Best 10 antivirus and antimalware free opensource applications

Contrary to what many people think, anti-malware programs do not end with Symantec, McAfee etc. The world of open source has quite a few options in the anti-malware and anti-spyware segment. Here are 10 of the best that you can use!

1. ClamWin Free Antivirus

This is an app that works only on the Windows platform and works on the well known ClamAV engine in order to detect spyware and viruses. It has a Microsoft Outlook plug-in, automatic downloads and other useful features.

2. ClamAV

This is an open source product that is based on the Clam Antivirus engine. It is specially designed in order to protect email gateways. It has features like command line scanners, automatic updates. It works on Linux, Unix and BSD platforms.

3. Moon Secure Antivirus

This open source app is based on ClamAV and works on the Windows platform. Although it is based on ClamAV, developers usually use an alternate antivirus engine.

4. Rootkit Hunter

This is an open source tool that is used for scanning the system for rootkits and unwanted tools. You can not use it for scheduled or live scanning but you can still run Rootkit hunter daily. It works on Linux and Unix platforms.

5. AMaVis

AMaVis is short for A Mail Virus Scanner. As the name suggests, this app stands between your anti-virus software and email client, scanning incoming emails for viruses. It is compatible with all platforms.

6. ClamMail

This is a free antivirus software that protects messages that you receive on Thunderbird, Outlook, Eudora dn other POP3-based applications. It operated on the Windows platform and is a combination of the POP3 email proxy and the ClamAV engine.

7. P3Scan

This is an email proxy serve that can be used for scanning both outgoing and incoming messages. It cans for malware, trojans, viruses, spam and worms. It operates on the Linux platform and is also based on the ClamAV engine.

8. Viralator

This is an open source app that works alongside your anti-virus and supplements you computer’s protection. It blocks malware, which may have evaded your anti virus. It is compatible with Linux and Unix platforms.

9. xpy

This is a tiny program, which is less than 60 KB in size. It adds to your computer’s performance and improves its security by closing vulnerabilities that may lead to spyware creeping across your Windows-based system.

10. Nixory

This is a open source app that has been designed for improving the protection for Firefox users. It blocks unwanted spyware and cookies and works along side other anti spyware programs.

 

If you have some suggestions of your own please let us know in comments!

 

 

 

Top 10 Unbeatable Vulnerability Scanners you need to know

With efficient technology comes the issue of safety and security. Even as technology around us improves drastically, unsolicited vulnerabilities that might creep in have grown smarter and way difficult to detect. Detecting vulnerabilities can be a daunting task in its own right, however, a set of efficient scanners available make the process less cumbersome yet effective!

 

Here are top 10 unbeatable vulnerability scanners:

1. Nessus

-Features: patch, configuration, and compliance auditing; mobile, malware, and botnet discovery; sensitive data identification etc.

-Versions: Nessus and Nessus Perimeter Service (commercial organisations and enterprises), Nessus evaluations (commercial organisations) and Nessus Home (non-commercial, home network).

-Operating Systems supported: Windows, Mac OS X, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, Solaris, and/or other UNIX variants.

-Price: Paid

2. OpenVAS

-Framework of several services and tools that offers a comprehensive vulnerability scanning and vulnerability management solution.

-Consists of a daily updated feed of Network Vulnerability Tests (NVTs).

-Majority of components licensed under the GNU General Public License (GNU GPL).

-Operating Systems supported: Linux, Windows and others.

-Price: Free

3. CORE Impact Pro

-Taking vulnerabilty scanning to an all new level beyond traditional exploitation, CORE Impact Pro provides the same level of Advanced Persistent Threat and password-based techniques currently being deployed by various cyber criminals.

-Allowing commercial and government organisations to actively test the security of their network and application infrastructure.

-Operating System supported: Windows

-Price: Paid

4. Nexpose

-Scans for mis-configurations, vulnerabilities, and malware and then provides specific remedies for each issue.

-Scans the entire IT environment including networks, operating systems, web applications, databases, and virtualisation.

-Operating System supported: Windows and Linux.

-Price: Paid

5. GFI Lan Guard

-Scans and detects network vulnerabilities before they are exposed. This considerably reduces the time required to patch machines.

-Provides both security and non-security patches for Microsoft, Mac OS X, Linux and over 50 other third-party operating systems and applications.

-Operating System supported: Windows

-Price: Paid

6. QualysGuard

-Award-winning cloud security and compliance solution that provides global businesses with on demand critical security intelligence.

-Provides auditing, compliance and protection for Internet perimeter systems, internal networks, and web applications.

-Operating System supported: Windows

-Price: Paid

7. MBSA

-The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyser provides a streamlined detection of missing security updates and common security misconfigurations.

– The very recent MBSA 2.3 release adds support for Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows Server 2012.

-Operating System supported: Windows

-Price: Free

8. Retina

-Perhaps one of the most sophisticated vulnerability assessment solutions available.

-Available as a standalone application or as part of the Retina CS unified vulnerability management platform.

-Efficiently identifies exposures (missing patches, configuration weaknesses etc.) and then prioritises enterprise-wide remediation.

-Operating System supported: Windows

-Price: Paid

9. Secunia PSI

-The Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) efficiently identifies vulnerable and out-dated programs and plug-ins, that might expose your PC to attacks. It thereafter patch these vulnerable programs.

-Operating System supported: Windows

-Price: Free

10. Nipper

-The Network Infrastructure Parser checks the security of network devices such as switches, routers, and firewalls.

-It was earlier an open source tool. Then its developer (Titania) released a commercial version and tried to hide their old GPL releases.

-Operating System supported: Windows, Apple MAC OSX, Linux

-Price: Paid

 

If you have some suggestions of your own please let us know in comments!