If you are using Windows, you need this tool to stay safe
25 Jun 2026 · 2 min read · Comments
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93% of ransomware attacks target Windows machines. Not because Windows users are less careful — because Windows is the dominant desktop operating system, and attackers always concentrate where the numbers are largest.
According to N2W Software's 2024 ransomware statistics report, Windows accounts for 93% of all ransomware infections globally. Over 2,600 significant ransomware incidents were reported in the US alone in 2024, per Varonis — and those are only the reported cases. The FBI estimates the true figure is roughly three times higher, since most incidents go unreported.
Windows Defender — the built-in protection Microsoft provides — performs adequately in independent tests for known threats. Where it falls short is in detecting zero-day and polymorphic threats: new malware variants that haven't been seen before. AV-TEST logs over 450,000 new malware samples every day. Defender's detection database can't stay current with that volume in the same way cloud-assisted scanners can.
What TotalAV adds that Defender doesn't
TotalAV uses cloud-assisted real-time scanning — which means its detection database updates continuously, not on a scheduled patch cycle. Behavioural ransomware detection blocks encryption attempts even from threats that don't match any known signature. And WebShield intercepts phishing sites and malicious download pages before anything reaches the scanner.
30 million people use TotalAV. For Windows users specifically, it fills the gaps that Defender leaves open — without requiring you to do anything beyond the initial install.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need antivirus if I have Windows Defender?+
Windows Defender covers known threats but misses a significant share of new and polymorphic malware. AV-TEST data shows third-party tools like TotalAV achieve 99%+ detection rates versus Defender's lower real-world scores on novel threats.
How much does a good antivirus cost?+
TotalAV starts at $19/year for up to 6 devices — a fraction of what Norton charges at renewal ($94.99/year for Standard). Most users don't need the most expensive tier; entry-level paid antivirus outperforms free options in independent lab tests.
Can a Mac get a virus?+
Yes. Mac malware has grown significantly — AV-TEST catalogues hundreds of thousands of macOS-specific threats. Macs are safer than Windows by default but not immune, particularly to adware, browser hijackers, and phishing-delivered malware.
