Malwarebytes is a comprehensive security tool that’s designed to shore up your traditional antivirus program. It receives daily updates to help you keep on top of the latest malware, and also employs a number of techniques that can help it identify brand new malware on your system that’s never even been seen before. Once Malwarebytes has identified an issue, it’s able to clean up and remove the malicious code. This fantastic malware removal tool is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Chromebooks. The free version allows you to scan for malware and remove it whenever you want, but it lacks the real-time scanning and protection that you get from the premium version. The free version of Bitdefender is a lightweight antivirus program that’s available for Windows, Android, and macOS. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and Bitdefender Total Security, which are both paid versions of the software, add protection for iOS as well. While the free version lacks some of the advanced features you get with the premium versions of Bitdefender, like automatic updates, it’s equipped with the basic features required to protect your computer with real-time threat detection, virus scanning, and malware removal. In addition to real-time threat detection, Bitdefender also has a handy option that allows you to drag and drop suspicious files or folders to the home screen of the app. This is an extremely easy way to quickly scan any files that you suspect may be infected. Adaware maintains a database of known threats that receives regular updates, like other antivirus software and malware removal tools. When a scan finds something that matches the threat database, the app is able to locate and eliminate the problem. It can also scan your downloads automatically, helping to eliminate that attack vector. What sets Adaware apart from most of the competition is the heuristic analysis technique that it uses to identify new malware. By setting up suspicious programs in a protected virtual environment, Adaware can look for behaviors and signs that the program is actually malware and then take appropriate measures. The free version of Adaware is only available for Windows, but it does support Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. SUPERAntiSpyware is designed to work in concert with your antivirus, specifically targeting spyware, adware, keyloggers, and other threats to your personal data. It’s also able to protect your files against ransomware, which is designed to hijack your data unless you pay the attacker to release it. The free version of SUPERAntiSpyware comes with the same daily updates as the paid version, ensuring that you’re always protected against the latest threats. The only catch is that you have to check for updates automatically. SUPERAntiSpyware is only available for Windows, but it is compatible with every version of the operating system dating back to Windows XP. That means SUPERAntiSpyware is a great way to protect your computer If you’re still using an outdated version of Windows like Windows XP or Windows Vista. Microsoft updates the Malicious Software Removal Tool on a regular basis, and a new version, designed to remove new malware threats, is usually available once per month. It isn’t updated as often as some other tools, but it does target the most prevalent malware threats, so it should be your first line of defense as a Windows user. The Malicious Software Removal Tool isn’t designed to replace your antivirus software, and it works best when used in conjunction with a good antivirus and other anti-malware apps. It’s been available since Windows XP, but Microsoft only provides support and updates for Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 versions as older versions no longer receive security updates. macOS has a reputation for not being as vulnerable to viruses and malware as Windows, but it’s still important to protect your data against a worst-case scenario. Avast Free Mac Security is the best free option out there, combining an excellent antivirus platform with top of the line malware detection, and protection against infections from email and the web. It can even harden your Wi-Fi network against intrusion. The free version of Avast for macOS provides most of the benefits that you get from the paid version, but it can’t protect your data against ransomware or identify Wi-Fi intrusions in real-time. If you want those features, you’ll need the paid version.
