Is Windows Defender or Security Essentials good enough Antivirus protection?

We’re often asked what’s the difference between paid and free antivirus software. Microsoft Security Essentials and Defender are the AV products in the free camp. This blog explains what Microsoft protects you against VS something paid like AVG Internet Security.

What protection is included?

• Real-time protection against spyware, viruses and rootkits
• Online system scanning and cleaning
• Dynamic signature service
• Offline system scanning and cleaning
• Enhanced protection against rootkits and bootkits* Windows Defender only

Less protection means faster speed

Microsoft offer a simple security package that is only searching for viruses. It’s a very simple level of protection and because of this reason it’s fast and lightweight.

Integrated security

You’d always expect the developer of something to provide the best in class solution for their own system. Microsoft offering antivirus should mean that compatibility with Microsoft Office and Windows updates will always work. Microsoft offer a set and forget solution to customers looking for free antivirus for home and business.

Being the most popular makes you a target

Unfortunately, as this is provided by Microsoft it’s something that you would expect any hacker to ensure it can pass through when creating a virus. Although if you’re tech savvy or a light browser you may feel this is enough to protect you. Scammers are even making fake copies of the software that are viruses themselves and are tricking people into paying to resolve problems that don’t exist!

Baseline protection only

Our biggest concern is MS only provide a basic layer of protection. This means no protection from phishing emails, spam, malware, web protection, enhanced firewall and online banking security. As with anything in life generally you always get what you pay for.

Is it worth the risk?

In our opinion no it’s not worth the risk. Cyber crime is increasing year on year. There were 3.8 million instances of cyber-crime 12 months leading up to June 2016 in the UK alone. Business critical information or personal documents can be ransomed, blackmailed or destroyed in the case of a simple mistake of an expert or novice.

What do we recommend?

We recommend AVG Internet Security which you can buy through us or from AVG directly.

AVG Internet Security is better than ever. It now scans for both malware and performance issues, helps you avoid fake websites, and with its all-new, refreshingly simple design, you can see exactly how you’re protected.

You’ll have the best available protection for:

• Computer Protection
• Web & Email Protection
• Hacker Attacks Protection
• Private Data Protection
• Payments Protection