If you’re unfortunate enough to be as (ahem)…mature as me, you’ll remember the pre-internet age. We got by well enough, but you had to ring your mum to find out if you could reheat prawns, check Teletext for the footy scores, and actually visit a shop to buy something.

There’s no doubting that the digital age is lightyears better, but it does bring with it its own set of problems. Like everything else, it wasn’t long before unscrupulous folk started to see ways in which technology could help them scam people. Others, meanwhile, just created harmful viruses for the hell of it. I guess these are the digital equivalents of those pesky teens that break playground equipment.

This all means that a good internet security package is a must. I have to admit though, that after some very clunky experiences a decade or more ago, I did try to go without for a while. The big name brand in question slowed my PC right down to a halt and inundated me with unhelpful pop-ups. It’s only recently that I decided to try again with a different provider: Bitdefender. I’d heard a lot of positive stuff about how they provide some of the best internet security software around, but does it actually live up to the hype?

Bitdefender review

Available options

There’s a plethora of different packages on offer from Bitdefender, with options available for personal or business devices. Their all-in-one Premium Security Plus package covers pretty much anything you could possibly need. If you feel you don’t need everything, there are more specialised packages, and even individual services available.

Speed

This has always been the main concern for me when it comes to security software. Old packages from other brands slowed computers down to the point where they may as well have had a virus anyway!

Thankfully, those days seem to be well in the past, at least if you’re using Bitdefender anyway. With this package, I didn’t notice any real difference in the speed of my laptop at all. Apparently, Bitdefender has perfected some in-house technology that adapts to your particular hardware and software configuration, so that it barely uses any computing power. I have no idea how they do it, but as long as it carries on keeping me protected without throttling my speed, I’m happy!

They even have a device optimization service as part of the Total Security package that’ll rejuvenate your tired computer, and have it firing on all cylinders once more.

Bitdefender Premium VPN

What a bonus this is as part of the Premium Security Plus plan! If you’re unfamiliar with VPN services, it’s basically a means of disguising where you are using your device. Not only does this make internet browsing far more secure, but you can also access geo-locked content that you’d usually not be able to receive in whichever country you’re in.

I already know where your mind’s going, and yes! That does mean that you can watch Netflix from other countries, or even sporting events that aren’t being televised over here.

Best of all, with the offers they have on at the moment, the Premium Security Plus package and everything else it provides is actually less than you’d pay for many standalone VPN services.

Protection

I’ve had zero problems with any malicious sites since downloading Bitdefender, and that’s little surprise with their reputation as a cybersecurity software leader, Bitdefender snuffs out any threat of adware, malware, ransomware and spyware it detects. This has been a huge relief when browsing the internet. I needn’t worry now if the link I’m clicking on leads to a malicious site or not. Bitdefender’s got me covered regardless.

Loads of extras

With the full suite of Bitdefender’s services enabled, the only thing I have to worry about is if my wife spots me buying another wristwatch online! Comprehensive is not the word; there’s digital identity protection, a password manager, parental controls, and support for multiple devices across multiple platforms. Complete peace of mind.