Securing your PC from intrusions is always important. However, if you’re running a CPA, CPB, or lawyer practice, keeping your machine (and your customers’ data) safe becomes even more vital. The following free cyber security desktop programs will help you achieve just that.
Keep reading to learn which one is for you.
The first program on our list — Malware Fighter — casts a wide protective net. The tool shields against Trojans, viruses, malware, spyware, adware, ransomware, bots, keyloggers, worms, and more.
Like all effective cyber security software, Malware Fighter provides both real-time protection and manual scans. The former includes 8 security guards: Network, File, Startup, Process, MBR, Camera, USB, and Behavior — ensuring that every aspect of your system is kept safe.
In addition, the software integrates with your browser to shield you from any threats that you may encounter while surfing the web or downloading files. Likewise, the system offers email protection and ad removal, adding yet another layer of security.
Malware Fighter also comes with a few unique features: the Safe Box and the Sandbox. The former lets you protect your most sensitive data with a password, while the latter is a test area for suspicious apps and files.
Unfortunately, Malware Fighter does have a few downsides. The program’s ransomware and phishing protection could be better, and some of its useful features (such as Bitdefender integration) are reserved for the Pro version.
Still, Malware Fighter is a worthwhile universal option.
The second IObit product on our list, Advanced SystemCare, isn’t a piece of antivirus software. Instead, it is a collection of tools meant to keep your machine lean, mean, and clean. That means a lower risk of infection and security compromise.
To that end, Advanced SystemCare clears your junk files, unneeded logs, cache, and leftover files, and addresses vulnerabilities in your operating system. The program is AI-powered, meaning that it learns from your optimization habits. In other words, it will set up your system just the way you like it.
In addition, the program speeds up both your PC and internet, clears your privacy traces (including stored passwords), upgrades your programs to their latest versions to avoid security vulnerabilities, and prevents unwanted apps from running in the background.
All of this is achieved via 20+ useful tools, including Disk Cleaner, Registry Cleaner, Win Fix, Smart RAM, Internet Booster, and many more.
Also, Advanced SystemCare includes firewall protection and anti-tracking features, preventing any bad actors from learning your location and accessing your PC.
Just as importantly, the program is incredibly easy to use. Its 1-click scan and fix option will get your machine up to speed with as little effort as possible. That being said, you can always go the manual route and fine tune everything yourself.
If Advanced SystemCare has a downside, that is the fact that it doesn’t work against viruses, Trojans, malware, and other direct threats. It is certainly convenient and it will act as a deterrent, but you will need an additional program (such as Malware Fighter) to directly resolve infections if they happen.
Rounding out our list, Smart Defrag isn’t exactly a cyber security program, but it is still an excellent addition to your security software collection.
Namely, having a fragmented drive will do more than slow your PC. Aside from being a security risk, it could result in data loss if the fragmented sectors stop functioning. Regular defragmentation helps you avoid such outcomes.
Sadly, Windows’ built-in defragmenter isn’t as thorough, fast, or reliable as it should be — which is where Smart Defrag comes in. The program includes a wide range of features, such as SSD trimming (prolonging SSD performance and life) and Enhanced Large File Defrag (improving efficiency and stability).
It’s also quite easy to use, letting you perform thorough defragmentation on the spot or schedule sessions of various depth at different intervals.
Despite its pros, Smart Defrag does have one notable con: it comes with product recommendations, also known as ads. These can get annoying, but they won’t affect its performance at all.
As a tried-and-true way of keeping your PC healthy, CCleaner is always worth your time and storage space. Especially if we consider the fact that this program will actually save you quite a bit of room.
Why is this important for cyber security? Simply, many programs come with files that slow down your machine or could be used to access it via shady channels. Even worse, many of those files stay on your computer even after you uninstall the programs that downloaded them in the first place.
By removing those unwanted files from your machine, CCleaner not only improves speed and performance — it also does away with many potential security risks. You will have an easier time using the computer, and the files on it (along with your information) will be notably safer.
CCleaner can also perform repairs in your registry. This means that if your system suffers damage from a cyber attack or aggressive antivirus software, you could potentially undo that damage and save yourself a costly Windows reinstallation.
Unfortunately, many of its advanced features (such as faster browsing, comprehensive optimization, etc.) are reserved for the Pro (paid) version. That being said, the free version will still greatly improve your safety and overall experience, and it is definitely worth a try.
If you like what CCleaner provides but don’t enjoy the app itself, Revo Uninstaller is a convenient alternative. Despite the name, this program is equal parts uninstaller and registry cleaner — perfect when you’re looking to improve your security while optimizing performance.
Everything listed under CCleaner also goes here. Revo Uninstaller will remove all the leftover and junk files, clean your registry, and give you a more stable and secure machine.
Its most interesting feature is called Hunter mode, which lets you choose between a handful of user-friendly options for cleaning your system. These include simple uninstallation, stopping an app, deleting it in full, or disabling it from starting automatically.
No program is perfect, and Revo Uninstaller is no exception. In this case, the free version lacks a number of the Pro variant’s features (such as more removal options or the ability to uninstall multiple programs at once).
Still, it is a perfectly adequate option for keeping your machine safe and at top performance.
Bonus: Excellent Paid Cyber Security Desktop Programs For CPA, CBP, And Lawyer Practices
As you might expect, paid programs will typically give you better results than free ones — in exchange for a fee. If you’re not opposed to investing money into your security, we suggest the following software.
Norton is one of the most famous names in online security circles, so the fact that one of its products made our list shouldn’t surprise anyone. In particular, we recommend Norton 360 Deluxe — possibly the most complete package for keeping your machine safe.
Where do we begin? The solution protects against pretty much every online threat that you can imagine, and its powerful firewall might be one of the best in the business. As if that wasn’t enough, the program provides various advanced features.
For one, Norton 360 Deluxe comes with a Password Manager and Parental Controls. In addition, you get a VPN with no bandwidth or server limits, keeping your identity secret while you browse the net.
Norton’s database of dangerous and fraudulent websites is updated every day. As a result, the software will always inform you whenever you are about to visit a risky place — and promptly block it.
And if everything we listed somehow fails, Norton 360 Deluxe comes with a cloud backup option. That way, you can store your system in Norton’s online database, and restore it at will in case of any system damage.
Sadly, the 360 Deluxe package comes at a yearly cost of $119.99, but you can often grab it at a significant discount (sometimes up to 75%). All in all, if you value your protection enough to spend actual money, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Other suggestions:
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
ESET Smart Security Premium
Trend Micro Maximum Security