5 Best Malware Removal Software You Can Use.

The online world is full of threats. Any website can be infected and before you know it, the same files are now on your system corrupting your data. While the in-built Windows Defender comes into use, it doesn’t protect your computer completely.

Thankfully, there is a host of Malware Removal Software designed to combat this exact problem. For your safety online and offline, we have curated a list of the 8 Best Malware Removal Software that are sure to help ensure your security and privacy.

1. Best Malware Removal Software in 2022

You might find yourself confused between whether you want anti-virus software or anti-malware. To boil it down for you, anti-virus software used to focus on older viruses while anti-malware watches out for new advanced malware. However, as time has passed, most anti-virus companies have started providing anti-malware removal along with their software.

While you can go for strictly anti-malware for peace of mind and you’ll be safe, you might miss out on features of other software providers that come at the same cost. However, for the sake of clarity, I have divided this article between anti-malware tools and software that offer more.

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Table of Contents

Testing Criteria

When it comes to evaluating the Malware removal software, the testing was three-pronged.

1. Malware removal and monitoring – This is quite obviously the primary factor when testing any malware removal tool. To test the software’s capability, I intentionally downloaded and installed test malware files. These files were either downloaded and then scanned immediately or I turned off the software, downloaded them and then scanned them. This helped determine the detection rate and efficiency of the chosen tools.
2. Add-on suite features – While an Anti-Malware’s first role is protection, there are other features that increase its value. Extended features like PC tune-up utilities, a Virtual Private Network and a password manager are a few of the many that are offered along.
3. Pricing and Device limit – You would want the most out of your buck so we compared pricing across the software.

Malware Removal and Anti-Virus Suite

1. Norton 360 Standard

Of all the Malware removal tools I have tested, Norton 360 has come out on top. The security suite acts as a giant umbrella over the computer and completely protects it. Norton has a combined set of new-age features that include Advanced Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence to remove threats.

Security

Norton 360 not only blocked any malware files I tried to download but also removed their zipped versions which not every software is able to do. The scanning and removal were immediate and Norton resolved it without me needing to do anything. What I really liked was the detailed report I got after the threat’s removal. It not only told me what it was but how old was the virus, how many people have encountered it and more.

Besides conventional scanning, Norton 360 also includes a plethora of other security measures. The separate ‘Smart Firewall‘ uses the company’s machine learning tech and acts as a second shield against threats alongside the standard Windows one. Moreover, the suite also provides Email protection and has ‘Download Intelligence‘ that scans the reputation of downloads you’re performing for protection. Additional features include:

• SONAR protection
• Intrusion protection
• Anti-Phishing protection
• Encrypted Cloud Storage

Other features

The performance center of Norton 360 acts as a system optimiser and speeds up the system in various areas. From scanning my disk drives for fragmentation to disabling heavy load start-up programs, the center has a few tricks up its sleeve. The built-in Safecam feature monitors the camera and lets you know when an app is using it. You can also see how much CPU space Norton is taking in real-time which is very handy.

Getting Norton 360 also includes the added features that come along in the suite. The built-in VPN has a one-click turn on with over 30+ countries to choose from. While the VPN connection cut my original speed in half, I was happy to see that there is no data cap on it.

Since Norton 360 has a lot of versions available, some of the plans might seem too expensive. However, the most robust features are available on the 360 standard plan.

Furthermore, the built-in Password Manager is pretty handy for folks looking to create a database.

Pros:

• Powerful scanning features
• Additional Smart Firewall
• VPN with 30+ locations
• Secure Cloud Backup

Cons:

• VPN cuts speed in half

Verdict:

Norton 360 acts as a definite solution against malware of any kind. While the advanced security features would be enough, the added bonuses make this malware removal program a complete package for the ones looking.

Platforms – Windows, macOS

Install Size – 300 MB+

Trial – 7 Day Trial with 60 days Refund (Credit Card Required)

Customer Support – Chat and Call/Knowledge Base

Get Norton 360

2. Kaspersky Security Cloud

Kaspersky cloud is the company’s best offering that puts six of its premium products under a single app. There are a lot of reasons why Kaspersky is one of the strongest purchases you can make to protect your computer.

Security – Cloud Protection

Kaspersky’s online security network (KSN) is one of the hallmark factors that make the software so secure. Put simply, KSN is a cloud knowledge base that contains information about the reputation of various apps and sites online. KSN is a community service which means it relies on users participation.

This service ensures that whenever a new threat emerges, it is instantly updated and every Kaspersky client is already aware of it. So instead of waiting for periodic updates, it’s all in real-time.

As with Norton, Kaspersky immediately detected malware and blocked it. For the ones already present in my system, the Sky offered to ‘disinfect‘ the computer. The software also offered full disinfection where I needed to restart my computer for the full effect.

Kaspersky’s other security features are also vast and offer options. The Rescue Disk 18 is an add on that cleans a critically infected PC while it’s booting up. You also get an option to find out if there are some system settings that are making you vulnerable. I liked ‘Safe Money‘ feature in particular where you can add websites you usually make payments on and it opens them in protected mode.

The software also comes with backup and restore functions along with other added features like safe browsing, webcam protection and detailed reports of the system.

Kaspersky also gives a password manager and a VPN to hide online. Unfortunately, even the paid cloud plan comes with a 500MB daily data limit which is very meagre. To get more you need to buy the service as an add-on which will cost you more. But, given the affordable plans, I’ll let the VPN thing pass.

When it comes to system tune-up you get what you would expect from most PC polishing apps. There’s a hard drive monitor, unused data/privacy cleaner and even a Windows add-on troubleshooter. All in all, Kaspersky’s tune-up utilities end up adding a lot of value to its security panel.

Pros:

• Kaspersky Security Network
• Quick disinfection
• Safe Money
• Good tune-up and privacy panels

Cons:

• Low VPN quota

Verdict:

If you’re a user who’s determined to have the latest malware definitions, Kaspersky will fit like a glove. The robust security features along with tune-up capabilities make this suite easily worth getting.

Platforms – Windows, macOS

Install Size – 300 MB+

Trial- 30 Day Trial (No Credit-Card)

Customer Support – Chat and Call/Knowledge Base

Get Kaspersky Security Cloud

3. Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus

Adding to the list of suites, Webroot SecureAnywhere is another software that provides a host of features albeit targeting them heavily toward security.

Security

Like other software I tested, Webroot’s Real-time protection proved to very efficient in blocking any malware that was downloaded to the system in form of either test files or freeware. The Antivirus swiftly blocked access to the files and then gave me the option of choosing to remove them now or later.

While Webroot also claims that quick scanning only takes 20 seconds, it took a good six minutes on my computer on the first try.

However, this antivirus also comes with other security features tacked on that make it a wise choice to have. The built-in firewall acts as a secondary shield against any online attacks that might seep into your system. It also contains a ‘USB Shield‘ that will block any malware that might be making your way to your PC through external storage.

As a chronic internet user, I especially liked Identity Theft Protection because of its ability to protect my online data by keeping a watchful eye on my browser and how it interacts with third-party trackers.

Furthermore, Webroot has an added on Phishing Shield that uses machine learning to identify which websites are out to steal your info before you end up submitting anything. Application Protection ensures sensitive data does not leave the app that you’re using. Webroot also comes with a ‘Web Shield’ that installs itself in the form of browser extensions. This shield works alongside phishing and scans and flags any websites that might be suspicious.

Pros:

• Extremely Lightweight
• Real-Time Protection
• Second Firewall
• Add-on security (Anti-Phishing, Identity Protect)

Cons:

• Dated Design
• Quick scanning isn’t very quick

Verdict:

While the design and interface of Webroot itself are decent at best, it provides enough security features and modern protection for a user to consider it as a powerful malware removal software. Go for it if you want a lightweight tool that does what it says.

Platforms – Windows, macOS

Install Size – 5MB+

Trial- 14 Day Trial (No Credit-Card)

Customer Support – Knowledge Base/Customer Ticket

Get Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus

4. F-Secure SAFE

Another tool that you can use to keep your PC safe from malware, and, to rid malware from your computer if it’s been infected is F-Secure SAFE. This is basically a suite of antivirus tools from F-Secure that brings a ton of features to the mix. Sure, it’s a tad on the pricey side of things, but it does bring a plethora of features that sort of make up for it.

F-Secure brings an antivirus software, along with banking protection so you can safely shop online. There are also family safety tools included with the software. Plus, you get a device finder so you can easily locate your Android and iPhone devices without a hassle.Though F-Secure is usually rated quite highly for protection features, the software does tend to throw out plenty of false positives as well, which can be a little annoying. On the other hand, the software brings a clean UI, so it’s easy to use, and it’s also lightweight — something that most antivirus software really aren’t.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy to use UI
• Suite of antivirus and device management tools

Cons:

• Pricier than most options
• Frequent false-positives

Verdict:

Though F-Secure SAFE is a pricier offering, the host of features it offers, along with the easy to use interface, make it a viable option to protect your online life.

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android

Customer Support: Knowledge base, live chat, customer service call-centers

Get F-Secure SAFE

5. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security

For a slightly more affordable option, you can also consider getting Trend Micro’s antivirus offering. This antivirus software brings anti-spam features along with all the other features on offer. One of the really cool features of Trend Micro’s Antivirus+ software is the built-in anti-ransomware protection which can protect you from falling victim to any of the ransomware attacks.

Further, Trend Micro Antivirus+ brings advanced AI learning, Pay Guard to keep your online payments secure from attacks, and email scam safeguarding to protect you from email scams such as phishing attacks and other popular scams online. Trend Micro has received solid ratings overall in terms of accuracy, which means you can rest assured that the software will identify most virus and ransomware accurately. What’s more, the software is also not as prone to false-positives as some other options on this list.

Pros:

• High level of accuracy
• Pay Guard feature
• Email scam protection

Cons:

• Might be a little heavy on resources

Verdict:

Trend Micro’s offering is a decent choice for people looking for a malware removal software that brings a bunch of useful add-ons in a price that’s not too heavy on the pocket.

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone

Customer Support: Knowledge base, tickets, call, and live chat

Get Trend Micro Antivirus+

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)

1. What exactly is Malware?

Malicious Software (Malware) is an umbrella word for various types of viruses, trojans and other harmful programs nefarious people use to invade systems and cause damage. The damage can range from a simple worm that is annoying in nature to Ransomware that locks your files until you pay up. Malware is of various types but most anti-malware software cover against them all.

2. What are some types of Malware and what’s the most dangerous?

While all malware is dangerous, Ransomware has definitely been on the top of the list for some time now. Ransomware locks your personal files and then demands money in exchange for their release. It’s is so dangerous  and it has been surging even in 2021. Ransomware not only affects everyday users but even business that end up losing millions because of this.

Other types of Malware include:

• Viruses (Yes, Virus is also a type of Malware)
• Keyloggers
• Worms
• Trojans
• Rootkits

3. What is the difference between a Virus and Malware?

Malicious software (Malware) is an umbrella term for various types of computer programs that are designed to harm and exploit a number of devices. These devices can range from smartphones and computers to servers that host websites. A Virus is just a type of malware that self-replicates itself and harms the system. Viruses are one of the oldest types of malware.

4. What’s the difference between Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware software?

Since viruses also fall under malware, anti-virus companies initially marketed themselves as virus removal services. An anti-virus focuses on fighting more traditional type of viruses. However, anti-malware software fights the newer evolving malware that is more deadly in nature. Most anti-viruses these days though also have built-in anti-malware features that perform the same functions.

5. What are some signs I have Malware on my PC?

Newer intelligent Malware will do its best to slip through the cracks in your computer. However, there are some telltale signs that your system might be infected.

• Your PC will start slowing down/freezing unexpectedly.
• You will find software installed that you never consented to. (Third Party adware)
• You’re suddenly receiving too many ads, pop-ups etc.
• Windows Defender might be disabled without warning.
• Alternatively, you can always run a malware scan and find out.

6. Can Malware spread through Email too?

Yes, it can. Users with malicious purposes often attach malware as an email attachment and send them in emails that might seem enticing (lottery, free offers etc). While services like Gmail and Live do their best to scan files, always make sure you have a malware removal tool installed so it can block them before they start working.

7. Will a factory reset get rid of Malware?

A factory reset will essentially delete all the files and reset settings on your computer. However, it is not guaranteed that all the malware will be erased. While traditional malware that is old might be removed, newer malware is more resistant and might still end up staying. So, before you go deleting everything on your PC, try getting rid of the malware using the above list.

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