From viruses and ransomware to cybercriminals and online snoops, there are so many online threats today that the internet can seem like a digital minefield. These dangers are only exacerbated if you have multiple users on your network, such as in a family home or professional office, as this creates multiple potential attack vectors for attackers to exploit. If fortifying your network and internet-connected devices against today’s online threats seems too exhausting to even think about (let alone implement) and you’re looking for a comprehensive and affordable all-in-one security solution that makes it easy, McAfee Total Protection has everything you need. Here’s how it works and what it can do for you.
McAfee is one of those household names that everyone recognizes almost immediately, and it’s a name that has long topped many lists of the best antivirus software (including ours). But let’s face it: in this day and age you have a lot more to worry about than just viruses. The term “computer virus” almost seems like a strange holdover from the 90s and early years, with the current online landscape with a myriad of threats such as spyware, ransomware, rootkits, adware, malicious trackers and more permeating the internet. If you don’t know what some of these words even mean, constantly protecting yourself and your family from such threats can feel like pushing up a boulder.
That’s where McAfee Total Protection makes it easy for you. You don’t have to be an advanced user to install McAfee Total Protection, and even better, you can install it on 10 or more devices. It’s compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS and Android, so you have full coverage for your computers, as well as your smartphones and tablets.
McAfee combines the company’s highly regarded antivirus protection with many other security features needed in today’s Internet-enabled world. These include a firewall that protects your network from hackers and other external threats, real-time authentication to keep your personal credentials safe and alert you to suspicious activity on your accounts, web protection that protects against malicious websites when you browse the Internet, and a dedicated support team of security experts available 24/7 should you ever need assistance.
McAfee has added some other useful tools, such as a file shredder that allows you to completely delete data from your devices (no, deleting it from the recycle bin doesn’t really prevent those files from being recovered) and a handy password manager that lets you keep all your login credentials. in one safe place. No more juggling or forgetting passwords, and this also means you won’t be re-using the same password for multiple accounts to remember them — one of the biggest security mistakes most people make.
Do you have some young people using the internet in your home? The McAfee Total Protection Premium package comes with a suite of parental controls that make it easy to manage and monitor your kids’ online activities and help them avoid online dangers. It also includes a Secure VPN feature, which adds an extra layer of security by encrypting and routing your internet connection through remote servers for complete privacy.
Four McAfee Total Protection plans are available so you can pay for only what you need: the $85-per-year Basic plan covers one device, the $50-per-year Plus plan includes five devices, and the Premium plan of $55 per year tier provides coverage for up to 10 devices. If you need even more coverage, the $75-a-year Ultimate plan lets you install McAfee Total Protection on an unlimited number of devices. You can also save some money by taking a two-year subscription to the Plus or Premium plans, which cost $40 or $50 per year, respectively. Our advice? Spring for one of those two-year plans if you’re looking for the best value. You get a lot of coverage for just $40 or $50 — a small price to pay for complete security and peace of mind.
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