With the ongoing and increasing threats to cybersecurity , you demand a dear antivirus solution that does n’t bring out the bank . I reviewed F - Secure Total , an affordable antivirus root that let me build a design that brood all my devices with just the features I demand .
While we all care to keep an eye on the budget , data processor protection is n’t the right seat to trend corners . The best antivirus software provides first-class protectionagainst online and offline malware at an low-priced price .
F - Secure has whippy pricing that you could customize to precisely match your want . The most affordable program start at $ 50 annually , embrace one equipment with substantial - time antivirus , cozenage , and ransomware protection in the web web browser and offline .
You in all likelihood use a computer , phone , and possibly several other devices . If one gets hack , all of your social and fiscal account statement are at risk , as is the personal data salt away on that twist .
It makes gumption to protect them all and F - unassailable design can cover 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 10 , or more devices . A three - machine program get going at $ 65 , five devices cost $ 70 , and 10 computers , phones , and tablets is $ 85 .
The options do n’t stop there . you may add a VPN with unlimited data for $ 10 more per year . A word manager and identity element monitoring also adds $ 10 yearly . With F - Secure , you bear only for what you need .
Still , you canfind better deals on antivirus software , at least for the first twelvemonth of service . I do like that F - Secure does n’t have scandalous damage increment when it ’s time to reincarnate .
If you ’re looking for a loose answer , F - Secure has a gratis malware scan and removal tool . The website describe it as an online electronic scanner , but it ’s actually a Windows app that installs on your microcomputer before race .
The free scanner detects and pull in malicious apps that are already active on your computer , but does n’t protect you from future threats . The best loose antivirus software offers good web web browser protectionwithout expect a subscription .
Tiers and pricing
Design
I tested F - Secure Total , the translation that includes antivirus , a VPN , identity monitoring , and more . After installing the app , the splashboard evince that real - time protection was active , but there were several other lineament to set up to maximize my cybersecurity .
I installed the web browser extension for on-line protection , the password manager extension to aid guarantee account logins , and a VPN to prevent bodily function trailing , then added my email address for monitoring .
With setup complete , I explored the exploiter user interface . The dashboard shows all the active feature article at a glance and lets me select one to make adaptation . A push button at the top pull up stakes opens a menu with more options , include account details , options , support , and speedy access to all the features .
I opened preferences and find there are plentitude of options to ok - line each security feature film , such as opt which folders are locked to protect against ransomware .
Overall , F - Secure Total was easy to get begin with and the design is unclouded and simple , with advanced feature accessible via scope .
Features
The number one job of an antivirus is to protect my electronic computer from malware . It should offer real - fourth dimension detection and blocking to forbid infection . As a 2d stemma of defense , it should on a regular basis scan for malicious apps and quarantine them so no harm is done .
To test how well F - Secure Total performed , I checker its mark at full - fourth dimension cybersecurity labs that incessantly monitor the threat landscape and rate the effectuality of lead antivirus software . F - Secure prove excellentAV - Testscores , fall down below thoroughgoing only once with a minor miss in June 2023 .
F - Secure did n’t come well inAV - Comparativesscoring scheme , but a deep honkytonk into the real - clip account reveals it blocked as many threat as antivirus leadersNorton , Avira , andMcAfee , which have skilful protection caterpillar tread records .
F - Secure ’s score dropped because it had a high false - positivist rate , which include wrong app and site block . An overprotective antivirus can be annoying , but it is n’t dangerous . In my trial , I did n’t get any off-key alert .
I always do spot - halt by visit Wicar ’s malware test web site . F - Secure Total ’s browser app extension successfully identified and blocked all 13 malware downloads and browser app exploits .
I tested the watchword director and it autofilled logins as expected . It ’s not as sophisticated as the respectable password handler that permit organization and password communion , but it plow the staple well and syncs across twist .
F - Secure Total ’s VPN defaults to OpenVPN communications protocol , which is n’t the fastest . I tried the only other option , IKEv2 , which helped . Still , the best speed I measured was 20 % as fast as my usual 900 Mbps . With the best dedicated VPN services , I enjoy over 700 Mbps downloads .
Support
F - Secure claim it offer 24/7 support via live New World chat , so I tested that out by inquire about login sharing . A live agent serve straightaway and continued to reply quick as I clarify my question .
I ’ve reviewed several antivirus services and found that last chat support varies . Solutions likeESET have good musical accompaniment , but during limited hour . Others use chat services that start off cursorily , then slow dramatically after the first reply . I also verified that survive confabulation with a human is uncommitted for F - Secure customers all day , every Clarence Shepard Day Jr. .
As I cite above , there ’s no password sharing option in F - Secure , but the agent intimate I could simulate and broadcast the password via a message , electronic mail , or written on theme . I like the inclusion of an offline result from technical school support .
Privacy and security
F - Secure ’s secrecy insurance is very absolved and states that it wo n’t trade or share your personal data to third - party advertiser . It will comply with legal requests , but it does n’t allow back door in its software package . The company is based in Finland , which is n’t part of any intelligence alliances for information sharing .
I could n’t find any record of client data breaches or cybersecurity incident , so your personal and financial information should be secure when using F - dependable Total antivirus trade protection .
Is F-Secure right for you?
The least cheap option , F - Secure Internet Security , offers good protection , but does n’t beatthe good antivirus software program . While the VPN and password manager are gracious increase to F - Secure Total , dedicated services offer more advanced feature .
The well countersign managersaren’t that expensive , and you could even findexcellent free parole managers . The same is true of VPNs . Proton offers a great free VPN ] , and you may oftenfind VPN deals that understate your costwithout sacrifice speed .
While F - Secure Total ’s eminent mistaken confirming account is a drawback , I did n’t have any problem with apps or websites being block . Also , a false prescribed is better than permit malware to run tempestuous on your computer .
That enounce , antivirus software system likeBitdefender and Norton provide solid protectionwithout the annoyance of rabid blocking . However , I like F - Secure Total ’s customizable subscription plans and consistent pricing on rehabilitation and still recommend it as a skillful solvent if you desire to fine - tune your subscription to on the nose what you demand .
