In the modern world, computers are practically a necessity for every home. Computers give us access to vast amounts of information through the internet, as well as provide us with innovative programs and applications like social media, email, and much more. But with these benefits also come the threats of viruses and malware. Since we use computers every single day they are loaded with valuable digital data. Data that cybercriminals would love to get access to. One of the best ways to help ensure the security of your device is by investing in malware removal and protection software. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best malware removal software you should use in 2023.

What is Malware and Why is it a Problem?

Firstly, before we cover some of our favorite malware protection and removal software, we must understand what malware is. The broad definition of malware is any sort of software intentionally designed to disrupt the operation of a computer, program, or network. Malware can be used to steal or leak private data such as passwords, emails, photos, and more.

Along with being a potential security risk, malware can bog down and slow your device’s operating speed. While ideally we would just avoid malware altogether, it isn’t quite that simple. Malware programs can be found in every corner of the internet, and sometimes it’s impossible to notice until it’s too late.  It is almost inevitable that malware will find its way onto your device at some point. That’s why having access to malware protection and removal software is essential in 2023.

Now, here are some of the best options for malware protection and removal software in 2023.

Norton360  – Affordable Antivirus and Malware Protection Software

First up, we’ll take a look at Norton360. Norton is one of the biggest names in cybersecurity and antivirus software. Norton offers a 100% antivirus and malware protection guarantee or they’ll give you your money back. With the standard 360 plan, Norton boasts that it will block unsafe websites, protect your device from hackers, provide VPN access, and keep your device running at optimal speeds. Pricing for Norton360 standard starts at $39.99 for the first year.

In short, Norton’s deluxe plan may be worth looking into for those more serious about securing their device. The deluxe plan is more expensive, starting at $49.99 for the first year. With the deluxe plan, users can secure 2 extra devices and get access to a much larger cloud backup system. The deluxe plan may also be perfect for family usage as it gives parents access to a parental control system that can be used to restrict certain websites. Whether using the standard or deluxe plan, Norton360 is a great option for securing your devices.

Bitdefender – Top Rated Malware Protection Software

Our next mention for best malware protection and removal software is Bitdefender. Bitdefender is one of the top malware protection services available currently. AV comparatives rated Bitdefender with 3 stars in 2021, marking it as one of the most secure protection software services available. From our own research, we found that Bitdefender was nearly perfect at identifying potential malware and protecting the device against it.

Also, Bitdefender offers two separate protection services, one for homes and one for businesses. For businesses, prices for their program GravityZone start at approximately $260 per year. For home usage, the Bitdefender premium plan starts as low as just $60 for the first year. Features included with the premium plan include; unlimited VPN use, access to the password manager, access to Total Security, and more. Bitdefender is a great malware protection service for both businesses and homes alike.

Avira – Free Malware Protection Software

Lastly, we wanted to provide you with an option for a free malware protection service. Avira is arguably the best malware protection service that you can get for free today. Given a 3-star rating by AV comparables, Avira users can feel secure using the protection software. Avira boasts that they will never sell your personal data. Along with this, Avira also boasts that it keeps your online activity completely private and has a number of optimization systems that keep your device running at its best.

Along with its free services, Avira offers its premium service and prime bundle. Device updates and data breach notifications come standard with the premium service. The prime bundle offers the same services but can secure up to 5 separate devices at once. The premium plan starts at $34.99 for the first year and the prime bundle starts at $59.99 for the first year. 

Conclusion

With how often we utilize computers and the internet, it is essential to protect our devices from viruses and other malware. Using a malware protection service is a great way to help secure your device(s) against potential threats. No matter which option you choose, any of the aforementioned services is a great choice for securing your device. But there are also many great malware protection services we didn’t mention, so we encourage you to research which option best suits your needs.