Best Antivirus Software for Wi-Fi Security 2021
You know that you need an antivirus to keep your devices safe including tablets and smartphones, but with so much activity happening online, routers are the target of choice for hackers. If your router is not protected there is a chance that a third party can infiltrate your vulnerable router, using your own data to monitor and steal your information. These devices are daily transferring sensitive data from one device to another including information about your location, communications as well as financial information like online banking accounts and passwords.
Malware is designed by tech-savvy cybercriminals to hide their identities and take off with your documents or even turn your devices into bots for mining without your knowledge. One example of this is malware which ran rampant in 2018 called VPNFilter. It infected around 500,000 routers around the world stealing data in its wake.
The solution? Antivirus software that will keep your data secure at all times.
Top Antivirus Brands That Ensure Wi-Fi Security
#1 McAfee
This antivirus is built-in your router in order to give all your devices protection including computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart lighting systems and thermostats amongst others.
The software is available pre-integrated within wifi routers as well as cable modems.
McAfee has more than 30 years under their belt in the industry and is one of the largest cyber protection companies in the world. Setup is easy with the program even minimizing itself and running in the background, so you can go about your usual business.
Choose between a quick or full scan, and even enjoy their feature called App Boost. This will optimize CPU and boost performance. McAfee Web Advisor is an extension which will monitor and detect any suspicious malware and malicious sites.
Enjoy other amazing features like parental control, internet pausing, real-time alerts on potential threats, device identification as well as Global Threat Intelligence. This is one feature that is constantly working in the background in order to protect your wifi network security in real time.
Key Features:
- Virus protection guarantee
- Unlimited licenses included
- 24/7 customer service support
- Live chat support
- In-house malware protection
- Ransomware detection
- Phishing detection
- Spam filters
- Secure browsing
- Password manager
- Parental controls
- Anti-theft protection
- Shredder (permanently erases sensitive data from your computer)
- Personal firewall
#2 Bitdefender
When you think of antivirus software your mind usually wonders to an incredibly slow computer. Secure, but slow. Thankfully Bitdefender offers everything you need in antivirus and more without slowing any of your devices down. Offering a smart home cybersecurity hub in the form of the Bitdefender BOX 2 you can be sure that malware will be nowhere in sight for you or your family.
The BOX comes with various scans including malware, phishing, fraud as well as device monitoring. Another amazing things about this product is that it stretches across mobile networks as well as public wifi networks, meaning your devices will be secure no matter where you are in the world.
Coming in strong on parent control you have the ability to get notified about online verbal attacks, inappropriate requests for photos or outdoor meetings in your children’s communications. You can block harmful content as well as potentially dangerous individuals as well as limit the time your children spend online.
Key Features:
- Device detection
- Device management
- Instant notifications
- Intelligent profiles
- Vulnerability assessment
- Brute force protection
- Anomaly detection
- Content filtering
- VPN
- Network intrusion prevention
- Anti-malware protection
- Phishing and fraud prevention
- Safe browsing
- Sensitive data protection
#3 AVG
AVG offers a comprehensive package allows its customers to create multiple storage zones with encryptions. These are inaccessible to anyone browsing the file system and secured by military grade protection. You can also resize safe areas after you actually create them.
The antivirus contains a scan which will detect whether or not your router’s TCP port is accessible from the outside leaving it vulnerable to third-party attacks.
AVG will also scan your network’s status and see which devices are connected to it as well as exposing weak passwords for wifi and router administration. You will be notified in case your router becomes infected in addition to if your router is easily accessible from the internet.
There is great firewall protection which will allow outbound traffic, but block any inbound traffic unless you have authorized it yourself. The setup takes less than fifteen minutes and the interface is fairly simple to use. Some users have noted that there are many pop-ups for add-ons which you can purchase additionally.
Key Features:
- Antivirus protection
- Ransomware protection
- Payments protection
- Webcam protection
- Data Safe
- Automatic maintenance
- Startup Optimizer
- Software updater
- Browser and disk cleaner
- Anti-theft
- App lock
- Email protection
- Batter profiles
- Device lock
- Hacker protection
If you want to know more about AVG, read our review here.
#4 Avast
Along with the basic malware, network protection and secure browsing as well as behavioral monitoring, there is an abundance of tools that this antivirus has on offer. You have a password manager which you can use to store all your important information such as logins, credit card details and personal contact details like billing and shipping addresses.
You also have the Sandbox mode which will allow you to test various suspicious files in a safe environment. The secure browser will allow you internet protection without slowing down your speeds or forcing particular search engines on you like some of Avast’s competitors. If you use a regular browser, that comes with protection as well with real-time monitoring that has a handy feature called Real Site which is always on the lookout for spoof webpages.
The Avast Wifi Inspector will scan all of your devices, letting you know whether a particular device or even your router has become infected.
Key Features:
- Blocks malware and viruses
- Scans for wifi security vulnerabilities
- Secures passwords
- Avoids fake shopping sites
- Safely runs suspicious apps
- Blocks spam
- Blocks phishing sites
- Extra layer of ransomware security
- Stops webcam spying
- Automatically updates apps
If you want to know more about Avast, read our review here.
#5 Intego
When it comes to your wifi connection, Intego uses multiple levels of network and computer security in terms of your incoming and outgoing protection. NetBarrier provides a network firewall to protect your Mac from incoming threats. For example, when you select the Public Hotspot option in NetBarrier, any connection requests from the local network are blocked. This protects other computers from communicating with yours in a malicious way.
To allow specific communications with certain devices, NetBarrier allows for you to choose which will of those will be allowed through the firewall. At some point, most forms of malware will attempt to use your network which is how they do damage. Luckily, the application firewall in NetBarrier keeps an eye out for applications sending and receiving data via the network.
Offering necessary real-time protection, Intego will scan files that are sent through via emails or third parties. In addition to that, there is protection against PC-based malware which means you will not spread infected files to work colleagues, friends, or family. Your Mac will be protected from Mac viruses, Windows viruses, Unix viruses, Trojan horses, worms, keyloggers, adware, Microsoft Word and Excel macro viruses, hacking tools, and fake security programs.
Key Features:
- Scheduled scans
- Intuitive interface
- Powerful firewall
- 24/7 real-time protection
- Finds malware in archived files
- Scans for viruses in emails
- Automatically scans external drives when mounted
- Marks trusted folders to speed up scans
- High-performance antivirus that is lightweight
- Easily blocks or allows connections for specific devices
- Full-time application activity which monitors any spyware
- Easily identifies applications that are blocking bandwidth
- Simple set up and configuration
If you want to know more about Intego, read our review here.
How to Set Up An Antivirus for Safe Wifi Security
- Download the antivirus program of choice.
- Find the downloaded file.
- Unzip the file (if it is zipped)
- Double click on the file
- The installation process should start.
Extra Security Steps For a Secure Wifi Router
If you are still wondering how do I secure my wifi after downloading and installing antivirus software, there are some extra steps you can take in maximizing wifi network security.
Turn Off Features You Don’t Use
Take a few moments to check out your router settings and review the applications that you don’t need. Things like remote management or remote administration should be turned off if you do not need access to the router’s control panel, which most of us don’t.
This feature will normally be off in most cases, but it won’t do any harm to double check and confirm it is.
Another security risk that is usually enabled is Universal Plug and Play. This will help different devices within your home network connect to each other. However, if one device is infected with malware, pretty soon all the devices within your home network could be infiltrated.
If you have a guest network that is not password protected you might want to disable it. You don’t want random guests using your internet connection, possibly in order to download illegal content.
Use WPA2 When You Can
This will block outside parties from running hacking tools in order to attempt to guess your wifi password. If you have an older router, you can run updates and most of them will have this possibility after you do so. If not, it might be time to update to a new router.
Use Stronger Passwords
Hackers have many effective tools when it comes to hacking your wifi security system, including those that can crack passwords. What you don’t want to do is set passwords that are easily discoverable with a little bit of online detective work.
Social media gives a plethora of information to random people if you allow it. Think back to your last birthday party, or the amount of photos you have with your pet. The last thing you want to do is set passwords including things like birthdays or pet names.
To create a great password you need to use at least ten characters, some of which should be lowercase and some uppercase. Symbols and numbers should also be included.
In addition to these tips, you should always run updates, or better yet turn on automatic updates. This way you don’t have to have the hassle of running them manually. The fact is companies will stop releasing new software for older routers sooner or later, and if this happens to you it would be best to invest in a new one so you have a secure wifi router once more.
The Bottom Line
You don’t want your router to be an open invitation for all, do you? Especially those looking to steal your data and make the most of your bank account. This can turn out to be an increasing phenomenon around the world, but thankfully there are ways in which you can optimize wifi network security.
The first thing you need to do is to invest in reputable antivirus software. This will ensure you have a secure wifi router, and all your devices are safe as well. Turning off features you do not use, enabling stronger passwords and turning on automatic updates are also steps to take for router security.
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