Short on time? Here’s the best antivirus with keylogger protection in 2020:
- 🥇 Norton 360: Uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and block advanced malware, including even the most well-disguised keyloggers. Also includes a wide range of security tools like anti-phishing protection, a VPN, a password manager, web camera safety, and lots more.
I tested all of the antiviruses on the market to find which ones provide the best protection against keyloggers and other types of advanced malware.
While I know that keyloggers can be very well hidden in unassuming areas of your computer, making them extremely difficult to detect, I was disappointed to see that even some popular antivirus programs didn’t offer protection against keylogging malware or were really bad at identifying and blocking keyloggers.
However, I did manage to find several antiviruses that are effective at detecting keyloggers in real-time and removing them from a computer in case of an infection. I wasn’t surprised to learn that the most reliable anti-keylogging protections are found inside comprehensive internet security suites, which include things like:
- Advanced malware scanning — Detects hidden keyloggers and a wide range of other malware.
- Keystroke protections — Stops hackers from tracking keystrokes even if keyloggers manage to get onto a system.
- Real-time protection — Blocks malware attacks in real-time, before they can do any damage to a system.
- Web security protections — Blocks unsecure websites that run malicious scripts to track users’ keystrokes.
- Firewall — Protects a computer network from malicious internet traffic.
- Virtual private network (VPN) — Prevents internet service providers, governments, and cybercriminals from tracking and using private browsing data.
- Password manager — Generates secure passwords and auto-fills login fields and web forms (potentially obscuring them from keyloggers).
Antivirus packages differentiate in terms of malware detention rates, additional features, web security, customer service, pricing, and more. So, I researched, tested, and compared all of the most popular antiviruses, determining which ones provide the best protection against keyloggers as well as all other types of malware and internet security threats. I also assessed each product’s features, functionality, ease-of-use, and overall value.
Here’s what I found.
Quick summary of the best antiviruses with keylogger protection in 2020:
🥇1. Norton 360 — Best Antivirus with Keylogger Protection in 2020
Norton 360 is my favorite antivirus with keylogging protection in 2020 — its powerful anti-malware engine uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to combat all kinds of sophisticated cybersecurity attacks before they damage your system.
During my testing, Norton managed to detect, block, and remove all of the keylogger malware that I planted on my test PC — even files that were hidden in hard-to-detect areas of my system’s hard disk. Norton also scored a 100% detection rate against a variety of other malware files, including ransomware, trojans, and spyware.
Aside from excellent malware protections, Norton’s 360 package also has a wide range of features, including:
- Password manager.
- Virtual private network (VPN).
- Webcam security.
- Firewall.
- Cloud storage.
- Device optimization.
All of Norton’s features worked really well in my tests, but I was particularly impressed with its full-featured password manager — which generates, stores, and automatically fills passwords into online login fields, removing the need for users to manually type passwords, so keyloggers cannot steal them (Norton also ranks #1 for best antivirus with a password manager).
Norton’s VPN is also among the best on the market, providing a fast, encrypted internet connection and making sure no one can track a user’s online activity (Norton is also #1 antivirus with a VPN).
I also love Norton’s webcam security protections which prevent hackers from tracking keystrokes and spying on users through webcams.
Norton 360 Standard includes all of the mentioned features and coverage for one device, but Norton 360 Deluxe offers extra features like parental controls and coverage for 5 devices. Also, Norton 360 with LifeLock Select is a great option for US-based users who want access to advanced identity theft protections and support.
Bottom Line:
Norton 360 offers excellent protection against keyloggers and all other types of malware. All of Norton’s 360 packages offer a wide range of internet security protections, including a password manager, a VPN (with unlimited data), webcam security protections, a firewall, cloud storage, and lots more. You can try all of Norton’s 360 packages risk-free for 60 days using a money-back guarantee.
🥈2. Bitdefender Total Security — Excellent Real-Time Malware & Keylogger Detection
Bitdefender is a very fast and accurate antivirus that provides excellent protection against a wide range of malware, including really well-hidden keyloggers.
Bitdefender’s real-time malware protection engine is one of the best I’ve ever tested — blocking all kinds of malware attacks, including malicious scripts that attempted to make my system vulnerable to keyloggers and other kinds of sophisticated spyware.
I also tested Bitdefender’s ransomware protections and they managed to safeguard all of my data even when I tried to launch very aggressive ransomware programs.
Bitdefender also offers a wide range of features, including:
- System security scanner.
- Password manager.
- File shredder.
- Web security extension.
- VPN (200 MB per day).
- Firewall.
- Performance optimization tools.
I really like Bitdefender’s system security scanner that checks PCs for vulnerabilities that hackers or malware could easily exploit to steal information.
I also think it’s great that Bitdefender has a file shredder that removes files off a user’s hard drive without a trace, so cybercriminals can’t use file restoration methods to view sensitive deleted files.
And Bitdefender also has a good password manager which auto-saves and auto-fills all of your passwords, making it almost impossible for keyloggers to get a hold of your passwords. On the other hand, I’m not happy with Bitdefender’s VPN, which is limited to only 200 MB per day — this isn’t even enough for browsing, let alone streaming or torrenting.
Bitdefender’s Total Security package — which includes all of the mentioned features and lots more — is the only plan that includes coverage for all operating systems on up to 5 devices. You can try the Total Security package risk-free as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Bitdefender is extremely fast and accurate at detecting a huge range of malware, including keyloggers and other data-stealing spyware. Bitdefender comes with extra features to ensure hackers and malware can’t exploit system vulnerabilities to steal and expose your private data. Bitdefender’s Total Security plan has extras like a system security scanner, a password manager, a VPN (200 MB per day), a file shredder, and a firewall. And you can try all of Bitdefender’s features risk-free using a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Bitdefender review >
🥉3. Avira Prime — Cloud-Based Antivirus with Privacy Optimization
Avira has one of the fastest and most effective antivirus engines on the market – it operates completely in the cloud, is able to detect and block the most advanced and emerging threats (including keyloggers), and doesn’t slow down a system even during a full system scan.
During my test, Avira successfully detected all of the malware samples I placed on my computer, including advanced keyloggers, spyware, and ransomware. I also tested Avira’s real-time protections by simulating several zero-day attacks, and Avira instantly blocked every single attack.
Avira Prime also includes:
- Privacy settings optimizer.
- Automatic software updates.
- VPN (with unlimited browsing data).
- Password manager.
- System cleanup tools.
- Performance optimization.
- Web security browser extension.
I really liked Avira’s privacy settings optimizer which found 17 issues with my PC’s privacy settings that could make my data vulnerable to malware or shady third-party programs. I also think the automatic software updater is very useful, keeping popular apps and system drivers up-to-date, meaning hackers can’t exploit vulnerabilities in outdated apps to gain access to a user’s system.
Avira’s VPN and password manager are also great — the VPN provides a safe internet connection and is able to bypass geo-restrictions whereas the password manager has an excellent security status monitor that checks all passwords and online accounts for security weaknesses and breaches.
Avira has a handful of plans, including a very good free version. However, Avira’s Prime package offers complete malware and internet security protection with unlimited access to all of the mentioned features and a lot more.
Bottom Line:
Avira’s fast cloud-based antivirus engine is effective against even the most advanced malware and keylogging attacks. I really like Avira’s privacy settings optimization and software auto-updater, both of which ensure there are no security flaws in a user’s system that can be exploited by hackers and malware. Avira also has a VPN (with unlimited data), a password manager, device optimization tools, and more. While Avira’s free plan is good, the Prime package offers complete system protection for a great price, and you can try it risk-free using a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. McAfee Total Protection — Reliable Malware Protection & Secure Web Browsing
McAfee has an advanced antivirus scanner, is really good at detecting keyloggers and other kinds of malware, and includes excellent web protections.I put McAfee to the test against advanced threats, including keyloggers, spyware, and ransomware samples — and it managed to block all of them. McAfee also performed really well against zero-day malware attack simulations.
While I found McAfee’s full system scan to be quite resource-intensive, I don’t think most users with modern high-spec computers will experience any significant system slowdowns. But if you have quite an old system that’s relatively low-spec, you should bear in mind that McAfee could slow your computer during antivirus scans.
That said, McAfee has a decent range of features:
- VPN (with unlimited data).
- Safe web browsing extension.
- Password manager.
- System optimization tools.
- File shredder.
- Encrypted file storage.
I really like McAfee’sVPN — it kept my IP address and all of my online browsing traffic encrypted and anonymous, and it barely slowed down my internet connection even when I was streaming video.
I’m also a fan of McAfee’s safe web browsing extension that highlights dangerous websites and corrects you if you type a web address incorrectly, so you don’t accidentally access scam websites that use slightly different web addresses to official sites.
McAfee Individual is a good choice for users looking to protect just 1 device, whereas McAfee Multi-Device adds coverage for up to 5 devices and identity theft protections for US-based users. There’s also a family plan with coverage for up to 10 devices and useful parental controls.
Bottom Line:
McAfee offers reliable protection against keyloggers, spyware, and many other types of malware. The Total Protection package includes a wide range of additional tools, including a VPN with unlimited data for private browsing, a browser extension to protect against dangerous websites, system optimization tools, a password manager, and encrypted file storage. You can try McAfee Total Protection commitment-free using a 30-day money money-back guarantee.
5. TotalAV Total Security — Great Antivirus with Easy-to-Use Features
TotalAV is an easy-to-use antivirus with good anti-keylogger protection. While TotalAV doesn’t have a lot of extra features, both its antivirus scanner and extra tools are easy to understand and access, making TotalAV a particularly good option for non-technical users who don’t have much experience with antiviruses.
TotalAV performed really well during my malware tests — I tested both its antivirus scanner and real-time protections against the same keyloggers and malware samples as the other brands on this list, and TotalAV stopped nearly all of the malware, failing to catch only a couple of zero-day malware attacks that I simulated on my test PC.
TotalAV’s additional features include:
- Website safety extension.
- Firewall.
- VPN (with unlimited data).
- System cleanup and optimization tools.
I like TotalAV’s website safety extension, Safe Site — it seamlessly integrates into a user’s web browser and shows whether a website is safe or malicious. When testing the extension, it alerted me to over 100 phishing websites that are built to track a user’s keystrokes and steal important information like bank account logins and social media accounts.
TotalAV offers a range of packages, including the Antivirus Pro package that covers 3 devices, TotalAV Internet Security that covers 5 devices and adds a VPN with unlimited data, and the Total Security package that covers 6 devices and includes an ad blocker and a password manager.
Bottom Line:
TotalAV offers a great level of protection against the latest malware and cybersecurity threats. TotalAV’s intuitive interface makes it a good option for non-tech-savvy users, as all features are very easy to understand, access, and use. All of TotalAV’s plans offer malware protection, but the Total Security plan includes added tools like a VPN (with unlimited data), a password manager, and ad blocker.
Read the full TotalAV review >
Bonus. Panda Dome Premium — Good Malware Protection & Keylogger Protection Tools
Panda Dome’s antivirus scanner performed really well during my tests — detecting every keylogger, spyware, and other malware sample that I attempted to launch and install on my test PC.
However, I did find Panda to be a bit more resource-intensive during antivirus scans than the other programs on this list. Although Panda includes a separate, more lightweight cloud-based virus scanner, I think it would be best if the company incorporated cloud virus scanning into the main antivirus engine to prevent system slowdown.
That said, Panda does offer a decent range of features, including:
- Virtual keyboard.
- VPN (with unlimited data).
- Password manager.
- File encryption.
- File shredder.
I really love Panda’s virtual keyboard – unlike a real keyboard, the virtual one’s programmed to not be tracked (so when you enter passwords, they won’t be logged), which prevents keyloggers from tracking keystrokes.
Panda is a bit expensive compared to the other programs on this list. However, it does offer a huge range of additional tools. Panda Dome Premium is the most feature-rich plan, but Panda’s Advanced and Complete still include a good range of features and come at a lower price.
Bottom Line:
Panda Dome provides effective antivirus and anti-keylogging protection, but it can be pretty heavy on system resources during full system virus scans. Panda includes a wide range of features, like a virtual keyboard that hides keystrokes from keyloggers, a VPN, a password manager, and a file shredder. Some of Panda’s packages are expensive in comparison to other brands, but you can try all of Panda’s plans risk-free using a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Panda Dome review >
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- AVG/Avast — Owned by the same company, AVG and Avast have been caught harvesting and selling user data to third-parties without user permission. Since I don’t trust either of these brands, I can’t include AVG or Avast on this list.
- Heimdal — Heimdal’s anti-malware engine uses very advanced technologies to protect against a wide range of threats. However, during my tests, I felt that this antivirus would be very difficult to understand and use for most users (but it might be a good option for very advanced users).
- PC Matic — PC Matic is a good antivirus program, but it wasn’t as quick or as effective as the antiviruses that made it to my list. Plus, it lacks most of the additional features I expect to see in a premium antivirus.
How I Rated the Best Antiviruses with Keylogger Protections in 2020
- Malware protection. All of the products that made it to my list have excellent detection and removal rates against all kinds of malware as well as real-time protection to ensure malware doesn’t infect a system in the first place.
- Keylogger protection features. I made sure that each product has special features that help fight against keyloggers. All of the products on my list either detect and remove hidden keyloggers or offer features to help protect keystrokes from keylogging malware, sketchy websites, and hackers.
- Ease of use. I tested each product and made sure both technical and non-technical users will be able to set up and use the programs on my list without any issues.
- Value. I factored in each brand’s features, functionality, number of devices covered, and overall value when deciding which ones deserve a spot on my list. I also gave bonus points for risk-free money-back guarantees.
FAQs — Antiviruses with Keylogger Protection
🤔 What is a keylogger and how do keyloggers get onto computers?
Keylogger malware is a type of software that secretly tracks a user’s keystrokes to steal important information like email account passwords, online banking details, and credit card numbers.
The main aim of a keylogger is to steal and transport a user’s data across the internet into the hands of cybercriminals who use said personal data to commit identity theft and other cyber-related crimes.
Keyloggers usually end up on a computer when users accidentally install keylogging malware disguised as a legitimate program — usually a program downloaded from a sketchy website or via a link in a scam email. But some malicious websites can run scripts and exploit users who don’t have proper web protections — discreetly installing keystroke-tracking scripts on devices.
All of the antiviruses on this list protect against and remove keyloggers from computers and mobile phones. Norton 360 offers an advanced antivirus scanner as well as additional features to protect against even the most well-hidden keylogging malware.
🤔 Can an antivirus program detect and remove hidden keyloggers?
Yes, all of the antiviruses on this list can successfully detect and remove hidden keyloggers.
These programs also offer effective web protections to stop dangerous websites from using malicious scripts to secretly install keyloggers onto a user’s system. Web protections are also essential for stopping fake websites disguised as legitimate sites from track keystrokes and stealing a user’s personal details, like online banking information and credit card details.
Norton 360 is my favorite antivirus with keylogging protections — it has the best anti-malware scanner on the market and comes with excellent internet security tools, including anti-phishing and malicious website protections.
🤔 What should I do if I find a keylogger on my computer?
If you find a keylogger on your system, you should immediately attempt to remove it. You can remove even the most hard-to-detect keyloggers using an antivirus program that works against keylogging malware.
Once you have found and removed keylogger malware, you need to think back to what you have used your computer for. If you regularly bank or shop online, or if you’re always logging into online accounts that contain sensitive information, you need to change your online passwords immediately. A good password manager can help secure all of your passwords.
You may also need to also perform identity theft checks, which can be done using comprehensive antivirus software like Norton 360 with LifeLock Select (includes an identity theft restoration service, but for US-based users only), or TotalAV (offers identity theft tools for the US and most countries in the EU).
🤔 What tools do I need to prevent keylogging websites from stealing my details?
You need an antivirus program that detects and blocks malicious websites. All of the antiviruses on my list help to prevent and block malicious keylogging sites from tracking your keystrokes, stealing your data, and planting keyloggers and other spyware onto your device via malicious scripts.
Some antiviruses actually include extra tools to prevent keyloggers tracking keystrokes, such as Panda Dome’s virtual keyboard — which is an on-screen popup keyboard that can’t be tracked by keyloggers, so you can enter your online passwords and payment card details without worrying.
Source: https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/best-antivirus-that-protects-against-keyloggers/
