How much cyber security do I need in 2025?

Every computer needs some form of antivirus protection. It’s an undeniable fact. For the perpetually online Australian, the reality of cyber threats is more immediate than ever. We’ve spent years warning our audience of this, but It's no longer enough to rely on basic, single-layer antivirus protection. As our lives become increasingly intertwined with the internet, from online banking and shopping to streaming and social media; a comprehensive, multi-layered security strategy is as essential as a lock on your front door. Modern threats demand a modern defence that wraps your data, identity, and devices in a protective blanket.

But the question still remains: “How much cyber security do I need?” Or if we’re being honest, the real question usually is: “How little cyber security can I get away with?”. Our typical answer to the question is simply to invest in a reputable security suite. Thankfully, you don’t need to go crazy with your security budget either, the 2025 market is incredibly competitive.

Modern cybersecurity software usually does a great job of combining the features you need into a single package, and we’ve looked at them all, with in-depth rundowns of what’s currently available for your reading pleasure from our PCMag Labs. But let’s look at some of the fundamental reasons why we give this advice.

Having solid foundations: Next-gen malware protection

At the core of any good security suite is robust anti-malware and antivirus protection, constantly scanning and helping protect your devices against infection. Today’s sophisticated threats, like file-encrypting ransomware, zero-day attacks that exploit unknown vulnerabilities, and subtle spyware, require more than just signature-based detection (which is a traditional, pattern-based form of security).

A premium security solution employs advanced, behaviour-based monitoring that watches for suspicious activity, effectively stopping emerging threats before they can execute. For PCMag readers, this means choosing a service that consistently scores highly in independent lab tests, ensuring you have a proven shield against viruses, Trojans, and the most aggressive malware strains. This bedrock defence should cover all your devices (PC, Mac, smartphones, and tablets), because a single weak link can compromise your entire digital life.

Securing your connection: Virtual private networks

Your home Wi-Fi might feel safe, but every piece of data you send or receive is potentially visible to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and, in some cases, malicious actors, especially when you use public Wi-Fi. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) becomes an indispensable tool.

A high-quality VPN establishes an encrypted, private tunnel for your data. This means your online activity, location, and personal information are masked, making it virtually impossible for eavesdroppers to intercept your communications. Beyond online privacy, a VPN is a must-have when you connect to public hotspots at airports, cafés, or hotels, transforming an inherently risky connection into a secure one. Look for a security package that includes a verified no-log VPN, ensuring you can browse, bank, and stream more securely with confidence that your data remains private. In 2025, The PCMag Editors’ Choice for Best Security Suite with a Full-Featured VPN is Norton 360 Deluxe. While plenty of popular security suites include VPN access, the offering from Norton is easily the most attractive. Read our full review here.

Avoiding scams: Advanced scam and phishing protection

Australians are increasingly targeted by sophisticated phishing campaigns and scam texts (smishing) or calls (vishing). These attacks often appear legitimate, impersonating banks, government agencies, or delivery services to trick you into clicking a malicious link or giving away login credentials.

Advanced security suites (Norton being another good example of this) now include dedicated Scam Protection technology. This uses advanced AI to analyse texts, emails, and social media links in real-time, helping to instantly identify red flags and warn you before you interact with a deepfake, a dangerous message or website. It’s an extra layer of intelligence that cuts through the noise of daily digital life to alert you to criminal intent, helping save you from falling victim to financial fraud or identity theft.

Keep the kids off the dark web: Parental controls

For families, the need for comprehensive security extends to the youngest users in the household. Growing kids in the modern era require a unique blend of safe exploration and responsible boundaries. This should make dedicated Parental Control tools an essential part of your digital defence. These tools go beyond simply blocking inappropriate websites. A robust system allows you to manage and schedule screen time across their devices, helping children maintain a healthy balance between digital and real-world activities. Features like content filtering and search supervision provide peace of mind by helping prevent accidental exposure to mature or harmful content, while activity reports offer insight into their digital habits. Integrating parental control tools with your main security package offers a unified approach to family digital well-being, helping keep devices secure while fostering safer online behaviour.

The integrated advantage

To wrap it up: a collection of disparate security tools is often complicated and leaves gaps. The future of protection for the security-conscious Australian lies in a single, powerful, and integrated solution that brings together award-winning antivirus, a no-log VPN, real-time scam detection, and dark web monitoring. Outside of being the best practice for security, it also just makes everything easier for the average punter. And for a simple, yet incredibly effective solution: we can comfortably recommend Norton 360 Deluxe.

An all-in-one approach simplifies your digital security, ensuring that your online life - from your device performance to your personal identity - are covered by one comprehensive, expert-backed service. In today’s hyper-connected world, that level of integrated defence is not just a luxury; it’s peace of mind. Check out all of our Editors’ Choice selections for 2025 here.