Due to light hardware components, low-end PCs are more vulnerable to malware, ransomware, phishing and other cyber attacks. Limited processing power makes such devices weak and a good subject for hackers. To protect such devices from potential threats, you must need a reliable third-party source. But it is not as simple as you think. For low-end PC ordinary cybersecurity applications don’t work. If you choose random security software, you may face issues later.
The reason behind this is antivirus applications affect the normal performance of devices during their scanning and other security tasks. Owing to slower performance and limited capacity, low-end devices require software that is not only efficient in its function but also lightweight so that the normal functioning of the device is not interrupted.
Why it is Crucial to Use Lightweight Application:
Low-end devices lack sufficient processing power, which is the reason they fail to cooperate with intensive security applications. Thus, you should be more critical in selecting the perfect cyber software for your computer. It is essential to have an application that is lightweight on your system but still effective enough to protect your system from phishing attempts.
Factors to Take into Account While Selecting an Antivirus Solution:
Here are some important factors that you should consider before choosing an antivirus application:
User interface: Ensure a user-friendly interface, simple and intuitive design that is easy to navigate for users of any skill level.
Impact on performance: Observe its impact on your computer. It should run smoothly without causing performance issues.
System requirement: Select an application that works efficiently with the least system requirements.
Protection rate: Check its success rate, whether it provides real-time protection or not.
Best Antivirus Solution for Low-End PCs:
Based on personal experience and deep analysis here we put forward some recommended solutions for cybersecurity issues.
- Bitdefender: Multi-layered anti-ransomware
- Avast: Strong defense against malware
- Norton 360: Provides identity theft protection
- Avira: Real-time protection
- McAfee: Phishing defender
Bitdefender:
Bitdefender anti-malware application possesses impressive capabilities to lead the cybersecurity industry. It is worth saying that this is the most reliable solution for low-end devices that cast the least impact on device performance, i.e., 19.9%. Also, it is powerful enough to identify and block cyber threats with an impressive success score of 99.4%.
With advanced protection capability it protects your device from phishing attempts, malicious advertisers and trackers, ensuring safe and sound browsing. Moreover, multi-layered protection ensures VPN protection, safe financial transactions, automatic detection of suspected areas etc.
Pros:
- High success rate
- Good rating in independent lab tests
- Multi-layered ransomware protection
- Powerful defense against phishing attacks
- Variety of security features
- Ensure safe browsing
Cons:
- Poor rating in hands-on malware test
- Expensive premium plans
- VPN access requires a separate subscription
Specs:
- Vulnerability scan
- On-demand and on-access scans
- Can cover up to 10 devices
- Supports Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
Norton 360:
The second, most recommended antivirus application is Norton 360, which upholds top-rated bundled security. There is nothing wrong in saying that this is a trustable platform with a 100% success rate. It gives good results in both lab tests and hands-on tests. Multi-layered protection from malware, ransomware, spyware etc., increases the users` trust in it.
One of the amazing capabilities is that it offers an advanced protection suite from a firewall for low-end devices, which most antivirus applications fail to do. Norton stands out in case of identifying threats before they can attack your device.
Pros:
- Good performance in hands-on tests
- Provides powerful firewall protection
- Fastest vulnerability scans
- Supports both smart and deep scans
- Good performance in independent lab test
Cons:
- Fails to create local backups
- Very expensive premium plans
Specs:
- Supports Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
- It can cover up to 10 devices
Avast:
Another inclusive tool you can try is Avast antivirus. This tool is specially designed with the aim to protect low-end devices from online threats. The fastest scanning ability makes it the best among competing products in the market. A smart scan takes only 40 seconds to identify potentially weak areas, possible attacks in the future and current suspicious activities.
You can also run a deep scan, which takes only 5 minutes to complete. Plus, it has capability to cover more than 20 devices at once. This means you can protect multiple devices with single subscriptions.
Pros:
- Real-time deep scans
- Diverse vault of features
- Advanced multi-layered protection
- Compatible with multiple operating systems
- Provides add free browsing opportunity
- Best tool for gamers
- A good score in third-party testing
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version
- Lack parental support
- No customer support is available
Specs:
- Can cover up to 30 devices
- Supports Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
Avira:
Here`s another impressive antivirus tool, Avira, you can try. Low impact on PC`s performance, i.e. 16.1 %, makes it a good choice for users. It provides advanced web protection, ensuring safe browsing. Avira keeps anti-theft attempts away from you with its strong scanning abilities. Also, you get a free mobile VPN with its mobile app subscription.
This tool also gives you access to a perfect suite of extra features, including contact backup, operating system updater and other performance-enhancing tools.
Pros:
- Free plan has lots of features
- Impressive anti-phishing protection
- Ensures safe browsing
- Strong web protection capability
- Impressive third-party testing results
- Offers fast and smart scan
Cons:
- Multi-device coverage is very expensive
- The user-interface is a little bit complex to navigate
- You cannot use this tool for your mobile device
Specs:
- Has ability to cover 25 devices simultaneously
- More extensive operating system support
- You can use it on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Chromebook
McAfee:
Here`s another lightweight application, McAfee, for protection from firewall, ransomware and theft attempts. The strengthening feature of this tool is advanced identity theft protection suite. Plus, it comes with advance security toolkit that includes a password manager, file shredder, firewall, unlimited VPN access and identity monitoring tool.
The versatility of tools makes it stand out in the crowd and is ideal for devices with low processing power.
Pros:
- Excellent results in handout tests
- Perfect score in lab testing
- Excellent identity anti-theft tools
- Bundle of features
- VPN with unlimited usage
Cons:
- Business plans are very expensive
- The basic plan support single-device coverage
- Doesn’t support long-standing features
Specs:
- Supports Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
- Able to cover up to 10 devices
Conclusion:
After proper research and experience, we have mentioned useful insights in this blog that will help you in the crucial task of selecting the best antivirus application for your low-end device. Try these recommendations and find out which works best for your system.