The interconnectivity nature of the internet is gradually turning the world into a global village. From your room or office, you can connect with another person in any part of the world.

According to the Statista rating of Internet Usage in Canada (2021), Canadians spend up to one hour and 46 minutes daily using social media (such as Skype, Instagram, Facebook, etc.). Also, Canadians spent an average of over six hours per day using the internet.

We all use the internet for different reasons and activities, including shopping, emailing, streaming, banking, gaming, business, and more. Data sources from Statistics Canada on The Canadian Internet Use Survey of Nov 2020 – March 2021 indicates that 92 percent of Canadians used the internet.

Also, more than 58 percent of Canadians reported cyber security incidents, including spam emails, viruses or other computer infections, fraudulent payment card use, etc.

As a result, the usage of the internet comes with its advantages; hence, the need to be vigilant and protect our sensitive data from third-party access.

While there’s no internet service or network immune to cyber-attack, high-quality, reliable, and effective internet security will give you added assurance and safety from harmful spyware, malware, and other cyber threats.

What is Internet Security?

Internet security, also known as cyber security, web security, or information technology security, can be regarded as a set of strategies, technologies, programs, or processes that protect internet users and sensitive data from online infiltration of cyber thieves.

Cyber or internet security ensures the privacy of information you share over the internet and protects your devices, including computers, smartphones, or tablets, from cybercriminals.

Importance of Internet Security

Whenever you surf the web, stream videos, play games online, shop your favourite online store or download files, you’re interacting with an open and global system. As a result, you could be unknowingly sharing your information.

The use of the internet attracts hackers, popularly known as cyber thieves, who are regularly looking for loopholes to access sensitive data and information of unsuspecting internet users. 

Cyber-attacks are threats to our security, network, and gadgets. It can lead to loss or theft of critical and sensitive data such as medical records, banking records, the spread of malware, disruption of computer or mobile networks, and more.

However, with adequate internet security in place, the privacy and confidentiality of your data and devices are guaranteed and safe from theft, damage, and other related attacks.

Here are some of the importance of high quality and efficient internet security:

1. It gives internet users a sense of privacy

2. It protects you from data and identity theft

3. It protects your hardware and devices from viruses, spyware, malware, and other unwanted programs.

4. It creates a firewall that shields your computer and other compatible devices from hackers and cyber-attacks.

5. It prevents damage and loss of vital information

Canada’s Best Internet Security

We’ve analyzed some of the best internet security suites with extended protection for multiple devices and internet connections. You might also find more than one product from the same company.

Here’s our pick for the best internet security in Canada with comprehensive protection, a user-friendly interface, superb customer support, and add-ons.

1.      Bitdefender Internet Security – 1 Device B07XPJMZMC

Bitdefender Internet Security – 1 Device gives you seamless protection for all online activities. While protecting your device from online or cyber threats, it also guarantees your privacy. It comes in both CD and downloadable versions. 

Users can download the antivirus software for real-time protection and purchase a licence key for activation.

This internet security comes with exciting features, including:

• A password manager that functions as a digital wallet for your bank details, password, and sensitive data
• Bitdefender VPN of up to 200 MB daily usages to hide your online activities from hackers, internet providers, and more
• File shredder that wipes and permanently deletes sensitive files you want to remove from your computer hard drive.
• An anti-tracker that blocks tracking bots monitoring or collecting information about your online presence.
• The network-based internet security prevents and protects you from all cyber-related threats, including malware, spyware, ransomware, phishing, Wi-Fi sniffing, fraud, botnet attacks, insecure online shopping, spamming, and more.
• It’s an ideal product for Windows PC.

Bitdefender regularly updates and upgrades its software to provide you with the latest internet security technology. It also comes with parental control to protect your children’s online activities, track location, online filter contents, and set a limit on device screen time.

Pros

• It is highly recognized and recommended for its protective features, privacy, and performance.
• Protects your device against viruses, malware and other cyber threats

Cons

• It protects only one device
• Not suitable for MacOS and mobile device protection

2.      Kaspersky Total Security 2021 – 3 Devices B08W2GKRB5

Kaspersky Total Security 2021 gives you premium protection on up to three compatible devices. The internet security package provides three-layer protection for your devices against viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and other internet-related threats.

It comes with premium functions and features, including: 

• Total Security Threat Blockage including proactive detection, real-time protection, and instant neutralization of threats and device vulnerabilities.
• Ransomware Blockage for real-time detection (monitoring), protection (malware blocking), and remediation (file restoration).
• Privacy Protection features, including prevention (file and webcam access prevention), protection (anti-phishing), and encryption tools (VPN and password manager).
• Kaspersky Total Security is ideal for multiple devices, including PC, Mac, and smartphones.
• It comes with parental control features to protect children’s online activities. 
• No CD/DVD/Flash Drive
• Software is downloaded from the Kaspersky website.
• It protects your privacy and sensitive files.

Pros              

• A single licence protects multiple devices, including Windows PC, Mac, Android, and iOS.
• It fights against a virus, phishing, spyware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
• It is easy to install and easy to use

Cons

• Software may require regular updates
• Kaspersky may sometimes block external devices such as flash drives

3.      Bitdefender Total Security 2022 – 5 Devices B07XPGZ7DF

Bitdefender Total Security is a trusted cyber security package that gives you all-round protection for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices.

Using its advanced technology to identify cyber threats, Bitdefender Total Security predicts, prevents, detects, and eliminates internet and network-based threats.

The antivirus software is available in downloadable version and on CD/DVD. You can activate the downloaded version by purchasing a licence key from the provider.

Bitdefender Total Security comes with the following features:

• Users can download software online or purchase the CD/DVD version.
• It’s integrated with antivirus, anti-phishing, anti-fraud, antitheft, and antispam mechanisms.
• It is integrated with privacy features, including parental controls, safe online banking, password manager, VPN (200MB daily), webcam protection, etc.
• It has optimized protection for Windows (7 and above), MacOS (Yosemite 10.10 and above), iOS (11.2 and above), and Android (v5.0 and above).

Pros

• Adaptable to all system performance.
• It protects your devices from existing and new threats.

Cons

• Software may take a long time for disc scan

4.      Norton 360 Premium Antivirus Software for 10 Devices with Auto Renewal B07QCVZW81

Norton 360 Premium Antivirus Software gives you continuous protection for Windows, Mac, and Smartphone devices. It provides real-time and up-to-date threat protection against viruses, malware, and ransomware on your computers, smartphones, and tablets.

As a global leader in cyber safety, Norton 360 provides all-round protection, including:

• Device security against viruses, malware, phishing, and other online threats.
• Online privacy, including VPN privacy over Wi-Fi, wired or mobile connections.
• Dark web monitoring to monitor your personal information against access from third-party interference across the web.
• Home and family usage, including parental controls.
• No CD required for software download

Norton 360 Premium Antivirus Software gives you comprehensive coverage and a secure VPN on up to 10 devices with 75GB cloud backup.

Pros

• Premium protection on up to ten devices for one licence key
• It keeps your devices safe from cyber-attacks by monitoring your internet activity to prevent attacks or viruses.

Cons

• It may require much time while scanning the whole system.

5.      Kaspersky Internet Security 2021 – 3 Devices B08DMB3JF8

Kaspersky Internet Security 2021 is designed to protect up to three devices, including PC, Mac, and Android devices. It comes with an activation key card delivered by Post Mail to the US, Canada, and Latin America.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2021 is integrated with antivirus software, 360 Deluxe Smart Firewall, web monitoring, total security VPN, and parental control features. With this cyber security suite, you can shop, bank, and pay safely online.

It also prevents hackers from accessing your webcam, location, and data. With Kaspersky Internet Security, you can rest assured of comprehensive coverage against virus, fraud, ransomware, spyware, phishing, tracking, spying, and all forms of cyber threats.

Features

• It comes with activation Key Card only, no CD/DVD or Flash Drive. The Key Card will be delivered by Post Mail.
• Users have to download the software application from Kaspersky website: https://usa.kaspersky.com/kisdownload using the instructions included in the key card.

Pros

• It provides multiple layers of security for PC, Mac & Android; up to three devices.
• It blocks viruses, cryptolockers, and other online trackers collecting your data.

Cons

• It may sometimes reduce device performance

6.      McAfee 2018 Antivirus Plus – 10 Devices B075LVW9BB

MacAfee is a global name in cyber security and antivirus suites. MacAfee Antivirus Plus protects up to 10 devices, including PC, Mac, smartphones, and tablets.

The antivirus blocks and neutralizes all cyber threats such as viruses, spyware, malware, ransomware, and unwanted programs prying on your privacy.

It is an easy to use and install software as users can download the antivirus software directly from the McAfee website. Users also have access to responsive customer support for all device-related issues.

Pros

• No CD or DVD as antivirus software is available for download on McAfee website
• It is easy to install and use
• It protects devices against all cyber threats

Cons

• Some users have reported that it slowed down their system
• It sometimes blocks real websites

• Not suitable for advanced malware detection

7.      McAfee Antivirus Plus 10 Device  B07CCK6P4T

McAfee Antivirus Plus 10 Device is an award-winning downloadable software for all types of devices and internet connections, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices. You can rest assured of adequate security on your devices, internet access, and online privacy. This antivirus program protects up to ten devices with one activation key.

Features of the McAfee Antivirus Plus 10 Device include:

• Multiple device protection including windows, mac, and mobile devices.
• Secure online browsing for safe banking and shopping.
• Software download on the McAfee website using the activation code
• Access the software download feature on McAfee website through a secure, 25-digit activation code.
• Protects you from risky websites and dangerous downloads.

Pros

• Instant activation of downloaded antivirus software.
• It’s a non-intrusive software as it works well in the background.
• It is economical as it covers up to ten devices in one subscription

Cons

• It usually disconnects you from internet connections with its default gateway errors.

8.      AVG Technologies Ultimate 2018 Unlimited Devices B075KRLMKP

AVG internet security ultimate package shields your devices from viruses, spyware, ransomware, malware, and other cyber threats. You can enjoy complete protection for all your family devices, including Windows, Mac, and Android, with one subscription.

This product also comes with a unique feature for Android devices. If your Android device ever goes missing, AVG Android antitheft can locate, lock or wipe your missing device.

Other features of the AVG Ultimate cyber security include:

• PC scanner
• Enhanced firewall
• Webcam protection and ransomware protection against hackers and cybercriminals.
• It comes with a licence key to activate the downloaded antivirus software.
• It’s an all-in-one antivirus for an entire family.

Pros

• Unlimited device protection on one licence key
• It is compatible with windows, MacOS, and mobile phones

Cons

• Installation sometimes take a long time

9.      Norton 360 Deluxe Antivirus Software for 5 Devices with Auto Renewal B07QLYWQRQ

Norton 360 Deluxe Antivirus Software helps secure your devices, identity, home and family needs, and online privacy. This cyber security package includes device security, dark web monitoring, online privacy, and parental control features.

With one year subscription to the Norton 360 Deluxe Antivirus Software, you can enjoy comprehensive malware protection for up to five devices, including Mac, PC, Android, and iOS devices.

Other essential features include:

• Secure VPN and 50GB PC cloud backup.
• Password manager and security software.

Pros                   

• It secures your internet connection and devices against viruses, internet attacks, malware, and other threats.
• Multiple protection on up to five devices for one licence key

Cons

• System scanning may sometimes take a long time unlike other antivirus programs

10.    Nord VPN Internet Privacy and Security Software B07LGGV4NW

Nord VPN Internet Privacy and Security Software come with complete internet security and privacy package that protects your internet, sensitive data, and devices.

Users of this cyber security suite have to create an account online at the Nord website and download the app to access its functionalities, such as hiding your online activities from cyber thieves.

One NordVPN account can connect up to six devices simultaneously. As a result, you can protect your friends’ and family’s devices with this internet security suite. NordVPN safeguards your devices, including smartphones, PCs, Smart TVs, routers, from spyware, malware, etc.

Nord Virtual Private Network protects your online identity by enabling Ads and malware blockers, data encryption, proxy extensions for Chrome and Firefox browsers.

This security package protects up to six devices and is compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, Android, Android TV, and amazon fire TV stick.

Pros

• Fast and easy setup
• Multiple device protection for one licence key

Cons

• The licence key comes in an unnecessary big box that shpuld be sent digitally.

How to Secure Your Information Online

While engaging the internet for any activity, including shopping, banking, or streaming, it’s essential to put measures to have a secure online activity. These measures include:

• Ensure to browse only secure networks – HTTPS
• Use strong and secure passwords that are difficult to crack or predict.
• Enable 2-factor authorization for added security.
• Get a high-quality internet security suite for all your devices and data protection.