Panda Security has announced the launch of its 2015 consumer range, claiming that it’s “lighter, safer and easier to use than ever before”.

Protection is improved with the new XMT (Extreme Malware Terminator) Smart Engineering engine. This isn’t just marketing spin, either: the latest AV-Test and AV-Comparatives reports both saw XMT-powered products at the top of the list.

The new Data Shield module provides an extra layer of protection against Cryptolocker-type ransomware. Define any folders containing important documents, the applications you trust, and Panda will warn you if anything else tries to gain access.

The Wi-Fi monitor gives a more detailed view of your network, highlighting intruders who might be stealing your bandwidth.

The Panda 2015 interface has a Windows 8 feel, but it still runs on anything from Windows XP up

Elsewhere, extended parental controls now report on what your kids are doing online, and block access to the sites and site categories of your choice. A simple PC Tuneup tool cleans junk files and defragments your drive. And this is all packaged in a revamped, more customisable Windows 8-like interface.

The range includes four products. Antivirus Pro 2015 ($39.99) offers antivirus, antiphishing, a firewall and wifi protection; Internet Security 2015 ($49.99) adds Data Shield, parental controls and online backup; Global Protection 2015 ($69.99) includes protection for Mac, iPhone and Android devices, along with a password manager, file encryption and shredding tools, and a PC tuneup module; and the high-end Gold Protection ($89.99) offers a 20GB online storage and file sync service, and a “disinfection assurance” service where, if necessary, a Panda engineer remotely connects to your computer and removes any threats.

30 day trial builds of all Panda 2015 products are available now.

Alternatively, you can just opt for Panda Free Antivirus, the new name for Panda Cloud Antivirus. It doesn’t have the extras of Antivirus Pro 2015, but you get the same XMT engine, and that probably makes it the most accurate free antivirus tool around.