Cybersecurity · Software · 6 min read
A common misconception in 2026 is that antivirus software is no longer necessary. Windows Defender is built in, the thinking goes, and modern computers are smarter than ever. Unfortunately, so are cybercriminals. Ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, identity theft, and malware infections are not declining — they’re becoming more sophisticated and more targeted at everyday Canadians. This guide explains why dedicated antivirus protection still matters and helps you choose the right product from ITFactory’s lineup of leading security brands including Kaspersky, ESET, Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, Norton, McAfee, AVG, and Panda.
Why Windows Defender alone isn’t enough
Microsoft’s built-in Defender has improved significantly over the years and provides a reasonable baseline. But baseline is the key word. Independent testing by AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives consistently shows that premium antivirus products outperform Defender in real-world threat detection — particularly against zero-day exploits, ransomware, phishing attacks, and malicious websites that haven’t yet been catalogued in Microsoft’s database.
Beyond detection rates, Defender also lacks features that dedicated security suites include as standard: VPN protection for public Wi-Fi, identity monitoring, webcam protection, password managers, safe banking browsers, and parental controls. For a home user or small business handling sensitive data, the gap between Defender and a premium product is meaningful.
“Cybercriminals aren’t targeting only large corporations. Everyday Canadians are increasingly the easiest target — and the most profitable one.”
The threats that make antivirus essential in 2026
Ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment to restore them. Attacks on individuals and small businesses have risen sharply, and a single successful infection can mean permanent loss of photos, documents, financial records, and business data.
Phishing has become far harder to spot. AI-generated phishing emails now mimic real companies, colleagues, and banks with alarming accuracy. A good antivirus with web protection flags malicious links before you click them.
Spyware and keyloggers silently record your passwords, banking credentials, and personal information without any visible sign of infection. They are specifically designed to evade detection by users who aren’t running active protection.
Zero-day exploits target software vulnerabilities before patches are available. Premium antivirus products use behaviour-based detection to identify and block suspicious activity even when no known signature exists for the threat.
Public Wi-Fi attacks intercept your data when you connect at airports, hotels, and coffee shops. A VPN-enabled security suite encrypts your connection and protects your data in transit.
Top antivirus products at ITFactory
Kaspersky — Best detection rates for home users
Kaspersky consistently earns top scores in independent testing by AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, regularly achieving perfect or near-perfect detection rates against both known and emerging threats. The product has been redesigned around four pillars: Security, Performance, Privacy, and Identity.
ITFactory carries three tiers of Kaspersky for Canadian users:
- Kaspersky Standard — Core antivirus and real-time protection for everyday users who want solid, lightweight coverage without extras
- Kaspersky Plus — Adds performance optimization tools, webcam protection, and a VPN for safer browsing on any network
- Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business — Multi-layered enterprise-grade protection for businesses managing multiple devices across any platform
Best for: Home users, families, and businesses in Canada looking for top-tier malware detection at a competitive price.
ESET — Best for performance and privacy-conscious users
ESET is a Slovak cybersecurity company with over 30 years in the industry. Its products are developed in Europe, which gives privacy-conscious users and regulated industries greater confidence in data handling. ESET is known for an extremely light system footprint — it protects thoroughly without slowing down your computer, making it particularly popular with professionals who need security running quietly in the background while they work.
ITFactory carries the full ESET Home Security range:
- ESET NOD32 Antivirus — The essential entry-level product. Focused virus and malware protection with minimal system impact. Ideal for users who want protection without feature bloat
- ESET Internet Security — Adds firewall, banking protection, webcam security, and anti-phishing to the NOD32 base. The most popular all-round choice for home and small office users
- ESET Home Security Premium — Includes a password manager and file encryption on top of full Internet Security coverage. Ideal for users who store sensitive documents or financial records
- ESET Home Security Ultimate — The full suite adding a VPN for private browsing and banking on any network. Best for professionals who work from multiple locations or travel regularly
ESET licences sold by ITFactory can only be activated in Canada.
Best for: Privacy-conscious users, professionals, regulated industries, anyone who wants strong protection with minimal performance impact, and users who prefer a European-developed product.
Malwarebytes — Best for targeted malware removal and layered defence
Malwarebytes takes a different approach to security. Rather than replacing your existing antivirus, it was originally designed to work alongside it — specializing in the detection and removal of malware types that traditional antivirus tools sometimes miss, including adware, spyware, browser hijackers, and ransomware. The current Standard product has evolved into a comprehensive standalone solution with four independent protection modules running simultaneously.
ITFactory carries two Malwarebytes options:
- Malwarebytes Standard — Four-layer real-time protection covering anti-malware, anti-ransomware, anti-exploit, and malicious website blocking. A strong standalone solution for home users who want modern, behaviour-based protection
- Malwarebytes Plus — Adds Browser Guard (blocks ads, trackers, and tech support scams) and a Privacy VPN to the Standard package. Comprehensive coverage for users who want both security and online privacy in one subscription
Best for: Users who want modern, behaviour-based protection rather than signature-based scanning, anyone who has experienced infections that traditional antivirus missed, and users who want to layer security alongside an existing solution.
Which antivirus is right for you?
If you’re a home user or family and want the highest possible malware detection rates at a competitive price, Kaspersky is hard to beat — provided you are comfortable with its background and are not working in or with government.
If you want a well-rounded suite from a trusted European company that runs quietly in the background and covers everything from banking to file encryption, ESET is the right choice. It’s particularly well-suited to professionals and regulated industries.
If you’ve had infections that slipped past other products, or you want modern behaviour-based protection that catches threats others miss, Malwarebytes is the specialist tool. It also runs well alongside another antivirus as a second layer of defence.
Not sure which is right for your setup? Contact the ITFactory team at (888) 313-1124 or support@itfactory.ca — they can help you choose based on your devices, how you use your computer, and your budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is antivirus software still necessary in 2026?
Yes. Cyber threats have not declined — they have become more sophisticated. Ransomware, AI-generated phishing, spyware, and zero-day exploits are all active threats targeting everyday Canadians. Windows Defender provides a reasonable baseline but lacks the detection depth, behavioural analysis, and additional features (VPN, banking protection, webcam security, identity monitoring) that premium products offer. For anyone who banks, shops, or works online, dedicated antivirus protection is a worthwhile investment.
Is Kaspersky available in Canada?
Yes. Kaspersky is available to purchase at ITFactory for Canadian users. It remains one of the highest-rated antivirus products in independent testing by AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, and is a strong choice for home users and private businesses looking for top-tier protection at a competitive price.
What is the difference between antivirus and internet security?
Antivirus focuses on detecting and removing viruses and malware on your device. Internet security adds layers of online protection — firewall, anti-phishing, safe banking browsers, parental controls, and sometimes VPN. For most users who bank and shop online, an internet security suite offers meaningfully better protection than standalone antivirus.
Does antivirus software slow down my computer?
Modern antivirus products are designed to have minimal impact on performance. ESET in particular is renowned for its light system footprint. Kaspersky and Malwarebytes also optimize performance alongside protection. The performance hit from a reputable paid product is far less noticeable than the performance damage caused by an actual malware infection.
Can I run Malwarebytes alongside another antivirus?
Yes. Malwarebytes Standard is designed to complement existing antivirus software without conflict. Running it alongside ESET or Kaspersky gives you both signature-based detection (from your primary antivirus) and Malwarebytes’ behaviour-based, exploit-focused scanning as a second line of defence. Many security professionals recommend this layered approach.
Do antivirus licences cover multiple devices?
Yes — most products are available in single-device and multi-device licences. ESET and Kaspersky both offer plans covering 1, 3, 5, or more devices. Multi-device licences are significantly better value for families or small businesses protecting multiple computers, tablets, and smartphones. ITFactory carries a range of licence sizes for each product.
Is a VPN included with any of these products?
Yes. Kaspersky Plus and Kaspersky Premium include a VPN. ESET Home Security Ultimate includes a VPN. Malwarebytes Plus includes a Privacy VPN. Kaspersky also sells a standalone VPN product (Kaspersky Secure Connection) separately. A VPN is particularly important if you regularly use public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, or coffee shops.
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