Top 10 Open Source Anti-Virus And Anti-Malware Apps

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.