If it's free antivirus that you're after, we have some top recommendations for you, too (as well as some top business packages). Thankfully, 2021's best antivirus software combines watertight protection, extra features to keep you safe from scams, and are an absolute doddle to install and use. We're not trying to scare you and, since you’ve come to this page, you probably already have a fair idea why virus protection is such an essential tool. And then there are outright scammers, too. Threats come in many forms, but malware, ransomware and Trojans are generally designed to either steal your data or do enough damage to your system that you'll pay a high price to reverse the effects.

The way that viruses behave and their end goal has changed over the years, but generally the purpose is to rob you of your money.