antivirus engine Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

5 Free Antivirus Programs To Eliminate Malware and Viruses (2025)

Users are increasingly seeking effective malware protection without the cost of premium software, leading to the emergence of free antivirus programs that offer robust security features. This trend is particularly beneficial for Windows 11 users who want real-time protection while staying within budget. Several leading cybersecurity firms provide free antivirus solutions equipped with advanced features such as real-time scanning, phishing defenses, cloud-based malware detection, and system optimization tools. These free programs can adequately protect a diverse audience, including gamers, remote workers, students, and casual users. Top free antivirus programs for Windows 11 in 2025 include: 1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Utilizes the same malware engine as its paid version, offers real-time detection, anti-phishing protection, and is ultra-light on system resources. 2. Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Integrated into Windows 11, provides cloud-delivered protection and built-in ransomware mitigation without ads. 3. Avast Free Antivirus: Offers additional tools like network scanning and a Do Not Disturb mode for gaming. 4. AVG AntiVirus Free: Features a simpler interface, link and attachment protection, and fewer pop-ups. 5. TotalAV Free Antivirus: A newer option with a clean interface, real-time protection, and a junk file cleaner. Key factors to consider when selecting free antivirus software include real-time protection, low resource usage, minimal intrusion, and extra security tools. While free solutions are suitable for most users, premium protection may be necessary for small businesses or those handling sensitive data. For gamers, Bitdefender and Avast are recommended for their low system impact and gaming modes. For remote workers, Microsoft Defender and TotalAV are highlighted for their ease of use and integrated protections. Essential features of effective antivirus programs include robust virus protection, real-time scanning, and a behavior shield to detect new threats. Performance should not significantly slow down the system, and the interface should be user-friendly. Experts recommend Windows Defender for basic protection, with AVG and Avast receiving endorsements for their feature balance, while Bitdefender Free is noted for its detection rates and minimal system impact. Free antivirus programs may lack advanced features and technical support compared to paid versions.

Tech Optimizer

April 13, 2025

Panda Dome review

Panda Security, a Spanish antivirus company, has introduced various cybersecurity innovations since its founding, including daily signature updates in 1998, behavioral monitoring in 2004, and cloud scanning in 2007. It offers several plans for home users: Panda Dome Essential, Advanced, Complete, and Premium, each with increasing features such as firewall protection, WiFi security, online shopping safeguards, and a Dark Web Scanner. All plans include a 30-day free trial. Panda Dome received an AAA award from SE Labs for a Total Accuracy Rating of 99% without false positives between October and December 2024, outperforming Microsoft Defender and Webroot but not achieving the perfect scores of Avast, Kaspersky, and McAfee. The AV-Test Product Review awarded Panda a score of 6/6 for protection and usability, and 5.5/6 for performance. However, Panda Free Antivirus had a higher number of false alarms in AV-Comparatives’ False Alarm Test. The Panda Dome Advanced plan, priced at .99 for the first year, includes parental controls and enhanced ransomware protection. It offers multiple scanning options and reasonable scan times. Its anti-ransomware features include behavior-based detection, file access control, and backup capabilities. Panda Dome Complete, priced at .99 for the first year, adds system cleanup tools and a password manager, allowing users to optimize system performance and securely manage passwords. It also includes file encryption and shredding features. Panda Dome Premium, priced at .99 for the first year, provides unrestricted VPN access, an update manager, and unlimited premium technical support. It allows secure browsing across over 60 countries for up to five devices and includes features to keep systems updated and secure.

Tech Optimizer

February 3, 2025

Antivirus Software: Annoying but Necessary

Computer viruses and antivirus software have been connected since the early days of the Internet, with McAfee antivirus emerging in 1987. Nearly every computer today uses some form of antivirus software. Paul A. Gagniuc, a professor at the University Politehnica of Bucharest, published a book titled "Antivirus Engines: From Methods to Innovations, Design, and Applications" in October, focusing on malware and antivirus development. Gagniuc began exploring coding and antivirus development in his childhood, creating Scut Antivirus between 2006 and 2008, which was designed to be fast and resource-efficient. The detection process for antivirus software involves cataloging snippets of virus code, with the Aho-Corasick algorithm allowing rapid checks against suspected files. The introduction of Bitcoin in 2009 significantly changed the malware landscape, enabling anonymous operations for hackers. Gagniuc expresses concerns about a decline in technical knowledge among young engineers since 2008, as many focus on high-level programming languages, potentially leading to a de-professionalization in technology. His book aims to address this knowledge gap and contribute to a broader understanding of the field.

Tech Optimizer

November 27, 2024

Top 5 Free Antivirus Protection Programs (2025)

Free antivirus software provides essential protection against viruses, malware, and online threats without cost. Key features often include real-time scanning, automated updates, and basic security measures. Notable free antivirus programs for 2025 include: - Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition: Offers real-time protection, on-demand scanning, and anti-phishing features with low system impact. - Avira Free Security: Includes real-time protection, web protection, a VPN, a password manager, and a system optimizer. - Sophos Home Free: A cloud-managed solution that uses AI for threat detection and includes parental controls. - AVG AntiVirus Free: Known for reliable protection against malware and includes a ransomware decryption tool. - Microsoft Defender: Built into Windows, it provides decent protection and receives regular updates. Choosing the right antivirus depends on individual needs; options vary in features and performance impact. Free antivirus programs typically lack advanced features found in paid versions, such as comprehensive malware detection, firewall protection, and priority customer support. Independent labs test antivirus software for effectiveness, focusing on detection rates, false positives, and performance impact. Some free antivirus tools offer additional features like password managers and limited VPN access, but many advanced functions require payment. Overall, while free antivirus solutions may not be as comprehensive as paid options, they still provide solid protection for everyday users.

Tech Optimizer

November 20, 2024

Norton AntiVirus Plus

PCMag editors independently select and review products, earning commissions through affiliate links. Norton AntiVirus Plus is a comprehensive antivirus solution that includes features such as a firewall, cloud-based backup, a password manager, and ransomware protection. It is priced at .99 per year for a single license and has recently introduced a five-license option for .99 per year. Norton offers a Virus Protection Promise, providing remote assistance for malware removal and a refund if unsuccessful. The software is part of the Gen stack, which combines technologies from Norton, Avast, and AVG. Installation is user-friendly, and the interface has been modernized. Norton provides various scanning options, including Quick, Full, Targeted, and Smart Scan. Independent lab tests have consistently rated Norton highly, with an AAA certification from SE Labs and a perfect score from AV-Test Institute. Norton achieved a 99% protection rate against recent malware-hosting URLs and blocked 99% of phishing sites in testing. The software includes a Data Protector feature for ransomware defense, a comprehensive firewall, exploit protection, and cloud backup with 2GB of storage. It also features a Software Updater and tools for managing system performance. Norton AntiVirus Plus has received high marks in evaluations, solidifying its status as an Editors’ Choice winner alongside Bitdefender AntiVirus Plus.

Tech Optimizer

October 22, 2024

Avira Free Antivirus for Mac

Microsoft is actively improving security in Windows, while macOS has security as a foundational principle but is still vulnerable to malware, necessitating antivirus protection. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac supports macOS versions starting from 10.15 (Catalina), with alternatives available for older systems. Premium antivirus options include McAfee Total Protection and Norton 360 Deluxe, with various pricing models. Avira was acquired by Gen Digital, which also owns Norton and Avast. Installation of Avira Free Antivirus is straightforward, and it includes features like scheduled scans and real-time protection. Independent testing labs rate Avira highly, with a score of 17.5 points from AV-Test. Avira's Browser Safety extension provides phishing protection, achieving a 100% detection rate for phishing URLs. The free version includes limited VPN access and basic privacy features, while advanced options require an upgrade to Avira Prime. The Smart Scan feature identifies security and performance issues, but users must upgrade for full remediation.

Tech Optimizer

October 22, 2024

Avira Free Security

Antivirus protection for personal computers is crucial, and free tools like Avira Free Security offer antivirus capabilities along with features such as a VPN, password management, and ad blocking. However, it lacks a typical security suite experience, missing components like firewall protection, backup, and spam filtering, with many features reserved for paying customers. Alternatives include Avast One Essential for a more streamlined free suite and AVG AntiVirus Free for basic protection, both recognized as Editors' Choice winners. Avira operates under Gen Digital, which includes brands like Avast, AVG, LifeLock, and Norton. The company has undergone several acquisitions since 2016, culminating in Norton acquiring Avast/AVG in 2021. These brands utilize four distinct antivirus engines, with efforts underway to develop a unified engine. Avira's installation process is user-friendly, prompting users to run a Smart Scan after installation. The Smart Scan checks for malware, evaluates privacy settings, identifies performance enhancements, flags apps needing updates, and scans for network threats. In independent lab tests, Avira received perfect or near-perfect scores from three labs, achieving a perfect score of 18 points from AV-Test Institute. It secured Advanced+ ratings from AV-Comparatives and passed tests for banking Trojans and general malware defense from MRG-Effitas. In personal testing, Avira quarantined 73% of curated malware samples, detecting 97% overall, earning a score of 9.3 out of 10. It successfully eradicated all ransomware samples but fell short compared to competitors in overall malware detection. Avira achieved a perfect score of 100% in phishing URL detection, ranking it among the top contenders in phishing protection. Its security features include virus scans, quarantine management, and software updates, though some features require an upgrade to Avira Prime. The privacy suite includes a browser safety extension, VPN with limited functionality, password manager, and file shredder. The performance features aim to optimize system efficiency but are often tied to the separate Avira System Speedup application, which promotes premium features.

Tech Optimizer

September 27, 2024

McAfee Total Protection Essential review

McAfee Total Protection Essential offers antivirus and browsing protection for up to five devices, includes a password manager, and provides comprehensive data breach monitoring for email addresses, phone numbers, credit cards, and bank accounts. It features a scam detector in its mobile app and provides a full and unlimited VPN service. In malware tests, McAfee achieved an 88% success rate, which is lower than competitors like Avira, Avast, and Bitdefender. The Safe Connect VPN has decent coverage across 48 countries but sometimes struggles with connection issues and slower speeds compared to competitors. True Key, McAfee's password manager, allows secure storage of logins but lacks advanced features. The dark web monitoring feature can track up to ten email addresses and phone numbers, surpassing many competitors. The advanced firewall primarily monitors outgoing connections and relies on the Windows Firewall for incoming threats. The File Shredder securely deletes documents, but occasionally fails, and the Tracker Remover deletes cookies and browser history but lacks configurability and speed.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2024

Kaspersky customers in the US complain about receiving unsolicited security software replacement

Kaspersky Lab is transitioning its US customers to a new antivirus product called UltraAV due to a ban imposed by the Biden Administration. This change is occurring as Kaspersky winds down its operations in the US by September 30. UltraAV, which supports up to 20 devices, is owned by Pango, recently acquired by Aura, and is based on technology from Max Secure Software, led by Dr. Zulfikar Ramzan. UltraAV has not participated in established trade organizations like AMTSO and has not undergone independent evaluation, leading to skepticism within the antivirus community. Initial assessments suggest that UltraAV may need improvements in protection and user experience, but Pango plans a third-party evaluation later this year.

Tech Optimizer

June 19, 2024

The Best Free Antivirus Software for 2024

Free antivirus tools are good for personal use, but paid antivirus tools offer more features, such as protection against malicious websites. Independent antivirus testing labs provide reports on antivirus tools, and some labs test Mac-specific antivirus apps as well. Useful features in antivirus tools include scanning files, blocking malware-hosting URLs, and behavior-based detection. Some antivirus tools also offer spyware protection, encryption, and webcam control. Free utilities for ransomware protection and cleaning up existing malware infestations are available, but they do not provide ongoing protection. Kaspersky products are no longer recommended due to criticism from various agencies. The top free antivirus software includes Avast One Basic and AVG Antivirus Free, which have received high scores from independent labs.