Nowadays, people use multiple online platforms to search and use different software according to their need. It may meet you with the villain of your system Mr. Malware. Technically, malware is known as a computer virus which harms your system and it’s data.
It’s important to shield your system from such threats that protect your data getting from hack because for every organization as well as for individuals, privacy is the first priority and to secure their data it is important to use advanced and protective anti-malware.
Why do systems need to be protected?
You have heard about cyber-crimes or you may also have lost important data because of corrupted files and experienced the difficulty in the data recovery process. In extremely unfortunate cases, others may have been victims of hacked accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Each way, the results of data loss or viral attacks were not pleasant. Below you’ll find the top five anti-malware software.
What is Malware (Computer virus)?
Malware, or malicious software, is any program or file that is harmful for a computer user, Malware authors use a variety of physical and virtual means to spread malware that can infect your devices and networks. Types of malware can include Computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and spyware. These malicious programs can perform a variety of different functions such as stealing, encrypting or deleting sensitive data, altering or highjacking core computing functions and monitoring users computer activity without their knowledge.
Types of Malware
Trojan horse code:-
It is among the easiest to execute and most commonly known malware. Trojan horse code gains entry into the target while disguised as a necessary download or update. It then captures, modifies or destroys the intended data – like system passwords.
Spyware:-
These codes get into the host system for spying on the user’s computer or web activity. It can be used for business by spying on their competitors, also for political opponents or employers to monitor their employee’s computer activity.
Ransomware:-
Intended to gain access to sensitive data which cyber-criminals demand payment not to publish or to destroy if not paid a ransom for the data.
Adware:-
Disguised in the form of annoying advertisement pop-ups that the computer user needs to click to get rid of them. Often redirects the user into more clicking to get rid of the repetitive pop-ups.
Botnets:-
Intended to corrupt a network of machines globally or in an intended target organization to perform a number of functions such as steal data or block certain keywords/articles/content from being visible on search engines.
Wiper malware:-
It is intended to delete or completely wipe out the intended target’s sensitive data so that the user cannot gain access.
Other malware/codes include computer worms, scareware, cryptocurrency mining malware, and computer viruses.
Top 5 Malware removal tools.
1. Avast free antivirus
Avast antivirus is an internet security applications developed by Avast for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It is free and proprietary versions that provide computer security, browser security, antispyware, antivirus software, firewall, anti-phishing, and anti-spam services to its users. Since 2017, it is the most popular antivirus in the market also have a large share market for antivirus applications.
Let’s discuss its products and their benefits, also study why it is best for your device.
For Microsoft Windows products
- Avast Free Antivirus:
It is free for home and non-commercial usage that includes antivirus, password manager, and WiFi security scanner. As well as it’s one-year registration and provides advertisements for their more Avast products to secure your device. - Avast Pro Antivirus:
For your PC or home use, this product of Avast is really useful as it includes all the feature of the free version with more advanced feature and additional of SafeZone Browser, Sandbox, and Secure DNS. Avast Pro Antivirus doesn’t need any registration but it requires a license or activation code. - Avast Internet Security:
This security product is an updated version that contains all the features of Avast Pro with the addition of firewall and Anti-spam. It also not requires any registration but needs a code to activate and secure your devices. - Avast Premier:
It comes with all the advanced features of Avast Internet security with its own upgrade version of data shredder, you can access it from anywhere, and automatic software updater which automatically updates your Personal computer. - Avast Ultimate:
This product of Avast provides the user Password premium, Secure-line VPN, Cleanup in a one-year amount, Avast premier feature which is really helpful to PC users to operate this and secure their systems.
macOS Products
- Avast Free Mac security:
An antivirus for Apple Macintosh computers operating macOS based on a central virus-scanning daemon that offers three shields, on-demand scanning, and WebRep clients which are automatically installed to UC Browser, Safari, Chrome, and Firefox browsers.
Mobile products (Android)
- Avast Mobile Security and Antivirus:
It is a free app for android users also, to secure their Phone details and accounts of Facebook or Gmail. This mobile security includes a firewall, app lock, a virus scanner, virus removal, protector, network meter, app manager, and rooted phones. An unlimited package of security. - Avast Mobile Premium:
Premium app for use on Android devices. Includes the features found in the free app plus app locking, geofencing, remote SMS, data recovery, Anti Theft and identification, and extended backup.
[Important] Avast programs are only accessible to internet-connected devices and are available in 45 languages.
2. Malwarebytes Anti-malware
It is an anti-malware software for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS that finds and removes malware. Made by Malwarebytes Corporation, it was first released in January 2006. It is available in both versions free as well as paid with added functions. In free version, which scans for and removes malware when started manually, and a paid version, which additionally provides scheduled scans, real-time protection, and a flash-memory scanner.
Malwarebytes is available in both a free and a premium paid version:
The free version can be run manually by the user when desired, whereas the paid version can perform scheduled scans, automatically scan files when opened, block IP addresses of malicious web sites, and scan only those services, programs and device drivers that are currently in use.
It come-up with deep scans and this is the most powerful malware scanner with daily updates. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware should be your first port of call if you suspect a malware infection. And this daily update which helps it to identify and remove new threats. Also available free, and along with Anti-Malware, is a great addition to your security toolkit.
It come with 14 days trial of the premium edition. Also, it returns to the basic version after two weeks. This is still a top-notch security tool and has to be activated manually.
[Important] It also has preventative tools like real-time scanning and protection from ransomware
3. AVG antivirus
AVG AntiVirus is a family of antivirus software developed by AVG Technologies, a subsidiary of Avast. All the product which are provided by AVG antivirus are known as Freemium. It is accessible for Windows, macOS, and Android. AVG is free to download, installation, update as well as to use but if you need any technical support you have to purchase it.
It is used for office and business purpose and keep data safe because the software encrypts and stores files and documents onto a virtual disk on a PC which is protected by a password build by users. Also has an advanced file shredder that deletes files securely so nobody can recover them with malicious intent.
Benefits of AVG antivirus
- Keep It Safe:
AVG antivirus safe your data, identity, and information. For business and customer data, it is one of the most important assets of corporations. When hackers and malware there, AVG help the data to be compromised, resulting in data breaks and disruptions of business operations. It is designed to keep important data and files safe, private, and out of the hands of hackers.
- Protect Network and Link Scanning:
AVG AntiVirus helps in keeping a network safe from cyber threats, making sure organizations and their employees will be able to access the Internet securely and safely. Before webpage loads and opens in a browser, the software scans it first and shows a safety rating in the search engine results. Thus, when users click links, AVG AntiVirus informs them about anything is dubious or wrong.
- Email Protection:
The antivirus software provides an email shield technology that automatically scans emails and removes content that contains malware or any security threats. As well as it blocks email attachments that are suspicious and dangerous for your system.
- Powerful Mobile Security:
AVG AntiVirus protect smartphones and tablets used by employees are protected from the viruses, malware, spyware, unsafe apps & links and settings, and unwanted callers. This is because it gives an antivirus app for Android devices which can be downloaded from Google Play. Once the app is installed, it runs silently, providing users with powerful mobile protection.
- Smart Scanner:
Apart from keeping data, files, and networks safe, AVG AntiVirus ensures that PC devices are protected against malware and hackers. It has an advanced scanning engine that automatically scans computers when employees are not working.
- Remote Protection:
AVG AntiVirus provides a very attractive ability which allows administrators to remotely install and configure the software from a single location. This will be able to expand the software to all the computers on their network easily. Also, the software updates itself automatically so it can protect the devices from the latest threats with the latest version.
[Important] AVG AntiVirus has an anti-spyware that prevents identity theft by detecting spyware and adware which collect personal information.
4. Windows malicious software removal tool
Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is a freely distributed virus removal tool created by Microsoft for all the Microsoft Windows operating system. It is a free program that removes a whole host of the most popular malicious software (malware). Many Windows users have it installed and run it monthly, yet are not aware of its existence. It’s a stealth program when things are functioning frequently you don’t see it. It is updated silently as part of Windows Update or Microsoft Update. It runs in what the company refers to as “quiet mode”, which means it doesn’t tell you anything – at least as long as it doesn’t find any malware to remove.
How does it work? After Windows downloads the newest version of the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, it will automatically run it in the background. This tool checks for specific, popular types of malware and removes them if it finds them. If everything is accurate, Windows will run the tool silently in the background without interrupting you. Although it finds a virus and fixes it, the tool will display a report indicating you which malicious software detected and removed after you restart your computer.
There are many advantages to running MSRT ( Microsoft’s Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool)
- You can opt to run a full scan rather than the default quick scan.
- It automatically scan all the installed program once a month, or sometimes your PC acting strangely.
- Also, you can manually ensure that the latest version of Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) should installed in your PC.
- You get an accurate warning of virus by MSRT.
[Important] The program is usually updated on the second Tuesday of every month.
5. SpyBot- Search & Destroy
This is a popular and comprehensive internet security servant that receives rid of spyware, adware, and malware. System tools and antivirus capabilities bundled together in the sequence business editions, which are tailored for technicians and organizations. With Spybot– Search & Destroy the browsers are immunized from threats floating around on the internet.
At the same time, users are also given a tool that gets rid of files that tax the running memory of a system because they automatically run when you start up a computer. Tasks can run without disruptions caused by malicious files because of these preemptive measures. Information made unusable by malware can also be recovered by Spybot – Search & Destroy
Some features of Spybot are:
- Task scheduling
- secure file shredder
- Boot CD creator
- Protected Repair environment
- Internet protection
- Antivirus protection
- System immunization
- Registry repair
- Scanner & fixer
- No Donation Requests
- Multiple Updates Daily
- Multi-Core Processors Support
[Important] Version 2.4 was released in July 2014
Basic Comparison of all five Malware Removal Tools
| Malware Removal Tools | Installation Time | Space (MB) | Full Scan Time | |
| 1 | Avast free antivirus | 4 min | 903 MB | 8 min |
| 2 | Malwarebytes Anti-malware | 1 min | 193 MB | 7 min |
| 3 | AVG antivirus | 2 min | 760 MB | 9 min |
| 4 | Windows malicious software removal tool | 1 min | 46 MB | 5 min |
| 5 | SpyBot | 1 min | 221 MB | 72 min |
