by keeping up to date with the latest emerging threats.

Bitdefender is my top choice as it has plans for small businesses and plans for larger businesses that can be tailored to provide optimal protection for all types of companies.

Question 43

Can I use a personal antivirus plan for my small business?

Accepted Answer

You can use a personal antivirus for your small business, but there are important considerations to think about before doing so. For example, personal antiviruses will have limitations in terms of scalability and are less likely to offer features that many businesses find essential (such as centralized management).

That said, with an antivirus like Norton, it’s very easy to take the step from personal protection to small business protection, and it means you can get an oversight of your employees’ devices in a way that you would never be able to with a personal plan.

Question 44

How concerned should I be about cyber attacks on my small business?

Accepted Answer

Small-to-medium size businesses are common targets of cybercriminals. What’s more, the damage can be far-reaching: a successful cyber attack can severely impact a small business by causing financial losses, disrupting operations, affecting employee morale, eroding customer trust, and potentially leading to legal repercussions. Such consequences may hinder growth and, in severe cases, force the business to close.

So it’s really important to invest in a comprehensive cybersecurity package like Bitdefender Small Office Security. It offers flawless protection against all kinds of malware, webcam and microphone protection to secure your online meetings, and a secure browser for financial transactions. It’s super intuitive and easy to use too, making it a good option for small businesses that don’t have tech expertise on hand.

Question 45

Is a free antivirus going to keep me protected from malware?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. All the free antivirus software listed here will give you a good basic level of security, including malware protection. But if you’re looking for anything other than malware scanning and real-time threat protection, you’re going to need something more advanced, like a low-cost premium antivirus that includes a wide range of security tools to keep your devices protected.

Question 46

Are there any free antiviruses without ads?

Accepted Answer

There are, but companies need to make money somehow. If they aren’t showing you ads, they’re probably limiting features with the hope that you’ll purchase a premium upgrade. And that’s the best-case scenario!

My favorite free antivirus with no ads is Bitdefender. TotalAV is a bit more blatant about trying to get you to upgrade to the paid version. Still, both of these apps are among the best free antiviruses on the market.

Question 47

Which is the best free antivirus for me?

Accepted Answer

It’s true that there’s a lot of free antivirus software out there. But the majority are ineffective, and some may actually be malware disguised as legitimate antivirus software!

The first thing you need to do is choose an antivirus that has been optimized for your operating system e.g. Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux. Next, you need to see if the free antivirus will offer you all of the features you need to stay protected. Some offer a VPN, while others offer phishing protection, ransomware protection, or optimization tools. There are so many choices out there, but again, it’s crucial that you only download legitimate and trusted software.

Question 48

How do I know which free antiviruses are good?

Accepted Answer

Personally, I look at things like features, effectiveness, and ease of use. Bitdefender has real-time protection, adding a critical level of defense. TotalAV’s products, on the other hand, are very easy to use and built around fundamentally strong technology.

Question 49

Do I need a free antivirus if I have Windows Defender?

Accepted Answer

Yes, using a free antivirus program instead of Windows Defender is a good idea. Free antivirus software has superior detection rates and is more frequently updated against the latest threats. Free antivirus software is also likely to include additional features like email scanning, specialized web protection, and advanced heuristic analysis. While Windows Defender provides basic security, a dedicated free antivirus often delivers more comprehensive protection.

Question 50

Which free antivirus is best for Windows?

Accepted Answer

After testing a bunch, I’d have to go with Bitdefender. It has a fast and flawless malware detection engine and even comes with real-time protection. This means it can stop viruses before they infect your device. Very few free products come with this feature, so it’s a huge plus for Bitdefender. On top of that, Bitdefender has great premium plans if you’re ever ready to upgrade.

If you use a different type of device, the best option might be something else.

Question 51

Are free antiviruses as good as paid ones?

Accepted Answer

Sadly, no. Objectively, premium antiviruses bring lots to the table that free products don’t. You can get extra cybersecurity and privacy tools bundled in like password managers and VPNs. Free antiviruses usually have little to no customer support, meaning you could be left on your own if you encounter any problems. At the end of the day, Norton is better than any free antivirus out there.

Question 52

Why can&#8217;t I uninstall Altruistics?

Accepted Answer

The Altruistics virus is designed to be resilient, making it difficult to uninstall through traditional methods. This trojan often embeds itself deep within your system, modifying scheduled tasks and processes to ensure it reinstalls itself even if some components are removed. Its persistence is one of the reasons why manual removal is so challenging.

Using an antivirus program is the most effective way to fully remove the Altruistics virus. These programs are equipped to detect and delete all traces of the virus, preventing it from reappearing.

Question 53

How do I get rid of unwanted programs that won&#8217;t uninstall?

Accepted Answer

When a program refuses to uninstall, it’s probably embedded in your system. This is true of the Altruistics virus and many other threats. To remove such stubborn programs, you can try using various manual techniques, which may or may not fully remove the virus from your PC.

If you want to remove software like the Altruistics virus (and believe me, you do), using a powerful antivirus program is by far the best method. These programs are designed to remove difficult-to-uninstall malware by thoroughly scanning your system and eliminating all traces of the infection.

Question 54

What is the Altruistics virus?

Accepted Answer

The Altruistics virus is a dangerous trojan that infiltrates your system with the primary goal of hijacking resources for cryptocurrency mining. It might also be able to access your crypto wallets and steal sensitive credentials like passwords, making it a significant threat to both your device’s performance and your personal information.

In addition to slowing down your system, the Altruistics virus can cause device overheating and increase your electricity bill due to its intensive resource usage. This makes it essential to remove the virus promptly using a reliable antivirus program.

Question 55

What are device administrator apps on Android?

Accepted Answer

Device administrator apps are applications granted special privileges to perform advanced system functions. These privileges allow the apps to enforce security policies such as password requirements, data encryption, and the ability to remotely lock or wipe the device.

Examples of device administrator apps include built-in tools like Find My Device and Link to Windows. Many of these are harmless and quite useful, while others are incredibly dangerous.

Question 56

How do you find hidden device administrators on Android?

Accepted Answer

To find hidden device administrators on Android, start by navigating to your device settings. Go to Apps, then look for Special access → Device admin apps. Here, you can see a list of apps that have been granted administrator privileges on your device.

Review the list and deactivate any apps that you don’t recognize or trust by unchecking the box next to the app’s name. This helps prevent malicious apps from wreaking havoc by stealing your personal information, tracking you, and much else besides.

Question 57

Are administrator apps safe?

Accepted Answer

Some are, some aren’t. Every modern Android phone comes with a few administrator apps pre-installed. Apps like Link to Windows are perfectly safe, as are some third-party offerings. But many are not, posing grave threats to Android users.

The best way to ensure an admin app is safe is to use a trusted security app to scan your device for hidden apps and malware. These tools can detect and alert you to any hidden threats, helping you to keep your device secure and free from malicious software. I also recommend manually checking your phone regularly to see which admin apps are active.

Question 58

What software stops hackers?

Accepted Answer

Antivirus software stops hackers by detecting, blocking, and removing malicious software from your devices. It scans your system for known threats, monitors behavior to identify suspicious activities, and provides real-time protection against malware.

Also, many antivirus programs include features like firewalls and phishing protection to further secure your data from unauthorized access and online scams. Norton is my top pick for the best antivirus software.

Question 59

What is the best antivirus for stopping hackers?

Accepted Answer

There are many antiviruses that can stop hackers. However, Norton is my top recommendation thanks to its powerful internet security features. It includes advanced features like real-time threat protection, a smart firewall, and a risk management system.

Norton also consistently scores perfect malware detection rates, including against ransomware and other threats. Its tools for identity protection and online privacy also make it a top choice.

Question 60

What is the best protection against hackers?

Accepted Answer

The best protection against hackers is a combination of antivirus software and safe browsing habits. Using a reliable antivirus program protects your devices from malicious software and attacks, but you should couple this with safe browsing habits (like avoiding suspicious links, using strong, unique passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible). This significantly improves your defense against cyber threats.

Question 61

Can hackers hide from an antivirus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hackers can sometimes hide from antivirus if the software is not up-to-date or lacking in quality. However, high-quality antivirus apps like Norton are equipped with advanced detection technologies that make it difficult for hackers to remain undetected.

The best antiviruses use heuristic analysis, behavior monitoring, and machine learning to detect and block sophisticated malware that tries to hide or disguise its presence. You can use any of our top recommended antiviruses for excellent protection from hackers.

Question 62

What devices get hacked the most?

Accepted Answer

Windows computers and Android devices like phones and tablets are hacked the most frequently, due to their widespread use and the high number of vulnerabilities associated with their operating systems. iOS devices also face security threats, though far less frequently.

Mac computers are less commonly hacked, not necessarily because they are more secure, but because they have a smaller market share. This makes them less attractive targets for widespread attacks.

Question 63

Can virus scans run in Sleep Mode?

Accepted Answer

No, and it’s a fundamental limitation. There are various types of scans most antiviruses can run, but none of them will work if your computer is asleep. This isn’t a big deal, however. Just schedule scans for a time when you won’t be intensively using your device, and you should be able to keep it protected just fine.

Question 64

What is Sleep Mode?

Accepted Answer

Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows a computer to quickly resume full-power operation (typically within a few seconds) when you want to start working again. When it’s on, your computer can’t run anything but the most basic of functions. Virus scans are not possible when it’s enabled.

Kate Davidson

Published With SafetyDetectives

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