Antivirus software is critical to protect yourself online, and the protection offered natively by operating systems like MacOS and Windows isn’t always enough.
According to SourceForge, Kaspersky Antivirus, AVG Internet Security, Norton 360, Malwarebytes, and ESET NOD32 Antivirus are among the most popular antivirus products in Africa.
SourceForge is a software platform that ranks different products based on customer ratings.
A common attack form is ransomware, through which malicious actors target and encrypt sensitive data to extort victims with the promise of a decryption key.
Most attackers target MacOS and Windows systems, both of which come with native security software — XProtect and Windows Defender.
However, while they are very capable, some of the protections offered by Apple and Microsoft’s built-in systems require you to use their programs.
For instance, Windows Defender’s SmartScreen feature only functions with the Microsoft Edge browser, meaning users on alternate browsers aren’t protected from some attacks.
The same applies to apps like Google Workspace or Skype over Microsoft 365 and Teams.
MyBroadband compared Kaspersky Antivirus, AVG Internet Security, Norton 360, Malwarebytes, and ESET NOD32 Antivirus regarding features offered and pricing. The comparison is summarised in the table below.
| Pricing and feature comparison | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Features | Trial | Rating (out of five) | Price (annual) |
| Norton 360 |
|
14 days | 4.0 | R350 |
| ESET NOD32 Antivirus |
|
30 days | 4.5 | R369 |
| Kaspersky Antivirus |
|
30 days | 4.5 | R399 |
| Malwarebytes |
|
14 days | 4.5 | R499 |
| AVG Internet Security |
|
30 days | 4.5 | R679 |
While Norton 360 Plus is the most affordable software listed, it carries a lower SourceForge rating than the rest.
The product includes antivirus functionality, malware and ransomware protection, and 2GB of cloud backup for R350 annually for one device.
ESET’s NOD32 Antivirus costs R19 more per year than Norton 360 Plus. It, along with Kaspersky Antivirus, Malwarebytes, and AVG Internet Security, carries a SourceForge rating of 4.5 out of five.
For an annual fee of R369, the security software suite offers antivirus functionality, spyware and ransomware protection, and scanning downloads for malicious code.
Those unwilling to pay for the product without testing can sign up for a month-long trial to determine whether or not it meets their needs.
Kaspersky’s Antivirus software provides similar features to ESET’s NOD32 product, in addition to a two-way firewall, for R399 annually. Kaspersky also offers a 30-day trial for its Antivirus product.
For R499 a year, Malwarebytes customers get virus and malware protection in addition to the company’s Browser Guard.
Browser Guard is an extension that blocks third-party ads, promises faster browser performance, blocks web pages that carry malware, and several other features.
AVG Internet Security is the most expensive product listed. At R679 annually, it offers virus, malware, and online payment protection.
It also lets users customise their firewall protection, and unsure customers can test the security software through its 30-day free trial.
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