Paid best antivirus programs for windows 7. What is the best antivirus for your computer? Distribution of places based on rating results

Antivirus software is the most reliable comprehensive solution to combat online threats. To assess their severity, consider the most common types malicious attacks:

Viruses. In wide circles, this term is applied to all malicious software, but viruses are only those programs that are able to independently penetrate a computer and add malicious code, or, in other words, “infect” a file, program or entire system. The result of a virus infection may be a system failure due to disruption of the data placement structure or even complete removal operating system.

Trojans, unlike viruses, do not infect other programs. Trojan programs also do not penetrate the computer on their own; attackers disguise them as useful software that the user installs. Trojans cause even more harm because, in addition to deleting system and personal files, they can steal confidential information.

Worms are malicious programs that more dangerous than viruses and Trojans due to the high speed of spread using network resources. By instantly calculating network addresses, worms penetrate other computers, create working folders on system drives, and thereby cause the system to freeze.

Spyware - This software is used to collect confidential information about a specific user by completely scanning the system and work folders of his computer. Spyware operates on someone else's PC completely unnoticed, without putting a visible load on the operating system. In addition to obtaining personal data spyware used to remotely control someone else's computer.

Encryptors whose goal is to break into a computer, gain access to personal media files and encrypt them in order to extort money for decrypting them.

Spam is a separate type of malicious attack, which is the mass distribution of emails of a financial, political and propaganda nature. Attackers use spam for a variety of purposes - from luring large sums of money out of the addressee to simply loading mail servers, which leads to the loss of important data.

There is another common and dangerous type of malicious attack that is worth considering separately.

Types of phishing attacks

Phishing attacks are becoming more and more dangerous over time due to

TOP 10 Antiviruses for Windows

10th place - Quick Heal.

Family of products from the Indian company Quick Heal. Despite the fact that the quality of work of Indian programmers is not the best in the world, this antivirus is quite usable and will successfully rid your computer of worms, viruses and other evil spirits. The company's line includes many different variations of antivirus software, both for home PCs and for servers and smartphones. For a home PC, the most advanced is Quick Heal Total Security . This is a comprehensive software that is designed to comprehensively protect the system and optimize its operation.

This giant includes many functions and modules. Firstly, Quick Heal Total Security is equipped with antivirus, firewall, and antispam protection. The user has everything he needs to clean the system from viruses. Secondly, Quick Heal Total Security protects data from unauthorized copying. This is implemented in two functions - blocking USB ports and CD\DVD drives, and deleting data without the possibility of recovery. Another valuable option of Quick Heal Total Security is checking for viruses on mobile devices. That is, you can check a smartphone connected to your computer for viruses.

9th place - AVG.

Following the Indians are the Czechs. AVG Antivirus, the brainchild of the Czech company AVG Technologies, can scan files, mail and is capable of monitoring computer activity 24/7. This antivirus has a free version, which you can use indefinitely with almost no loss of functionality. Features like antispam and firewall are cut off, but you can surf the Internet completely calmly. The company's line includes such products as AVG AntiVirus for Android, AVG AntiVirus for Mac, AVG AntiVirus FREE(for PC) and AVG Internet Security (for PC). The most powerful product is AVG Ultimate.

AVG Ultimate is the most complete package best apps AVG for virus protection, malware, ensuring privacy, and optimizing any device. Provides security and optimization applications that can be installed on an unlimited number of Windows, Mac, and Android devices, and also allows you to remotely manage each application through a single control panel, available on any Windows PC or Android smartphone/tablet. The package also includes the Anti-Theft application, which allows you to remotely track, block or erase all data from Android devices in case of loss.

AVG Ultimate includes the following set of tools for ALL your personal devices:

• AVG Internet Security for Windows - Advanced protection against viruses, malware and hacker attacks.
• AVG AntiVirus PRO for Android - Advanced protection against theft and malware for mobile devices.
• AVG AntiVirus for Mac - Real-time malware protection for Mac
• AVG PC TuneUp® for Windows - Free up disk space, speed up your work, and extend your battery life.
• AVG Cleaner™ PRO for Android - Helps you free up disk space, extend battery life, and find duplicate photos.
• AVG Cleaner™ for Mac - Frees up disk space and finds hidden duplicate files.

8th place - Avast.

And again the Czech Republic. The main advantages of Avast products are low load on the computer and high scanning speed. The product line is as follows: Avast Mobile Security, Avast Business, Avast Free Antivirus, Avast Internet Security. Well, the advanced version for home use is Avast Premier.

Avast Premier - better equipped Avast version Internet Security, which, in addition to such security tools as protection against all kinds of threats, network attacks, the presence of cloud technologies, automatic sandbox and SafeZone safe environment, offers the user additional functions for remote connection to a PC, permanent deletion files, as well as a fully automatic software update manager.

But that’s not all. Avast Premier features are not enough for you and you want the most? No problem! Everything you need to protect and efficient work PC, in one easy-to-use Avast Ultimate premium package! This includes Avast Premier for maximum protection against malware and ransomware. Complete privacy when browsing, banking and shopping online. Simple and secure password management and data protection. The best cleaning tools that speed up your PC in minutes. Four solutions in one package - a great combination.

6th place - Emsisoft.

Sixth place in the antivirus ranking goes to an Austrian product based on its own developments – Emsisoft. It is able to protect the user’s computer from both ordinary viruses, Trojans and spyware, but also blocks access to dangerous sites and checks everything executable files and the progress of already known programs. According to the developers, users will not even feel the load on the system from the antivirus. The company offers products for both home and business.

This Emsisoft Anti-Malware Home and Business Security. There is also Anti-Malware Free, offering free antivirus protection for your home PC with a number of restrictions and Anti-Malware Home & Mobile, allowing you to use the antivirus not only on a PC, but also on a mobile device. For business there is Enterprise Security, extended version Business Security, which added comprehensive protection for Windows Server s. In general, according to the tests, Emsisoft's products look quite convincing and should not be ignored.

The products of this company are not familiar to most Russian-speaking users and are not represented in our stores.

5th place - Antivirus.

Kaspersky Free- free Kaspersky Anti-Virus with cloud technologies Kaspersky Security Network. The solution offers file antivirus, web antivirus, VPN, network attack protection and activity monitoring.

Kaspersky Internet Security is a comprehensive Kaspersky Anti-Virus for universal protection against all Internet threats. Includes program control, secure payments and new features: data collection protection and control of changes in the operating system.

Kaspersky Endpoint Security for workstations provides comprehensive protection for endpoints based on Windows, Windows Server (computers, laptops) from known and new threats, network and fraudulent attacks and other unwanted information.

2nd place - Bitdefender Antivirus.

In second place in the top 10 antiviruses is a range of software from a Romanian company, whose antivirus core is in first place in terms of the number of licenses sold - it is used by many companies around the world when developing their own antiviruses.

There are protection options for personal computers, mobile devices, corporate networks. Bitdefender Antivirus, including its free version, provides real-time scanning and protection, virus control, malware detection and neutralization, as well as web protection and anti-rootkit. And all this operation requires very few system resources thanks to SmartScan technology. The company's product line is so wide that an entire article is not enough to tell about everything.

But the most popular ones cannot be ignored.

Bitdefender Internet Security- solves all security problems when working on the Internet. It provides protection against viruses, spyware, spam, phishing attempts, intrusions, and malicious web content. A powerful comprehensive antivirus to protect your computer from malware, important information from online threats and network attacks. New versions include a new generation firewall and an improved Parental control(completely protecting your children from unwanted websites). OneClick security without any questions asked. A unique Bitdefender Central account will allow you to install and administer security products on all your devices.

Bitdefender Security for Endpoints- the optimal solution because it provides the best combination of leading performance and protection according to independent tests, an advanced remote management console, plus value for money. Powerful central control console. Manage any number of computers with ease using new console Control Center. It allows you to use advanced filters, group policies, custom roles and privileges, plus much more.

Leading protection and performance. WITH advanced technologies threat detection and optimizations such as Bitdefender Photon, Security for Endpoints leads independent testing with superior protection and uncompromising performance. Content and web filtering. Instead of additional security services, you can take advantage of all the benefits built into the Security for Endpoints product right from the start. Anti-phishing, web filtering, search advisor, user and web control are already included.

1st place - AVIRA Antivirus.

Well, the first place is occupied by AVIRA antivirus software from the German company of the same name. The company's software received top scores in all areas - virus detection, performance, real-time protection and malware removal. AVIRA has both a free version for private use and a paid version, which, however, differs from the free version only in web protection and mail checking. Moreover, with the help of AVIRA you can even find a lost phone or block it in case of danger.

For the average user except free version The company can offer the following products:

• Avira Antivirus Pro- simple, lightweight and reliable antivirus. Includes comprehensive protection against viruses, identity theft and financial loss. This great set of security tools is ideal solution to ensure the protection of the user, computer and important data. The new Avira Antivirus Pro uses advanced and effective antivirus protection features, including cloud-based detection technologies. Avira offers a basic solution reliable protection, which really works.
• Avira Internet Security Suite- antivirus solution that meets high security and speed requirements. Uses reliable and effective Avira cloud-based protection against all types of malware and Internet threats. Internet version Security Suite includes an easy-to-use tool for setting up and optimizing the System Speedup system, protecting Android devices.
• Avira Prime- the Avira Prime package includes Avira Antivirus Pro (antivirus and firewall), Avira Phantom VPN Pro (Internet traffic encryptor), Avira System Speedup Pro (cleaner and optimizer) Windows operation), Avira Software Updater Pro (application and driver updater), Avira Password Manager Pro (password manager). This is now the most advanced version of Avira antivirus software.

For the corporate segment The software set is as follows:

• Avira Antivirus Pro - Business Edition- it's an easy-to-use antivirus software solution, which is ideal for commissioning in small and medium-sized enterprises. Simplified scalability allows you to expand your antivirus protection as your business grows. A multifunctional resource does not require costs for Maintenance. Signature-based attack detection, heuristic analysis and cloud scanning provide complete protection against malware. Advanced web protection enables employees to surf the Internet safely. Antivirus Pro scans locally installed email clients so employees can't obtain or spread malware using Email. All devices on which the solution is installed can be managed using a clear online panel.
• Avira Antivirus for Endpoint- is a comprehensive anti-virus software solution for protecting workstations and file servers. The package license includes the use of products such as Avira Professional Security, Avira Server Security, Avira Management Console and Avira Update Manager, the cost depends on the number of workstations for scaling.
• Avira Antivirus for Small Business is a packaged solution for protecting the IT systems of small organizations. Universal comprehensive software is suitable for preventing infection by viruses and malicious utilities of individual workstations, servers and email. The package license includes the use of products such as Avira Exchange Security – Small Business Edition, Avira Server Security, Avira Professional Security and Avira Management Console.

Antivirus for Android

Every owner of a modern gadget who cares about the security of their data should think about a good antivirus. In this article we will talk about the most effective and high-quality antiviruses for Android devices. All applications presented on this page can be downloaded for free from Google Play and not worry about the safety of your data.

Antivirus for Android is a special application to protect your device from malware. The term “malware” includes all possible types dangerous programs such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses and spyware.

To protect your smartphone and tablet, you only need high-quality antiviruses, which, unfortunately, are not many on Android. Therefore, the list contains only the most powerful and working utilities.

Antiviruses are installed in the same way as any other applications. It’s difficult to say with complete confidence which of the antivirus programs for Android is the best, but based on numerous reviews, we tried to collect the Top 10 best applications to protect your phone.

Pros and cons of antiviruses on the phone

Let's look at the main advantages and disadvantages of antiviruses installed on Android devices.

Pros:

1. Virus protection when downloading files.
2. Blocking malicious sites.
3. Additional functionality, such as: Anti-Theft, Anti-Spam, AppLock, autorun manager, as well as the presence in some versions of the ability to clean, speed up, save battery, etc.

Minuses:

1. For device security, any antivirus must always be running, which is why it will take up some computing power (RAM).
2. As a rule, all antivirus programs for Android are shareware, and for full functionality you need to purchase the Pro version.
3. From time to time, all antiviruses react to normal applications from the Play Store as malicious.

Whether to install an antivirus on your Android or not depends only on you, but we can say with confidence that installing a good antivirus program on your smartphone or tablet will definitely not make it any worse.

10 best free antiviruses for Android

1. Avast Mobile Security

Additional functions:

• Firewall.

2. AVG AntiVirus Free

The antivirus detects 100% of threats in real time.

Additional functions

• Anti-theft: remote blocking, cleaning and searching for a mobile device.
• Blacklist and blocking of incoming calls from unknown numbers.
• Protection from dangerous sites and phishing.
• Checking the security of the Wi‑Fi network.

The antivirus detects 100% of threats in real time.

Additional functions

• Anti-theft: remote blocking, cleaning and searching for a mobile device.
• Protection from dangerous sites and phishing.
• Protect apps with a fingerprint scanner.
• Module for finding lost smart watches.

The antivirus detects 100% of threats in real time.

Security Master is not just an antivirus for your Android phone. This app has a full range of powerful features, including:

• Smart diagnostics – antivirus, garbage removal, phone acceleration, energy saving, CPU cooling;
• SafeConnect VPN – fast and secure VPN proxy server;
• Wi-Fi Security – scans Wi-Fi networks for threats;
• Anti-theft alarm - protects your phone from theft by issuing an alarm signal;
• Message security – hides notification viewing;
• Application lock – locks and password protects applications on your phone;
• Intruder Photo – Takes photos of intruders using your phone. Main functions:
  Intelligent diagnostics
  Antivirus: Security Master is a free program for removing viruses from Android phones, which protects your phone and privacy from the vast majority of viruses and malware with the #1 antivirus engine.
  Junk Remover is a storage cleaner that allows you to smartly scan and delete with just one click unnecessary files, including system files and application cache files.
  Speed ​​up your phone, save power and cool down your CPU - remove background apps that take up a lot of memory, overheat your CPU and drain your battery. SafeConnect VPN
  Bypass firewalls and seamlessly visit blocked sites and watch videos that are not available in your country, all anonymously and without being tracked.
  Hide your IP address and use virtual location, protect your online activities to prevent leakage of online banking information, private messages and browser history. Wi-Fi Security
  Security Master is the most reliable protector for your phone. It detects and detects phishing in Wi-Fi networks, checks network speed and reliably protects your phone's online security. Anti-theft alert
  Anti-theft alarm system protects your phone from theft by activating an alarm sound signal when someone moves the phone. Message Security
  Message Security allows you to promptly hide notification previews to protect your privacy. It allows you to consolidate all your chat notifications, making them easier to read and manage. Application lock
  Locks Bluetooth and Wi-Fi switches, apps, photos or any personal data with a pattern, PIN or fingerprint. Protect your phone from viruses, malware and other security threats with Security Master - a free antivirus for Android. Protect your privacy with App Lock, SafeConnect VPN, Wi-Fi Security and many more features.

6. Norton Mobile Security

The antivirus detects 100% of threats in real time.

Additional functions

• Anti-theft: remote blocking, cleaning and searching for a mobile device.
• Blacklist and blocking of incoming calls from unknown numbers.
• Protection from dangerous sites and phishing.
• Protection from dangerous sites and phishing.
• Protection against leakage of data about your contacts to third parties.

Nowadays, using an antivirus is an integral part of working on a PC, laptop or mobile device. Of course, you can neglect this software, but then Internet surfing is associated with a huge risk of not only losing all the information on the computer, but also hopelessly damaging the hardware. Many modern virus programs are often compared to the suddenness, force and accuracy of a blow with a baseball bat. Is it worth the risk? For those who answered negatively to this question, there is special software. This article presents the TOP 10 of the best and most popular antiviruses on the Russian market. In addition, you will learn how to choose the right programs for your PC on Windows and Mac platforms, as well as mobile phones on the Android platform.

Why you should use antivirus programs

Viruses are commonly called malicious programs that are capable of self-propagation and self-copying. Along the way, they harm the device itself and (or) the information located on it by infecting files. The main methods of spreading spyware and virus programs:

• through external information media(memory card, removable disk, flash drive, etc.);
• via email (in attached files);
• through messengers and social networks;
• via WEB pages. An alien program instantly recognizes weak links in the protection of a computer device and integrates into the system.

The task of antiviruses is to prevent the malicious activities of such software and signals. In addition to the protective function, their direct responsibility, they also have the following list of capabilities:

• blocking access to potentially dangerous web resources;
• parental control (protecting minors from unnecessary information);
• protecting users from advertising.

Where to buy and how to install

It is up to the user to decide whether to buy a licensed product or use pirated products. Of course, the first option is preferable, since the buyer will not have any problems with the operation of the antivirus or with the law. Best places purchases - official websites of manufacturing companies, as well as trusted stores computer equipment.

A few seconds after accessing the Internet. Viruses that spread on flash drives and other removable media are also not asleep. A number of worms are capable of using wireless connection WiFi. Considering all this, the issue of choosing an antivirus becomes especially acute and top priority.

What do you need to know to choose the right antivirus?

Of course, you should choose an antivirus among the most well-known, reputable and proven programs. After all, creating an antivirus that can effectively detect and neutralize all types of viruses, as well as quickly monitor the emergence of new threats, is not an easy task that can only be done by experienced and large company. There are several such antiviruses, and you should choose among them. At the same time, there is a large share of personal preference in choosing an antivirus. Each specialist will warmly recommend his favorite brand to you, accusing others of inefficiency, gluttony for resources, etc. These statements should be assessed sensibly; they are largely subjective. All presenters are quite effective, although they differ in the nuances of their work and settings. Therefore, it is wise to try several of them and choose the one that suits you best. Remember that you should not run several antivirus programs at the same time - they will interfere with each other's work. Before installing and running the antivirus, the existing one should be stopped and uninstalled.

So, here is a list of noteworthy programs from which you can choose an antivirus.

Leading brands of Russian origin - Dr. Web and Kaspersky Anti-Virus. These products High Quality, which are appreciated not only in our country, but also abroad. In addition, domestic antiviruses, as a rule, respond faster and better to new threats that appear in our country.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus is the leading product on this moment. Heuristic, which allows you to identify even previously unknown threats, update the database several times a day, check the contents of archives, etc.

Dr. Web is also a fairly powerful antivirus tool, loved by users for its careful use of computer resources. A good choice for equipment with insufficient power.

ESET NOD32 is a relatively young and promising antivirus program that is quickly gaining popularity among users.

Panda Antivirus is also a fairly popular and effective product.

Avast! - an antivirus that has an important advantage over others: for individual non-commercial use, the fully functional version is completely free. The reason is not the excessive kindness and generosity of the product creators. Simply, to combat network epidemics, it is more effective to provide users with powerful protection for free than to try to neutralize massive virus attacks from millions of infected computers.

Historical reference

The first documented computer virus appeared in 1981 (it was created by 15-year-old schoolboy Richard Skrenta), and in 1984 the first antivirus programs, which were a set of several dozen signatures (virus code samples). In subsequent years, with the development of technology, viruses from rather primitive programs turned into complex intellectual developments capable of causing entire “epidemics”, infecting computers of users around the world and causing serious damage.

Other types of malicious software have also appeared - worms, Trojans and others. As a result safe use It has become extremely difficult to access a computer without an antivirus installed on it.

As for antiviruses, they all work on approximately the same principle.

If you look from the outside, an antivirus can be mistaken for a virus, but only a “useful” one. The work of antiviruses is to monitor network traffic, listen to ports, control services, modify and delete files, collect statistics and send data to the software developer. All actions of antiviruses are aimed at protecting the user,” emphasized Sergei Kuzmenko, specialist in testing information products at the Center for Digital Expertise of Roskachestvo.

However, despite the obvious benefits of antiviruses, installing two (or more) on one device at once is not recommended. Firstly, programs will begin to conflict, as each will try to establish control over all processes occurring in the computer. Secondly, they will try to block each other from certain components, considering them malicious. Taking into account the fact that the anti-virus software market is highly competitive, manufacturers constantly conduct custom research in laboratories, private organizations compile their ratings, which are then widely publicized by the winners to attract buyers, and marketers are coming up with new advertising techniques to help consumers without special knowledge make a choice. in favor of one product or another?

The research conducted by Roskachestvo will help solve this problem.

Study parameters

Roskoshestvo, together with the International Assembly of Consumer Research and Testing (ICRT), conducted a study of antivirus programs, testing 35 products from 19 manufacturers, including both paid and free versions. 25 antiviruses were intended for the Windows operating system, 10 for macOS. The research took place in two leading accredited laboratories in Europe, whose objectivity and impartiality have been proven by numerous studies, the results of which are published in more than 50 countries around the world. The world's leading antivirus manufacturers test their products in these same laboratories. To avoid possible pressure from manufacturers, as well as influence on test results, their names are not mentioned in the text.

Antiviruses were evaluated on 365 indicators, which can be divided into three main groups: protection against malware (65% of the total score), ease of use (25% of the total score) and resource consumption (10% of the total score).

Anti-malware protection

Each product was tested using laboratory instruments for its ability to combat various types viruses, worms and Trojan programs (Trojan-Banker, Trojan-PSW, Trojan-Ransom, Trojan-Spy, Trojan-Downloader

Lab experts searched for malware in 40 locations around the world to find the latest versions at the time of testing. The tests took place in four stages and lasted a total of about a year.

Ilya Loevsky

Deputy Head of Roskachestvo

“More than 90 million malware appears every year and is distributed through various channels, most often through email services: incoming emails from unknown senders contain attachments with viruses. The most common types are Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, and other malware. In most cases, infection with a virus entails the loss of personal and payment data of users, extortion Money, as well as complete loss of computer or local network functionality.”

FOR REFERENCE

Malicious programs are programs that are designed to cause damage (to a computer, network, server) and are installed without the consent of users.

Viruses. They are spread by illegally embedding their code into another program and are capable of “infecting” many files on a computer, damaging data, attacking the operating system, or giving hackers access to the computer.

Worms. Unlike viruses, such programs do not require human intervention to spread: having infected one computer, worms spread to other devices through computer networks. Many worms “eat” system resources, reducing computer performance, and also contain malicious “components” designed to steal or delete files.

Trojan horses (Trojans). They disguise themselves as useful (legitimate) files or software. Once launched, the Trojan gains control of the computer, making changes to the system without the owner’s knowledge. Most often, as a result of infection with a Trojan (Trojan-Downloader), additional malicious programs are installed on the machine. In addition, Trojans can steal user accounts (Trojan-PSW), encrypt user files and demand a ransom for decrypting them (Trojan-Ransom), steal user data accounts electronic banking systems, electronic payment systems, plastic cards (Trojan-Banker), as well as conduct electronic espionage on users (Trojan-Spy).

Backdoors (bots). A piece of code intentionally inserted into a program by a developer to gain access to a computer or to secure functions of the software.

It is important to note that antiviruses have been tested for their ability to resist malware during both real-time and on-demand system scans. Thus, Roskachestvo has expanded the traditional testing methodology used by international organizations to examine antiviruses in all possible situations.

All products were tested in parallel and simultaneously, and were completely updated.

Real-time testing was carried out to evaluate the ability of the antivirus to prevent infections coming from the Internet. The testing program included opening links leading to malicious sites, including phishing sites (safe browsing disabled), connecting a flash drive with malware (all types of malware were used) and launching them, as well as installing ransomware (771 programs) . New this year was a test for a user solution, since some antivirus programs often shift the responsibility for opening links or launching unknown programs to the user.

FOR REFERENCE

They call one of the types of Internet fraud, the purpose of which is to obtain user logins and passwords. Most often, attackers forge incoming letters in mailbox, inserting into them direct links to a site that is outwardly indistinguishable from the real one. After the user lands on such a page, scammers try using various techniques to force him to enter his username and password in order to gain access to real accounts and bank accounts.

The purpose of on-demand testing was to evaluate how much malware the antivirus would detect offline, online (via the cloud), and at runtime (opening files). In addition, the products were tested for false positives and their ability to block phishing sites (800 links).

At the same time, it was first assessed whether the antivirus program could recognize and stop the virus without an Internet connection, that is, without access to the manufacturer’s cloud. If the program failed to do this, the computer was connected to the Internet. If, even with the cloud, the antivirus did not recognize the malicious program, then it was launched, making it possible to infect the computer.

Based on the results of all four stages of testing, which lasted about a year in total, the antivirus was supposed to stop 40 thousand malware found on the Internet no more than four weeks before the test. In addition, the same number of programs were safe. They were used to evaluate antiviruses for false positives.

Those viruses that were not “caught” after all four stages of testing were launched again. This was done in order to understand whether antiviruses had learned to recognize relatively outdated malware, and whether among the viruses found on the open network there were those that turned out to be stronger than antiviruses.

Ease of use

In addition to assessing how well antiviruses cope with their main function - system protection - we also studied such an important indicator as ease of use. The fact is that it is not always easy for the average user to understand the settings and interface. Despite the fact that manufacturers are constantly improving this parameter, there are still objective leaders and outsiders here.

The international laboratory examined four main groups of indicators: the help section, interface and navigation, convenience and personalization of settings, as well as the process of installing and uninstalling an antivirus program.

Experts assessed whether it was easy to find the necessary information in the program, whether notifications about risks to the system were received in a timely manner, and whether the antivirus provided clear and understandable instructions in case a question or problem arose. In addition, the rating was influenced by ease of installation and use in daily operations, as well as whether messages received when malware was detected were easy to understand. Thus, the highest scores for this parameter were given to those antiviruses whose operation in the absence of threats was almost imperceptible, and when they did arise, they were given clear instructions that were understandable to any user.

Resource consumption / Impact on PC speed

Antivirus tests for this parameter took place both on a powerful computer and on a machine with low performance.

The impact of the product on the speed of the computer was assessed (turning on and off the device, opening websites, copying and downloading files, archiving and unzipping, installing and launching programs), the required volume random access memory, and how much space it takes up on your hard drive.

Results

Antiviruses for Windows

According to the results of the study, the top five antivirus programs designed for the Windows operating system included:

Bitdefender Internet Security- 1 place. According to the test results, it turned out to be the best in its ability to protect the computer from malware.

ESET Internet Security- 2nd place. Protects your computer well and is one of the most convenient to use.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition- 3rd place. Free version of the program that ended up on the first line. It protects your computer almost as well, but many features are reduced.

Norton Security Deluxe– 4th place. It protects your computer well, consumes few resources, and is quite easy to use.

Avast Free Antivirus– 5th place. Less convenient than the previous four, but it protects the computer well and consumes few resources.

Places from 6th to 10th went to Trend Micro Internet Security, Avast Internet Security, F-Secure Safe, AVG Antivirus Free And AVG Internet Security.

Antiviruses for macOS

Based on the test results, the top 3 best antiviruses for the macOS operating system included:

ESET Cyber ​​Security Pro- 1 place. One of the best in terms of malware protection and ease of use.

Kaspersky Internet Security- 2nd place. Protects your computer best of all, convenient, but consumes quite a lot of resources

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac- 3rd place. Protects your computer well and is convenient to use.

Rounding out the top five are G Data Antivirus for Mac And Norton Security Deluxe.

It is worth noting that there are two programs installed by default on Windows and Mac. macOS's built-in virus protection remained in last place in the rankings, just like last year. At the same time, her overall score decreased, since this time she performed worse, not stopping almost a single virus.

At the same time, built-in protection from Windows, on the contrary, improved its performance, performing well in the test of protection against threats from the Internet and stopping all ransomware viruses.

This result is due to the fact that the antivirus has an extensive client base and can learn quite quickly, replenishing the cloud with new varieties of malware. However, it is not able to fight phishing or provide protection without an Internet connection.

Paid or free?

As can be seen from the research results, free antiviruses can cope with their tasks no worse than paid ones. However, there are several nuances here.

Firstly, free antiviruses, as a rule, have poorer functionality, and secondly, instead of paying for a subscription, the user usually shares his personal data with the company that developed the antivirus.

In addition, you need to take into account that a free antivirus is software with disabled modules that are distributed for an additional fee. So, for example, a free product most likely will not protect you from a ransomware virus.

Moreover, according to leading international companies for the prevention and investigation of cybercrimes, in particular Group-IB, there have been cases when even paid versions of the most popular antiviruses did not save them from malware, and as a result, various financial organizations became victims of fraudsters.

The fact that no antivirus can protect your PC 100% was confirmed by the results of our research.

Let us note that a new study is already starting, the results of which will be published in 2020 - and, for sure, companies that did not show the best results this year will have a chance to improve.

Provided special programs- antiviruses. Ratings of the best free antiviruses, amateur and completely reputable tests are published with enviable regularity, but choosing a high-quality and functional product is not so easy.

In addition, it is believed that free programs do not provide the same protection as paid software. In fact and in the segment free applications you can choose the optimal solution. The ratings of free antiviruses are presented below.

Standard antivirus from Microsoft: prevalence and performance

Windows Corporation is the undisputed leader among suppliers of operating systems and related software. For 2016 year Windows 7 was installed on 55% of all devices, while Linux and Apple's OS X 10.11 accounted for 2% and 7% of users respectively.

The ratings of free antiviruses rarely include standard solutions, but they are also acceptable programs to ensure the required level of security. Windows Defender, which comes with Windows systems 8 and 10, recognizes and eliminates up to 95% of common threats and about 85% of so-called zero-day attacks, i.e. the latest viruses, against which protection algorithms have not yet been developed.

Is Windows Defender enough for the needs of the average user?

In general, along with observing basic security rules, using a modern browser and regular software updates allows you to successfully use standard antivirus(reviews, Windows Defender rating confirm this opportunity) as the main security solution. But for those who often download pirated content, are an active Internet user, or store important data on their hard drive, it is better to take a closer look at other, free, but somewhat more functional programs.

Testing in independent antivirus laboratories

Comparative tests with a large number of samples are regularly carried out by leading antivirus laboratories. Test results allow developers to improve their own products, so participation is usually paid. Mainly in the ranking of Windows antiviruses ( operating system is the most common, which is why tests are carried out on it) include paid versions of programs, but if a free solution provides full protection— the software is also evaluated.

In May 2016, AV-Comparatives conducted dynamic testing of 19 antivirus programs. The Windows 7 platform was used for the study (with current third party programs, For example, Adobe Flash or Java) and 350 malicious test samples. Below is the rating of free antiviruses according to AV-Comparatives.

Results of practical research

The “Free Antivirus” rating (Windows 10 and other corporate-based operating systems) was topped by Bitdefender and ThreatTrack Vipre, which did not miss a single threat and worked without false positives. Trend Micro and F-Secure also took leading positions with a 100% malware recognition result, but 7 and 15 false positives, respectively. Kaspersky Internet Security closed the top five, missing 0.3% of threats but passing the test without false positives.

Free analogues of tested antivirus programs

Bitdefender's free counterpart, Free Edition, is used as an alternative to many paid applications, provides background virus protection and is capable of detecting spyware. ThreatTrack Vipre is not available in a free version. Trend Micro Titanium Antivirus+ is distributed freely only in the form trial version(6 months free), as is F-Secure (90 days). An analogue of Kaspersky Internet Security is Kaspersky Free Anti-Virus (Free) with free license, which has somewhat limited capabilities compared to KIS or Total Security, but remains the optimal solution.

Antivirus rating for Windows: functionality

“Antivirus for free” (the rating is compiled by many reputable sources and amateurs) often differs in functionality from paid versions. However, this does not mean that free software is not capable of protecting your computer from viruses, malware and spyware.

In general, antivirus programs provide the following capabilities:

scanning for threats upon user request;

Constant system protection in the background;

scanning file system while the computer is booting;

an algorithm for detecting the latest malware, methods of combating which are not yet included in the general version of the application;

working with cloud storage;

network traffic control (firewall or Firewall);

third-party intrusion detection system;

Recognition of malicious attachments;

web protection;

interactive analysis and spam recognition;

automatic update.

At the same time, the best free antivirus for Windows 7 (ranked by functionality) does not necessarily have to include the entire set of features. The main thing is that the chosen solution meets the requirements and subjective ideas of a particular user.

Rating leader: ESET Nod32 Smart Security

All of the above features include a comprehensive antivirus with multi-level protection ESET Nod32 Smart Security. In addition to standard phishing protection, file system security, Internet access, and email in desktop email clients, ESET has some other interesting features. Among these additional features:

A serious disadvantage of the antivirus is the lack of protection in the free version against software that records user actions (mouse movements, keystrokes, clipboard, snapshots, and sometimes video recording of the screen).

Rating of free antiviruses: performance and tests

Another rating of free antiviruses is based on testing results and analysis of program performance. Panda Antivirus Pro and 360 Total Security have a slight effect on the loading speed of the system; AVG Antivirus Free, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition and ESET NOD32 Smart Security are not far behind. Avira Free Antivirus significantly slows down loading (more than three minutes).

Scanning system folders(with equal detection of malware) takes about ten minutes for Avast Free Antivirus, AVG Antivirus Free, Avira Free Antivirus and ESET NOD32 Smart Security. Comodo Antivirus showed the worst result - the scan took more than half an hour.

Avast Free Antivirus and Panda Antivirus Pro use the least amount of memory (only 40 MB), and the real heavyweights are Avira Free Antivirus (175 MB), AVG Antivirus Free (130 MB) and 360 Total Security (120 MB). At the same time, Avira uses the processor by only 5%, while the smaller AVG Antivirus Free uses as much as 16%.

Distribution of places based on rating results

In general, free antiviruses for Windows XP (rating by performance), as well as for other platforms (Windows 7, 8, 10), are ranked as follows:

Panda Antivirus.

360 Total Security.

AVG Antivirus Free and Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition.

Avira Free Antivirus and Comodo Antivirus.

Brief review of Panda Antivirus Pro

One of the main advantages - the low load on the system from the side of Panda Antivirus, along with providing sufficient protection - is explained by the fact that the program is Software It has most of the necessary functions, USB scanning is additionally available, but there are quite a few significant shortcomings.

For example, a free antivirus (rated as the best solution based on test results) does not provide any protection against data interception by third-party programs, requires an active Internet connection to scan the system, and does not provide web protection. In addition, some users find malware in the installation files of the antivirus itself. The unsightly interface is another drawback of Panda Antivirus.

Antivirus apps for Android

If Windows occupies a leading position in the computer equipment market, then for mobile devices the operating system Android system is almost a monopolist: 80% of smartphones run on Android. Mobile antiviruses are represented both by analogues of the already mentioned extended versions, and by programs that operate exclusively on smartphones.

The AV-Test laboratory tested mobile antiviruses. The rating of free antiviruses for Android is topped by the AhnLab application. The application carries out a comprehensive scan of the mobile device, prevents Internet threats, and allows you not to worry about the security of files and other personal data. At the same time, most of the programs presented in this rating are not common in the Russian-language segment, so you should rely more on real user reviews - there are no authoritative laboratories that would evaluate Russian-language applications.

Quite good solutions for choosing active users are CM Security, Dr.Web Light and a free antivirus (reviews, rating below). CM Security does not load the system and effectively copes with its duties, Dr.Web Light provides powerful protection, but irritates many users with frequent advertising . AVG AntiVirus is also a universal solution, in addition, in the Pro version of the application many useful additional functions become available, but this build consumes a large amount of resources, which is why the device may work slower.

Finally

Antivirus is necessary program, because not always the user’s needs can be satisfied by standard options for protection against viruses and malware (especially on mobile devices). The choice of the optimal solution here largely depends on individual needs and subjective judgments, so you can be guided by various ratings, but you should not rely entirely on testing. What is the use of an antivirus that, according to research results, copes with its tasks perfectly, but is extremely inconvenient to use or significantly slows down the operation of a laptop or smartphone? Many users need to first try several options in order to ultimately choose the only one that is convenient.