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Antivirus is software that protects computer systems against malware (or malicious programs that have a variety of purposes, including stealing sensitive information or disrupting operations) from infiltrating and damaging the system. Antivirus programs typically use signature-based detection, which compares a file against a database of known malware to identify and eliminate the intrusion.

Many antivirus programs also offer protection from other threats, such as backdoors, rootkits, worms, spyware, adware, keyloggers, trojan horses, and ransomware. They can also block phishing attacks—attacks that attempt to steal login credentials, credit card information, or other personal data by mimicking legitimate websites or emails.

Even the best antivirus programs don’t fully prevent cyberattacks, but the risk of a serious attack can be high without one. A good antivirus program safeguards the most important information, such as bank account passwords or email logins, while protecting your entire computing environment.

The escalating number of cyberattacks and the increasing connectivity of devices are driving growth in the antivirus industry, which is projected to reach US$5.06 billion by 2028. However, privacy concerns and a lack of visibility into how antivirus products work are creating barriers to adoption.

Fortunately, there are a lot of excellent free antivirus programs that enhance Windows’ security capabilities and add extra functions not included in Windows Defender. Some programs even have a multi-device subscription, perfect for families juggling multiple PCs and mobile devices. However, the best free antivirus programs are those that keep their interface approachable and easy to understand for non-technical users.