Free Security Software

Free Security Software for Prevention and Removal

* As with any software installation, if you are offered to install a toolbar and you do not want it, UNcheck that option.

Prevention

HOSTS File

By replacing the default HOSTS file in Windows, this will help in stopping the communication with websites that is known to install or inject malware or parasites.
1. MVPS Hosts
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

2. hpHosts
http://www.hosts-file.net/?s=Download

Secunia PSI
http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/

The Secunia PSI is the vulnerability scanner for your personal computer. It is the FREE security tool designed with the sole purpose of helping you secure your computer from software vulnerabilities.

McAfee SiteAdvisor
http://www.siteadvisor.com/

SiteAdvisor will warn you before you interact with a dangerous Web site. McAfee offers free and Plus version of SiteAdvisor. Browser supported: IE, Firefox

TrendProtect
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/free_security_tools/trendprotect.php

TrendProtect is a FREE browser plug-in that helps you avoid Web pages with unwanted content and hidden threats. TrendProtect rates the current page and pages listed in Google, MSN, and Yahoo search results. You can use the rating to decide if you want to visit or avoid a given Web page. Supported Browser: IE and Firefox

Web Of Trust
http://www.mywot.com/

WOT is a Free Internet Security addon for Firefox and IE that warns you about online scams and risky websites that try to deliver malware or send spam.
WOT warns you before you interact with a risky website.

Free Anti-Virus Programs

AntiVir® PersonalEdition Classic
http://www.free-av.com/

avast! antivirus Home Edition
http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download

AVG AntiVirus FREE
http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage

BitDefender Antivirus Free Edition
http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html

ClamWin Free Antivirus
Please note that ClamWin Free Antivirus does not include an on-access real-time scanner. You need to manually scan a file in order to detect a virus or spyware.
ClamWin Free Antivirus is based on ClamAV engine and uses GNU General Public License by the Free Software Foundation, and is free (as in freedom) software.
http://www.clamwin.com/

Microsoft Security Essentials
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Panda Cloud Antivirus
http://www.cloudantivirus.com/en/

Sophos Free Antivirus
Removes viruses, spyware, rootkits and fake antivirus
Supports Windows XP, Vista and 7
Works alongside your existing antivirus, but to be used as an on-demand scanner only. Because it does Because it does not update after it is downloaded, a new copy must be downloaded for later scans.
http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/virus-removal-tool.aspx

Free Anti-Spyware Programs

Ad-aware (Free)
http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (Free and Paid Versions)
http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/

Spybot Search and Destroy (Free)
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

SpywareBlaster
http://www.brightfort.com/spywareblaster.html
This will block bad ActiveX and harmful cookies from getting on to your PC in the first place. Just download and install the program. Open SpywareBlaster, check for and download updates, then 'select all' to protect against all items checked. Program needs to be kept updated.

Super AntiSpyware (Free and Paid Versions)
http://www.superantispyware.com/http://
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Internet/Popup-Ad-Spyware-Blockers/SUPERAntiSpyware.shtml

Windows Defender (Free) Included with Microsoft Security Essentials as "Defender" in Windows 8 operating system
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

Free Firewalls (Free and Paid versions available)

Comodo Firewall
http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/download_firewall.html

Online Armor
http://www.tallemu.com/free-firewall-protection-software.html

Outpost
http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpostfree/index.php

ZoneAlarm

http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-pc-security-free-firewall.htm
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Online Scans

(Make sure the one that you choose is compatible with your browser and operating system.)

BitDefender
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/licence.php

Eset nod32 Online Scanner
http://go.eset.com/us/online-scanner
http://www.eset.eu/eset-online-scanner

F-Secure Online Scanner
http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml
has rootkit detection capabilities.

Housecall (using IE with Active-X)
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp

Housecall (all browsers using java)
http://uk.trendmicro-europe.com/enterprise/products/housecall_launch.php