Bitdefender Free Antivirus

Bitdefender Internet Security is a computer security software. It was created by a cybersecurity and anti-virus software company identified as Bitdefender. This company is based in Bucharest, Romania. Bitdefender was founded by Florin Talpes in 2001.

See the full product portfolio here.

Bitdefender Antivirus has received recognition for six years consecutively as the Editors Choice Security suites by PCMag. Bitdefender currently services a user base of 500 million people thus making it one of the world most recognized security software. This security suite provides protection for Windows, Mac, and Mobile users. It is also compatible with the latest Windows operating systems, i.e., Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, and Windows 10. Bitdefender 2019 has been released to the general public for use.

Bitdefender provides maximum protection against viruses, Trojans, Spyware and every form of malware attacks. This software has a lot of features such as File Shredder, Multi-layer Ransomware protection, etc. It is a valid software that has proved 100% accuracy in protection and performance in AV-Test results.

Bitdefender makes available to its users, a free version of the software which can be downloaded here. This version is a limited version with only a few features activated on the software. These features are available on the paid version of the software, i.e., Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2019, and Bitdefender Total Security 2019. Statista revealed that in 2018, Bitdefender has 8.52% share of the security software market with the company taking the 5th position in the ranking.

Protection Capabilities

Bitdefender is reputed to provide maximum security solutions. It closely monitors all apps on the computer and protects it from danger. This software scan engines ensure that all viruses, worms or Trojans are automatically removed from the system upon detection. The software which is designed to recognize malware behavior monitors all files and programs on the computer. Once the software detects any suspicious activity or similar behavior to any form of malware, it takes instant action. This technique is known as behavioral detection. Bitdefender performs routine scan actions and on-demand scan. Unlike other software, Bitdefender free antivirus doesn’t promote any form of advertisement.

This software provides Web Attack protection against phishing websites. You can browse freely on the internet and have your passwords safe with its Password Manager feature. If in the course of your web surfing, you land on a scam website, the software’s advanced filtering system observes the web page behavior and prevents the site from accessing essential documents or your financial data. The software provides a Multi-Layer Ransomware protection feature, i.e., data-protection layer, etc., with which it protects pictures, videos, documents against any Ransomware attack.

Bitdefender can be used to scan all inserted drives, i.e., USB drive, CD-ROM drive, etc. It also provides the basic scan options, i.e., Quick scan, Full System scan, and Vulnerability Scan. The Protection features interface provides safe files option where certain documents and folders can be stored with permissions activated.

Bitdefender is reputed by top testing labs as accurate security software. For instance, the 2018 AV-Test results show the software has a 6/6 score on both protection and performance tests. The average protection result from January 2011 – October 2018 indicates that Bitdefender has a 5.95/6 rating. Also, its average performance result from January 2013 – October 2018 reveals a 5.80/6 score. Bitdefender is a top security software recommended for use.

Features of Bitdefender Plus Antivirus 2019

Bitdefender Plus 2019 has a lot of features to provide maximum computer protection. These features include:

Smart Scan

Bitdefender delivers a variety of scan options, i.e., Quick scan, System Scan, and Vulnerability Scan. The quick scan performs limited scans of regularly accessed folders, recently opened files and the most likely affected areas on the computer while system scan involves a total scan. Bitdefender scans are not time-consuming which also helps prolong battery life. The manage scans option on the interface helps the user to custom scan selected folders and areas of the system.

Scheduling of scans is also possible on this software. The vulnerability scan option provides the status report of the system and the necessary features to be activated to secure the computer further. This scan option runs checks for Windows updates, missing patches, etc.

Password Manager

This feature allows the user to store essential details such as wallet ID, wireless network passwords, license keys, email server credentials, credit/debit card details, etc. This feature makes the filling of forms easy. It also remembers login details for various web platforms accessed. If you have a lot of crucial web-access information to store, Password Manager is available for use.

File Shredder

This feature helps in the deletion of files and folders. Usually, when files or folders are deleted on the computer, it moves straight to recycle bin where it can be restored. However, File Shredder ensure permanent deletion of files and folders. This feature’s settings cannot be tweaked. Thus, if you have sensitive documents you don’t want anyone to have access to, you can permanently delete it using this feature.

Anti-Phishing

Bitdefender Plus 2019 monitors web activities and guides the user against phishing websites. Thus, if a user is browsing on the internet and he mistakenly stumbles on a suspicious site, Bitdefender issues a warning and safeguards the user’s financial data from theft. This feature has been tested and proven to be valid.

Gaming mode

The Bitdefender app recognizes all programs on the computer and knows its developer source. Thus, every gaming app on the system is identified. Therefore, when the user is playing a game, the software bothers less with requests; instead, it halts pop-ups and pauses all less important running apps.

Battery Mode

Bitdefender ensures that the computer battery life lasts longer by temporarily changing system settings such as the display, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, etc.

Bitdefender VPN

This is a newly added feature on the Bitdefender software. This feature protects the user’s online presence by encrypting internet traffic. Bitdefender Plus 2019 provides 200MB daily encrypted internet traffic for Windows supported devices.

Safe Online Banking

Bitdefender has a secured web browser identified as Safepay. With this browser, you can perform online transactions and have a safe, secure experience.

Compatible Systems

Bitdefender Plus 2019 is compatible with the latest Windows operating systems, i.e., Windows 7.1. Service Pack 1, Windows 8/8.1/10. The minimum system requirements include a 1GB RAM, at least 2GB free space, and Dual Core 1.6 GHz processor.

Pros and Cons of Bitdefender Plus Antivirus 2019

Pros

• It is free: Bitdefender has a free edition of its software which is available for download link.The free edition, however, does not have all the features of its premium version.
• Multiple devices: This software can be used on various devices for protection. The Bitdefender Plus 2019 supports a maximum of ten devices for security.
• Easy Installation: You can easily install this software by downloading its software after purchase.
• Friendly UI: Bitdefender’s interface is simple, and every tool on it is easily accessible.
• Excellent Test Results: The AV-Test results shows that Bitdefender passes the industry standard for antivirus software.
• Real-time protection: This software protects the system from viruses, Trojans and common malware attacks.
• Automatic Updates

Cons

In our review of this software, we couldn’t pick a disadvantage associated with the Bitdefender Plus 2019. It has an improved multi-layer Anti-ransomware. The following features are also improved on the software, i.e., Safe Online Banking, Autopilot, Web Attack Prevention, and Advance Threat defense.

However, Bitdefender Antivirus Free edition is only basic protection so the cons are more related to the paid version of this antivirus software.

Premium versions of Bitdefender Antivirus

Bitdefender 2019 Antivirus software has three different versions. It has a free version and two premium versions outlined below:

• Bitdefender Plus 2019: This version of the Bitdefender software can be used on a maximum of 10 Windows devices. The available features on this software unavailable on the free version include a free online support channel, multi-layer Ransomware protection, Safe Online Banking, Bitdefender VPN, Password Manager, Search Advisor, File Shredder, Vulnerability Scan.
• Bitdefender Total Security 2019: In this version of the Bitdefender antivirus, all features are unlocked and available for use. Additional features include Firewall, Parental Control, File Encryption, Webcam Protection, etc.

Product Portfolio

Bitdefender has a variety of products for various end-users. It also provides professional services for businesses and corporations.

The products for home users include Bitdefender Family Pack 2018, Bitdefender Total Security 2018, Bitdefender Internet Security 2018, and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus for Windows supported devices.

The products for Businesses include Bitdefender GravityZone Enterprise Security, Bitdefender GravityZone Advanced Business Security, and Bitdefender Security for Virtualized Environments.

Summary

Bitdefender Antivirus offers excellent protection for computers. It has an attractive UI design. The software protects against all forms of malware attacks using its multi-layer anti-ransomware feature. Bitdefender Plus 2019 is a highly recommended software for use. It is advisable that the free version is only best fit for home users; however, for official purposes, you can purchase the Bitdefender Plus 2019 here.