Guide: What are the differences between free and paid antivirus software?
Malware continues to proliferate, changing form, propagation routes and strategies to infect your computer systems. Rootkits, Trojans, spyware... How do you fight them? And what about free solutions? A comparative analysis of antivirus software 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 carried out by external bodies rate their performance as good as that of paid-for software. Updated with the latest virus signatures for scanning and monitoring, they have nothing to be ashamed of.
Which is the best free antivirus?
There's something for every taste and for every operating system: Windows XP, Vista, OS, Linux, etc. Avast stands out from the rest. 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 lets you check the reliability of websites. Scripts and malicious software 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 and detects and removes macro viruses. Panda also offers a free version. A monitor keeps track of processes in progress and URLs visited, so it can assess their risk and block them if necessary. It can also be used to "vaccinate" USB keys.
The need to supplement them
Not all free antivirus software comes with a firewall. The same goes for antispyware: some, like ad aware, include one, while others do not. So it's often necessary to add an additional firewall, anti-spyware or anti-spam protection.
Freeware and its limitations
Intended for private use
Free antivirus software is a good solution for private users. If you choose one that is adapted to your system and comes with the necessary features, it's better than nothing. Let's just say it's the bare minimum. Some of them are already integrated into the operating system, like Microsoft Security Essentials.
No solution is invincible
Now, even when your antivirus software declares you "protected", you should be aware 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 running incognito on your device.
A cumbersome system
The biggest criticism of free antivirus software is its weight. Taking up RAM, they often slow down the system. And that's why it's absolutely inadvisable to use them all at once. By trying to duplicate your protection, you will only slow down your machine without protecting it any better.
Cures rather than prevents
Free and paid solutions take different approaches. The former will identify threats once they have appeared, while the latter will seek to defuse them before they do. 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 technical assistance as soon as possible to minimise the impact on your teams' productivity.
No guarantee
Because it's free, it's understandable that software publishers don't make any commitments. In the event of an incident or collateral damage on your side, you cannot hold them responsible for anything.
Incomplete systems
Finally, free antivirus software is incomplete in terms of functionality. To get this or that extra option, you have to pay by upgrading your package. In other words: subscribe to the pro package, which means you have to pay. This is often the case for a warning module against phishing and fraud, for example.
Offers used as bait
That's why antivirus publishers generally offer two packages: one for a fee, the other free. The latter serves as a lure to attract subscribers. A commercial strategy that is all the more pertinent given the high cost of change in this sector. Studies show that once you get used to a protection solution, you never change.
Pay-as-you-go antivirus for greater security
Support and commitment
Pay-as-you-go antivirus publishers are more committed to your protection. Symantec's Norton Security promises a full refund if it fails to disinfect your device. A specialist is dedicated to you and works to this end.
Complete suites
There are various solutions available. These include BitDefender, of course, and Mcafee, which is the only one to offer its solution with an unlimited number of licences, so that it covers all your computers, 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 fine, but for the home. For the office, quality of service and performance come first.
Article translated from French