Personal computers everywhere are at risk. A global study by McAfee found that 17 percent of PCs scanned had no antivirus software installed or it was expired. The study analyzed data obtained through voluntary scans from an average of 27-28 million computers per month. Out of the 24 participating countries, Singapore came out last with 21.75 percent of consumer PCs completely unprotected. Many users in Singapore disable PC security software. Finland was revealed to be the most protected, with just 9.7 percent of PCs lacking any security protection. Browsing the Internet on an exposed computer not only increases the risk of identity theft and data loss, but it can also contribute to the spread of malware and aid cybercriminals. It's essential to keep security software up-to-date as threats are constantly evolving and new viruses and malware are emerging. “The freedom to browse the internet comes with the added risk of unwanted exposure, and cybercriminals are preying on unsuspecting victims,” said Steve Petracca, SVP and GM of consumer, small business and mobile at McAfee. There are many security solutions available — even some good free versions. Any of the ones on this list offer at least basic security for a consumer PC: Avira Free Antivirus Avast! Free Antivirus AVG Anti-Virus Free Panda Cloud Antivirus Microsoft Security Essentials Mac computers need protection too, so try these free options: iAntivirus for Mac or Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition. Smartphones are computers and should have their own malware protection. Free security apps for Android include: AVG Mobilation Norton Mobile Security Lookout Mobile Security Avast! Free Mobile Security NQ Mobile Security & Antivirus Comodo Mobile Security & Antivirus Lookout Mobile Security has a version for the iPhone and there's also Intego's VirusBarrier iOS. __
