Identity theft, malware and other viruses are just the tip of the iceberg. While there are plenty of antivirus software options available, when it comes to protecting your family, it’s important to have the right tools for the job.
If you have children, knowing which companies have tools specifically geared toward protecting families in the digital sphere is key to choosing the right antivirus software.
The Best Antivirus Software for Families of 2024
1.Norton
Norton is one of the antivirus giants dominating the industry. In fact, they have been one of the leading antivirus software providers for years. Norton Security Premium has a lot to offer parents. That is because it allows parents to subscribe to Norton Family, an award-winning companion software that makes protecting your family easy. This user-friendly antivirus software gives parents total control over every aspect of their children’s internet usage. This includes monitoring websites (including social media sites), supervising apps and searches, setting time limits on access and providing detailed reports that let you see exactly what your kids are doing online.
Norton Security Premium and the Norton Family subscription are available on Windows and Android devices. They offer a complete security suite for Mac. However, they offer only limited protection for iOS devices. Because Norton Security Premium can protect up to 10 devices at once, larger families or those who use multiple devices have found this solution to be one of the best out there.
Some of the highlights of Norton include:
- Easy-to-use interface anyone can set up
- Advanced parental controls
- Protects up to 10 devices at any time
Read the full Norton Antivirus review
2.Aura
Aura, based in the U.S., has become a preferred choice for families seeking reliable antivirus solutions. Recognizing the unique needs of family units in the digital age, Aura offers more than standard antivirus protection; it provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to combat a variety of online threats, including identity theft and malware. Aura features tailored tools for credit and identity monitoring, which are crucial for families managing multiple online profiles and transactions. The company extends a free trial to new users, allowing families to explore its robust protection capabilities.
What makes Aura particularly suitable for families? The software's compatibility with a broad range of platforms, from desktops to mobile devices, ensures that every family member's device is protected, regardless of its type. Aura's commitment to family digital safety is further reinforced by its round-the-clock customer support and identity theft insurance, offering peace of mind with continuous protection and expert assistance. Positive reviews from families highlight Aura's effectiveness in malware protection and the ease with which users of all ages can navigate its interface.
Aura's comprehensive digital security approach is especially beneficial for families. The company understands the complexities of protecting multiple users under one roof, offering solutions that cater to the diverse needs of both adults and children.
Some of the highlights of Aura include:
- Tailored identity theft and credit monitoring suitable for all family members.
- A free trial period, allowing families to assess its suitability for their specific needs.
- Cross-platform compatibility, ensuring protection for both desktop and mobile devices used by family members.
Read the full Aura Antivirus review
3.TotalAV
TotalAV is a relatively new antivirus software company. However, they are quickly becoming a popular choice for anyone who wants to try something new without breaking the bank.
The software is easy to set up and comes with a host of different features that make it a good choice for families looking to secure their digital presence. It works on almost all platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.
Real-time protection helps keep you and your family safe at all times from malware, spyware and ransomware. The system, as it is currently designed, allows you to decide which applications to monitor and includes a disk cleaner capability that helps boost your machine's performance.
TotalAV does not currently include parental control features. However, the features it does include continue to make it a top choice for anyone. (For the record, however, TotalAV is working to develop a parental control solution to increase its protection capabilities.)
Some of TotalAV’s highlights include:
- Free 30-day trial
- Protects up to 5 devices at once
- Cyber threat protection and file backup and protection
Why Do I Need An Antivirus Plan For My Family?
Antivirus software helps protect online and device users from accidentally downloading malicious coding that can wreak havoc on your computer, personal privacy and more. Malware-infected sites, downloads and emails can range from annoying to downright destructive. Removing them can be tricky, time-consuming and costly, depending on how serious the infection is. However, when you have a family, finding antivirus software that handles more than just invasive coding is important. This is particularly true when kids are involved.
It is no secret—there are tons of sites that have age-inappropriate content easily accessible on the internet. In addition to this, cyberbullying and online predators are a daily threat. With the right family antivirus software, you can help prevent your kids from these types of dangers while still allowing them to use the internet.
What Are Parental Control Tools?
Parental control tools enable you to filter the sites and content your kids can access while on the internet. They also help to enforce your personal home rules for computer usage and encourage kids to be aware of the digital habits they are forming. How? Many of the top antivirus software solutions come with included parental controls that allow you to help set parameters and timeframes during which your child can access the internet. Capabilities, like monitoring social media, also help you assist your kids with learning how to properly use these sites. It also allows you to check on their privacy settings to ensure they are reducing the likelihood of becoming the victim of a predator or cyberbully.
Protect Your Family's Privacy With Antivirus Software
Making sure your personal information and digital footprint are secure is vital—but keeping your kids safe is even more important. Investing in an antivirus software solution that includes family-focused features is your first line of defense.
