Guide : What's the difference between free and paid antivirus software?
Malware continues to proliferate, changing form, propagation routes and strategies to infect your computer systems. Rootkit, Trojan horse, spyware... How do you combat them? And what about free solutions? An antivirus comparative analysis is in order.
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Free antivirus: a good protection solution?
Similar performance
Some antivirus products are free. And when it comes to making your choice, there's plenty to tempt you. Especially when tests by outside organizations rate their performance as high as that of paid-for software. Updated with the latest virus signatures for scanning and monitoring, their features have nothing to envy them.
Which is the best free antivirus?
There's something for every taste and for every operating system: windows xp, vista, os, linux... Avast, however, clearly stands out. Popular with Windows users, it scores highly in the av-test. Its analysis is launched as soon as the device is booted up, and files and emails are protected in real time. An extension allows you to check the reliability of web sites. Scripts and malware are detected by the protection shield. Avira is also widely used. It is designed for personal computers and can be extended to smartphones and tablets. It protects against spyware and detects phishing and malware. Its surveillance extends to web browsing. It scans the cloud, detects and removes macro viruses. Panda also offers a free version. A monitor keeps track of running processes and visited urls, so as to assess their risk and block them if necessary. It also allows you to "vaccinate" your USB keys.
The need to complement them
Not all free antivirus software comes with a firewall. The same applies to antispyware: some, like ad aware, include one, while others do not. So it's often necessary to add a firewall, antispyware or antispam protection.
Freeware and its limits
Intended for private use
Free antivirus software is a good solution for private users. If you choose one that's adapted to your system and equipped with the necessary features, it's better than nothing. Let's just say it's the bare minimum. Some, like Microsoft Security Essentials, are already integrated into the operating system.
No solution is invincible
Now, even when your antivirus software declares you "protected", remember that there is no such thing as zero risk. The software may declare everything normal, while at the same time a plethora of viruses and malicious applications are evolving incognito on your device.
A system-heavy device
The main criticism levelled at free antivirus software is its weight. As they take up RAM, they often slow down the system. That's why it's absolutely inadvisable to use them all at once. If you try to duplicate your protection, you'll only slow down your machine without protecting it any better.
Cures rather than prevents
The approach of free and paid solutions is not the same. The former will identify threats once they have appeared, while the latter will seek to defuse them upstream. For example, webcam and microphone access can be deactivated in advance with a paid antivirus.
No real technical support
With a free anti-virus, you get no assistance or technical support. Unless you call a premium-rate number, which can be a real deterrent. If one of your employees' computer equipment is out of order, you'll need to call for technical assistance as quickly as possible to minimize the impact on your teams' productivity.
No guarantee
Because it's free, it's easy to understand why software publishers don't make any commitments. In the event of an incident or collateral damage on your side, you can't hold them responsible for anything.
Incomplete features
Finally, free antivirus software is incomplete in terms of functionality. To get this or that additional option, you have to pay by upgrading your package. In other words, you have to subscribe to the pro package, which means you have to pay for it. This is often the case, for example, for a warning module against phishing and fraud.
Offers used as bait
This is why antivirus publishers generally offer two packages: one for a fee, the other free of charge. The latter serves as a lure to attract subscribers. This sales strategy is all the more pertinent given the high cost of change in this sector. Studies show that once you've got used to a protection solution, you never change.
Paid antivirus for greater security
Support and commitment
Pay-as-you-go antivirus vendors are more committed to your protection. Symantec's Norton Security promises a full refund if it fails to disinfect your device. A dedicated specialist is on hand to help.
Complete suites
Various solutions are available. These include BitDefender, of course, and Mcafee, which is the only one to deliver its solution with an unlimited number of licenses, so as to cover all your computer equipment, including smartphones and tablets.
Are you hesitating between a paid or free antivirus solution to protect your business? Weigh up the risks involved against the cost. You'll quickly come to the same conclusion as we did: free is okay, but for the home. For the office, quality of service and performance come first.
Article translated from French