To help you figure out what components are most important — as well as necessary for your situation — we’ve broken down the most common elements of today’s antivirus software.

Antivirus software isn’t enough to protect our devices and accounts any longer, but it still provides a key layer of defense.

ZDNET tested the best antivirus software on the market that supports multiple operating systems, VPNS, and robust protection.

My personal recommendation is that most home users really do not need to pay for antivirus or security software. Microsoft and Apple provide built-in antivirus solutions.