Introduction to Free Antivirus Software

Some particularly insidious malware is disguised as free antivirus software. You download something to protect your computer, and instead, you infect it, leading to stolen data or a locked device. You can avoid this malware by sticking with trusted antivirus companies.

Features of antivirus software typically include two layers of protection: scans that search your computer and remove malware, and real-time protection that identifies and blocks malware from being downloaded onto your computer.

Free vs. Paid Antivirus Software

Most free antivirus software programs are created by companies that also produce paid antivirus tools. They typically use the same antivirus engines as the paid versions, so you’ll get the same level of scanning and malware protection you’d get if you bought premium antivirus from the company.

However, this protection is often only available for one device per person, whereas paid antivirus tools offer packages for five, 10 or even unlimited devices. Paid antivirus software usually comes with additional benefits, such as advanced ransomware and phishing protection.

Issues with Avast and Kaspersky

Avast Antivirus for Windows was the gold standard of antivirus, with consistently high rankings on AV-Test. However, early in 2024, the Federal Trade Commission fined Avast $16.5 million to settle charges that from 2014 to 2020 the company had sold customer browsing information to more than 100 third parties.

Kaspersky has historically been another top antivirus provider, earning high marks and awards for virus and malware protection from independent labs. However, in June 2024, the US government announced a federal ban prohibiting Kaspersky from selling antivirus or cybersecurity software or services in the US or to US citizens due to alleged ties between Kaspersky and the Russian government.