Total Defense Review: Cloud Backup & Malware Protection

Total Defense Overview

Total Defense is a U.S.-based cybersecurity company specializing in consumer and small business security solutions. With roots that go back to 1992, they originally started as part of Cheyenne Software, launching one of the industry's first anti-malware programs, InnocuLAN. Over the years, they’ve been through several evolutions—first acquired by CA Technologies in the mid-90s, later merging antivirus technologies under the eTrust brand, and eventually spinning off as Total Defense in 2011. Since then, they’ve focused exclusively on consumer and small business security. In 2018, they were acquired by Zix/AppRiver, and by 2022, they had become part of OpenText, a major provider of enterprise information management tools.

Today, Total Defense offers a range of consumer-focused antivirus and internet security products designed for Windows, macOS, and Android devices. Their plans scale from basic antivirus protection to more comprehensive security suites, including cloud backup, system performance tools, and automatic patching. Key features across their lineup include real-time threat detection, phishing protection, ransomware monitoring, and multi-device coverage, making them a flexible option for users with multiple devices at home. Each Total Defense subscription includes a 30-day free trial, a virus-free guarantee, and a 60-day money-back policy.

Total Defense has received "Approved Security Product" certification from AV-Comparatives, reflecting their ability to meet core performance standards in independent antivirus testing. While the Better Business Bureau doesn’t accredit them, they hold an A+ rating, showcasing a strong customer satisfaction and complaint resolution record.

Their Features & Services

Essential Antivirus

• Real-time protection: This software continuously scans your Windows PC in the background, detecting and blocking viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other threats before they can cause harm. You don’t need to initiate scans manually—it works around the clock to protect your system
• Advanced threat detection: Total Defense combines traditional virus signatures and behavioral analysis to catch known and emerging threats. This layered approach helps improve accuracy and reduces the chances of new malware slipping through
• Behavior-based scanning: The antivirus monitors apps' behavior rather than depending solely on known virus definitions. If it notices suspicious activity, it intervenes early, helping to catch threats that haven’t been officially identified
• Scheduled scans: You can run full or quick system scans at designated times, such as during idle hours. This lets you maintain routine protection without interrupting your regular activities
• Ransomware protection: The program monitors sensitive folders and blocks unauthorized attempts to encrypt files, minimizing the risk of ransomware attacks and data loss
• Phishing protection: When you try to visit a suspicious or fake website, the software blocks the connection. This helps prevent you from unknowingly entering financial or personal data on phishing pages
• USB device scanning: Whenever a USB drive is plugged into your PC, the antivirus will automatically scan it to ensure it doesn’t introduce portable malware to your system
• Automatic updates: The software quietly updates its virus definitions and protection tools in the background, so you’re always equipped to detect the latest threats without needing to manage anything manually

In addition to their Windows-based protection, Total Defense offers a dedicated Essential Antivirus for Mac that provides real-time scanning to detect and block viruses, malware, and spyware while keeping system performance and battery usage in check. It includes Safe Files, which allows users to select specific folders to protect against ransomware and unauthorized changes.

The software also uses multiple detection methods to identify threats at different stages, aiming to improve accuracy, and includes an anti-phishing tool that checks websites in real time and alerts users when a page may be fraudulent or attempting to steal personal information.

Internet Security Suites

• Multi-device coverage: With Premium and Ultimate plans, you can secure up to 5 or 10 devices—including Windows PCs, Macs, and Android phones—under a single subscription
• Cross-platform support: Whether you're using a laptop, smartphone, or desktop, the software applies consistent protection across operating systems and devices
• Download Defender: Every time you download a file or program, the software scans it automatically to ensure it’s safe. Harmful downloads are blocked before they can cause problems
• Phishing filters: Real-time scanning blocks access to fake login pages, which result in phishing scams designed to trick users into revealing personal information
• Social network monitoring: The software warns you about suspicious links or harmful content shared through social media platforms, helping you avoid accidental clicks
• Cloud backup: Premium includes 10GB of cloud storage, and Ultimate includes 25 GB. You can automatically back up important photos, videos, and documents and access them from any device
• Family protection tools: Parental controls let you filter or block adult content, limit website categories, and restrict certain online services to keep kids safe while browsing
• Identity theft defense: Sensitive information such as passwords or financial data is shielded from theft. The software includes secure vault features to prevent unauthorized online transmissions
• Performance optimization: The Ultimate plan includes tools that clean up junk files, improve startup speeds, and enhance device responsiveness
• Vulnerability scanning: To prevent exploits, the software automatically scans for outdated apps and installs necessary updates without requiring manual intervention
• Security reports: You can view real-time summaries showing which threats have been blocked, which scans were completed, and what security actions were taken during the month
• Automatic upgrades: Whenever new features or improved protections are released, your software updates itself with no extra cost or installation process
• Account dashboard: All your protected devices can be monitored and managed from a single online dashboard, which lets you run scans, check alerts, and change settings remotely
• Virus-free guarantee: If your device gets infected despite being protected, Total Defense offers expert help to remove the threat, and a refund within 60 days of your purchase if you’re not satisfied

Mobile Security

• Mobile malware protection: On Android devices, the app scans in real time to block infected apps, downloads, or links. It works quietly in the background without draining your battery
• Safe browsing: The software blocks access to dangerous websites in supported browsers, preventing you from landing on pages associated with scams or malware
• Privacy advisor: You’ll be notified if any app is accessing sensitive data such as your location, camera, or microphone, giving you the power to review and restrict permissions
• Breach alerts: If your email appears in a known data breach, the app notifies you so you can change your login credentials or secure the account quickly
• App locking tools: Specific apps can be locked with a PIN, while the smart unlock option automatically disables the lock when you're on a trusted Wi-Fi network
• Anti-theft features: If your phone is lost or stolen, you can track it, lock it, erase it remotely, or display a message on the screen from any web browser

What Plans & Pricing Options Do They Offer?

Total Defense offers clearly defined pricing for their consumer antivirus and internet security products, with tiered options based on features, device coverage, and subscription length. Their plans all come with free US-based support, a 30-day free trial, and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Essential Antivirus

Their standalone antivirus solution includes protection for up to three Windows devices. It includes real-time malware detection, ransomware defense, phishing protection, and automatic updates. While it lacks extras like cloud storage or multi-platform support, it offers solid day-to-day protection for personal PCs.

• One year: $39.99
• Two years: $79.99
• Three years: $119.9

Their Essential Antivirus for Mac is available at the same pricing tiers.

Premium Internet Security

For up to five Windows or macOS devices, the Total Defense Premium Internet Security suite adds a layer of flexibility and convenience for users managing multiple devices across different platforms. Along with all the features included in the Essential plan, it introduces 10GB of secure cloud backup, family protection tools for safer web use, and safe shopping features that help secure online transactions.

• One year: $69.99
• Two years: $114.99
• Three years: $179.99

Ultimate Internet Security

The Total Defense Ultimate Internet Security is the most comprehensive consumer offering, providing security to up to ten devices. It includes everything from the Premium plan, but it expands device coverage and introduces advanced features for protection and performance. These include 25GB of cloud backup, automatic software patching to fix vulnerabilities, and PC optimization tools that improve boot times and system responsiveness.

• One year: $109.99
• Two years: $144.99
• Three years: $219.99

Mobile Security

This plan is designed for Android devices and covers one smartphone or tablet for $19.99 annually. It offers essential mobile protections, including real-time malware scanning, safe browsing, and privacy monitoring that flags apps accessing sensitive data. Users also gain access to anti-theft tools like remote lock, wipe, and device location, along with an app locking feature to secure private apps with a PIN.

The Benefits

Family protection features

Total Defense includes parental controls and content filtering to help parents manage what their kids access online. These tools can block phishing pages, dangerous websites, and explicit content, which is especially helpful in households with shared devices.

Generous cloud storage

Total Defense includes 10GB to 25GB of cloud backup with its internet security suites. This gives users a secure place to store essential files, especially valuable if your hard drive fails or ransomware encrypts local data. A cloud backup ensures that documents, photos, and other sensitive content can be restored quickly, offering peace of mind for home users.

Virus-free guarantee

The company promises that devices protected by Total Defense Antivirus will stay malware-free, or customers can access expert assistance, or request a refund. This exclusive benefit shows confidence in their security features and may be reassuring to users who have experienced infections with previous software.

System tune-up tools

Their plans include built-in tools that run performance scans, clean out junk files, and optimize startup times. For those with older IBM PCs or slower laptops, this can make a big difference in daily usability, especially when multitasking or browsing.

Free trial and money-back guarantee

New users can test their products with a 30-day trial and a generous 60-day refund window. It’s a simple yet effective way to evaluate how well the software fits your needs, whether you're testing web protection, real-time scanning, or app lock features on Android.

The Drawbacks

No VPN or firewall included

Unlike competitors, Total Defense does not include a VPN or configurable firewall. These are essential tools for protecting internet access on public networks or adding extra privacy. Users may need to rely on third-party solutions to fill this gap in their security status.

Minimal participation in independent antivirus test labs

Although Total Defense has received some certifications, they have minimal lab scores in major malware protection tests and does not consistently appear in comparative studies. Without frequent third-party validation using a broad set of samples and test systems, it can be harder for consumers to gauge their true effectiveness than providers with top aggregate scores.

Lack of iOS mobile security options

Total Defense currently only offers a mobile security app for Android, meaning iPhone and iPad users are left without a protection app. Given the growing threat landscape for mobile platforms, this omission could be inconvenient for households using a mix of operating systems.

Most security features are locked behind higher-tier plans

Users choosing the entry-level plan only receive basic protection. More advanced tools—like parental controls, cloud backup, and optimization tools—require purchasing a higher-tier internet security suite. This tiered structure might be limiting for those who expect full functionality upfront without needing to upgrade.

The Customer Experience

While the BBB does not accredit Total Defense, they maintain an A+ rating based on two complaints addressed by the company. This suggests a proactive approach to resolving customer concerns, even with a limited complaint history.

On other platforms, they also receive generally positive feedback. They hold a rating of 4.4 out of 5 on G2, based on 16 user reviews, and 4.8 out of 5 on Capterra, based on four reviews. On the Google Play Store, their mobile app holds a 3.9 out of 5 rating, reflecting a more mixed response from Android users.

Positive reviews

Customers frequently highlight the software’s effectiveness in detecting and removing viruses and malware. Many note that the real-time scanning offers peace of mind without noticeably slowing down their systems. Several users appreciated the intuitive setup and minimal impact on system performance during scans or updates, even during more demanding tasks. The free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee were well-received, giving users confidence to try the product without a long-term commitment.

While less frequently mentioned, the mobile security app received praise for its clean interface and practical features like app locking and remote anti-theft tools. Some appreciated how the app could secure sensitive areas of the phone and limit unauthorized access without affecting battery life for most users.

Negative reviews

On the other hand, a few users expressed frustration over the speed of deep scans, noting that the software occasionally slowed down their computers, especially during the initial scan. Others pointed to problems with subscription management and support responsiveness, such as long rebate wait times or difficulties with automatic renewals. While most agreed the antivirus tools were functional, some felt the product lacked more advanced capabilities and wanted more transparent communication from customer service during troubleshooting.

Mobile users reported mixed experiences. A small number said the app drained their battery faster than expected or froze during updates. Others criticized account setup or renewal issues, with some claiming they couldn’t activate their subscription after payment. These complaints suggest that while the antivirus software is generally reliable, the mobile app could benefit from improved stability and user support.

What Customer Support & Service Options Do They Offer?

Total Defense offers several ways for users to get help with their antivirus and internet security products, whether during installation, troubleshooting, or general use. Users can contact their tech support team directly by calling 1-866-305-7989 or emailing support@totaldefense.com. For billing inquiries, account updates, or other customer care issues, you can call them at 1-877-906-8816, and inquiries can also be sent to tdicustomerservice@totaldefense.com.

In addition to phone and email support, users can submit a ticket online through their website. This allows for more detailed inquiries and helps track ongoing issues.

Total Defense provides a support portal with self-service tools like troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and setup instructions. They also offer a blog for practical tips and a security glossary to help users understand key terms.

Conclusion

Total Defense blends ease of use with a layered approach to cybersecurity, making them a practical choice for everyday users, families, and anyone juggling devices across platforms. With tools for malware defense, cloud backup, performance tuning, and parental controls, they aim to offer more than just basic protection.

While not without their drawbacks—like slower scans or limited iOS support—their well-rounded plans, free trial, and money-back guarantee make them easy to try with minimal risk. Whether you need simple antivirus or a full suite of features, there’s likely a plan that fits.

If you're still exploring which antivirus is right for you, we’ve got you covered. Browse our full reviews, use our comparison tool to see how providers stack up, and dive into our blog for practical tips on staying secure online.