One Step Away from Disaster: How to Stay Safe Online
Why You’re Closer to an Online Security Disaster Than You Think
In today's digital age, your personal information is scattered across the internet, making you vulnerable to online threats. Losing control of your digital identity can range from embarrassing to financially devastating or even personally dangerous. However, there are steps you can take to safeguard yourself online. Let's break it down into manageable actions you can take at your own pace.
Step 1: Enable Automatic Updates
Keeping your software up to date is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself online. Here’s how you can enable automatic updates on various devices:
Windows 10:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Set up your “active hours” to ensure updates install outside of your working hours.
Windows 11:
- Click the Windows icon and go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Set your preferences for when updates will run.
macOS:
- Open System Preferences > Software Update.
- Click the “Advanced” button and ensure all boxes are checked.
iOS:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Ensure “Automatic Updates” is turned on.
Android:
- Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update.
- Ensure the ‘System Update’ setting is turned on.
Step 2: Use Strong Passwords
Using the same password across multiple sites is risky. One breach can compromise all your accounts. A password manager can help you create and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
Step 3: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security. It requires a one-time code in addition to your password, making it harder for hackers to access your accounts.
Step 4: Encrypt Your Devices
If your laptop, tablet, or phone is lost or stolen, encryption ensures that the data remains secure and unreadable. Most devices offer easy-to-follow instructions to set up encryption.
Step 5: Locate or Erase a Lost Device
In case you lose your device, you can often locate it or wipe it remotely to protect your data. Both Android and iPhone offer features for this, and similar options are available for Windows laptops and MacBooks.
Step 6: Use Strong Antivirus Software
Antivirus software protects you from malicious links, phishing emails, and ransomware. Ensure you have reliable antivirus protection installed on all your devices.
Step 7: Secure Your Web Browser
Regularly update your web browser, be cautious about the sites you visit, and avoid suspicious downloads. These practices help protect your personal information and financial data.
Step 8: Secure Your Smartphone
Enhance your smartphone’s security by using a strong lock screen, avoiding public Wi-Fi, and using a VPN. Both Android and iOS have built-in features to help keep your personal information safe.
Step 9: Protect Your Wireless Network
Secure your home Wi-Fi by updating your router’s firmware, using strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication.
Step 10: Regularly Back Up Your Data
Regular backups protect your data from hardware failures, theft, or cyberattacks. Use reliable methods like cloud storage or external hard drives, and secure your backups with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Step 11: Use Personal Data Removal Services
Your personal information can be scattered across many online databases. A data removal service like IT-UK Tech Team in Amersham can help remove your data from these sources, reducing your risk of identity theft and privacy invasions.
Some Key Takeaways
Protecting your online presence is about taking consistent, small steps. Start with the basics like enabling automatic updates and using strong passwords, then gradually incorporate more advanced measures. The digital world is always changing, and your security practices should too.
Share Your Experience: How has your approach to online security changed over the years, and what prompted those changes? Let us know in the comments below.
Resources
Automatic Updates
Password Managers
Two-Factor Authentication
Device Encryption
Locate or Erase a Lost Device
Antivirus Software
Secure Your Web Browser
Secure Your Smartphone
Protect Your Wireless Network
Back Up Your Data
Personal Data Removal Services
Share Your Experience:
How has your approach to online security changed over the years, and what prompted those changes? Let us know in the comments below.
Automatic Updates
Password Managers
Two-Factor Authentication
Device Encryption
Locate or Erase a Lost Device
Antivirus Software
Secure Your Web Browser
Secure Your Smartphone
Protect Your Wireless Network
Back Up Your Data
Personal Data Removal Services
Share Your Experience: How has your approach to online security changed over the years, and what prompted those changes? Let us know in the comments below.
Best Free Antivirus Options
Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows
- Score: 86%
- Live Protection: ★★★★★
- Anti-phishing: ★★★★★
- Ransomware Protection: ★★★★★
- Overall Scanning: ★★★★★
- Ease of Use: ★★★★★
- Pop-ups/Ads: ★★★★★ (Minimal)
- Verdict: Bitdefender takes the top spot again this year, offering excellent protection for free. The scanning is thorough, though it can be a bit slow, especially with USB devices. On the plus side, there are almost no ads, and you get three licenses to cover multiple devices. If you want solid, no-cost antivirus, this is the one to get.
Avast One Basic
- Score: 82%
- Live Protection: ★★★★★
- Anti-phishing: ★★★★★
- Ransomware Protection: ★★★★☆
- Overall Scanning: ★★★★★
- Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
- Pop-ups/Ads: ★★★☆☆ (Some ads)
- Verdict: Avast One Basic offers strong protection with some useful extra features, like a limited VPN and a tune-up tool. However, it falls short with USB scanning, requiring manual action to deal with threats. The ads are present but not overwhelming. It’s a good option, but Bitdefender slightly outshines it.
AVG Antivirus Free
- Score: 80%
- Live Protection: ★★★★★
- Anti-phishing: ★★★★★
- Ransomware Protection: ★★★★☆
- Overall Scanning: ★★★★★
- Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
- Pop-ups/Ads: ★★☆☆☆ (Frequent ads)
- Verdict: AVG delivers solid protection, particularly with USB scanning, which has improved over the past year. However, the frequent ads and upsell tactics can be annoying. If you don’t mind the interruptions, it’s a reliable free option.
Avira Free Security
- Score: 78%
- Live Protection: ★★★★★
- Anti-phishing: ★★★★☆
- Ransomware Protection: ★★★☆☆
- Overall Scanning: ★★★★★
- Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
- Pop-ups/Ads: ★★★★☆ (Manageable)
- Verdict: Avira Free Security provides decent protection, though it’s not as strong against phishing or ransomware compared to others. Ads are present but not too intrusive. It’s a fair choice, but better options are available.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows
- Score: 86%
- Live Protection: ★★★★★
- Anti-phishing: ★★★★★
- Ransomware Protection: ★★★★★
- Overall Scanning: ★★★★★
- Ease of Use: ★★★★★
- Pop-ups/Ads: ★★★★★ (Minimal)
- Verdict: Bitdefender takes the top spot again this year, offering excellent protection for free. The scanning is thorough, though it can be a bit slow, especially with USB devices. On the plus side, there are almost no ads, and you get three licenses to cover multiple devices. If you want solid, no-cost antivirus, this is the one to get.
Avast One Basic
- Score: 82%
- Live Protection: ★★★★★
- Anti-phishing: ★★★★★
- Ransomware Protection: ★★★★☆
- Overall Scanning: ★★★★★
- Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
- Pop-ups/Ads: ★★★☆☆ (Some ads)
- Verdict: Avast One Basic offers strong protection with some useful extra features, like a limited VPN and a tune-up tool. However, it falls short with USB scanning, requiring manual action to deal with threats. The ads are present but not overwhelming. It’s a good option, but Bitdefender slightly outshines it.
AVG Antivirus Free
- Score: 80%
- Live Protection: ★★★★★
- Anti-phishing: ★★★★★
- Ransomware Protection: ★★★★☆
- Overall Scanning: ★★★★★
- Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
- Pop-ups/Ads: ★★☆☆☆ (Frequent ads)
- Verdict: AVG delivers solid protection, particularly with USB scanning, which has improved over the past year. However, the frequent ads and upsell tactics can be annoying. If you don’t mind the interruptions, it’s a reliable free option.
Avira Free Security
- Score: 78%
- Live Protection: ★★★★★
- Anti-phishing: ★★★★☆
- Ransomware Protection: ★★★☆☆
- Overall Scanning: ★★★★★
- Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
- Pop-ups/Ads: ★★★★☆ (Manageable)
- Verdict: Avira Free Security provides decent protection, though it’s not as strong against phishing or ransomware compared to others. Ads are present but not too intrusive. It’s a fair choice, but better options are available.
Understanding Our Antivirus Tests
We put antivirus software through rigorous testing, exposing them to thousands of threats to ensure they’re up to the task. It's exciting to see free antivirus programs perform so well, as it means you can get top-notch protection without paying a dime.
Callum Pears
Antivirus Expert at Which?
We put antivirus software through rigorous testing, exposing them to thousands of threats to ensure they’re up to the task. It's exciting to see free antivirus programs perform so well, as it means you can get top-notch protection without paying a dime.
Callum Pears
Antivirus Expert at Which?
Top Paid Antivirus Choices
Bitdefender Internet Security
- Score: 85%
- Price: £55/year (Renewal at the same price)
- Pros: Outstanding protection, great USB scanning
- Cons: Confusing download process
- Verdict: Bitdefender Internet Security is an excellent choice with robust features and straightforward protection. The only downside is the slightly confusing download process.
G Data Internet Security
- Score: 83%
- Price: £44/year (US dollars, converted)
- Pros: Excellent USB scanning, comprehensive protection
- Cons: Annoying warning notifications
- Verdict: G Data offers solid protection, especially with USB devices, but the frequent warnings can be a bit much.
Norton 360 Deluxe
- Score: 82%
- Price: £30 for the first year, £90 on renewal
- Pros: Lots of extra features, thorough scanning
- Cons: Expensive auto-renewal process
- Verdict: Norton 360 Deluxe is feature-rich and effective, but the steep renewal price may make you think twice.
Bitdefender Internet Security
- Score: 85%
- Price: £55/year (Renewal at the same price)
- Pros: Outstanding protection, great USB scanning
- Cons: Confusing download process
- Verdict: Bitdefender Internet Security is an excellent choice with robust features and straightforward protection. The only downside is the slightly confusing download process.
G Data Internet Security
- Score: 83%
- Price: £44/year (US dollars, converted)
- Pros: Excellent USB scanning, comprehensive protection
- Cons: Annoying warning notifications
- Verdict: G Data offers solid protection, especially with USB devices, but the frequent warnings can be a bit much.
Norton 360 Deluxe
- Score: 82%
- Price: £30 for the first year, £90 on renewal
- Pros: Lots of extra features, thorough scanning
- Cons: Expensive auto-renewal process
- Verdict: Norton 360 Deluxe is feature-rich and effective, but the steep renewal price may make you think twice.
Should You Pay for Antivirus?
Free antivirus can be just as effective as paid options, especially if you don’t need extra features like password managers or parental controls. If you do decide to pay, make sure the extra cost is worth it, and keep an eye on renewal prices, which often spike after the first year.
How We Test Antivirus Software
Our antivirus testing is no walk in the park. We put every software through a rigorous gauntlet of challenges, facing thousands of malicious threats that could be lurking online. Our goal is simple: to find out which software can truly keep your devices safe without bogging you down with unnecessary complexities.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows – 86% – Best Buy, Great Value
Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows is at the top of its game again this year, proving that you don’t need to pay a fortune for great protection. It scored a whopping 86% in our tests, making it our top pick for anyone looking to protect their PC without spending a dime. The software covers all the essential bases – anti-malware, anti-phishing, anti-ransomware, and anti-spyware – and does it all exceptionally well.
The only downside? It can be a bit slow when scanning USB devices, but that’s a small price to pay for such robust protection. And with three licenses included for free, you can safeguard multiple devices without any extra cost. Plus, the user interface has seen some improvements, making it even easier to use.
Avast One Basic – 82% – Best Buy, Great Value
Avast One Basic, formerly known as Avast One Essential, offers comprehensive protection that’s mostly on par with Bitdefender. It scored 82% in our tests and is packed with features like anti-malware, anti-phishing, anti-spyware, and anti-ransomware protection.
However, it’s not without its flaws. The software does a great job of dealing with malware on your hard drive but struggles a bit with threats from USB devices unless you specifically initiate a scan. It also comes with a few extras, like a VPN (albeit limited to London) and a PC tune-up tool.
The interface is clean and user-friendly, but like many free options, it’s not free of ads. The ads aren't overly intrusive, but they’re definitely there, nudging you towards upgrading to the paid version.
AVG Antivirus Free – 80% – Great Value
AVG Antivirus Free is a solid contender, scoring 80% in our tests. It does a good job of protecting against viruses, phishing, spyware, and ransomware, with a proactive approach to scanning USB devices. This is a big improvement from last year, where USB scanning was a bit of a letdown.
On the downside, AVG is plagued with 'warning' ads that can be quite annoying. Every time you finish a scan or interact with the software, you’re often presented with alerts about other potential issues, which are really just attempts to upsell you to a paid version. It’s a bit much and detracts from the overall experience.
Still, if you can overlook the ads, AVG provides reliable protection and even includes a basic password manager.
Comparing Paid Antivirus Software
If you’re considering paying for antivirus software, you should expect a bit more for your money. Paid antivirus programs often include extra features like password managers, parental controls, and file backup options. Plus, they usually come with multiple licenses, allowing you to protect several devices with one account.
Bitdefender Internet Security – 85% – Best Buy
Bitdefender Internet Security is a powerhouse when it comes to all-around protection, scoring an impressive 85% in our tests. It excels in everything from anti-phishing to USB scanning, making it a top choice for those who want comprehensive security.One minor hiccup is the somewhat confusing download process, but once you’re past that, it’s smooth sailing. The interface has been revamped for a cleaner, more user-friendly experience. And with features like SafePay for secure online banking, parental controls, a password manager, and a basic VPN, it’s well worth the price tag.
G Data Internet Security – 83% – Best Buy
G Data Internet Security also performed admirably in our tests, scoring 83%. It’s particularly strong in USB scanning, where it detected and cleaned every piece of malware we threw at it. The anti-phishing and anti-malware tools are effective, although we found the user interface to be a bit cluttered.
One downside is the price, which is listed in US dollars only. Plus, the constant pop-up warnings can be a bit much. Still, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for reliable protection with a few extra features like parental controls and backup.
Norton 360 Deluxe – 82% – Best Buy
Norton 360 Deluxe is packed with features and offers thorough protection, scoring 82% in our tests. It handles malware and USB threats with ease and comes with a suite of extras, including parental controls, a VPN, and 50GB of secure file backup.
However, the auto-renew process can be a bit of a headache. While the initial purchase is straightforward, disabling auto-renew requires a bit more effort, and the renewal price jumps significantly after the first year. Despite these annoyances, Norton 360 Deluxe remains a strong contender, especially if you’re looking for a feature-rich antivirus.
If you’re still on the fence about whether to go for a free or paid antivirus, remember that free options like Bitdefender and Avast One Basic offer excellent protection without the cost. But if you need those extra bells and whistles, a paid option like Bitdefender Internet Security or Norton 360 Deluxe might be worth the investment.
Free antivirus can be just as effective as paid options, especially if you don’t need extra features like password managers or parental controls. If you do decide to pay, make sure the extra cost is worth it, and keep an eye on renewal prices, which often spike after the first year.
How We Test Antivirus Software
Our antivirus testing is no walk in the park. We put every software through a rigorous gauntlet of challenges, facing thousands of malicious threats that could be lurking online. Our goal is simple: to find out which software can truly keep your devices safe without bogging you down with unnecessary complexities.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows – 86% – Best Buy, Great Value
Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows is at the top of its game again this year, proving that you don’t need to pay a fortune for great protection. It scored a whopping 86% in our tests, making it our top pick for anyone looking to protect their PC without spending a dime. The software covers all the essential bases – anti-malware, anti-phishing, anti-ransomware, and anti-spyware – and does it all exceptionally well.
The only downside? It can be a bit slow when scanning USB devices, but that’s a small price to pay for such robust protection. And with three licenses included for free, you can safeguard multiple devices without any extra cost. Plus, the user interface has seen some improvements, making it even easier to use.
Avast One Basic – 82% – Best Buy, Great Value
Avast One Basic, formerly known as Avast One Essential, offers comprehensive protection that’s mostly on par with Bitdefender. It scored 82% in our tests and is packed with features like anti-malware, anti-phishing, anti-spyware, and anti-ransomware protection.
However, it’s not without its flaws. The software does a great job of dealing with malware on your hard drive but struggles a bit with threats from USB devices unless you specifically initiate a scan. It also comes with a few extras, like a VPN (albeit limited to London) and a PC tune-up tool.
The interface is clean and user-friendly, but like many free options, it’s not free of ads. The ads aren't overly intrusive, but they’re definitely there, nudging you towards upgrading to the paid version.
AVG Antivirus Free – 80% – Great Value
AVG Antivirus Free is a solid contender, scoring 80% in our tests. It does a good job of protecting against viruses, phishing, spyware, and ransomware, with a proactive approach to scanning USB devices. This is a big improvement from last year, where USB scanning was a bit of a letdown.
On the downside, AVG is plagued with 'warning' ads that can be quite annoying. Every time you finish a scan or interact with the software, you’re often presented with alerts about other potential issues, which are really just attempts to upsell you to a paid version. It’s a bit much and detracts from the overall experience.
Still, if you can overlook the ads, AVG provides reliable protection and even includes a basic password manager.
Comparing Paid Antivirus Software
If you’re considering paying for antivirus software, you should expect a bit more for your money. Paid antivirus programs often include extra features like password managers, parental controls, and file backup options. Plus, they usually come with multiple licenses, allowing you to protect several devices with one account.
Bitdefender Internet Security – 85% – Best Buy
One minor hiccup is the somewhat confusing download process, but once you’re past that, it’s smooth sailing. The interface has been revamped for a cleaner, more user-friendly experience. And with features like SafePay for secure online banking, parental controls, a password manager, and a basic VPN, it’s well worth the price tag.
G Data Internet Security – 83% – Best Buy
G Data Internet Security also performed admirably in our tests, scoring 83%. It’s particularly strong in USB scanning, where it detected and cleaned every piece of malware we threw at it. The anti-phishing and anti-malware tools are effective, although we found the user interface to be a bit cluttered.
One downside is the price, which is listed in US dollars only. Plus, the constant pop-up warnings can be a bit much. Still, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for reliable protection with a few extra features like parental controls and backup.
Norton 360 Deluxe – 82% – Best Buy
Norton 360 Deluxe is packed with features and offers thorough protection, scoring 82% in our tests. It handles malware and USB threats with ease and comes with a suite of extras, including parental controls, a VPN, and 50GB of secure file backup.
However, the auto-renew process can be a bit of a headache. While the initial purchase is straightforward, disabling auto-renew requires a bit more effort, and the renewal price jumps significantly after the first year. Despite these annoyances, Norton 360 Deluxe remains a strong contender, especially if you’re looking for a feature-rich antivirus.
If you’re still on the fence about whether to go for a free or paid antivirus, remember that free options like Bitdefender and Avast One Basic offer excellent protection without the cost. But if you need those extra bells and whistles, a paid option like Bitdefender Internet Security or Norton 360 Deluxe might be worth the investment.
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Everything we recommend is independently reviewed by us. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission that won’t impact the listing price and aids our volunteer testers, researchers, writers, and social media personnel.
Everything we recommend is independently reviewed by us. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission that won’t impact the listing price and aids our volunteer testers, researchers, writers, and social media personnel.
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IT-UK! Tech Help Community Group Blog