Can Free Antivirus Be Trusted?
Free antivirus software can be a great choice if you only need basic protection. However they don’t offer the same level of protection that paid-for solutions. Free antivirus software is often rated highly by independent labs such as AV Test or AV Comparatives for its malware detection rate. However it doesn’t offer the features typically found in premium software. These extras, like security measures for network threats and usage profiles, a VPN, password managers, and parental controls are essential to complete online security.
Moreover, free antivirus programs may not be updated more frequently than paid solutions and this leaves a window of opportunity for spick and span baddies to get past detection. The majority of free antivirus programs rely on signature detection. This involves looking at malware samples against the strings of characters used in known attacks. This method works when attackers utilize the same patterns. However advanced hackers are using techniques which are distinctive enough to avoid detection.
It is also important to consider the usage terms for the particular antivirus program. Most free solutions are licensed for personal use however they may not be suitable for commercial use. Additionally, some free programs may contain technologies that can be classified as spyware or adware therefore they should be downloaded with caution. Paid solutions however, are more likely to be backed by warranties and guarantees that define what rights the user has to in case of a breach or infection.