PC Matic provides antivirus and device-security protection designed to block malware, ransomware, phishing and other threats using real-time application allowlisting. Its services can also include automated software maintenance, VPN, privacy tools and identity protection depending on the selected plan.
- Default-deny application allowlisting approach
- Real-time protection against malware and ransomware
- Automated software and vulnerability updates
- PC performance and maintenance tools
- Protection against malicious ads and scam websites
- Dark web monitoring included with current consumer plans
- VPN and identity-protection options available
- 24/7 Supports Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
- Its application-allowlisting approach differs from conventional antivirus products
- Some privacy, VPN and identity-protection features depend on the selected plan
- Certain features vary by operating system
- Users looking for a more traditional antivirus interface may prefer another product
- Pricing and promotional offers can change
PC Matic is an antivirus and cybersecurity service that uses application allowlisting as a central part of its real-time protection. Its SuperShield technology uses a default-deny approach, allowing known and trusted applications to run while blocking unknown applications from executing until they can be evaluated.
PC Matic is designed to protect supported devices against viruses, malware, ransomware and phishing, while also helping identify software vulnerabilities and maintain device performance. Depending on the plan, users can also receive features such as a firewall, VPN, file shredder, dark-web monitoring, identity protection and secure cloud backup.
FAQs
What makes PC Matic different from traditional antivirus software?
PC Matic places significant emphasis on application allowlisting and a default-deny approach. Instead of simply relying on whether an application has already been identified as malicious, SuperShield can block unknown applications from executing until they are evaluated.
Does PC Matic protect against ransomware?
Yes. PC Matic’s current consumer security products include real-time protection designed to prevent ransomware and other malware from executing. Its default-deny approach is intended to block unknown applications before they can run.
Does PC Matic protect against phishing?
Yes. Current consumer plans include real-time protection against phishing, along with malicious-ad and scam-blocking features.
Can PC Matic automatically update software?
Yes. PC Matic includes automated maintenance features designed to update supported third-party applications and drivers and identify software vulnerabilities.
Does PC Matic work on Mac and mobile devices?
Yes. PC Matic currently supports Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, although the way protection works and the available features can differ between platforms.
Does PC Matic include a VPN?
PC Matic offers VPN options, with current consumer plans including either a limited free VPN option or a standard VPN depending on the subscription. The available VPN features and usage terms vary by plan.
Does PC Matic include identity protection?
Identity-protection features are available with applicable PC Matic plans. The current Family Identity Protection offering includes advanced fraud monitoring, dark-web monitoring and identity-theft insurance, subject to applicable terms.
Does PC Matic include dark-web monitoring?
Yes. Current consumer offerings include dark-web monitoring designed to alert users if certain personal information, such as Social Security or bank-account information, is detected in monitored dark-web sources.
Can PC Matic improve PC performance?
Yes. PC Matic includes automated PC maintenance designed to remove unnecessary files, manage startup applications, update software and drivers, and identify certain software vulnerabilities.
Is PC Matic suitable for someone who wants basic antivirus protection?
It can be, but PC Matic’s approach may be particularly appealing to users who value application allowlisting, automated maintenance and proactive blocking of unknown applications. Users who prefer a more conventional antivirus approach should compare PC Matic with other security services before choosing one.
PC Matic’s main distinction is its application-allowlisting approach rather than relying solely on identifying known malicious software. Its SuperShield technology uses a default-deny model to prevent unknown applications from executing, while its broader platform adds automated patching, vulnerability detection, PC maintenance and performance tools. Current plans can also add VPN, dark-web monitoring, identity protection and other privacy features.
ProtectionSeek ratings reflect our editorial assessment of features, coverage, usability and plan characteristics. Ratings are independently determined by ProtectionSeek and are not provided by or affiliated with the service provider.
