Are Antivirus Suites With Firewall Protection Worth the Investment?

So much of our lives exist online, yet something that is so often overlooked is cybersecurity. People often think that digital security is only reserved for businesses and big corporations who can’t chance a data breach. But in reality, it’s equally a personal necessity.

Those who want to be proactive about their online safety may use some sort of antivirus software. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has reported it to be one of the most efficient ways to safeguard against breaches. But there’s more to it than just simply using one.

Can you get away with a free programme or should you invest in a paid version? And if you do pay for one, are the AV suites that come with firewall protection really worth what you pay for?

Antivirus And Firewall: The Digital Duo

Cybersecurity is usually made up of multiple layers. The more layers of security you have, the better protected you will be. So this is where antivirus and firewall work together to give you maximum protection.

The objective of an antivirus is to monitor what goes on inside your device. Its designed to scan new files and email attachments to see if anything looks out of place. If it does, depending on what software you have, it will isolate or remove the infected file before it infiltrates your device.

On the other hand, a firewall is responsible for monitoring the traffic that both enters and leaves your device. It’s seen as more of a preventative tool where it will stop unauthorised access like hackers trying to access your data.

The Cyber Threat Landscape In The UK

You might be asking yourself how much protection you really need, or if you could get away with just the basics. But the cyber risk in the UK is very real – and costly too. Businesses are already investing heavily in security and while they are very much affected, individuals are a prime target.

Why? Hackers know that they may not take their security as seriously as they should. And one of the easiest way to get caught is through phishing attempts whether it be sending a malicious link to click or file to download. These attacks are only becoming smarter and harder to spot, but that’s something a good AV suite can do.

The Value Of An AV Suite

When you spend money on an AV suite, you’re not just paying for a “better” antivirus. You’re actually paying for a bundle of features, usually premium, that work together to make sure you get the maximum amount of protection.

Here’s why you would get security from every angle with an AV suite.

Firewall Intelligence Is Far Superior

Windows and MacOS have built-in firewalls but very much on a basic level. The firewall that you get in an AV suite is much more intelligent and uses a feature called Application Control. This means that if you had a programme on your device like a type of spyware trying to send your private information to a remote server, it would flag it immediately.

A built-in firewall isn’t able to detect this and it could happen without you realising it.

Advanced Security Tools

A paid suite will also come with features that you wouldn’t otherwise get with a free version. It includes things like phishing and web protection which will vet links and websites before you click on them.

Most of the bundled suites also come with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your web traffic, which is an additional safety measure when you browse online.

Multi-Device Protection

The majority of AV suites also have a license to protect multiple devices, which definitely makes it worth the investment. Since most people use more than one device, it makes managing your security across all of them much simpler.

In most cases, it’s also more cost-effective compared to buying a separate license for each device.

What Is The Final Verdict?

A basic, built-in firewall and antivirus can be a good starting point but a comprehensive security suite will give you protection against modern threats, which continue to evolve. And if you bank or shop online – which most UK residents do – paying for a full AV suite can give you extra peace of mind.

While some may be hesitant to invest in one, paying £30-£60 per year is a small price to pay compared to the costs, and headaches, involved in dealing with a security breach.