Kaspersky Free

One of the leading names in the cybersecurity section is Kaspersky and, like its direct competitors, the security company has a cost-free antivirus solution in its portfolio.

Kaspersky Free is practically a stripped-down version of Kaspersky’s flagship products, delivering just the essentials when it comes to protecting a computer system.

The antivirus features different scanning modes and a real-time guardian whose purpose is to intercept malware before it reaches and harms the local system. Aside from the file antivirus, you get a network attack blocker, a safe browsing module and a mail protection system. The antivirus database is automatically updated, but you can also update it manually upon request.

The free edition features anti-malware and anti-ransomware protection, as well as stalkerware detection, while upgrading to paid plans brings you additional features, such as safe web browsing, removing existing viruses, a two-way firewall and anti-phishing module. The paid tools allow performance optimization, cyber threat and online payment protection modules, a password manager, a VPN, password security checking tool and more.

There are different scan modes available, and you can choose whichever suits your needs. However, it is advisable to run a full scan at least once to make sure the entire PC is checked for malicious content.

Quick scans only take about five minutes or so, but note that, whenever an active threat is detected, Kaspersky Free prompts you to run a full scan. On the other hand, there is always the option of a selective scan if you want to zero in on specific files and folders on your computer. The application also ensures that removable drives connected to your computer, such as external HDDs and USB sticks, are virus-free.

It is worth mentioning that Kaspersky Free also runs background checks automatically whenever the computer is on but inactive, which ensures uninterrupted protection and minimum impact on system resources.

It is a well-known fact that outdated applications might pose a threat and cause system vulnerabilities. Kaspersky Free detects outdated applications and prompts you to install the latest version so that your computer’s defense system stays reliable.

Kaspersky Free is nothing more than a lesser edition of Kaspersky’s full-featured security software. It provides basic protection against malware in real-time, but it lacks a few modules that the paid plans provide. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth checking out if you need simple real-time protection against malware and you don’t afford a premium solution at the moment.