How reliable is my security software?

I asked for your security questions and a reader wanted to know how reliable I thought Norton’s security software is.  I’ve had similar questions about Vipre, Trend Micro, BitDefender, and so on.

First, I will say that most third-party security software is fairly reliable. Anything that protects Windows devices gets most of their patches and bug fixes from Microsoft and other developers like Flash or Java that issue patches for their programs.  It’s not so much that security software doesn’t work, it’s just that some software does the job better than others.

For my personal and business devices, I use Norton Deluxe. That covers up to 5 PCs, Macs, smartphones or tablets. It will even help check and secure my Facebook feed to prevent the posting of spam. My personal experience over the years with Norton has been good. I’ve never had a virus or malware make its way onto any device I had protected with Norton. Of course, my experience is not everyone’s experience.

AV-test.org, a group that compares security software rated Norton 6 out of 6 in protection, 5.5 out of 6 in performance and usability on Windows 7 and 6 out of 6 in all three areas on Windows 10.  In tests from August 2017, Norton found and stopped 100% of virus and malware attacks. It did give a couple of false alerts for Malware in the test, but overall did a great job of protecting PCs Keep in mind, that 99% of the programs AV-test reviewed did a pretty good job of protecting PCs.

AV-test.org offers a handy comparison chart of several well-known security programs. You can click here to compare.

Just click on a software to get a more complete review of the results.

The site will let you compare results for security programs on Android mobile devices, PCs, and Mac.

You can also compare by the operating system.

Pricing for Norton protection runs from $49.99 for 1 year, 1 device protection to $109.99 for Norton Security Premium, that covers up to 10 computers or mobile devices for a year.

It looks as if Norton is running a major sale on this protection now, more than half-price off the first year for most of the programs. You can click here to check it out, but I have no idea how long this deal will last. 

You will notice that security software is a subscription service. That’s because the threats out there change on a daily basis and software must be continually updated to keep up with it.  You’ll also notice that most of the software compared on the AV-Test site, did pretty good. If you’re happy with what you’re using there’s probably not any real need to switch unless you can get a better deal.

Norton is a favorite of mine, but I know you all have your favorites as well. What program (or programs) do you use to protect your PC?

Note:  If you purchase after clicking the link to Amazon, our site will receive a few pennies on the deal.  So here’s the link to Norton, if you’d prefer to deal with them.

You can also purchase keycards that will let you activate a download in many stores like Walmart or Best Buy.