When evaluating the best antivirus, it is important to consider the entire package. This includes the software’s performance in third-party tests as well as the way it protects your privacy. For example, some antivirus programs are bundled with potentially unwanted programs or PUPs. These are applications that change your user experience in undesirable ways, for instance, by showing advertisements or changing your default search engine. They might also hog the system resources or install other applications without your permission. G Data does an excellent job of keeping these intrusive applications to a minimum. However there isn’t a feature which prevents these apps completely.

G Data’s virus scanner is top-notch. It identifies malware and eliminates it, thanks to an engine-based scanner. It also evaluates the properties of files and blocks exploits to keep criminals from hijacking computers. BankGuard, a component of the software, protects online banking transactions and digital ones by detecting encryption Trojans. Anti-spam protection helps keep your inbox clean and parental control allows you to control your children’s internet usage.

The software provides cloud backup and shredding, which means deleted files won’t be rediscovered by criminals. It also includes an ad blocker and firewall that monitors incoming and outgoing traffic for hackers and spyware. You can also add express vpn for torrenting an VPN to your package, as well. It was a bit challenging to navigate the menus however. The menu titles aren’t always visible immediately, and switching between modules can lag some.