6 Reasons to use paid anti-malware software instead of free versions

6 Reasons to use paid anti-malware software instead of free versions

Using anti-malware software is crucial to protecting your computer from Trojan viruses, worms, and other types of malicious software. With so many free anti-malware programs available in the market, is it still worth investing in a paid version?

Here are six reasons why your business should opt for paid anti-malware software:

1. Provides better protection against malware

Free anti-malware programs offer basic protection by defending against common viruses. Their paid counterparts, on the other hand, can detect and remove more types of malware, including sophisticated ones like rootkits and keyloggers.

Paid anti-malware programs can detect and remove more types of malware, including sophisticated ones like rootkits and keyloggers.

The best paid anti-malware solutions also have active monitoring systems that look for suspicious behavior, such as an app trying to access files it shouldn’t. This allows them to block potential malware that have yet to be identified.

What’s more, unlike most free ones, paid anti-malware programs can detect the latest phishing scams and proactively evaluate the legitimacy of websites.

2. Supports more devices

Paid anti-malware software can usually secure a wide range of device types, including PCs, Macs, and Android and Apple mobile devices. In contrast, free solutions tend to be limited to only certain devices.

3. Easier to use

Compared to free anti-malware software, paid solutions are typically easier to operate and less likely to conflict with other apps. Their user interfaces also tend to be more user-friendly, so it's simpler to set rules and exceptions, and enable or disable certain features.

4. Includes more features

Paid anti-malware solutions typically come packed with a slew of features that aren’t available in their free counterparts:

  • Firewall – blocks incoming traffic from known malicious sources
  • Sandboxing – opens suspicious apps in an isolated virtual environment to look for potentially malicious code while keeping your device protected
  • Web filtering – blocks access to dangerous or unwanted websites
  • Privacy protection – deletes your browsing history and other personal data
  • File shredder – permanently destroys sensitive files beyond recovery
  • Webcam protection – blocks unauthorized access to your webcam
  • Anti-spam – filters out unsolicited emails
  • System performance check – scans your system for performance issues
  • Anti-theft tool – helps you recover lost or stolen devices

Take note that advanced features vary between anti-malware software brands and levels of paid subscription plans.

Read also: 3 Types of cybersecurity solutions your business must have

5. More updates and better customer support

Paid anti-malware programs receive more regular updates than free ones to keep up with the latest cyberthreats.

In addition, most paid anti-malware providers offer 24/7 customer support via phone, email, or instant messaging. This allows you to get help while setting up or using the software or if you have any questions about its features.

On the other hand, free solutions rarely come with customer support or have limited support hours, at best. This can be problematic, especially if you're not tech-savvy and need help setting up the software or troubleshooting problems.

6. No advertisements

Unlike their paid counterparts, free anti-malware programs often display ads to generate revenue. This can mean endless pop-up boxes pestering you to upgrade to the paid version. Some free solutions may even record user behavior or change your web browser's home page or default search engine for advertising purposes.

Need help purchasing the best anti-malware software for your company? You can turn to the IT experts of Quicktech. We can further safeguard your business by equipping you with a combination of multiple cybersecurity solutions, all for an affordable monthly fee. Book a FREE consultation today.