5 ways Kaspersky antivirus can protect your PC in 2020

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Kaspersky is one of thebest antivirus softwareoptions, especially for Windows computers because it is so fast at stopping malware files before they have a chance to download and offers several other computer and privacy features to secure your entire network. While there are specific security measures that are only available with Kaspersky’s Total Protection program, the most important ones are available with both Kaspersky Anti-Virus and Kaspersky Internet Security, too.

Here are five ways Kaspersky can protect your PC and the steps to take to enable them.

Products used in this guide

1. Stop malware and phishing schemes by using Kaspersky’s safe browser extension

Kaspersky will gather up threats locally on your PC, but enabling the browser extension will keep the majority of internet threats from being able to download to your system in the first place. When you first install Kaspersky to your computer, you will be prompted to enable the browser extensions. But if you skip that step, here’s how to enable them later.

Once activated, Kaspersky’s browser extension will block phishing schemes and websites known to harbor malicious downloads, stop malware files from downloading to your computer and mark search results as safe to click on or not.

2. Monitor your internet connection with Kaspersky’s firewall to keep hackers out

A personal firewall keeps an eye on your internet connection and makes sure nothing sensitive leaves your PC, or anything suspicious enters it. While Windows comes with a firewall installed, it doesn’t hurt to have an extra pair of eyes on your connection. Kaspersky antivirus programs automatically enable a firewall during the install process, but here are the steps to find it and ensure it is on.

3. Prevent ransomware from accessing your PC with Kaspersky’s Vulnerability Scan

The easiest way for ransomware to attack your computer is by entering through an outdated or unused program, or through a corrupted driver. Other vulnerabilities include outdated passwords or web browsers without security measures enabled. Using a vulnerability scan helps you detect where these weak spots are and provides ways to strengthen them. Thorough vulnerability scanners take a good time to complete, but you shouldn’t experience any drag or lag while working during a scan. Here’s where to find Kaspersky’s Vulnerability Scan.

4. Use Kaspersky to encrypt important files so they can’t be compromised by ransomware

Kaspersky Total Security includes data encryption to protect your most sensitive files from ransomware attacks. Once your files are encrypted, they are then locked into a secured vault that can only be accessed using a password you set up. Here’s how to do it.

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5. Sidestep keyloggers with Kaspersky’s on-screen keyboard

Kaspersky’s on-screen keyboard masks your keyboard strokes as they are entered so keyloggers can’t track, screenshot or swipe them. This protects messages you write, account login information, passwords, credit card numbers and personal information shared online or saved in documents to your desktop. Here’s where to find the on-screen keyboard.

These are only five of the great features included with Kaspersky’s antivirus programs. You can learn about more ways Kaspersky can protect your computer in our comparison of its top programs,Total Protection and Internet Security.

Our picks for PC security

Kaspersky Total Security is the best PC protection option. It is chalked full of all the tools and features you need to keep your PC, and entire family safe online. On top of the five tools already featured, Kaspersky Total Security also includes parental controls, password managers and safe banking capabilities. It also comes with multiple user licenses and is compatible with other operating systems, including smartphones. However, you can still get excellent protection and a few security tools with Kaspersky’s other antivirus software.

The top security choice

This is the most comprehensive protection program offered by Kaspersky. It includes parental controls and safe money features.

A step-up from basic protection

A big step from basic antivirus protection, Kaspersky Internet Security has password managers and webcam monitoring.

Basic malware security

A simple solution for powerful protection, Kaspersky Anti-Virus includes a firewall and an on-screen keyboard.

Nikki is a commissioned editor for Future Plc covering internet security including antivirus and VPN. With over 18 years of research and writing experience, and 11 years of testing and reviewing internet security solutions, Nikki knows how to dive deep to get the information consumers need to make better buying decisions. She is also a mom to 10 children, and personally uses many of the products she reviews to ensure the safety of her own family.