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About
This list (earlier "Probably the Best Free Security List in the World") contains thousands of links to free security-related Windows desktop applications and web applications, with the goal of listing everything available that's not malicious or of low usefulness. This list doesn't include Windows desktop applications that work on only pre-Windows XP operating systems. This list also contains links to pages that contain security-related information. This list does not give recommendations (except for the My Choices page), but it contains links to other Gizmo's Freeware pages that give recommendations.
Use the Windows desktop applications or web applications on this list at your discretion. We usually don't test the Windows desktop applications or web applications on this list, and we usually don't scan the Windows desktop applications on this list with antivirus software. Some of the links in the Related Links section on this page give tips on deciding whether a given Windows desktop application or website is safe to use.
We periodically check all links on this list with Web of Trust. Only links that are rated by Web of Trust as green or unrated are shown as hyperlinks. Links that are rated by Web of Trust as yellow are shown as obfuscated links. Links that are rated by Web of Trust as red aren't allowed on this list. Links that directly link to files are shown as obfuscated links. To change an obfuscated link into a valid link, copy and paste the obfuscated link to your browser's address bar, then replace [COLON] with : and [DOT] with a period.
Use the comments section below, or this (or this) forum thread, to let us know about issues, or suggestions for items that could be added to the list.
Short URLs for this page: http://tinyurl.com/free-security, http://bit.ly/DQNn0, and http://goo.gl/nw5c.
Related Links
- All articles in security category #1
- All articles in security category #2
- Computer Security Guides and Articles (contains some articles that aren't in either security category)
- What Else Have You Just Downloaded?
- How to Make a Quick and Easy Online Antivirus Check of a File or App Before Downloading it
- How to Tell if a File is Malicious
- How to Tell If A Website Is Dangerous
- Best Free Antivirus Software
- Best Free Trojan Horse Scanning And Removal Software
- Introduction to Light Virtualization
- Best Free Virtualization Solutions
Editor
This list is maintained by volunteer editors ako (Antti Koponen), J_L (Jeff Liu), and MrBrian.
(c) 2009-2016 Antti Koponen
We are looking for people with skills or interest in the following areas:
Comments
I've been using separate sandboxes (www.sandboxie.com) for each site where I do financial transactions or conduct other sensitive functions and delete the contents of the sandbox after use.
I personally have separate account for financial.
And I NEVER use admin account.
Nice security list. it would be helpful if there were links to go to those sites too.
Since some are out-dated the years of operation might be listed along the side.
A major concern is what security etc. programs that work on a WIN7 system will still work on WIN 10 OS. It would be nice to see a tabulated list that shows this someplace. If you are aware of any please post and/or share in email newsletter. Thanks. [I realize time is limited]
I guess all major products already support win 10.
I am not personally using win10 and will not in near future.
The problem is time indeed. Would you like to join us to become co-author?
I personally use AdMuncher. Haven't seen any comparison of them.
Why are there so many broken links and outdated programs on this list? Seems to me it hasn't been reviewed in quite awhile, as I clicked on many programs in the list that hadn't been updated since 2010 or 2012. Support has ended for many programs on the list also, due to age. One example is Xerobank, which hasn't been around since '09 or so. I don't know about you, but I prefer products that are up-to-date on the latest threats.
joy90976, You are invited to become co-author of this list. The reason for inactivity is simple: time.
@joy90976
Dear joy,
Why don't you voluntarily offer to take over administration of this list?
Now THAT would help...
Sorry for the inactivity guys, but we're back! Well at least I am trying to keep it up-to-date.
Feel free to add your comments, suggestions, and critiques!
I used Threatfire for several years but quit when it was no longer being updated. This program has not been updated since March of 2012, should it still be on this list (HIPS)?
Cheers
The inclusion criteria for threat-fighting applications is whether the given application is useless (or nearly useless) against current threats. I'm sure that ThreatFire is not as good against current threats as it was back when it was maintained. So the question is whether this low bar is not being met? In this particular case, even if the low bar is not met, ThreatFire can also be configured to alert on single behaviors, making ThreatFire behave more like most other HIPS.
Very soon (perhaps today) a new key called "Discontinued or inactive" will be introduced. This key will be used for ThreatFire.
Thank you for the feedback :).
Does any of this software run on Windows 10?
Emsisoft Emergency Kit, HitmanPro.Alert, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Prey (Anti-Theft), SoftPerfect RAM Disk, WinPatrol, Zemana Anti-Malware, PeStudio, SUMo, LastPass, TrafficLight, VTchromizer, WOT, µBlock
The above is actually my security setup, minus what's already in Windows 10 (system imaging, file history, SmartScreen, Windows Defender, Protected Mode, UAC, etc.)
Yes, some of the software should run on Windows 10. You'll have to explore each individual link for information about Windows 10 compatibility.
I think it is a great list, though I would prefer to see some description for each tool.
Sorry, but I have to object to (seemingly) generally giving download links from Cnet.com or Download.com. Maybe I misunderstand the text.
These are in my experience some of the worst sites adding unnecessary download programs and wrappers that in turn then get (ab)used to sneakily get PuPs installed.
Recommending Cnet/Download.com IMHO equals aiding the proliferation of one of the nastiest kind of malware that currently is way too common. I have found that almost always there are other options.
Well, IMHO you only really know after you run ADWcleaner and Malwarebytes and both come up clean.
I encounter quite often the opinion that all PuPs can be removed in Programs and Features. Not true in my experience.
Babylon, Conduit and Searchscopes for example (there are many more) come up in these scans ONLY and can completely ruin the internet experience.
Thanks.
Stupid captcha feature.
The link "Five (easy-to-follow) tips for strong passwords and secure accounts" is no longer valid.
Mitro password manager...
https://www.mitro.co/
Privacy Badger (beta)
https://www.eff.org/privacybadger
12.3 Reviews of ShowIP extension says it has spyware.