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Free tools to check if your Mac or Windows computer is infected with a virus
Millions of Americans are out of work, but hackers and cybercriminals are busier than ever. We’re talking astounding increases in spam, 38,000 coronavirus-related sites and 18,000-plus consumer complaints to the FTC related to the coronavirus outbreak.
Tactics vary, but cybercriminals nearly all have the same goal: To get their hands on your data and your money. Americans have lost $13.4 million to COVID-19 related fraud since the start of the year. Expect that number to grow even higher in the coming weeks. Tap or click to hear scammers in action so you know what to watch out for.
Even the savviest among us can be fooled by the right scam. Click one bad link or download the wrong attachment, and that can spell disaster for your tech. If you suspect something is “phishy” with your system, these online security scanners are perfect to check your computer for malware and more.
Scanning for malware with free and cloud-based software
There’s a big difference between free and cloud-based virus scanners and full-scale cybersecurity suites. Cloud-based scanners run in your browser or use an online database to run themselves and can give you a quick overview of your system’s health.
Larger suites, on the other hand, are recommended for deeper cleaning and inspection. You shouldn’t expect a free online scanner to completely replace a robust anti-malware program, but these scans are a good way to get a quick checkup without waiting hours for a full-system scan. Plus, free is the name of the game right now.
These services are all lightweight, speedy options for Windows and MacOS systems. Before performing any scan, make sure to back up all your files in case of an emergency. Fixing your malware problem won’t do you any good if you lose all your data, right? Tap or click here to see the best way to back up your computer.
1. ESET Online Scanner
This free security program from ESET installs from your browser window and scans your system for nasty malware and other malicious programs. It works with Windows PCs and Macs. Just like a full-fledged anti-malware suite, ESET lets you quarantine questionable files.
This is extremely useful since some anti-malware programs will throw up false positives for suspicious-looking files and trash things you know are safe. Quarantining allows you to keep these files safe for inspection and protect the rest of your system.
To get started, head to the ESET website and click on One-time Scan. You can try ESET’s full security suite free for 30 days. Full subscriptions start at $40 for a one-year license.
2. F-Secure Online Scanner
F-Secure takes the cake as one of the fastest online scanners around, quickly locating and destroying malware.
F-Secure installs a small file that communicates with the cloud to run. That means every time you use it, F-Secure is up to date with the latest malware definitions and security research. That’s vital with how quickly cybercriminals change and adapt.
On the flip-side, this lightweight program doesn’t give you as much flexibility as other anti-malware suites. You can’t specify which files you want it to scan. Once you click “scan,” the program does its thing and hunts down the bugs in your system.
If a one-size-fits-all scan works for you, head to the F-Secure site linked above and click on Run Now. Allow your system to accept the installer file, and you’re good to go.
3. Google Chrome (yes, really!)
Surprised to see this entry on the list? You may not know it, but Google has been in the consumer cybersecurity game for some time now.
Google Chrome’s built-in virus scanner doesn’t require any additional installation and simply runs in your browser window. All you need to do is type chrome://settings/cleanup in your address bar (or click the link) to access the program.
To use it, click Find and wait for the scan to complete. But before you do, make sure to read the data disclaimer. If you leave it enabled, you’re giving Google permission to analyze the information it gathers from your computer.
That’s not required to complete the scan, so we recommend leaving the box unchecked. There’s no reason to hand out more of your data than necessary. Tap or click here to see how you can find out what else Google knows about you.
4. Windows Defender
Native to Windows 10, Windows Defender is enabled by default and works behind the scenes. It comes standard, so there’s nothing to buy, install or configure.
In addition to performing background scans, this software automatically scans downloads, open programs and provide new Windows Update definitions. Click here from your PC to update Windows Defender.
Windows Defender includes a user-friendly interface, load your PC with bloatware and it requires fewer system resources than most antivirus programs. It’s a solid scanner and antivirus option, and even better paired with anti-malware protection.
5. Panda Cloud Cleaner
Panda Cloud Cleaner is another lightweight scanning program that can hunt down malware hiding out on your PC. Just like with ESET and F-Secure, it installs a small file on your computer and stays up on new malware via cloud connection.
Panda Cloud Cleaner offers a unique service that sets itself apart from competitors: A rescue software if you’re unable to start your computer. You’ll need a thumb drive to install the software, along with another computer to download it to.
To get started with Panda Cloud Cleaner, visit the homepage from the link above and click Scan Now to download the installer file. Follow the directions it shows to complete your free system scan.
For the rescue software, click Download Now and follow the directions on-screen to create your recovery drive. The instructions will also show you how to boot from the drive to start repairing your computer.
6. BitDefender
BitDefender, a big name in antivirus software, offers an excellent free option Mac users that includes full system scans and the latest virus and malware definitions. It’s Apple’s option of choice and is available for download from the company’s very own App Store.
The free scanner locates malicious files for you, rather than deleting them automatically. You’ll have to do that part yourself, but on Mac, that’s as easy as dropping the file in the Trash and emptying it.
BitDefender also has a free home network scanner that searches for vulnerable devices and passwords and offers detailed security recommendations. Tap or click here to try it.
If you’re using a PC, you’re better off sticking with one of the scanners above.
7. ClamXAV for Mac
ClamXAV is a lightweight, open-source anti-malware solution for Mac users. This one sets itself apart by just how few resources it uses. Unlike many other system scanners, you can run ClamXAV in the background while you do other things. Handy!
It doesn’t run from your browser, so you do need to download and install the program. By default, Apple won’t let you install third-party software from outside its own App Store. You can enable this by opening System Preferences, clicking on Security and Privacy, then clicking on General.
Check the button that says “Anywhere” on the bottom of the page. You may be required to enter your system username and password before continuing. Once this step is complete, you can download and install ClamXAV. Follow the on-screen prompts.
8. Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular anti-malware tools on the market. It’s loved by Windows users, but the Mac edition is just as easy to use and reliable.
Malwarebytes is extremely fast and can scan your entire computer in as little as 30 seconds. It also identifies and removes malicious files for you once the scan is complete — no extra work required on your end.
To get started, click the link above and select Free Download on Malwarebytes’ website. The installer file will appear in your Downloads folder in the bottom right corner of your dock where all your program icons live. Click the file to open it, and follow the directions that appear when the program starts running.
Malwarebytes will run you through the process of your first scan once you boot it up for the first time.—
Malware and cybercriminals are only making quarantine more miserable for computer owners. Fortunately, these security programs can take the pressure off your system and help you stay on top of the latest cyberthreats. Scan often, stay safe, and stick to familiar corners of the web to avoid getting “pwned.”
After all, you don’t need a sick computer when your own health should be your No. 1 priority. Tap or click here to see The Kim Komando Show’s guides to COVID-19 symptoms and prevention.
Tags: anti-malware, Apple, cybercrime, cybercriminals, cybersecurity, guides, malware, online security, virus scanners
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