Free security tools are not only popular but effective, handy and useful. This article will be updated often with list of security programs to try when you need them.
Free Security Tools for Windows and Mac
Not every is willing to pay and not all paid editions is certified or tested to work. This is why there are free utilities and tools for Windows and Mac that you can use when you need them. We’ll update this article for new or updated programs and services from time to time so bookmark this page! One thing to note, always be careful when installing a program or visiting a website. Some programs is bundled with unnecessary third-party add-ons or service.
Real-Time or On-Access Anti-Malware and Security Tools
Real-time Protection by Anti-Virus
- AntiVir Personal Edition – No e-mail scanner
- Avast! Home Edition
- AVG Free
- Microsoft Security Essentials – will scan e-mail attachments
- Panda Cloud Anti-Virus
- PC Tools AntiVirus Free
- PC Tools iAntiVirus for Mac
Real-time Protection by Anti-Malware or Anti-Spyware
- Ad-Aware - Note: installer is bundled with Google Chrome browser which is not necessary.
- Arovax Shield
- Spybot-S&D
- SpywareBlaster
- Windows Defender
Real-time Behavior-based Protection against Malware, Keyloggers or Fraud
- Immunet Protect
- KeyScrambler Personal
- ThreatFire - installer includes toolbar which is not necessary
- Trend Micro Transaction Guard
Real-time Download Guard
- Ad-Aware’s Download Guard – Note: Ad-Aware Free is required
- SpywareGuard
Firewall Protection
- Agnitum Outpost Free
- Filseclab Personal Firewall
- Omniquad Personal Firewall
- PC Tools Firewall Plus
- Sunbelt Personal Firewall - Sunbelt Personal Firewall will keep working after the first 30 days, but in basic mode.
- Tall Emu Online Armor
- Vista/Windows 7 Firewall Control
- ZoneAlarm Free - installer includes toolbar that is not necessary
Exploits and Malicious Link Scanner and Protection
- AVG LinkScanner
- Dr.Web LinkChecker for IE, Firefox, Thunderbird and Opera
- hpHosts File
- McAfee SiteAdvisor
- MVPS Hosts File
- OpenDNS
- Trend Micro TrendProtect
- Web of Trust
Manual or On-Demand Security Tools
On-demand Anti-Virus Scanner
- BitDefender Free
- ClamWin – Note: Uncheck installation of Ask Toolbar
- ClamxAV for Mac
On-demand Anti-Malware Scanner
Online System-Wide Virus and Malware Scanner
- A-squared Web Malware Scanner – include Quarantine feature
- BitDefender Online Scanner
- ESET Online Scanner – include Quarantine feature
- F-Secure Online Scan
- SUPERAntiSpyware Online Safe Scan – include Quarantine feature
- Trend Micro Housecall
- Windows Live OneCare safety scanner
Online Single File Malware and Virus Scanner
Standalone in-the-Wild Malware Scanner
- Avast! Virus Cleaner
- Dr. Web CureIT
- F-Secure Easy Clean
- Microsoft Windows Malicious Removal Tool
- MicroWorld Antivirus Toolkit
- McAfee Stinger
- Trend Micro Sysclean Package
Anti-virus Rescue CD
- Avira AntiVir Rescue System
- BitDefender Rescue CD
- ClamAV LiveCD
- Dr.Web LiveCD
- F-Secure Rescue CD
- Kaspersky Rescue CD
- Panda SafeCD
- Sunbelt VIPRE PC Rescue
Vulnerability and Update Scanner
- Belarc Advisor
- CNET TechTracker - CNET free member account is required
- Filehippo Update Checker
- Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
- Secunia Personal Software Inspector or Secunia Online Software Inspector
Rootkit and BOT Scanners
Anti-SPAM
Miscellaneous Analyzer
Add Items in the List!
I hope you’ll find the above security tools as handy. If you want to suggest, feel free to post your comment. We’ll add it in the list (Rogue not allowed) in the next update.
