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Best AntiVirus Software?

Hi
My AVG AntiVirus Software is up for renewal. I am no techie so I'm not sure if I'm being ripped off or not.
The Internet security package which renews shortly (covers 10 devices - we have 2 mobiles, 2 tablets, 2 laptops), has gone up from the introductory £20 a year to £85!
Since setting up the basic security package which covered virus, ransomware & malware, they've sold me a separate Tune-up package at £35 (for 10 devices) which isn't included in the renewal, and a driver updater at £21 for my laptop.  With renewal this time they offer a Free VPN privacy for 3 months.
Appreciate thoughts & suggestions.

Comments

  • MattMattMattUK
    MattMattMattUK Posts: 11,397 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Fourth Anniversary Name Dropper
    Hi
    My AVG AntiVirus Software is up for renewal. I am no techie so I'm not sure if I'm being ripped off or not.
    The Internet security package which renews shortly (covers 10 devices - we have 2 mobiles, 2 tablets, 2 laptops), has gone up from the introductory £20 a year to £85!
    Since setting up the basic security package which covered virus, ransomware & malware, they've sold me a separate Tune-up package at £35 (for 10 devices) which isn't included in the renewal, and a driver updater at £21 for my laptop.  With renewal this time they offer a Free VPN privacy for 3 months.
    Appreciate thoughts & suggestions.
    You do not need it. Mobiles and tablets will be fine on their own providing that they are still receiving updates, if not you would be better upgrading them. For Windows, Chrome OS or Mac OS then the built in software is more than good enough, better than AVG. 

    My suggestion would be to cancel it and save yourself the money. The "tune-up" package, in my opinion, is a complete rip off, the "driver updater" is even worse as all modern OSs do that themselves anyway. 
  • Eyeful
    Eyeful Posts: 1,027 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Fourth Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited 17 August at 12:03PM
    In my opinion buying all that software is a complete waist of your money, you do not need it.

    1. It seems to me that AVG always wants to upsell you something or other.

    2. As already been pointed out, Windows, Chrome OS or Mac OS built in software, is more than good enough.

    3. If you do feel the need for extra security software on your mobile phone then I suggest you look at
        Sophos Intercept X for Mobiles
        It is free and Which? mag says it is better than many paid for software.

    4. As long as your  tablet is still receiving updates you should be fine.
       If the tablet is no longer getting updates, its time to buy a new tablet.
       Do not expect the extra security software to replace those updates and save you.

    5. These may be of interest to you:
    https://www.av-test.org/en/
    https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/mobile-phones/article/mobile-phone-security-is-it-safe-to-use-an-old-phone-a6uXf1w6PvEN
    https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/tablets/article/tablets-and-ipads-which-brands-offer-the-best-security-support-aK1hZ5A66eJ5

     Remember that there is no such thing as 100% security.





  • DrSyn
    DrSyn Posts: 899 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts
    edited 17 August at 12:53PM
    If your mobile is longer getting updates, you are at risk and should think about getting a new mobile phone.
    Some mobile phone manufactures issue updates faster than others. 
    Apple & Google phones have updates for the longest number of years.
    While some phones get up dates for only about 2 years.

  • RumRat
    RumRat Posts: 5,024 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    DrSyn said:
    If your mobile is longer getting updates, you are at risk and should think about getting a new mobile phone.
    Some mobile phone manufactures issue updates faster than others. 
    Apple & Google phones have updates for the longest number of years.
    While some phones get up dates for only about 2 years.

    You missed off Samsung phones there with a guaranteed 7 year update programme.

    OP... IMO these anti-virus packages with upselling should be banned. I consider them to be blatant scams to catch the unawares and rip more money off them.
    As has been said, If your phone/tablet are getting regular updates you will be fine. If they are not, it's really time to find a new one.
    Your Laptops will be fine with the free built in AV and Malwarebytes free version.
    If you only need an occasional VPN, research the free ones available. Or, use the money you save avoiding the AVG rip off and buy one.
    Drinking Rum before 10am makes you
    A PIRATE
    Not an Alcoholic...!
  • Mee
    Mee Posts: 1,504 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    DrSyn said:
    If your mobile is longer getting updates, you are at risk and should think about getting a new mobile phone.
    Some mobile phone manufactures issue updates faster than others. 
    Apple & Google phones have updates for the longest number of years.
    While some phones get up dates for only about 2 years.

    The NCSC also links to the Which? page on mobile phone security too, and has a comprehensive page:

    https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/advice-guidance/you-your-family

    I would check whether your employer has a corporate contract for anti-virus or other software, particularly if you work for a large corporate employer, or a university.

    Free thinker.:cool:
  • onesixfive
    onesixfive Posts: 500 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Thank you all very much.
    Our phones & Tablets are reasonably new Samsung, which I've checked & are getting updates
    The laptop is HP & is on built-in anti-virus called Microsoft Defender.
    Cancelled all AVG wie.
  • Vitor
    Vitor Posts: 789 Forumite
    500 Posts First Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 18 August at 10:43AM
    Android mobis will have Google Play Protect by default so there's no obvious need for 3rd party 'AV' Remove malware or unsafe software - Android - Google Account Help
  • Grey_Critic
    Grey_Critic Posts: 1,583 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    You really should buy McAfee and all the add ons they offer - I have a relation who works for them and they have a very good lifestyle thanks to all the MUGS nice people who buy from them.
     Some people are their own worst enemies - They click on anything and then wonder why they have problems. Once had someone who asked us to look at his laptop as it was not working right. He had lieterally gfilled the hard disc. He played games online and every time it came up with a message telling him he needed to download something he did. We spent hours deleting junk
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