The hidden cost of "free" antivirus software

“I installed a free antivirus and now my computer is even slower and there’s ads everywhere” — one of the most common complaints I hear. The paradox: the program meant to protect the machine has become the problem.

How it works

The makers of some “free” security tools don’t make their money on sales. They make it elsewhere:

• Collecting and selling data. The program reads your browser history, the list of installed applications, details about your hardware — and sells that information to advertising networks.
• Showing ads. Pop-up notifications saying “your computer is at risk!” — typically false, designed to push you toward the paid version.
• Bundled extras. During a “default” install several programs slip in automatically — a browser toolbar, an “optimiser”, another “antivirus”.
• System slowdown. Constant real-time scanning eats CPU and RAM in the background.

Programs worth uninstalling

If anything from this list is on your computer, I’d recommend removing it:

• Advanced SystemCare, Driver Booster (IObit)
• MacKeeper (for Mac)
• PC Optimizer Pro, WinOptimizer
• Any antivirus that came bundled with a “free” torrent downloader
• “Antivirus” tools that found 347 threats in 30 seconds of scanning

What actually works

Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) — built into Windows 10 and 11, free, updated automatically with the system. In independent tests by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives it routinely scores at the level of, or better than, most paid solutions.

If you want extra protection, the uBlock Origin browser extension (it blocks both ads and malicious sites) plus a bit of care when installing software is enough.

Rules for safe software installs

1. Only download from the developer’s official site.
2. During installation choose “Custom install” — uncheck the boxes for any extra programs.
3. Don’t install “cracks” and “activators” — there’s almost always a virus inside.
4. Keep Windows up to date: most infections come through vulnerabilities in outdated systems.

What to do if your computer is already infected

A DIY cleanup is often incomplete — some malware hides deeper than ordinary scanners can see. If you suspect a serious infection (especially if banking details or passwords were entered while the machine was compromised), it’s worth having a specialist run a full check.

Virus removal and system cleanup in Haifa starts at 150₪. Diagnostics are free.