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 2022
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.Kaspersky
Kaspersky is another well-known brand when it comes to antivirus software. Kaspersky Total Security is one of the leading antivirus software solutions available today. But what makes it one of the best for families? The included Kaspersky Safe Kids module enhancement!
At its most basic level, Kaspersky Total Security keeps you and your family safe from the standard viruses found on the internet today. However, with the addition of the Safe Kids module, it gives you so much more. Some of the main control features that set the Kaspersky Safe Kids module above the rest include location-based, real-time alerts, the ability to block explicit content, easy management of internet and app usage, access time limits, and social media monitoring.
Kaspersky Total Security is available on all of the most popular devices, including Windows, Android, Mac and iOS. The ability to protect an unlimited number of your children's devices means your kids are protected no matter what.
Some of the highlights of Kaspersky include:
- Simple, minimalist interface
- Extensive control over features like notifications, granular apps and web usage
- Unlimited child devices and profiles
Read the full Kaspersky 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.
