OVERVIEW
Target audience: McGill students, faculty, and staff
Cyberattacks are common, so it important to protect your personal devices. Good protection usually includes malware scanning, safer browsing tools, and other threat protection security features (also known as endpoint protection). Security software (apps) works best when you also keep your device updated and avoid suspicious links, downloads, and apps.
While McGill University does not endorse any specific personal security solutions, this article aims to help you select affordable or free options that offer effective protection for Windows, Mac, and Android.
Who is this for
This article is for McGill students, faculty, and staff using personal devices. If you are using a McGill-funded work computer, use McGill’s approved protection instead of choosing your own.
In this article:
Before you choose anything
- Don’t pick apps based only on ads or “top 10” lists. Use independent testing reviews as a starting point to find the best option for your needs.
- No security solution can fully protect a device if:
- The operating system is outdated or no longer supported.
- You install unsafe apps.
- Don’t update your apps and operating system regularly.
- You don’t think before you click and interact with unsafe links, attachments, or sites.
Windows
If you use Windows, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is on by default. Windows Security also includes features such as firewall protection and ransomware protection. It provides protection comparable to paid antivirus and anti-malware solutions and is well-rated by independent testing organizations. Should you choose to use it, we recommend taking a few minutes to configure some of the additional security features:
Mac
macOS provides some built-in protection through various features.
However, they do not catch everything, including information stealers or attacks that trick you into copying and running malicious code on your device. If you install software from outside the App Store (not recommended), exchange lots of files, or want extra phishing and web protection, we recommend comparing and choosing a third-party Mac security tool that right for you.
AV-TEST offers independent evaluations and ratings.
Android
Android is the 2nd most popular operating system when it comes to developing and releasing malicious, unsafe, and annoying apps.
Android includes Google Play Protect, which is on by default, and checks apps for harmful behavior and can warn you about unsafe apps or remove them. If you install apps from outside Google Play (not recommended) or jailbreak your device, the risk is higher. We recommend comparing and choosing a third-party Android security tool that’s right for you.
AV-TEST offers independent evaluations and ratings
