Free Security Software Is Good Enough…Isn’t It?

Question:

I’ve been using free security software.  My buddy tells me that his security software is better, because he pays for it.  Who’s right?

Answer:

Free software is available all over the internet, including security (aka anti-virus) software.  Some of the freebie anti-virus software (most notable Avast) work just as good as some of the programs you can buy.  However, if you want the most effective anti-virus products out there, you’re going to have to shell out some bucks.  Security products from Norton, Kaspersky and Trend Microbrands tend to prevent or remove more infections more often than free security products available from Microsoft and AVG.  Keep in mind that NO anti-virus product is 100% effective, despite what the manufacturers claim.

While we’re on the subject of security, let’s talk firewalls.  You may think shelling out for personal firewall software isn’t necessary, after all your broadband router likely has a built-in firewall, along with Windows.  Both are fairly good at fending off incoming attacks.

However, cyber-criminals like tricking people into connecting to infected websites.  By connecting to the infected website, you are allowing the website to infect your computer with malware.  This malware steals personal information and/or data from your computer, and sends it out to the world wide web for all to see (those that know where to look).  Unfortunately your broadband firewall will not prevent this.  Neither will your Windows firewall.

A good, value-for-money solution is to buy an “internet security suite”, which usually combines the anti-virus with a better firewall.  This powerful firewall is capable of detecting unwanted connections coming from your computer, and you stand a much better chance of preventing theft of your information or data.

If you have a question for our resident geek, email geek@tbyd.ca.