Choosing the best cloud antivirus is not easy. This is because each user has his own set of characteristics that must be present in specific software. Further in the article ten best utilities of this type will be analyzed.
Preliminary list
It is worth noting that the following cloud-based antiviruses offer a fairly large set of features and are characterized by a fairly high level of quality. The material will include:
- Bitdefender QuickScan;
- Comodo Cloud Antivirus;
- ESET Online Scanner;
- Kaspersky Security Scan;
- Norton Security Scan;
- Panda Cloud Cleaner;
- Trend Micro HouseCall;
- Avira Internet Security.
It is worth noting that none of the above utilities is a full-fledged anti-virus program. As the name implies, all of them are absolutely free and are excellent for performing the procedure of scanning a personal computer and checking the security of the system.
It is also important to keep in mind that all remote antiviruses are not able to replace full-fledged antiviruses, which can reliably protect your computer from various malicious software. The best option would be the combined use of utilities of each type.
ESET Online Scanner
At the moment, this program, which is available as a separate application for the Micrisoft Windows operating system, is one of the best among the utilities for online scanning of the computer used. The principle of operation of ESET cloud antivirus is to thoroughly check such device elements as:
- RAM;
- applications and programs that automatically load when the operating system starts;
- local disks;
- scanning user archives.
The user can access functions such as:
- Automatic check of the device for threats;
- removal of detected dangerous programs and files;
- scanning archives;
- spyware tracking technology.
The full scan procedure most often takes a little less than half an hour. After the scan is completed, the cloud antivirus will give the user the names and paths of all detected potential threats and dangerous files.
Summarizing the information, it can be noted that this program perfectly performs the function of additional scanning of the system, but nevertheless, it must be combined with a full-fledged antivirus.
Avira antivirus
Here it is worth making a clarification what is specifically addressed by Avira Internet Security Suite. This software is quite popular not only because of the large number of functions that allow you to protect your computer from various malicious files and programs. It is also quite relevant due to the support of the cloud scanning technology known as Protection Cloud.
The advantages of this cloud-based antivirus include:
- high-quality scanner that allows you to detect any potential threat that has got on your computer;
- the program has a firewall that protects the device from phishing;
- the user can use the password manager;
- an additional, extremely useful and relevant today, function is the presence of a VPN client.
However, it should be borne in mind that the Avira Antivirus interface is extremely inconvenient and constantly imposes various additional software on the device owner.
Bitdefender QuickScan
A program that can be safely called "Real Cloud Antivirus." But its main drawback is the limited list of browsers with which it can interact. Their list is as follows:
- Internet Explorer
- Mozilla Firefox
- Google Chrome
This is extremely inconvenient for many users. The minus is also the extremely small amount of functions performed. So the program can only:
- inform the user about infection of the operating system;
- only the name of the file or program that can harm the computer is given. The location of the pest, the user must search for yourself.
The following positive qualities can be made:
- high quality malware detection;
- phishing protection;
- extremely simple and user friendly interface;
- the program consumes little computer resources and is very fast.
Among the negative aspects:
- too few options for anti-virus protection settings;
- You can expand the possibilities only by purchasing a paid subscription for three months.
Trend Micro HouseCall
This cloud antivirus is also an application that you need to install on your computer. All additional materials are downloaded automatically after starting the utility. The working interface is very simple, clear and user-friendly. Among the advantages and available functions, such features as:
- full information about the malicious object. Upon detection of such a program, the owner of the device is given the full name, location, and also the type and level of severity;
- the user can, without leaving the program, delete the detected pest;
- there is the possibility of choosing any of the three (fast, selective or full) scan levels of the operating system.
As a minus, it is worth noting a rather long deadline for performing the full verification procedure. So one of the tests showed that the utility fully checks the system in more than seven hours. Which is an extremely unsatisfactory indicator.
A quick system check takes about 10 minutes.
Summarizing all the information, it can be noted that this program is quite innovative. But due to such important disadvantages as the duration of a full check, it is not the best choice.
Panda cloud cleaner
Cloud anti-virus "Panda" is a fairly effective software among other representatives of this category. It is also installed on your computer as a standalone application for the Windows operating system. One of the functions of the program is to automatically download the latest signatures before each start of the scanning procedure. Among the features and positive aspects can be noted:
- the ability to perform quick or random system checks;
- at the end of the procedure, the user receives the most accurate information about all malicious files and other objects;
- the user can also select a specific section and get acquainted with all information about pests detected;
- the user can delete detected threats without leaving the antivirus;
- in quick scan mode, the program performs the procedure in about ten minutes;
- a full check is done faster than many of the programs listed above and presented below - a little more than half an hour.
Thus, this utility is a rather useful addition to any basic antivirus.
Norton security scan
The next program in the selection of cloud antiviruses for Windows 7 and newer versions of this operating system. It is also a utility that must be downloaded and installed. All updates are downloaded automatically every time you start. Among the functions performed there are:
- scan your computer for malware and files;
- detection of suspicious cookies;
- identify applications that may harm the device;
- Pointing at the detected pest with the mouse, the user will be able to get detailed information;
- The program automatically scans the system immediately after installation.
As disadvantages, it is possible to note that the user is not able to configure the system check mode. Also, when you try to fix many of the problems found, namely when you click the Fix now button, you will be transferred to the site with an offer to purchase additional products.
Kaspersky Security Scan
Kaspersky Cloud Anti-Virus is a rather controversial program, as there have been a lot of reviews recently that it is a virus in itself. Nevertheless, as a utility for scanning the system, it is quite clear and easy to manage. The program runs on an independent mode, which users cannot change. This happens twice a week.
Also, the owner of the device can perform a quick scan, which takes two minutes and a full scan. It takes a little less than an hour. As a result, the user will receive:
- list of malware and infected files;
- the degree of system protection and the presence of installed programs to perform this function;
- other system security issues.
As negative points, one can also note a rather long time for a full scan and a traffic limit on the free version.
Comodo Cloud Antivirus
Comodo Cloud Antivirus is a standalone program that must be installed on a computer running Windows. It is worth noting that the program interface is an almost complete anti-virus utility. The user is offered such options and actions as:
- the ability to conduct quick, selective or full scan;
- sandbox mode;
- cloud scanning;
- "firewall";
- game mode. Allows you to disable all program notifications.
A full system scan takes about an hour.
As a positive point, we can note:
- a large set of free features that are present in paid antiviruses;
- universality.
The negative side is too careful "firewall" reacting to a large number of files; the imposition of additional products.