How to protect your new laptop

Protect Your New Laptop with the Best VPNs, Antivirus Software, and Password Managers

There are few things more exciting than the moment you lift the lid of a brand new laptop and boot it up for the first time. As you go about your day-to-day browsing and log into dozens of applications and online platforms on your new tech product, including email, Twitter, Facebook, and Netflix, you must take adequate measures to stay protected from snoopers that may be after your personal data, malware, viruses, identity theft, and other cyber threats. The best way to ensure all-around security is to use a combination of the best VPN, the best antivirus, and the best password manager.

Top 3 VPNs for Your New Laptop

A VPN will protect your personal information and browsing history from leaking while you’re operating the internet on your new laptop. Using the best VPN, you can change your location and access geo-blocked content on any streaming platform of your choice – plus it’ll keep DDoS attacks and ISP throttling at bay when you’re leveraging the graphics power of your new portable workstation. Tom’s Guide has shortlisted the top three VPNs on the market right now:

1. ExpressVPN: The best VPN – get 3 months free. ExpressVPN is the best VPN in 2023, thanks to a wide network of servers, easy-to-use apps, blazing speeds, and tons of support options for help on the fly. It offers rock-solid security features, and its unblocking capabilities are just as commendable. In addition to a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, Tom’s Guide readers will also enjoy 3 months of extra coverage for free and 1 year’s worth of cloud storage with Backblaze.
2. NordVPN: The fastest VPN and packed with tools. NordVPN offers a complete security suite packed with extra cyber security tools like built-in antivirus, malware protection, and ad-blocking. It tops the charts as the best Netflix VPN, unblocking everything I threw at it in our testing – and it’s also the fastest VPN in the industry right now. From class-leading privacy to prompt support, NordVPN has it all. However, if you’re not sure it’ll suit you, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try before you commit.
3. Surfshark: The best cheap VPN on the market. Surfshark is the best budget VPN, and despite that, it has enough power under its hood to give premium providers a run for their money. You’re getting unlimited simultaneous connections – perfect for those looking to protect tons of devices – and class-leading speeds. It’s also incredibly beginner-friendly, has clutter-free apps for virtually all devices, and unblocks any streaming platform you throw at it. Try it out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Key Considerations when Choosing a VPN

Selecting the right VPN for your laptop requires consideration of a few essential factors. These include:

• Security: The VPN you choose must come with essentials like a kill switch and a strict no-logging policy. Look for specific features tailored to your use case, such as P2P support if you intend to torrent.
• Server locations: Look for a VPN with a vast network of servers around the world so that you can connect from anywhere and access foreign content.
• Price: While prioritizing functionality over price is recommended, it’s essential to ensure the chosen VPN provider falls within your budget, especially with options available for budget-conscious users.

Our dedicated team of in-house experts at Tom’s Guide thoroughly tests the top VPNs every six months, evaluating their claimed features or changes in policy, compatibility with different operating systems, and the number of simultaneous connections on offer. With rigorous testing and evaluation, the reviewed VPNs are presented by Tom’s Guide backed by concrete evidence and real-world scenarios to assist you in making an informed decision for your new laptop’s protection.

Top 3 Antivirus Software for Personal Data Protection

The best antivirus software can keep your laptop free from malware, viruses, ransomware, and other cyber threats. Our experts at Tom’s Guide have shortlisted the top three antivirus software packages for 2023:

1. Norton: The best antivirus software package this year. Norton is a value-packed powerhouse that comes bundled with a password manager, unlimited VPN data, online storage, and even parental controls. It’s admittedly not the cheapest option, but with access to extra features like LifeLock identity theft protection and a spam call blocker, there’s plenty of value on offer.
2. Bitdefender: Fast and accurate antivirus software with tons of extras. Bitdefender is a lightning-fast antivirus program offering robust cleanup of both new and unknown malware and all of that without taking up a huge amount of resources on your laptop or mobile phone. Extras include a VPN, safe banking tools, and a firewall, with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee for you to try it out risk-free.
3. McAfee: The best antivirus for big families. McAfee Antivirus Plus and Total Protection Plus are a delight for big families, as they come with the ability to cover up to 10 devices alongside rock-solid security features, like a password manager and ransomware rollback, and 24/7 tech support for help on the fly. For those looking to add unlimited VPN service, McAfee’s Total Protection Ultimate plan is the way to go.

Key Considerations when Choosing Antivirus Software

Selecting the right antivirus software for your laptop involves evaluating crucial aspects, including:

• Malware detection rate: Choose an antivirus with a high malware-detection rate and preferably minimal false positives.
• Security features: Consider the security suite offered, which may include additional features like backup software, identity theft protection, and parental controls.
• Performance impact: Ensure that the antivirus does not slow down your system and has minimal impact on system resources during operation and scans.

Tom’s Guide experts meticulously test the performance, impact on the system, and malware detection scores of various antivirus software, allowing you to select the most suitable solution for your laptop’s protection.

Top 3 Password Managers for Enhanced Security

A password manager is an essential tool for your laptop and other devices if you want to improve your productivity and, of course, your security. To simplify the selection process, Tom’s Guide has identified the top three password managers:

1. 1Password: The best password manager overall. 1Password is the best password manager in our testing, offering easy-to-use apps across all device types, great sharing features, and a range of security features like “masked” email addresses and data protection through Travel Mode.
2. Dashlane: The best password manager interface. Dashlane offers intuitive interfaces across the board, especially on its desktop app. Additionally, it includes extras like dark web monitoring and unlimited VPN service, available through a free tier.
3. Keeper: The best password manager for security. Keeper offers top-notch security, allowing the use of biometrics to access passwords on desktops, and offers a free tier with all features except cross-device syncing.

Key Considerations when Choosing a Password Manager

Key considerations when choosing a password manager include storage options, multi-device compatibility, and extra features:

• Storage options: Decide whether you want your information to be stored locally on your device, on the cloud, or on someone else’s servers.
• Multi-device compatibility: Ensure the password manager syncs your account on multiple devices in real time.
• Extra features: Consider additional features like data breach alerts, strong password generators, and anti-phishing capabilities.

Tom’s Guide provides comprehensive testing of password managers, including app and browser extensions, to ensure usability and cross-platform compatibility. Our extensive evaluation enables you to choose a password manager that best aligns with your security and productivity needs.

Source: tomsguide