In a Nutshell
pros
- Includes dark web, credit, and transaction monitoring
- 24/7 US-based support for identity restoration
- 70-day money-back guarantee
cons
- Lack of social media monitoring features
- Limited credit monitoring compared to competitors
What Is Webroot?
Webroot Premium is a robust antivirus and ID theft protection service that guards you against digital threats. Webroot combines advanced device security, identity monitoring, and privacy protection to safeguard you and your family across several devices.
As you bank, shop, or browse online, Webroot works tirelessly to shield you from malware, ransomware, and phishing scams. It monitors the dark web for your personal information and alerts you to potential financial account breaches. If the worst happens, you're covered with up to $1 million in identity theft expense reimbursement and access to 24/7 US-based restoration specialists.
Webroot Features
Real-Time Antivirus Protection
Webroot Premium offers robust device protection through real-time anti-virus measures. This system continuously monitors your devices for malware, ransomware, and phishing attempts, using advanced algorithms to detect and neutralize both known and emerging threats, including zero-day exploits.
Keeping your anti-malware software up to date is one of the best ways to stay safe online, and Webroot ensures you're always protected with the latest defenses. The antivirus performs quick, non-intrusive scans that won't slow down your device, allowing you to work or browse undisturbed while maintaining optimal security.
Web Threat Shield
Complementing the anti-virus is the Web Threat Shield, which proactively blocks access to malicious websites before you visit them. It works seamlessly with popular browsers like Edge, Chrome, and Firefox.
This feature uses real-time web reputation data to identify and protect against phishing sites, malware distribution points, and compromised legitimate websites. It significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to online scams or inadvertently downloading malicious software.
Password Manager and System Optimizer
To enhance your online security, Webroot Premium includes a password manager that securely stores and encrypts your passwords, generates strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, and allows easy access across devices. The system optimizer feature maintains your privacy by cleaning up online activity traces, removing unnecessary files, and managing startup programs to improve overall system performance.
Extended Family Protection
The Webroot Premium Family plan offers comprehensive coverage for the entire household, protecting up to 10 family members and 10 devices. This inclusive plan safeguards everyone from toddlers to students, seniors (65+), and other dependents.
It covers various devices, including PCs, Macs, mobile devices, Chromebooks, and tablets. Additionally, the plan features a dedicated senior fraud hotline to help remediate incidents and assist caregivers, providing an extra layer of protection for vulnerable family members.
Dark Web Monitoring
Webroot's Dark Web monitoring feature is essential to its identity theft protection suite. The service allows you to input various types of personal information for continuous monitoring across illicit online marketplaces and forums. You can add unlimited entries for each category, including email addresses, payment card details, and driver's license information.
Financial and Credit Monitoring
Webroot's comprehensive service vigilantly tracks your financial accounts and credit reports. It monitors bank accounts, credit cards, and investments for suspicious activity while also keeping an eye on your TransUnion credit file for new accounts, hard inquiries, and significant score changes.
Identity Restoration Coverage
In the event of identity theft, Webroot Premium provides up to $1 million in coverage for related expenses, including legal fees, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs. This coverage is backed by a team of dedicated identity restoration specialists who work on your behalf to resolve issues and restore your identity.
The service also includes pre-emptive fraud alerts with major credit bureaus, adding an extra layer of protection by requiring businesses to verify your identity before granting credit in your name.
Full-Service Identity Restoration
This financial safety net is coupled with full-service identity restoration. If your identity is stolen, a dedicated specialist will guide you through the recovery process, handling communications with creditors, government agencies, and other relevant parties on your behalf. This comprehensive approach aims to restore your identity and credit to their pre-theft state with minimal stress on your part.
24/7 Expert Support
Webroot Premium offers 24/7 US-based customer support, ensuring you can get help whenever you need it, regardless of time zone. This round-the-clock access to knowledgeable support representatives covers assistance with technical issues, account management, and security concerns.
Is Webroot Safe and Reliable?
As part of OpenText Corporation, Webroot implements robust security measures to protect your data. The company employs specialized security teams that constantly review and improve safeguards against unauthorized access, accidental loss, and data breaches. You benefit from OpenText's commitment to comply with various data protection laws, including the EU's GDPR, California's CCPA, and Australia's Privacy Act.
Additionally, all employees undergo annual training on properly handling personal information and are bound by confidentiality agreements. To ensure adequate protection, OpenText uses approved mechanisms like Model Clauses for international data transfers. If you ever need to report a privacy concern or exercise your data rights, you can easily contact OpenText's Data Protection Officer at DPO@opentext.com.
How Webroot Works
Webroot offers comprehensive digital security for your devices and online activities. Upon installation, it conducts an initial system scan and establishes real-time protection. The software's cloud-based threat intelligence lets it rapidly identify and block new malware, keeping your defenses current against evolving cyber risks.
As you use your device, Webroot operates discreetly in the background. It pre-screens websites, analyzes downloads, and monitors system behavior for potential security issues. Additional features like a firewall, identity safeguards, and secure browsing tools reveal its protective capabilities. Webroot's efficient design means it provides this extensive security while minimizing the impact on your device's performance.
How to Get Started With Webroot
Your Webroot console allows you to access protection information, configure mobile devices, send commands, and manage various security features. Here’s how you can get started:
- Visit my.webrootanywhere.com or click “Access Web Console” in your Webroot software
- Enter your login credentials
- Create a secure six-character code using a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters
- Set up a security question and select “Register Now”
- Check your email and click the confirmation link
- Complete your registration by confirming your details
Webroot Customer Service
Webroot offers multiple channels for customer support, catering to both home users and business clients.
The sales team is available from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM EST Monday through Friday. If you need technical support, Webroot provides a comprehensive support page where you can find answers to common questions, open a ticket, or send a message.
You have additional options for BrightCloud Threat Intelligence Services. You can request contact through the website, email sales@brightcloud.com for sales information, or call 1-858-652-4800 for general inquiries.
Webroot also maintains a community forum where users can interact and share knowledge. Webroot offers educational resources for those seeking to expand their cybersecurity knowledge, including a blog with up-to-date information and guides. While specific response times for chat or email aren't provided, the variety of contact methods and supporting documentation demonstrates Webroot's commitment to customer support and education.
Is There a Webroot App?
Yes, Webroot offers mobile security apps for both iOS and Android devices. These apps are designed to provide comprehensive protection for your smartphone or tablet, enhancing your online safety without compromising device performance.
The Webroot Mobile Security app offers a range of features to keep you safe while browsing, shopping, and banking on your mobile device. For iOS users, it provides secure web browsing through the Webroot browser or as an extension to Safari. The app blocks malicious websites, offers safe search capabilities, and includes tabbed browsing for easy navigation. Android users benefit from automatic app scanning for malware and viruses, identity protection, and streamlined tab management.
Both versions leverage Webroot's advanced threat intelligence, powered by machine learning and AI with 20 years of historical data. This allows the app to offer real-time protection against the latest cyber threats. Additional features include device vulnerability scanning, password management (on higher-tier plans), and online security best practices educational resources.
How Much Does Webroot Cost?
Webroot offers a range of security plans to suit different needs and budgets. In addition to the Premium and Premium Family plans detailed below, Webroot also provides Basic and Plus AntiVirus options. The Basic plan starts at $29.99 for the first year and offers essential antivirus protection for a single device. The Plus plan, priced at $34.99 for the first year, extends coverage to three devices and includes additional features like password management.
The Premium plan is best for individuals or small households seeking comprehensive device and identity protection. It offers excellent value, covering up to five devices and providing robust identity protection features.
The Premium Family plan is ideal for larger households or families who need protection for multiple devices and identities. It doubles the device coverage and protects up to 10 identities, making it a cost-effective solution for families concerned about digital security.
Webroot's pricing is competitive compared to industry averages, especially considering the first-year discounts. Including identity protection features in both plans adds significant value, as many competitors offer these services as separate, more expensive add-ons.
What Can You Do With Webroot for Free?
Webroot offers a 14-day free trial of its SecureAnywhere AntiVirus software, allowing you to experience comprehensive protection without financial commitment. This trial protects one PC or Mac with Webroot's full antivirus suite, including real-time threat protection, fast scans, and advanced anti-phishing technology.
You'll also get access to Webroot's firewall, network monitoring, and Web Threat Shield. The trial version downloads quickly, doesn't interfere with existing security software, and requires no credit card to start.
Is Webroot Worth It?
Webroot offers a compelling security solution that balances effective protection with system performance at a competitive price point. Its lightweight antivirus software and valuable identity protection features address key digital security concerns for individuals and families.
While it may not have the most extensive feature set compared to some high-end competitors, Webroot's user-friendly interface, mobile apps, and affordable pricing make it an attractive option for most users.
