Kaspersky Lab offers great cybersecurity solutions, but there are many alternatives to its anti-malware programs on desktop and mobile.
The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has added Kaspersky Lab to its list of national security threats, sending users scurrying for alternatives. The development follows a similar decision from Germany, which recently warned that antivirus software from Kaspersky could be used by Russia to spy on Western targets. The Kremlin has often been accused of carrying out cyber-attacks and misinformation campaigns on other countries, but the new advisories against a company of Kaspersky’s reputation are still jarring.
Based out of Moscow, Kaspersky is one of the best-known names in the world of cybersecurity. Its anti-malware solutions, which are available for both desktops and mobile, are popular among both consumers and enterprises. However, the company has often had to deal with security concerns from the U.S. and other Western cyber-security agencies about possible espionage. Now that relations between Russia and the U.S. are at a new low following the attack on Ukraine, American cyber-security experts feel that those concerns are more relevant than ever.
While Kaspersky’s anti-malware solutions are often rated among the very best, there are several other companies that also offer high-quality AV programs for desktops and mobile, and often for free. One of the best-known names in the industry is BitDefender, which unfailingly notches up high scores in independent lab tests, time and again. It also offers enhanced ransomware protection, banking protection, and even offers a VPN service. Malwarebytes is another trusted name in the industry, and its paid-for ‘Premium’ anti-malware software offers outstanding protection from malware, ransomware, phishing, and malicious URLs. It’s fairly speedy and has a relatively light footprint, making it an attractive choice for many.
Free Antivirus Programs And Mobile Security Apps
Folks looking for free AV solutions should definitely check out Avast, which offers impressive protection for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. The software routinely notches up high scores in lab tests and includes many privacy and performance features, making it a favorite among users. However, the free version is somewhat limited in terms of advanced features, which require an update to the paid version. AVG is another old and trustworthy name in the world of free antivirus programs, offering high-performance with low system impact. While it offers many critical features in the free version, such as boot-time scan to remove persistent malware, it also requires an upgrade to the premium version for other advanced features.
For folks wanting alternative security solutions for their smartphones and tablets, Bitdefender Mobile Security is one of the best available options. It offers great malware protection, Wear OS watch integration, a VPN client, and a malicious website-blocker that’s compatible with most browsers. It also has minimal system impact, making it the go-to mobile security app for many users. People wanting a free security software for their phones should look at Avast Mobile Security, which is one of the most full-featured free AV solutions available on mobile. However, the free version comes with ads and frequent messages to upgrade to the full version, which could be annoying to some people. Along with the aforementioned apps, Norton Mobile Security and Lookout Security and Antivirus are also great alternatives to Kaspersky.
Source: BitDefender, Malwarebytes, Avast, AVG, Bitdefender Mobile Security, Avast Mobile Security
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