ANTI-VIRUS

ONLINE SECURITY SCANS

Web-based scanners provide a quick and easy way to find malware on your system without needing to install hefty software. Some tools charge you to remove threats, but here are the best free options.

Trend Micro HouseCall
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File size: 1.82MB

Trend Micro’s online scanner now offers separate options for 32-bit and 6 4-bit systems, and works with any browser. The tool can identify and fix a wide range of threats that your security software may have missed, including viruses, worms, Trojans and spyware, HouseCall scans your PC quickly and - in the newest version - lets you speed up the process further by running a quick or custom scan. You can also share the results with Trend Micro’s online community.

ESET Online Scanner
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File size: 2.2MB

Based on the same tech nolog y as ESET Smart Security anti-virus software, this online scanner supports most web browsers, requires a smaller signature file download than similar tools and lets you choose which drives and folders to target. As well as scanning for unwanted and unsafe applications, you can use the scanner’s new Anti-Stealth technology to detect rootklts in your system’s memory. Scanning is fast and threats can be removed with a single click.

F-Secure Online Scanner
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File size: 22MB

If you need a second opinion that your system is clean of infection, F-Secure Online Scanner is a trust worthy source. Now compatible with Chrome and Opera, as well as IE and Firefox, this free tool offers custom is able scan settings such as only checking programs and documents, selecting specific folders and using advanced heuristics on a 'virtual system'th a t mimics a PC’s normal system to spot new or unknown malware. These options help to speed up your scan but the big definitions file takes a while to download.

VirusTotal
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File size: N/A

VirusTotal (VT) differs from most online scanners in that, instead o f checking your whole PC fo r malware, it analyses individual files and web addresses. The service is entirely web-based so there is nothing to install. Simply upload any file you want checked from your hard disk - over SSL (secure sockets layer), if you're worried that it's suspicious - or paste a URL in the box, and the VT community will check it using 43 d iffe re n t anti-virus tools. Files must be less than 20MB in size.

FIREWALLS

Firewalls are an essential layer of security, protecting your PC from hackers and malware. Your anti-virus
software may have been bundled with a firewall but if not, you can install one of these free programs.

Comodo Firewall
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File size: 33.5MB

The latest version of the powerful, feature-packed Comodo Firewall includes a 60 -day free trial of the company’s GeekBuddy technical support service. This offers remote help for PC problems and can Improve the performance of  your system. You can also now choose between three levels of firewall security; use Comodo's SecureDNS servers to increase your protection and speed up your connection; and run potentially risky programs in the software’s built-in sandbox.

PC Tools Firewall Plus
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 File size: 9.75MB

This excellent free firewall has a smart but simple interface that makes it quick and easy to toggle firewall protection on and off. It’s also easy to view traffic coming in and going out o f your PC, and to ed it blocked and authorised applications. The most recent, seventh version features an increased number of Informative pop -up alerts, improved network management and automatic blocking of  malware that can disable the firewall. We also like that the software won’t interrupt you when you're playing games.

Online Armor Free
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File size: 19.7MB

Online A rm o r Free has some useful  features that you won’t find in other free firewalls. These include a Safety Check Wizard that ensures your system is secure from the moment you run the program, an add-ons manager (sadly, for Internet Explorer only) and keylogger detection. Certain tools - including automatic updates and online-banking protection - are only available in Online A rm o r Premium, which costs $39. However, at least the latest free version now supports 64-bit Windows 7.

ANTI-MALWARE TOOLS

Though most anti-virus programs now also tackle other security threats, dedicated anti-malware tools are likely to offer the most comprehensive protection and detection. Here are the best free options.

Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
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File size: 7.37MB

The latest version of this excellent anti-malware program offers faster system scanning and the option to ignore 'safe' files and folders to speed up scans further. It thoroughly searches all areas of your PC - including the Registry, memory and start-up items - and lets you clean infections with a single click. Particularly useful is the FileAssassin tool, which can delete locked files that have been placed on your system by malware.

Norman Malware Cleaner
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File size: 121MB

Norman Malware Cleaner is a big download but, if your system is badly infected with malware, this comprehensive program is worth a try. With virus definitions that are updated twice a day, the software scours your system for the latest threats, kills infected processes, removes rootkits and restores correct Registry values. The interface looks a bit dated, but its simplicity makes Norman quick and easy to use - untick the 'Unpack archives’ option to make it even faster. 

ThreatFire Antivirus
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File size: 9.41MB

Although the name suggests a standard anti-virus program, ThreatFire acts as a second layer of security against new malware threats. It claims, for example, to boost Kaspersky’s protection by 217 per cent while running happily alongside your existing software. The program benefits from flexible settings - you can change the sensitivity level of scans and create custom rules - but it’s not meant to be used on an already-infected PC. 

NoVirusThanks Malware Remover
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File size: 1.7MB

We’ve recommended NoVirusThanksMalware Remover before in Web User and its third version is the best yet. Chief among the improvements is the new malware-scanning engine that can detect unidentified threats even without updating. The new program requires less memory, can be controlled from your System Tray and offers a Paranoid scan option, which takes longer but is extremely thorough. See our Mini Workshop below to find out how to use the program.

DEEP-SCANNING TOOLS

Even the best anti-virus programs can fail to detect or remove some malware, especially if it ’s buried or disguised on your system. Here are the best free tools for clearing hidden infections.

Norton Power Eraser
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File size: 5.85MB

Norton’s new Power Eraser tool is specifically designed to tackle hard-toremove ‘scareware’ and deeply buried threats that traditional anti-virus software might not detect. The program also scans for rootkits, and lets you review and undo repair sessions in case anything goes wrong. Power Eraser is fast and easy to use, but Norton claims its methods are so aggressive th a t you should only use the tool as a last resort, in case it quarantines a legitimate application.

ComboFix
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File size: 4.1MB

ComboFix is one o f the most powerful malware-removal tools available. As such, it ’s strongly advised that you read BleepingComputer.com’s ‘How to use ComboFix' guide (in the above link) before running the program. ComboFix cleans most infections automatically and generates a re p o rt containing details o f items it can’t remove. You can post this log in BleepingComputer.com’s technical forums (bleepingcomputer. com/forums ) to get expert assistance with your problem - do not make any changes to your system yourself.

GMER Rootkit Detector and Remover
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File size: 294KB

GMER isn’t the most attractive rootkit-removal tool but it ’s one of the few to work with 32-bit and 6 4 -b it versions of Windows 7, and its tho ro ug h scanning means it regularly tops industry tests. The latest version, released last month, lets you run the program with out needing to install it and uncovers hidden files faster than ever. We very much like the ab ility to switch between processes, the Registry and files to see instantly where rootkits are lurking.

McAfee Stinger
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File size: 7.71MB

McAfee Stinger is a simple but effective tool that - in its current version - can quickly find and remove more than 2,300 viruses, Trojans and variants. These include notable nasties such as Sobig, Koobface and Z otob - click the List button in the program to view them all. You can set Stinger to scan your Registry, boot sectors and system processes; look inside compressed folders and self-extracting executable files; and repair, delete or rename the infected files it finds.

CLOUD-BASED ANTI-VIRUS

Several anti-virus companies have now moved their software online to give you up-to-date protection that doesn’t hog your PC’s memory or disk space. Here are three great cloud-based tools to try.

Panda Cloud Antivirus Free
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File size: 301KB (installer)

Panda Cloud Antivirus Free has two major benefits over traditional security software: it’s entirely web-based, so it uses minimal system resources, which makes it ideal for use on netbooks and low-spec systems; and its online community database identifies viruses as soon as they appear so you are protected against new threats. The latest version features an improved notification system and is compatible with IE9 and Firefox 4. Note that conflicts have been reported with AVG and Comodo products.

Immunet Protect Free
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File size: 346KB (installer)

Immunet Protect Free offers‘a fast layer of protection that’s compatible with existing anti-virus’, which makes it ideal for beefing up your security. This recently updated tool is powered by the cloud-based anti-virus engine ClamAV (www.clamav.net), and gets its malware definitions from an online community, so it ’s always up to date with the latest threats. You can scan your entire hard disk or just specific files and - a community-minded touch - extend Immunet’s protection to cover your friends’ PCs.

Kingsoft Antivirus
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File size: 16.3MB

Kingsoft AntiVirus isn’t as well-known as Panda and Immunet’s cloud-based offerings, but it offers some useful features. These include an LSP Repair Tool, that fixes problems with your network connection; a System Repair option that covers Windows and IE issues; and the Process Supervisor, which finds and ends risky processes. There’s also a Do Not Disturb mode that prevents interruptions when you’re playing a game or watching a film full-screen.

SANDBOXING TOOLS

Sandboxing involves running programs in a secure, ring-fenced area of your PC’s hard disk or memory to stop security threats infecting the rest of your system. Here are our top tools.

BufferZone Pro
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File size: 14.5MB

BufferZone Pro 'starts where your anti-virus stops’, giving you a secure environment in which to download files, browse the web and open email attachments without endangering the rest of your PC. Previously, the software cost $39.95 , but you can now use all its useful features for free. We particularly like the ability to lock your private files in a ‘trusted zone’, and the automatic isolation of USB drives to prevent the spread of mobile malware. BufferZone Pro currently only works on 32-bit systems but a 64-bit version is due soon.

Sandboxie
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File size: 1.86MB

Sandboxie has long been our sandboxing tool of choice, and we’re pleased that the new version builds on it's strengths while remaining very easy to use. Most notably, you can now run Internet Explorer 9 and Windows Live Messenger 2012 in a safe environment to ensure malware doesn’t infect your PC by exploiting those programs. The updated Sandboxie also offers improved compatibility with security software including McAfee Total Protection and Panda Cloud Antivirus.

Dell KACE Secure Browser
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File size: 75.2MB

Secure Browser is essentially a sandboxed version of Firefox, with Adobe Reader and Flash plug-ins installed. This ring-fenced version of the browser keeps all files you download from the web separate from the rest of your system to prevent infection. Any changes resulting from browser activity can be quickly and easily undone, and you can also view statistics of the number of processes blocked so far. The browser was
recently updated to work on 64-bit PCs.

BROWSER TOOLS

Stay safe as you surf the web by installing a browser filter. Some add-ons now limit their most useful features to their paid-for versions, but the following browser tools offer online protection fo r free.

BitDefender TrafficLight Beta
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File size: 2.1MB

BitDefender’s new web-filtering tool works differently to established rivals such as McAfee SiteAdvisor (www.siteadvisor.com). Instead of adding a toolbar to your browser, TrafficLight Beta works quietly in the background, filtering harmful content on web pages with out blocking the whole site. To access the tool's features - which include a useful link shortener, an ad filter and a search-result analyser - just click the small ‘handler’ that appears at the top of each page.

WOT
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File size: 1.2MB

Now available for a wide range of browsers, Including Chrome, Opera and Safari, Web of Trust (WOT) offers colour-coded ratings for millions of websites to keep you safe online. As well as confirming the trustworthiness of a site’s content, the latest version of  WOT usefully provides details of vendor reliability, customer satisfaction and whether the privacy policy protects your identity and personal data. You can rate sites yourself to increase your activity score.

Comodo Verification Engine
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File size: 3.47MB

This anti-phlshing and anti-pharming tool indicates that an online store is secure by framing your browser in a green border. You can also hover your mouse over a brand logo or an Image to confirm the credentials of the site. Recognising that phishing scams can be very convincing, Verification Engine checks the padlock icons on apparently secure pages to make sure that they are genuine and not just an empty image, and confirms that sites have valid security certificates.

SpywareBlaster
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File size: 3.12KB

Once Installed, SpywareBlaster does it's job quietly and efficiently in the background. The program protects Internet Explorer and FI refox against ActiveX-based spyware and harmful tracking cookies, although annoyingly, it still doesn't cover Chrome. Particularly useful are the System Snapshot feature, which creates a back-up of your browser settings to safeguard you against infection, and a Flash-content blocker.

ANTI-SPAM TOOLS

Built-in email spam filters sometimes need help to keep junk mail at bay. Try one of these free tools to protect your inbox.

BullGuard Spamfiiter
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File size: 16.6MB

BullGuard’s powerful anti-spam tool works seamlessly with Outlook, Outlook Express and Thunderbird, and offers a dedicated version for 64-bit systems. Once you’ve registered your email address, Spamfiiter instantly starts work, identifying and blocking junk mall, phishing scams and forelgn-language spam. The program offers automatic updates and will create a white list of addresses not to block, based on your contacts and people you’ve emailed previously.

Cloudmark Desktop One
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File size: 8.28MB

Cloudmark Desktop One is the free version of a commercial anti-spam product, which filters junk mail, viruses and phishing scams from your email inbox. The program automatically detects email accounts on your PC during installation and checks for any threats you may have received in the last seven days. Unlike similar tools, Cloudmark is compatible with POP3, IMAP and webmail accounts (although only one at a time) and requires little manual adjustment or updating.

Iconix
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File size: 5.72MB/5.2MB

Iconix is available in two versions - one for webmail accounts including Gmail, Yahoo Mail and Windows Live Hotmail, and another for Outlook 2003 and 2007. When you receive an unsolicited email, the tool verifies the authenticity of the message, checks the sender against thousands of companies who have registered with Iconix - including eBay, Amazon and Expédia - and marks genuine messages as safe. This makes it very useful for identifying phishing scams.

UPDATE TOOLS

Keeping your programs and drivers up to date helps protect your PC against malicious attacks. Here are two tools that make finding and updating vulnerable versions of software as painless as possible.

FileHippo.com Update Checker
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File size: 247KB

The friendly face of the FileHippo.com Update Checker will be familiar to many readers, and it’s one of the
simplest means of keeping software on your PC up to date. However, it ’s still worth making sure that - in the spirit of the program - you’ve got the latest version (vl.038). This is even faster than before, taking just a few seconds to scan your system, and features support for additional programs, including AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2011.

Secunia Personal Software Inspector
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File size: 1.65MB

Since we last recommended this popular update tool in Web User, a new version has been released, which makes the program even more essential. Previously, you needed to scan your system manually for outdated software, but the latest version - 2.0 - offers an Auto Updates feature that downloads new programs automatically. There’s also a handy Tray Icon that tells you when updates and other changes have occurred. We love the program's smart new interface, too.



source: Robert Irvine



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