

It also considers that most Apple users don’t need an antivirus, as fewer programs are aimed at attacking Apple products. The comparison website Wirecutter (owned by the New York Times) published a guide on this topic and argues that the protection offered by this software was sufficient for most users (in combination with a free antivirus like Malwarebytes to plug in any gaps). Popular free options: If you use Windows as your operating system, Microsoft Defender comes automatically installed and might provide all the protection you need. For these reasons it's important to assess your individual security needs and evaluate the effectiveness of different programs to determine the best protection for your devices. Additionally, free programs may come with limitations such as fewer features, fewer updates, or a lack of customer support. They can offer basic protection against common threats, but they may not provide the same level of comprehensive protection as paid versions. There are a number of free antivirus and anti-malware programs available which we list throughout this guide. What are the Best Antivirus and Anti-Malware Programs Available in New Zealand?.


Antivirus software can detect and remove malware that may otherwise go undetected, and it provides real-time protection to prevent malware from infecting your device in the first place.
