12 Best ransomware protection (October 2023)

What is Ransomware?

Imagine this: You're sipping your morning coffee, scrolling through your emails, and suddenly, your screen freezes. A menacing message pops up, demanding a hefty sum of money in exchange for your data. This is not a scene from a thriller movie. This is ransomware in action.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software, often referred to as malware, that holds your computer or data hostage. It's like a digital kidnapper, seizing your precious files and demanding a ransom for their safe return.

The first known ransomware attack happened in 1989, but it's in the last decade that they've truly exploded in frequency and sophistication. They've evolved from simple screen blockers to complex encryption algorithms that can lock you out of your own data.

Ransomware can arrive in various forms. It might sneak in through a seemingly harmless email attachment, a dubious download, or even through a website that's been compromised. Once it's in, it's like a burglar with the keys to your house. It can encrypt your files, lock your screen, or even threaten to publish your data unless you pay up.

Let's take a real-world example. In May 2017, a ransomware called WannaCry spread like wildfire across the globe, affecting hundreds of thousands of computers in over 150 countries. It exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft's Windows operating system, encrypting files and demanding a ransom in Bitcoin. The attack caused havoc, disrupting hospitals, businesses, and even government agencies.

Ransomware is not just a threat to individuals. It's a significant concern for businesses of all sizes. In 2020, the average ransom payment was $233,817, a 31% increase from the previous year. It's a lucrative criminal enterprise, and it's only getting bigger and bolder.

So, how can you protect yourself from this digital menace? The answer lies in ransomware protection software. This is a type of security software designed to prevent, detect, and remove ransomware from your system. But not all ransomware protection software is created equal. In the next section, we'll delve into the key features to look for when choosing the right protection for you.

In conclusion, ransomware is a serious and growing threat in the digital world. It's a type of malware that holds your data hostage, demanding a ransom for its return. It can arrive in various forms, from email attachments to compromised websites, and can cause significant damage to individuals and businesses alike. But with the right knowledge and tools, you can protect yourself and your data from this digital kidnapper.

Key Features to Look for in Ransomware Protection Software

In the digital battlefield against ransomware, your weapon of choice is crucial. Ransomware protection software is your shield and sword, but not all are forged equally. Here are the key features to look for when choosing your digital defender.

1. Real-time Protection

Imagine a vigilant guard, always on duty, scanning every file that enters your system. That's what real-time protection does. It doesn't wait for a scheduled scan; it actively monitors your system for any signs of ransomware. It's your first line of defense, blocking threats before they can cause harm.

2. Advanced Detection Techniques

Ransomware is a shapeshifter, constantly evolving to evade detection. That's why your protection software needs advanced detection techniques. Look for features like heuristic analysis, which identifies new threats by their behavior, not just their signature. It's like a detective, spotting the criminal by their actions, not just their fingerprints.

3. Automatic Updates

In the fight against ransomware, staying up-to-date is crucial. New threats emerge every day, and your protection software needs to keep pace. Automatic updates ensure that your software is always armed with the latest defenses.

4. Data Backup

Imagine if, despite all precautions, ransomware slips through. It's a nightmare scenario, but there's a safety net: data backup. A good ransomware protection software will have an integrated backup feature, allowing you to restore your data in case of an attack. It's like a time machine, taking you back to a point before the ransomware struck.

5. User-Friendly Interface

Protection software should be a tool, not a puzzle. A user-friendly interface ensures that you can easily navigate the software, customize settings, and understand alerts. It should empower you, not confuse you.

6. Customer Support

Even the best software can encounter issues. When that happens, you need reliable customer support. Look for 24/7 availability, multiple contact options, and a reputation for helpful, timely responses.

7. Positive Reviews and Ratings

Finally, don't just take the manufacturer's word for it. Look for positive reviews and ratings from other users and reputable tech sites. They can provide valuable insights into the software's performance in real-world scenarios.

In conclusion, choosing the right ransomware protection software is a crucial step in securing your digital world. Look for real-time protection, advanced detection techniques, automatic updates, data backup, a user-friendly interface, reliable customer support, and positive reviews. With these features, you'll be well-equipped to fend off the digital kidnappers and keep your data safe.

12 Best ransomware protection

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Best for: comprehensive security features and real-time protection.

Coming in at first place, we have Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, which is a high-quality antivirus software crafted for Windows systems. It gives strong protection against many online dangers like viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and more.

It focuses on ransomware to keep your devices and data safe from known and new cyber threats. The software uses advanced technology to find and stop harmful software, keeping your personal data and sensitive information safe. It has an anti-ransomware feature for extra protection against this growing danger.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is more than an antivirus. It is a full security solution that gives real-time protection, multi-layered defense, and ransomware repair. It is made to not slow down your computer's performance, running smoothly in the background while giving strong protection against ransomware.

Features:

• Real-Time Protection: Always watches your system for any strange activity and stops ransomware attacks as they happen.
• Multi-Layered Defense: Uses many layers of protection to keep your computer safe, including web protection, anti-phishing, and anti-fraud.
• Ransomware Remediation: Automatically gets your files back from a safe backup if your files are locked by ransomware.
• Safe Files: Lets you make a list of trusted apps and folders that are kept safe from changes by ransomware or other harmful software.
• Advanced Threat Defense: Checks suspicious files in a safe environment to find and stop unknown threats, including zero-day ransomware attacks.
• Automatic Updates: Regularly updates its virus definitions and security features to stay ahead of new threats, including new types of ransomware.

2. Webroot AntiVirus

Best for: advanced threat intelligence and cloud-based detection.

In the second spot, you'll find Webroot AntiVirus - a secure and cloud-based program designed to shield you from online perils such as ransomware. It is light and efficient, so it doesn't slow down devices or disrupt users' work. This makes it a good choice for users who need a smooth and uninterrupted digital experience.

One of the best things about Webroot AntiVirus is its speed. It is known for having one of the fastest scanning abilities in the market, which means it can quickly find and remove threats. It also doesn't use a lot of system resources or slow down the device, making it a great choice for users who need high performance.

Webroot AntiVirus gives real-time threat protection, which means it can identify and block new threats as soon as they appear. It also has advanced web-filtering abilities, which stop users from going to dangerous or risky websites. This is especially helpful for stopping accidental downloads of ransomware or other harmful software.

The software also gives strong identity theft protection, keeping usernames, account numbers, and other personal information safe from online threats. This lowers the risk of identity theft, giving users peace of mind when doing online transactions or sharing sensitive information. Webroot AntiVirus also gives real-time anti-phishing protection, making sure users can browse safely and are protected from fake websites trying to steal personal information.

Features:

• Real-time Protection: Webroot AntiVirus gives real-time protection against ransomware, always watching the system for any suspicious activity and blocking possible threats before they can encrypt files.
• Advanced Threat Intelligence: The software uses advanced threat intelligence technology to identify and analyze new and emerging ransomware strains, making sure protection is always up-to-date.
• Cloud-based Detection: By looking at files and behaviors in the cloud, Webroot AntiVirus can find and stop ransomware infections in real-time, even if the threat has not been seen before.
• Fast and Lightweight: Webroot AntiVirus is made to be fast and lightweight, giving efficient protection against ransomware without slowing down the system's performance.
• Secure Browsing: The software has a secure browsing feature that blocks harmful websites and stops accidental downloading of ransomware or other harmful software, making sure users have a safe online experience.

3. Avast Antivirus

Best for: behavior-based detection and email protection.

And not to be overlooked, Avast Antivirus snapped up the third position. It's an effective security solution, particularly skilled at fending off ransomware threats. Ransomware is a type of harmful software that can lock your files until you pay money. Avast Antivirus works all the time to check devices for any strange activity or possible harmful software. If it finds a possible ransomware attack, it stops and removes the danger to keep files safe.

It uses advanced methods and machine learning to power its big threat-detection network, making it a strong tool against ransomware. Avast Antivirus is known for its strong ransomware protection and special features like the behavior shield and the file shield.

The behavior shield tells users right away when it finds any strange app behavior, which could mean a threat. The file shield stops harmful files and programs from opening, and tells users if it finds new dangerous files. These features, along with 24/7 updates to protect against new ransomware, have helped Avast Antivirus win awards like the AV-TEST Top Product and PCMag Editors' Choice.

Also, over 400 million users around the world trust the software, showing its reliability and effectiveness.

Features:

• Real-time Protection: Avast Antivirus protects all the time, always checking your system for ransomware using advanced methods.
• Behavior Shield: This feature checks the behavior of apps and processes on your device, telling you about any strange behavior linked to ransomware.
• Ransomware Shield: This shield targets ransomware threats, creating a safe place for your important files, stopping unauthorized access and encryption by ransomware.
• Automatic Updates: Avast Antivirus often updates its virus definitions and security features to stay ahead of the latest ransomware dangers.
• Email Protection: This feature checks your incoming and outgoing emails for any harmful attachments or links that may contain ransomware, stopping and quarantining any strange emails.
• Web Protection: Avast Antivirus provides web protection that stops access to harmful websites known for spreading ransomware, and checks downloaded files for possible threats.

4. Norton Anti-Ransomware

Best for: proactive protection and behavior-based analysis.

Our review focuses on Norton Anti-Ransomware, a tool designed to safeguard users from ransomware onslaughts. Ransomware is harmful software that locks files on a person's computer and asks for money to unlock them.

Norton Anti-Ransomware uses special methods and machine learning to find and stop ransomware threats as they happen.

The software keeps an eye on file activity and behavior to spot anything unusual that might be linked to ransomware.

This helps to find and stop possible ransomware attacks early.

If it finds a threat, Norton Anti-Ransomware stops the harmful process right away and tells the user.

This stops files from being locked and a ransom from being asked for.

This automatic fix feature keeps user data safe.

Also, the software has an easy-to-use interface that lets users quickly change the ransomware protection settings.

Features:

• Real-time Ransomware Detection: Norton Anti-Ransomware uses special methods and machine learning to find and stop ransomware threats as they happen, stopping files from being locked.
• Proactive Protection: The software actively protects against ransomware, stopping harmful processes and telling the user when a possible ransomware attack is found.
• Behavior-based Analysis: Norton Anti-Ransomware looks at the behavior of files and processes to find ransomware patterns and signs. This helps it find and stop new and upcoming ransomware threats.
• Automatic Remediation: If a ransomware attack happens, the software automatically stops the harmful process and stops files from being locked, keeping user data safe.

5. Check Point ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Best for: advanced web protection and threat emulation.

Check Point ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware, a specialized tool, aims to fortify computers against ransomware invasions. It uses advanced technology to find and stop ransomware threats, keeping your data safe. It has won awards for its ability to protect against complex and hard-to-find ransomware infections.

The software has special features like auto file restoration and PC shield. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is the only anti-ransomware protection that can automatically restore any encrypted files. This means users don't have to worry about getting their data back after an attack. The PC Shield feature stops any harmful attempts to lock your computer, making sure you can always use your device. It adds extra protection against ransomware attacks.

Check Point ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware works with all antivirus solutions, making it a useful and strong tool for computer safety. It can be used with other antivirus, firewall, and PC security software, making your system even more secure. However, it doesn't work with ZoneAlarm Extreme or Check Point Endpoint products, because they already have ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware.

Check Point ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is known around the world for stopping ransomware attacks. It looks at all suspicious activities on your computer, finds ransomware attacks, and stops them. This makes sure your files stay safe from attempts to encrypt them, even ones that other PC security solutions might not catch.

Features:

• File Protection: The software can find and stop ransomware threats, keeping your files safe from attempts to encrypt them.
• Advanced Web Protection: It offers strong protection against online threats by stopping ransomware attempts early, keeping you and your data safe while browsing.
• Threat Extraction: The software checks and cleans new downloads, stopping possible threats from infected web and email attachments.
• Anti-Phishing: It checks all websites for known and unknown threats as you browse, keeping you safe from accidentally giving your data to hackers.
• Content Filtering: It automatically blocks websites you don't want to see, using a database of over 100 million websites.
• Threat Emulation: Every download and email attachment is checked in a virtual sandbox, protecting you from new attacks.

6. Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool

Best for: real-time protection and efficient trojan detection.

Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool, a complimentary software, offers protection against ransomware and cryptolockers for a range of devices including desktops, laptops, and servers. It is made by Kaspersky, a well-known cybersecurity company.

The tool helps protect users' data from ransomware attacks. These attacks are a type of harmful software that locks files on a person's computer until they pay money. The tool uses many layers of protection to guard against ransomware attacks at any stage. It watches the system for any strange activity and stops any attempts to lock files.

It uses special detection techniques to find ransomware patterns and stop the locking process. Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool can work with other security solutions, adding to them to provide stronger defense against online threats. This means users can protect their systems from ransomware attacks no matter what security software they are using.

Even though it has advanced features, the tool is light and uses modern protection technologies, including cloud-assisted behavior detection. This means it doesn't slow down the system much, letting users continue their regular activities without any major slowdowns.

Finally, the tool is ready for GDPR, ensuring safe data processing and protection. This shows Kaspersky's promise to respect users' privacy and follow the highest data protection standards.

Features:

• Real-time protection: The tool protects against ransomware attacks in real-time, finding and stopping any attempts to lock files.
• Behavior-based detection: Advanced techniques are used to find ransomware patterns and stop the locking process.
• System Watcher: This feature watches the system for any harmful activity and undoes any changes made by ransomware. This helps to bring the system back to its previous state and recover any locked files.
• Proactive protection: The tool protects against ransomware attacks, helping users to prevent losing important data and avoid paying ransoms.

7. Panda Dome Advanced

Best for: multi-platform support and parental control features.

Panda Dome Advanced, a combination of antivirus and firewall software, is on our review list. It is made to protect against threats and cyberattacks. It can be used on Windows, Mac, and Android devices to protect them from malware and viruses.

This software is known for its ability to detect threats, making it a good choice for people who need protection from ransomware.

Features:

• Real-Time Protection: Panda Dome Advanced protects against malware and viruses in real-time on Windows, Mac, and Android devices.
• VPN Feature: The software has a VPN feature for secure and private internet browsing.
• Parental Control: Panda Dome Advanced has parental control features for Windows. This lets parents or guardians watch and limit how their children use their devices.
• Identity Protection: The software protects users' identities when they shop or browse online. It keeps their personal information safe from ransomware attacks or bitcoin mining.
• Advanced Threat Detection: Panda Dome Advanced can detect threats, making it a good choice for people who need protection from ransomware.

8. AVG Antivirus

Best for: always-on ransomware detection and user-friendly interface.

We're looking into AVG Antivirus, a security suite designed to ward off malicious software like ransomware. Ransomware is a type of harmful software that can lock your files until you pay money.

AVG Antivirus is fast, easy to use, and can stop ransomware before it harms your device. It works all the time to find ransomware and stop it. AVG Antivirus also updates itself to protect against new threats. It can also protect against other harmful software like viruses and spyware.

You can use AVG Antivirus on different devices like computers, phones, and tablets. It works on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. AVG Antivirus also has a free version that can protect against ransomware and other harmful software. This free version is popular and has good reviews.

Features:

• Always-on Ransomware Detection: AVG Antivirus has a scanner that always looks for ransomware and stops it.
• Automatic Anti-Ransomware Updates: AVG Antivirus updates itself to protect against new ransomware.
• Comprehensive Malware Protection: AVG Antivirus can protect against different harmful software like viruses and spyware.
• User-Friendly Interface: AVG Antivirus is easy to use and gives clear alerts about your device's security.
• Multi-Platform Support: You can use AVG Antivirus on different devices and operating systems.
• Free Version Available: AVG Antivirus has a free version that can protect against ransomware and other harmful software.

9. Cybereason

Best for: rapid response and automated remediation.

Cybereason, a cybersecurity platform, is engineered to defend against ransomware assaults. It uses artificial intelligence and multi-layered protection to provide a complete solution. Unlike other platforms, Cybereason doesn't use unreliable "rollbacks". Instead, it uses artificial intelligence to predict and stop ransomware activity. This helps to stop ransomware attacks before they can cause damage.

Cybereason also gives defenders a clear view of the attack area, helping them to respond quickly and effectively to ransomware attacks. This helps organizations feel confident in defending against even the most advanced ransomware attacks. In 2022, Cybereason was named a market leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms. It also scored 100% in Prevention, Protection, and Visibility in the 2022 MITRE ATT&CK Evaluations.

Cybereason has several key features for anti-ransomware: 1. Unified Protection: Cybereason provides a single platform that defends against ransomware attacks. 2. Rapid Response: Cybereason can reduce investigation times by up to 93%, helping to quickly eliminate threats. 3. Automated Remediation: Cybereason offers automated or guided single-click solutions, allowing defenders to instantly stop threats. 4. Contextualized Attack Stories: Cybereason provides detailed and related attack stories in real-time, removing the need for complex queries and long investigations. 5. Multi-Layered Prevention: Cybereason offers multi-layered prevention, including intelligence-based, behavioral, deception, next-generation AV (NGAV), and machine learning attack prevention. 6. Managed Detection and Response (MDR): Cybereason's MDR service actively looks for threats, monitors for harmful activity, and stops attacks all day, every day, ensuring continuous network security.

In short, Cybereason is a strong and complete cybersecurity platform that provides advanced protection against ransomware attacks. Its unique features make it a valuable tool for organizations looking to protect their systems and data from the increasing threat of ransomware.

Features:

• Unified Protection: Cybereason provides a single platform that defends against ransomware attacks.
• Rapid Response: Cybereason can reduce investigation times by up to 93%, helping to quickly eliminate threats.
• Automated Remediation: Cybereason offers automated or guided single-click solutions, allowing defenders to instantly stop threats.
• Contextualized Attack Stories: Cybereason provides detailed and related attack stories in real-time, removing the need for complex queries and long investigations.
• Multi-Layered Prevention: Cybereason offers multi-layered prevention, including intelligence-based, behavioral, deception, next-generation AV (NGAV), and machine learning attack prevention.
• Managed Detection and Response (MDR): Cybereason's MDR service actively looks for threats, monitors for harmful activity, and stops attacks all day, every day, ensuring continuous network security.

10. McAfee

Best for: real-time protection and machine learning capabilities.

McAfee, a leading player in the cybersecurity industry, is renowned for its products designed to shield against online threats. One of their main products is an anti-ransomware tool. This is a special software that finds and stops ransomware attacks. Ransomware is a harmful software that locks data on a computer or network server. The people who do this then ask for money to unlock the data. If this happens, it can cause a lot of damage, like losing data and money.

McAfee's anti-ransomware tool is made to stop these attacks and keep users safe. It uses a system where users can approve programs and websites, which stops access to unapproved sites. This helps stop people from accidentally going to harmful websites and downloading ransomware. It also has a DNS security feature, which includes a DNS firewall that checks IP addresses against a list of known harmful sites. This stops users from going to harmful sites before a connection is made, adding more protection.

McAfee also has a remote browser isolation technology in its McAfee WebAdvisor and Total Protection products. This makes sure that users' systems don't connect directly with possibly harmful websites, lowering the risk of downloading ransomware. McAfee believes it's important for users to understand cybersecurity. They promote a culture of online safety to lower the risk of a successful ransomware attack caused by human error. They also encourage organizations to keep their software updated by installing regular updates and patches. These often fix security weaknesses that hackers can use. McAfee also highlights the importance of regularly backing up important data and learning from past mistakes to better prepare for possible attacks.

McAfee's anti-ransomware tool has these key features: 1. Real-time Protection: The tool constantly watches the system for any suspicious activities and immediately stops any attempts to lock files. 2. Behavioral Analysis: The tool uses advanced methods to find ransomware patterns and behaviors. It can find new and unknown ransomware types based on how they behave. 3. Machine Learning: The tool uses machine learning to improve its ability to find threats. It learns from past ransomware attacks and changes its methods to find new and upcoming threats. 4. File Backup and Recovery: If ransomware does lock files, the tool has features that let users restore their files from a safe backup. This lessens the damage of a ransomware attack.

In short, McAfee's anti-ransomware tool offers a complete solution for protecting against the damaging effects of ransomware attacks. By combining user education, whitelisting, software updates, DNS security, remote browser isolation, data backup, and learning from past mistakes, McAfee aims to provide a strong defense against ransomware threats.

Features:

• Real-time Protection: The tool constantly watches the system for any suspicious activities and immediately stops any attempts to lock files.
• Behavioral Analysis: The tool uses advanced methods to find ransomware patterns and behaviors. It can find new and unknown ransomware types based on how they behave.
• Machine Learning: The tool uses machine learning to improve its ability to find threats. It learns from past ransomware attacks and changes its methods to find new and upcoming threats.
• File Backup and Recovery: If ransomware does lock files, the tool has features that let users restore their files from a safe backup. This lessens the damage of a ransomware attack.

11. TotalAV

Best for: phishing scam protection and unwanted application removal.

TotalAV, a recognized name in the antivirus and security software realm, is under our review spotlight. It is used all over the world to protect against harmful threats and viruses.

More than 30 million people use it. It works on many operating systems like Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Users can protect up to three devices with its easy apps.

Features:

• Anti-ransomware tool: This tool from TotalAV protects against ransomware attacks.
• Zero Day Cloud Scanning: This feature finds and checks new ransomware threats. It keeps your system safe.
• Phishing scam protection: TotalAV finds and stops phishing attempts. It keeps your personal information safe from online scams.
• PUA protection: This feature finds and removes unwanted applications. It makes the system work better and keeps it safe.

12. SentinelOne

Best for: AI-based real-time threat detection and endpoint protection.

SentinelOne, a leading AI security platform, is reputed for its robust cybersecurity capabilities. It is famous for its anti-ransomware tool that protects against cyber threats. This tool helps manage assets safely across all areas of attack, including endpoints, cloud environments, and identities.

The platform can combine different security products into one, helping organizations save money, improve automation, and get the most out of their security investments. SentinelOne's anti-ransomware tool uses artificial intelligence (AI) for a smooth and effective cybersecurity experience.

The platform's AI abilities let it analyze and use data to detect and stop ransomware attacks. SentinelOne's AI-powered endpoint protection (EPP), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and extended detection and response (XDR) abilities provide a full set of tools and features that give real-time visibility and control over security data.

This mix of advanced features makes SentinelOne stand out in the cybersecurity market, making it a top choice for organizations looking for a reliable and effective anti-ransomware solution.

Features:

• Unfettered Visibility: SentinelOne gives clear visibility across the whole organization, helping organizations understand their security position and possible weaknesses.
• Industry-Leading Detection: The platform uses AI and machine learning to find and stop ransomware attacks in real-time, detecting both known and unknown ransomware types.
• Autonomous Response: SentinelOne's automatic response abilities allow for an automatic response to ransomware attacks without needing a person, ensuring immediate containment and reduction of threats.
• Endpoint Protection: SentinelOne's Singularity for Endpoint provides strong prevention, detection, response, and hunting abilities for every endpoint, offering proactive protection against ransomware attacks.
• Cloud Security: SentinelOne's Singularity for Cloud makes container and virtual machine (VM) security easier across different cloud environments, protecting against ransomware attacks targeting cloud-based assets.
• Identity-Based Protection: SentinelOne's Singularity for Identity improves threat detection and response abilities for identity-based surfaces, helping organizations stop unauthorized access and defend against ransomware attacks targeting identity infrastructure and credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)