Microsoft Defender isn't bad, but it's not enough to fully protect your PC. You don't have to pay extra, though—just use one of the top free antivirus apps we've tested.

Marshall Gunnell is a Tokyo-based tech journalist and editor with over a decade of experience covering IT, cybersecurity and data storage. Alongside CNET, his work has appeared in ZDNET, Business ...

Realizing that your computer is infected with a virus can be a heart-stopping moment, but there's no need to panic. Viruses or other malware can have a devastating effect on your PC, slowing its ...

Back in 2023, we asked anti-virus expert Andreas Marx of AV-Test how so many infections escape antivirus software, even though it actually protects well. His answer: “Many programs successfully fend ...

Malwarebytes is best known for its free malware cleanup tool, but its full-featured antivirus software is also worth considering. Here, I compare it with Editors' Choice winner Bitdefender to show you ...

Computer viruses can invade your system without you noticing, disrupting its operation and even stealing your data. To protect your device, it's important to know how to recognize signs of infection, ...

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Today more than ever, it is of the utmost importance that you have one or more security apps protecting your computer's sensitive inner ...

It's important to know the signs of a virus, so that you can act quickly to get rid of any malware and stay safe in future. A virus is a type of malicious software, or malware, that can replicate ...