The BSI hesitated for a long time, but then recently issued a warning about Kaspersky virus protection. Although the provider sees itself as a pawn in a political decision and Kaspersky software is not banned, many users are still migrating. This is also reflected in the downloads at CHIP. These alternatives are particularly popular.
The BSI has recently issued a warning against the use of Kaspersky virus protection. Anyone who uses Kaspersky Internet Security or another protection program from Kaspersky is faced with the question of what to do. While the BSI warning should not be confused with a ban, it is a powerful voice that should not be ignored. Many Kaspersky users have therefore already dared to switch to alternatives.
This is also reflected in changes in downloads. CHIP has decided to no longer offer Kaspersky downloads, so we cannot say whether there are many users who ignore the BSI warning. But we can see which alternative virus scanners are particularly popular with CHIP users.
Free virus scanner from Avast
At the top of the virus scanner charts is Avast Free Antivirus. This is not surprising, since the free virus scanner is also one of the recommendations from our last virus scanner test, in which it left many paid products behind and received a very good rating.
- advantages
- very good overall protection
- hardly brakes the system
- disadvantage
- too many false alarms
Classic Defender alternative from Avira
Avira Free Security is a classic that has always been popular with CHIP readers. This also allows users to replace Windows Defender without having to invest in a subscription. A new look with revised operation has been available for around two years. A security suite has emerged from many individual tools.
- advantages
- easy handling
- many functions
- disadvantage
- Defender-level protection only
Second opinion from Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes has always been quite popular, but has received a significant boost since the Kaspersky warning. You have to differentiate here, there is a premium version and a permanently free version. The free version is mainly used as a second opinion, for example to rework a pest infestation.
- advantages
- can be used as a second virus scanner
- permanently free
- disadvantage
- limited functionality
Test winner McAfee Total Protection
The current test winner from our virus scanner comparison also seems to be exciting for former Kaspersky users. This year, McAfee Total Protection made the leap to the top of virus protection with very good protection, hardly any false alarms and low system load. McAfee has to confirm this in the next test.
- advantages
- very good protection
- low system load
- hardly any false alarms
- disadvantage
- low detection in offline scan