Malicious Software Removal Tool For Mac

Posted By admin On 08.05.21

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
Malwarebytes

Yes, Macs can get malware. Beyond traditional viruses, worms, and Trojans, there’s now a thriving ecosystem of adware and spyware programs that bombard you with ads and spy on your web browsing, just like on Windows.

Macs do have some integrated protection against malware, but it isn’t perfect. Crucially, that protection against malware doesn’t block all the adware and spyware bundled with application downloads.

Use Malwarebytes for Mac

DNSChanger Removal Tool scans for the DNSChanger Trojan Horse, also known as OSX.RSPlug.A and OSX/Puper, has been found on numerous pornographic websites disguising itself as a video codec. Once downloaded and installed, DNSChanger changes the DNS settings on the computer, redirecting websites entered by the user to malicious sites.

The Malicious Software Removal Tool is a weapon Microsoft uses to purge worms and other nasty malware from infected systems so they don’t stay infected for years. It’s not a tool that will help protect you in your day-to-day computer use. Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is an anti-malware utility that checks computers running Windows 10 Technical Preview, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP*, Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software. Download the standard uninstallation tool for Kaspersky Security for Mac. Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool Use a free tool to scan infected computers under Microsoft. Protect your children against unwelcome contacts, harmful content, malicious software and attacks. Microsoft Malicious software removal tool Microsoft provides operating systems for PC so they have a better understanding of their product. And focusing on their product they made Malware removal tool specific to Windows. Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is a simple and free utility designed to detect and eliminate malware from the PC. This program scans the system and search for malware presence. This program scans the system and search for malware presence. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats.

RELATED:Mac OS X Isn’t Safe Anymore: The Crapware / Malware Epidemic Has Begun

Malwarebytes makes well-regarded security utilities for Windows. Malwarebytes originally expanded into the Mac security software arena by purchasing and rebranding a popular application named “Adware Medic” that we and others have used successfully in the past.

There are now two versions of Malwarebytes for Mac, a free version and a premium version. The standard scanner that checks for malware on your system and removes it is free. Anyone can manually initiate a scan and remove malware with Malwarebytes for Mac without spending a penny. The Malwarebytes Premium features that will monitor your Mac for malware and spyware, prevent infections before they occur, and automatically download updates do cost money, but Malwarebytes does provide a 30-day free trial.

If you want to remove malware, spyware, and other garbage software from your Mac, we recommend you download and run Malwarebyes. The free version is fine if you just want to check for and remove malware. If you want something that runs in the background, automatically scans your downloads, and monitors your system, you’ll want the paid version.

We’ve been happy with Malwarebytes on Windows for years and recommend it, and the Mac version also seems solid. We recommended it back when it was just an “Adware Medic” tool that could only manually scan your system for malware, and we’re happy the automatic protection features are now available for people who want them.

How to Avoid Malware on a Mac

RELATED:How to Protect Your Mac from Malware

Yes, obnoxious junk software is still a problem on a Mac. Macs do have an anti-malware feature known as “XProtect” or “File quarantine”, but it only blocks a handful of the most nasty pieces of malware after they’ve become widespread. It won’t necessarily block anything new, and it won’t stand in the way of all the adware and spyware out there. You need to follow good online safety practices to avoid malware on a Mac, just like you do on a Windows PC.

Much of the nastiest adware arrives the same way it does on Windows, via junkware-packed installers from application-downloading sites like download.com or via shady advertisements that push you to an unofficial, tainted installer. Get your applications from the Mac App Store or the developer’s website. Avoid running unsigned software—that means only allowing apps downloaded from the “App Store and identified developers”.

Unlike on Windows, there’s no Add/Remove programs window where you can go to see what’s installed and quickly uninstall it on a Mac. On Windows, most of the “legal” crapware allows you to uninstall it from here. On a Mac, it can be tough to know how to uninstall this junk. Malwarebytes should be able to find and uninstall this junkware automatically, which is why it’s so useful.

What About Full Mac Antivirus Programs?

Quite a few antivirus companies are now also creating (and selling) full antivirus programs for macOS. These applications are similar to their Windows equivalents, featuring full background-scanning of all the applications you run and files you access as well as other features. Malwarebytes Premium for Mac now functions in this way, too.

We’ll be honest here—we’re not completely sure what to recommend if you’re looking for a more traditional antivirus program. There haven’t been as many tests that compare Mac antivirus software as there have for Windows antivirus software. Malwarebytes for Mac is a great quick removal tool and now offers automatic scanning features if you want them. It will remove most of the obnoxious software out there, which makes it our main pick. On Windows, most of the antivirus programs won’t even remove this obnoxious adware and spyware (called “potentially unwanted programs” or “PUPs”), so we’re not even sure a full antivirus would even be as good as Malwarebytes at battling the most entry points.

If you do stick to the Mac App Store and keep your software updated, you’re probably fine. On the other hand, if you download a lot of software from the web and potentially even bypass your Mac’s protections to install unsigned applications from unknown developers, an antivirus with full background scanning might be a better idea. However, like on a Windows PC, an antivirus that’s always scanning in the background can make your Mac a bit slower and drain battery life.

Microsoft malicious software removal tool mac

We recommend Sophos Home for Mac as the top free antivirus for Mac. AV-TEST gave it good grades and it doesn’t try to install any additional software on your PC. It just requires you create a free Sophos account before you can download it. Give it a try if you’re looking for a free, full-featured antivirus with on-demand scanning. If your Mac is already infected, this application can perform a full system-scan for malware, just as they can on Windows.

“Macs don’t get malware” and “you don’t need antivirus on a Mac” are old pieces of advice that aren’t necessarily true anymore. Macs are vulnerable to malware. For example, the Flashback Trojan at one point infected over 600,000 Macs around the world. Macs also now have a problem with adware and other junkware provided in software installers, just as Windows does.

Malwarebytes for Mac is a solid tool in any Mac user’s toolkit. Full antivirus applications aren’t necessarily as mandatory as they are on Windows yet, but you might want them if you download a lot of applications from the web and are particularly worried.

You Need Malware Protection

You use all kinds of software every day, whether it's a browser to check your social media, a photo editing tool to make those pictures looks spiffy, or a word processor to write anything from a grant application to a poem. But there's another kind of software that uses you, for nefarious purposes. When software comes from the Dark Side, with malicious intent, we call it malware. Fortunately, you can enlist protective software to fight these evil forces, anything from a simple antivirus utility to a feature-rich security suite that takes care of all your devices.

Malware protection solutions come in all sizes. Despite the word 'virus' in the name, an antivirus utility actually aims to protect against all types of malware. Full-scale security suites expand protection to include such things as spam filtering and parental control. Some antimalware tools work alongside your main protection to provide added security against specific threats, such as ransomware. Before we explore the different types of protection available, let's look at just what they're up against.

What Is Malware?

The term malware is short for malicious software, and it refers to absolutely any program or process whose purpose is harmful, even criminal. The earliest widely known form of malware was the computer virus, the name for a program that infects other programs with its code, and replicates when the infected program runs. Many early viruses had no malicious payload; they just served to show off the coder's skills, or even to give a shout-out to a loved one. Because viruses were first, we still use the name antivirus for software that protects against all kinds of malware.

A virus spreads when someone launches the infected program; a worm spreads without any help. Worms have been around longer than the internet, with the first one, Creeper, hitting Arpanet in 1971. The infamous Morris Worm, released in 1988, was nominally intended to measure the extent of the nascent internet. However, due to a coding error it crashed thousands of servers and earned its creator a felony conviction.

Modern malware coders are way beyond the 'look at me!' attitude of those early virus writers. They're in it for the money—period—and there's not a lot of money in viruses and worms. Trojan horse programs can be more lucrative. This sort of malware appears as, and may even be, a useful program of some kind, but once you let it inside the walls of your computer, it turns loose a crew of nasties. They may send your personal and financial data to malware HQ, install additional programs to earn per-installation cash, or anything the coders can think of to monetize their control of your computer.

Trojans that transmit your private information are one kind of spyware. Other types of spyware focus on tracking your web-browsing habits, or the way you use your computer. Keylogger spyware tools record the keystrokes you type, hoping to hit pay dirt by capturing your passwords. Some anti-malware tools include components specifically devoted to spyware protection.

Another common threat is what's called a bot. Typically, the bot owner uses spam or drive-by downloads to infect many computers, and then sells the services of this herd of bots. Customers can contract with the bot-herder for tasks including bitcoin mining, distributing spam, or participating in a distributed denial of service attack.

The current alpha predator of money-making malware, though, is ransomware—specifically, encrypting ransomware. If this kind of attack hits your computer, you'll find that all your essential files have been encrypted. The perpetrator of the attack will gladly decrypt them for you—if you pay the ransom. Worst of all, even if you manage to remove the ransomware itself, your files remain encrypted. It's a nightmare!

Adware and Other PUPs

Most malware-fighting tools also handle removal of potentially unwanted programs—PUPs for short. In many cases, you must choose whether or not to remove these. They're not specifically malicious, but they may well be unwanted.

For example, you may have installed an ad-supported free utility without realizing just how invasive its advertisements would be. Or you may have clicked through screen after screen during one program's installation, without realizing that by doing so you agreed to install a boatload of other programs. And it's not uncommon for these programs to resist uninstallation. Companies like AppEsteem aim to eliminate these deceptive bundling practices, but if you've already been hit, you need some help to clean up the mess.

Basic Malware Protection

You absolutely need at least a basic level of protection for all of your devices, and that means an antivirus utility. As noted, despite the name these products do a lot more than fight viruses. They take aim at every kind of malware, and some of them do a great job.

But, you may ask, doesn't Windows 10 have antivirus built right in? It's true that Windows Defender is built into Windows 10, and it gained more responsibilities with the Creators Update. If you have no other antivirus, Windows Defender turns on automatically. If you install a third-party antivirus, it goes dormant. Windows Defender has been getting better scores from the independent labs, and in our own tests, but the best third-party antivirus products, both free and premium, score way higher.

What's the Best Free Antivirus?

Even though Windows Defender isn't the best, you may be reluctant to pay for antivirus protection, given that you can get it for free. As it turns out, quite a few companies offer free antivirus solutions, and some of them are quite good.

Most purveyors of free antivirus protection also offer a premium, paid edition. In some cases, the premium edition includes features not available for free, or offers VIP tech support. Others make the full range of features free for consumers, but require payment for business-related use. The best of these free antivirus utilities outperform all but the top for-pay competitors.

Malware Scan Types

You can launch a full antivirus scan of your computer at will, to root out any preexisting malware problems. Most also let you schedule a regular scan. But the first line of defense is on-access scanning. For some antivirus utilities, the minuscule access that occurs when Windows Explorer displays a file's details is sufficient to trigger a scan. Others wait until the file gets copied to disk, or until just before it executes. The main point is, your antivirus makes sure that no new malware can infest the computer.

But how does it know? How does it tell that a program is malicious? The easiest method involves what's called a signature—a kind of fingerprint that identifies known malicious files. Early antivirus tools simply checked the numeric hash of entire programs against a blacklist. Malware coders responded to that by making threats polymorphic, so every victim received a slightly different file. And antivirus researchers in turn responded by making signatures more generic, so that all variations on a particular malware strain would still fit the profile.

But is there an end to the cat-and-mouse game between malware coders and antivirus researchers? Yes, quite possibly there is. The very definition of malware is software that performs some type of malicious action. Behavior-based detection systems don't check programs against a list of known offenders. Instead, they watch all unknown programs for malicious behaviors. This kind of detection works against any malware attack, even a brand-new zero-day exploit.

Emergency Malware Removal

There's always the chance that your antivirus might miss a very new, very virulent malware strain. You also may run into trouble when you try to install antivirus protection, because the malware already entrenched on your computer fights back. In either of those cases, you can call on the many free cleanup-only tools.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is our current favorite in this realm. We've seen tech support agents for other companies call on Malwarebytes to get rid of infestations that thwarted their own product. It's not the only choice, though. Sophos, Symantec, and Emsisoft are among the others that offer similar free malware cleaners.

Most security vendors also offer a free rescue disk, typically in the form of an ISO file that you burn to a CD. Windows-based malware only works when Windows is running, after all. Booting from the rescue disk puts you in a different operating environment, typically a Linux variant, with a malware scanner built in. You may find the rescue scanner awkward and unfamiliar, compared to its slick, Windows-based cousin, but if it does the job, you can ignore its lack of polish.

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

Beyond Malware Protection

Antivirus is one kind of security for your computer, but there are many other possibilities. A firewall fends off hack attacks from outside, and prevents programs from abusing your network connection. If your email provider doesn't filter out spam, a local spam filter utility can help. Parental control software steers kids away from inappropriate websites and keeps a lid on their screen time. Rather than choose all these components separately, with the risk that they won't play nice together, many users opt for a security suite that integrates a variety of security components. Of course, malware protection is at the core of every such suite.

There are many other ways security software can protect your computer and your privacy. Backup is, in a way, the ultimate security for your important files. Even if a piece of space junk smashes your computer to smithereens, you still have your backed-up files. Cleaning up exposed data on your system, stuff that could reveal your habits, is another way to protect privacy. Password management helps you attain the goal of using a strong, unique password for every website. Most security companies offer a higher-level suite that adds many more security-related features. We call these feature-packed products mega-suites, to distinguish them from the basic, entry-level suites.

Protecting your privacy and security on your desktop or laptop computer is dandy, but what about your other devices? If your household teems with devices running Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS, you may want to consider a multi-device security suite. Protection for Windows and Android devices is the most important, as these are the big targets for malware attack. Even macOS devices have suffered crippling attacks, though they're not as common. And while iPhones and iPads are intrinsically safer, some security features, such as password management and URL filtering, are platform-independent.

You also need to think about protecting your data as it travels between your devices and the web. If you've connected to an unsecured Wi-Fi hotspot, another user (or the sneaky owner of the hotspot) could sift through your data stream. Using a VPN protects your data in transit, and has the added benefit of masking your IP address. More security companies are beginning to include a VPN component, though full access may require an additional subscription.

Ransomware Protection

As noted earlier, an antivirus with protection only against computer viruses would be absurd. In general, a product that only blocks viruses, or adware, or spyware, or any single malware type would be pointless. Ransomware, however, is another matter.

If your regular antivirus misses a brand-new Trojan and thereby lets some crook steal your credit card number, that's bad. But you can get a new card, and an antivirus update (or a remote remediation session with tech support) should wipe out the Trojan. But if the antivirus misses a ransomware attack, that's it. Your files are hosed, and removing the ransomware won't help. Because of that, we recommend a second line of protection against ransomware.

You may find that your antivirus or security suite has some degree of ransomware-specific protection built in. Some products simply ban unauthorized programs from making changes to files in certain protected folders. Want to edit a document with your word processor? No problem! But when ransomware comes knocking, it won't get in. Others add a layer of behavior-based ransomware detection, to catch anything that gets past the other malware protection layers.

What we find most interesting are the dedicated anti-ransomware tools that are starting to crop up. They work alongside your existing antivirus, with the sole aim of detecting the behavior of any ransomware that gets past other defensive layers. The free CyberSight RansomStopper is an Editor's Choice in this realm, as is Check Point ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware. While ZoneAlarm isn't free, it's certainly inexpensive.

What's the Best Malware Protection?

In the chart at the top of this article, we've identified 10 products that will definitely help keep malware far, far away from your computer. We made a point of including a variety of program types, from many different security companies.

Clearly these aren't the only products that you should consider. We've reviewed many dozens in different categories, and many of them are just as good as the ones in the chart. For a full list of all such programs that rated four stars (Excellent) or better, see the blurbs below. And if you don't have any malware protection yet, read the reviews, make a choice, and install it now.

Editors' Note: We are aware of the allegations of Kaspersky Labs' inappropriate ties to the Russian government. Until we see some actual proof of these allegations, we will treat them as unproven, and continue to recommend Kaspersky's security products as long as their performance continues to merit our endorsement.

Malwarebytes

The Best Malware Removal and Protection Software Featured in This Roundup:
Avast Free Antivirus 2017 Review

MSRP: $0.00
Pros: Antivirus lab test results plentiful and positive. Excellent scores in our hands-on tests and antiphishing test. Network security inspector. Password manager. Many useful, security-related bonus features. Free.
Cons: Password manager features limited. Some bonus features require separate purchase.
Bottom Line: Avast Free Antivirus 2017 combines a great free antivirus with a surprisingly extensive collection of bonus features.
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AVG AntiVirus Free (2017) Review

MSRP: $0.00
Pros: Very good scores from many independent testing labs. Very good malware-blocking score. Decent malicious URL blocking score. Web security plug-in includes website rating and active Do Not Track.
Cons: Poor score in antiphishing test. Initial scan slower than average.
Bottom Line: AVG AntiVirus Free has a new look, and some new technology, but our hands-on tests and independent lab tests show that it's just as reliable as ever.
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Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Review

MSRP: $39.99
Pros: Outstanding scores in independent lab tests and our web protection tests. Multi-layered ransomware protection. Active Do Not Track. Password manager. Banking protection. Offers a virtual private network, or VPN. Many security-centered bonus features.
Cons: Unlimited VPN access requires separate subscription. With all real-time protection disabled, ransomware-specific features missed one uncommon sample.
Bottom Line: With outstanding antivirus test results and a collection of features that puts many security suites to shame, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is an excellent choice for protecting your PC.
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Bitdefender Internet Security Review

MSRP: $59.99
Pros: Outstanding scores in independent antivirus lab tests and our web protection tests. Multilayered ransomware protection. Includes VPN. Full-featured parental control. File encryption. Webcam security. Many bonus features.
Cons: Unlimited VPN access requires separate subscription. With antivirus disabled, ransomware-specific features missed one uncommon sample in testing. Parental control for iOS not fully functional.
Bottom Line: Bitdefender Internet Security gets VPN protection and all the other security features from the company's excellent antivirus product, plus it adds webcam security, effective parental control, and more. It earns our Editors' Choice badge as a top entry-level security suite.
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Bitdefender Total Security Review

MSRP: $89.99
Pros: Award-winning antivirus. Many bonus features including VPN and ransomware protection. Premium Parental Control detects cyberbullying. Anti-theft for Windows, Android, and iOS. Optimization for Windows.
Cons: Limited iOS support. Premium Parental Control costs extra.
Bottom Line: If you want every imaginable security component in a single well-integrated package, plus a wealth of useful bonus features and cross-platform protection, Bitdefender's Total Security mega-suite is what you need.
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Check Point ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Review

MSRP: $1.99
Pros: Successfully protects against real-world ransomware samples. Cleans up all ransomware traces in testing. Very easy to use.
Cons: Not free like some competing products. Routinely allows (and then reverses) file encryption.
Bottom Line: Check Point ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware remains one of the most effective ransomware-specific security tools we've tested. After a false start, it showed complete success against all our real-world samples.
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CyberSight RansomStopper Review

MSRP: $0.00
Pros: Detected and blocked all real-world ransomware samples, including samples launched at startup. Doesn't permit encryption of files. Free.
Cons: Installation not complete until after reboot.
Bottom Line: CyberSight RansomStopper offers free, dedicated ransomware protection, and it now handles ransomware that launches at Windows startup. It's a winner, and free.
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Kaspersky Anti-Virus Review

MSRP: $59.99
Pros: Perfect and near-perfect scores from four independent testing labs. Perfect score in our phishing protection test. Good scores in our malware-blocking and malicious URL blocking tests. Full-scale phone and live chat support.
Cons: Bonus scans significantly overlap each other.
Bottom Line: Kaspersky Anti-Virus sweeps the antivirus testing labs, with excellent scores across the board. It remains an antivirus Editors' Choice.
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Kaspersky Internet Security Review

MSRP: $79.99
Pros: Top-notch scores from four labs. Best antiphishing score. Firewall with powerful application control. Protection for macOS and Android devices. Automated security patching. Webcam protection. Many bonus features.
Cons: Hard to find some settings.
Bottom Line: Kaspersky Internet Security gets top scores from the antivirus testing labs. It comes with everything you'd expect in a suite, along with plenty of extras, and its components are consistently effective.
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Symantec Norton AntiVirus Plus Review

MSRP: $59.99
Pros: Excellent scores in independent lab tests and in our own tests. Includes online backup, spam filter, password manager, and other bonus features.
Cons: First full scan unusually slow. Expensive. No multi-license pricing.
Bottom Line: Symantec Norton AntiVirus Plus gets impressive scores in independent lab tests and our own hands-on tests, but it's expensive and doesn't offer volume pricing. If you want Norton protection, you're better off with one of Symantec's suite products.
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Symantec Norton 360 With LifeLock Select Review

MSRP: $149.99
Pros: Includes LifeLock identity theft mitigation. No-limits VPN. Excellent security protection. Supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS. Virus protection promise.
Cons: Expensive. Security protection limited on iOS devices. No parental control for macOS.
Bottom Line: In addition to providing thorough cross-platform security, Symantec Norton 360 with LifeLock Select aims to help you recover from the crippling effects of identity theft.
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Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus Review

MSRP: $39.99
Pros: Perfect score in our malware protection test. Very good antiphishing score. Ransomware protection. Light on system resources. Fast scan, tiny size. Advanced features.
Cons: Limited lab test results due to unusual detection techniques. Missed one unique hand-modified ransomware sample in testing.
Bottom Line: Tiny, speedy Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus keeps a light touch on your system's resources. It aces our hands-on malware protection test, and can even roll back ransomware activity.
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McAfee AntiVirus Plus Review

MSRP: $59.99
Pros: Protection for every Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS device in your household. Good scores in hands-on tests. Perfect score in antiphishing test. Includes new ransomware protection and PC Boost, plus many bonus features.
Cons: Ransom Guard missed one hand-modified ransomware sample. PC Boost web speedup works only in Chrome. Mac edition less feature-rich than Windows or Android. Still fewer features for iOS.
Bottom Line: A single subscription for McAfee AntiVirus Plus lets you protect every Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS device in your household. It's quite a deal, and the current edition adds some new and useful features.
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Symantec Norton 360 Deluxe Review

MSRP: $99.99
Pros: No-limits VPN. Top scores in our malware protection and malicious URL blocking tests. Hosted storage for online backup. Powerful, self-sufficient firewall. Supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS. Virus protection promise.
Cons: Security protection limited on iOS devices. No parental control for macOS.
Bottom Line: In addition to cross-platform security, hosted online backup, and a ton of security features, Symantec Norton 360 Deluxe gives you a no-limits VPN and full-featured parental control system that would cost plenty by themselves. It's a high-security bargain.
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Avast Pro Antivirus 2017 Review

MSRP: $39.99
Pros: Excellent scores in our hands-on tests. Good scores from independent labs. Wi-Fi inspector. Password manager. Numerous useful, security-related bonus features. Pro-only Sandbox and Real Site features.
Cons: Password manager features limited. Some bonus features require separate purchase. Pro-only features don't merit the price.
Bottom Line: Avast Pro Antivirus 2017 offers the same wealth of features as its free edition, and not a lot more. It's an excellent product, but for most people the free version will suffice.
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Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition Review

MSRP: $0.00
Pros: Same core antivirus protection as for-pay Bitdefender. Excellent scores from independent testing labs. Good scores in phishing and malicious URL blocking tests. Free.
Cons: Lacks some advanced malware protection layers found in commercial antivirus.
Bottom Line: Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition includes the same core antivirus technology found in the commercial Bitdefender Antivirus, focusing on the essential task of antivirus protection with minimal add-ons.
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Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+ Review

MSRP: $0.00
Pros: Antivirus protection licensed from Kaspersky. Tough, effective two-way firewall. Free. Bonus features.
Cons: No antivirus lab test results. Lacks some antivirus features. No protection for malicious or fraudulent websites. Behavioral detection tars good and bad programs in testing. Personal data protection fails in testing.
Bottom Line: Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+ combines Kaspersky-powered antivirus with an effective firewall, but it lacks protection against malicious and fraudulent websites, and some of its bonus features don't work.
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Check Point ZoneAlarm PRO Antivirus + Firewall Review

MSRP: $39.95
Pros: Advanced firewall. Antivirus licensed from Kaspersky. Unusual phishing protection. Includes useful bonus tools.
Cons: No independent antivirus lab results. Firewall upgrades too advanced for average user. So-so scores against malicious and fraudulent websites in our testing. Phishing protection only in Chrome.
Bottom Line: Check Point ZoneAlarm PRO Antivirus + Firewall offers advanced features not found in the free edition, but those features are too advanced for most users. In addition, it earned mediocre scores in our hands-on antivirus testing.
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Emsisoft Anti-Malware 2017 Review

MSRP: $39.95
Pros: Excellent scores in our malware blocking and malicious URL blocking tests. Good scores in lab tests. Effective behavior-based detection can even spot ransomware. Clean, simple user interface.
Cons: So-so score in our antiphishing test. Behavior-based detection warns about both valid programs and malware.
Bottom Line: Hence the name, Emsisoft Anti-Malware focuses on the core task of keeping your PCs free of malware. It does a good job, and with a clean, simple interface, it looks good too.
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ESET NOD32 Antivirus Review

MSRP: $39.99
Pros: Very good scores from independent testing labs. Good scores in our hands-on tests. HIPS component blocks exploits. UEFI scanner finds malware in firmware. Comprehensive device control.
Cons: So-so phishing protection score. Device control too complex for most users.
Bottom Line: ESET NOD32 Antivirus gets good scores in lab tests and our own tests, and its collection of security components goes far beyond antivirus basics.
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Kaspersky Security Cloud Review

MSRP: $89.99
Pros: Protects up to 20 Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. Includes security, parental control, password management, VPN, and much more. Online dashboard manages security. Low per-device cost.
Cons: VPN requires separate subscription to unlock all features. Password manager lacks advanced features. Requires many separate installations.
Bottom Line: Kaspersky Security Cloud is a security system that lets you install and manage top-notch security on up to 20 PCs, phones, and tablets at an impressively low per-device price. Its an Editors' Choice for cross-platform security.
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Kaspersky Total Security Review

MSRP: $99.99
Pros: Excellent scores from four antivirus labs. Comprehensive parental control. File encryption and shredding. Password manager. Backup system. Cross-platform protection. Tons of bonus features.
Cons: Pricier than the competition. Lacks hosted storage for online backup.
Bottom Line: Kaspersky Total Security offers nearly everything you could want in a security suite: Award-winning antivirus protection, a strong firewall, comprehensive parental control, local and online backup, file encryption, and more.
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McAfee LiveSafe Review

MSRP: $99.99
Pros: Security suite or antivirus protection for all devices in your household. Offers 1GB of encrypted cloud storage with biometric authentication.
Cons: Use of security questions renders encrypted storage vulnerable. Personal Locker not compatible with macOS or with iOS 11. Parental control weak and awkward.
Bottom Line: If you need encrypted cloud storage and multiple password manager profiles, McAfee LiveSafe can help. If not, stick with McAfee's entry-level suite or standalone antivirus.
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McAfee Total Protection Review

MSRP: $99.99
Pros: Cross-platform security for all devices in your household. Comprehensive identity theft protection and remediation. Safe Family parental control. Five licenses for True Key password manager. File encryption.
Cons: Encryption weakened by use of simple security questions. Antivirus lab scores better, but still not tops. Parental control could use some work.
Bottom Line: McAfee Total Protection offers excellent security and password management for all your devices, and parental control for all except Macs. The suite's comprehensive new identity theft protection system is an enticing extra.
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Sophos Home Free Review

MSRP: $0.00
Pros: Very good scores in our hands-on tests. Decent antiphishing score. Remote management. Free.
Cons: No test results from independent labs. Parental content filter ineffective. Slow full scan.
Bottom Line: Sophos Home Free gives consumers antivirus protection built for business, including remote management, but no testing labs vouch for its accuracy.
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Sophos Home Premium Review

MSRP: $60.00
Pros: Good scores in our hands-on tests. Protects against ransomware, keyloggers, and exploits. Remote management for up to 10 PCs or Macs. Inexpensive.
Cons: No test results from independent labs. Advanced features require uncommon tech expertise. Parental control and webcam protection limited.
Bottom Line: Sophos Home Premium expands on basic antivirus with protection technology forged in the company's Enterprise-level products, but doesn't have lab results to verify its efficacy.
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StartMail Review

MSRP: $59.95
Pros: Can send encrypted email to any recipient using Q&A authentication. Easily enable industry-standard PGP encryption. Subscription comes with two companion accounts. Can create disposable or custom email aliases.
Cons: No plug-ins to ease use with email client programs.
Bottom Line: Using a free webmail account can cost you in privacy. With the deceptively simple StartMail service, you can send encrypted mail to anyone.
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The Kure Review

MSRP: $19.99
Pros: On reboot, restores your PC to a clean, malware-free state. Exempts personal folders from being wiped. Ransomware recovery proved effective in testing. Live-chat tech support built in.
Cons: Malware can act freely until eliminated by reboot. Doesn't offer 24-hour tech support.
Bottom Line: When your PC has The Kure installed, you can wipe out malware just by rebooting. Your own documents aren't affected, and it even has the ability to reverse the effects of encrypting ransomware.
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TrackOFF Basic Review

MSRP: $34.95
Pros: Foils websites that track your online activity using fingerprinting. Actively detects tracking attempts. Can clear cookies and other browser traces. Includes anonymous search.
Cons: Doesn't encrypt network traffic. Can't stop your ISP from gathering and selling information.
Bottom Line: Modern websites quiz your browser to generate a fingerprint that uniquely identifies you, so they can track your actions. If you're concerned about privacy, use TrackOFF to foil the fingerprinters.
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Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security Review

MSRP: $39.95
Pros: Excellent scores in our antiphishing and malicious URL blocking tests. Many good scores from antivirus labs. Multi-layered ransomware protection. New Pay Guard protects online transactions. Many bonus features.
Cons: Poor score in our hands-on malware protection test. Slow full scan. Ransomware protection uneven. Banking protection doesn't kick in automatically. Spam filter works only with Outlook. No multi-device licensing.
Bottom Line: In addition to effective malware protection, Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security offers layered protection against ransomware, a firewall booster, protection for online banking, and more.
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Trend Micro Internet Security Review

MSRP: $79.95
Pros: Excellent scores in our antiphishing and malicious URL blocking tests. Hardened browser for online banking. PC optimizer. Social media privacy scanner. Many useful bonus features.
Cons: Parental control easily foiled. Spam filter only works with Outlook. Poor score in hands-on malware protection test. No firewall.
Bottom Line: Trend Micro Internet Security adds many useful components to the already rich feature set of Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security. If its strengths match your needs, it can be a winner.
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Trend Micro Maximum Security Review

MSRP: $89.95
Pros: Excellent scores in our antiphishing and malicious URL blocking tests. Many useful bonus features. Comprehensive Android security. Protection for macOS beyond the basics. Unusually rich iOS support.
Cons: Parental control easily foiled on some platforms. Poor score in hands-on malware protection test. Some problems with social media privacy scanner.
Bottom Line: Trend Micro Maximum Security offers protection for your Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS devices, though you get a richer set of features on Windows and Android.
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VoodooSoft VoodooShield Review

MSRP: $19.99
Pros: Prevents non-whitelisted programs from launching when computer is at risk. New machine-learning tool flags malware. Checks blocked files against 57 antivirus scanners. Free edition for consumers.
Cons: Could possibly whitelist malware running prior to installation. Flagged some legitimate programs as suspicious, some as malicious.
Bottom Line: VoodooShield takes a whitelist approach to antivirus protection, but without getting in the user's way. A new machine-learning component brings it closer to the abilities of a standalone antivirus.
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Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Complete Review

MSRP: $79.99
Pros: Excellent antivirus protection. 25GB hosted storage to back up and sync files. Tune-up tools for macOS and Windows. Full-featured Android security. Light on system resources. Fastest scan.
Cons: Password manager features limited. Few independent antivirus lab results. Secure deletion tool does no data overwriting at its default level.
Bottom Line: Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Complete adds backup, tune-up, and secure deletion for your Windows and macOS devices. If you don't need spam filtering or parental control, this suite is a good deal.
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