In this tough economy, getting something for free is always best, right? Short answer: It depends on how much time you are willing to spend getting the right collection of free tools – and on your tolerance for risk.

You can find free options if you look hard enough. The problem is that you can’t find one free product that does it all. Leave out some of those parts, and you are leaving doors open that cybercriminals can use to steal or damage your data, your money or even your identity.

There was a time when all you really needed was virus protection. That time has long passed. Today’s threats often come not in the form of viruses but as malicious code hidden in legitimate Web sites or as attacks buried in network traffic. That free virus scanner you found someplace won’t protect you against these sophisticated and increasingly common threats.

The problem is that relying on some free virus scanner you found on the internet provides a false sense of security. Worse still, cybercriminals often prey on those looking for something for nothing by posting fake virus scanners that look like the real thing. Called “rogueware,” these fake security solutions either try to extort money from their victims or actually infect their victims’ computers to steal passwords, credit cards and bank account information.

Keeping your computer healthy and protected is vital. If you’re running freeware antivirus software, you may be missing the essential protection you need without realizing it. Are you being lulled into a false sense of security?

Strong Threats Require Stronger Protection

Cybercrime is on the rise. One in five people are now affected. An identity is stolen every 3 seconds on average—less time than it took you to read this far. Motivated by the (often easy) money made by stealing identities, criminals have shifted their priorities and are now targeting your computer like never before.

Repelling this increasing assault requires constant attention. As the bad guys make their move, you need software that provides immediate updates to block them. This pattern of attack and counterattack may occur several times a day, every day. Oftentimes, freeware lacks the rapid-response updates you need to protect yourself from this deluge of threats.

Freeware—It’s Free for a Reason

Freeware, by its very nature, often lacks the essential features and updates you need. Here’s where freeware usually falls short:

• No “All-in-One” Solution – Viruses aren’t the only threat lurking online. You need a solution that will detect non file based threats – such as attacks hidden in Web sites. Intrusion protection is the name of the technology that scans Web and other network traffic for the types of attacks that virus scanners can’t find. You also need an effective firewall to block intrusions, powerful anti-phishing to block fake Web sites, search security to make certain that you don’t end up on infected Web sites and, a bootable rescue disk – so that if you have an infection, it can be removed.
• Detection But No Cure – Many free products appear to work great, until you need them. These “solutions” will let you know if you are currently infected, and then push you to pay for the “real” software to remove the threat.
• Limited or No Support – If you have a problem with freeware, can you call live-support and get an immediate answer, or merely send off an email and hope for the best? Freeware providers know their version is inadequate, and often leverage this weakness (along with annoying pop-ups) to push you into buying their full version.

You’re Up Against an Army of Intruders

You probably lock your door at night. It’s the simple, prudent thing to do, and it can effectively block the odd passerby. True, but what if you were up against an army of trained cat burglars—experts who could easily defeat your lock in seconds? It then loses all of its effectiveness. Freeware is analogous to that lock—some protection, but not enough.

Don’t Be Lulled into Complacency

If you’re a computer expert (and quite lucky), security freeware may suffice. But what about the other people (staff, kids, parents, etc.) who will access your computer(s)? Are they as savvy as you? If not, you may soon discover that freeware can ultimately cost you quite a bit. The average victim spends a whopping 165 hours and $1,865 clearing up an identity theft. Is “free” worth this frustration?

Article Source > Symantec Corporation > http://www.symantec.com/en/au/norton/clubsymantec/library/article.jsp?aid=cs_freeware_good_bad_dangerous&Om_em_cid=hho_email_clubsym_dec09_apac_au