How to block new and increasingly dangerous malware?

Groups of cybercriminals are continually developing new malware, each more formidable than the last, and ever more devious. They can take different forms and take advantage of your inattention, security vulnerabilities or too much confidence in your free antivirus. They can deactivate your antivirus to let in viruses, ransomware and other malicious programs, make you click on fake sites to steal your usernames and passwords, urgently ask you to pay a fine, etc.

What are the most important security measures?

To ensure the protection of your system, it is above all advisable to keep your software and drivers up to date. To be sure that all your drivers have the latest version, you can use Avast Driver Updater and for installed software, Avira Software Updater will perform its functions perfectly.

It is important to always remain vigilant, not to panic when you receive a worrying message (contact your bank advisor, pay a fine, etc.) and to always check the sender of the email received. Little tip: Before clicking on any link, simply hover your mouse cursor over it and look at the link that appears at the bottom of your browser window. If the link seems suspicious to you, do not click and go directly to the indicated site using the navigation bar or a search engine. This will ensure you are going to the real site and not a phishing site.

In terms of antiviruses, it would be entirely relevant to think that Microsoft Defender could provide sufficient protection, but when it comes to proactive security, there is far from unanimous agreement. And depending on your digital activities, it is not guaranteed that its functionality will be sufficient.

To block malware and prevent any form of attack, it is wiser to download and install a complete security suite, integrating a proactive and internet-connected antivirus. This means that when a file is scanned, it is compared to a cloud-based virus signature database that is constantly updated with any new threats detected.

Another strong point of an antivirus which could be very useful during an attack is the sandbox, or “sandbox” in French… This is a secure space in which new elements downloaded or detected are executed and tested. If the behavior of these elements is suspicious, they are automatically quarantined, and, the sandbox being airtight and isolated from your system, you do not risk any infection.

What are the most proactive antiviruses?

To select the most effective security software for new threat attacks, we required a sandbox and a comparison system with a cloud virus database. Many antiviruses met our main criteria and the 3 solutions presented here all include a complementary advantage which seemed relevant to us for optimal antivirus protection.

Avast One, the most complete

Avast One is a safe bet, already well established on the market, and for good reasons. In addition to offering real-time antivirus protection, cloud-based analytics and a sandbox, this security suite includes a VPN, firewall and password verification system. But what seemed most interesting to us is that it also has an improvement and cleaning system, allowing you to delete unused applications and check for updates to drivers and installed software.

Avast thus puts all its know-how and knowledge in cybersecurity at the service of its users, through this practical and effective all-in-one antivirus. Note that in addition, it is possible to test the solution, or to opt for the free, but limited, version to start. And if Avast One appeals to you and you want to go further in terms of security and confidentiality, you can upgrade to Silver or Gold subscriptions depending on your needs.

AVG Internet Security, advanced behavioral analysis

AVG Internet Security is a protection solution that stands out for its ability to anticipate and neutralize new threats before they can harm your system. Using advanced behavioral analysis technology, the antivirus monitors the behavior of files and applications in real time to detect any suspicious activity. When an anomaly is identified, the software reacts instantly, isolating the potential threat and analyzing it in a secure environment.

By continuously updating its virus database, AVG Internet Security stays at the forefront of new attack methods, ensuring proactive defense against viruses, ransomware and other emerging malware. This constant vigilance is reinforced by artificial intelligence, which allows the antivirus to quickly recognize and adapt to new tactics from cybercriminals.

In terms of other available features, you will find advanced protection tools against web threats coming directly from your browser or your email. A proactive system scans links before you click on them while you're on the Internet, and the same goes for attachments and email phishing attempts.

Norton 360 Deluxe, optimal security against emerging threats

Norton 360 is also one of the leaders in the cybersecurity market, with such a reputation that it is not necessary to tout all the advantages of its security suite which is available in different versions depending on the desired level of protection. Very comprehensive, Norton 360 Deluxe promises advanced protection against both existing and emerging threats thanks to its behavioral analysis and cloud database system.

No need to go through all the password manager, parental controls and VPN features, but instead let's focus on the 100% virus protection guarantee. Not very common among its competitors, this offer does not go unnoticed. Indeed, in addition to offering a 60-day trial, the publisher Gen Digital does not hesitate to reimburse you if your computer is infected. Of course, there are special conditions, but at the price of the first year's subscription and this offer in case of infection, choosing Norton 360 Deluxe seems a very advantageous option.