Spyware

To keep your computer safe (and save some cash while doing it) we’ve assembled a list of some free security apps for Mac, Windows and Linux. By the end of the article you should have enough resources to secure even the most naïve system, for free!

The biggest enemy of the internet user today is spyware. How many computers have you seen rendered useless because of 20 IE toolbars and 15 apps running in the background? To keep your computer running at full performance you need a spyware scanner.

1. Ad-Aware SE Personal [Windows] – Popular, comprehensive spyware removal tool. Maintains a large blacklisted spyware database and identifies malicious program code for the best possible detection.
2. Spyware Terminator [Windows] – Monitors all running processes in real time and determines their integrity. If spyware is found, moves the files to a quarantined section of the hard drive or deletes the files on system start-up.
3. Spybot – Search & Destory [Windows] – Uses deep scanning techniques to cleanse your system of the most obscure forms of spyware. Allows you to blacklist certain types of spyware in order to prevent it from showing up on your system again.
4. Winpooch [Windows] – Intercepts programs in real time via API hooking; determines the integrity of the program and shuts out spyware and Trojan horses from writing in a system directory, connecting to the internet, or doing anything harmful to the computer.
5. SpywareBlaster [Windows] – Prevents the installation of ActiveX based spyware, blocks tracking cookies and restricts the actions of malicious websites.
6. Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner [Windows] – Scans your computer for the more popular types of spyware usually found bundled with software packages and removes the malicious content.
7. Windows Defender [Windows] – Microsoft’s solution for protecting your computer from spyware and popups.
8. MalWhere [Windows] – Displays detailed information about the processes running on your computer including those that run at start up. Investigates suspicious processes and let’s you know when malicious code is being executed. Does not require a spyware definition updating.
9. Trend Micro Anti-Spyware for the Web [Web: Windows] – Online based spyware detection and removal tookit. Perfect solution for non tech savvy users.
10. Zebra scanner [Mac] – Scans files for hidden agendas (e.g. a trojan disguised as an MP3 or image.) Notifies the user of the scanned files integrity. Does not contain a method for disinfecting the computer.

Antivirus

Perhaps the ultimate definition of computer security is the effectiveness of your antivirus. Antivirus software keeps the most problematic forms of malware from corrupting your computer.

1. McAfee AVERT Stinger [Windows] – Tool used to remove specific current popular viruses and worms. Make sure to download the version of Stinger pertaining to the virus found on your machine.
2. PC Tools AntiVirus [Windows] – Comprehensive virus scanning suite offering protection from malicious internet software, email attachments and boot sector viruses. Includes real time virus scanning.
3. Clam AntiVirus [Linux] – Extremely popular antivirus solution for UNIX based machines. Includes real time virus scanning and a virus definition database updated multiple times per day.
4. AVScan [Linux] – A front-end for Clam AntiVirus.
5. ClamXav [Mac] – Uses ClamAV engine to scan files for viruses.
6. AVG Anti-Virus [Windows, Linux] – Effective virus scanning suite. Requires regular virus definition updates.
7. Avast Home Edition [Windows, Linux] – Complete antivirus suite including real time scanning, email protection, internet traffic filtering, a firewall and more.
8. Housecall [Web: Windows, Linux, Mac] – Web based scanner that detects and removes viruses, worms, trojans and spyware. Also points out system vulnerabilities and offers advice on obtaining security patches.
9. Symantec Security Check [Web] – Simple antivirus solution that searches your computer for various forms of malware and deletes them. Offers a secondary scan to measure the vulnerability of your computer.