- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows XP
- Date added: September 23, 2009
- Total Downloads: 1,444,586
- Downloads last week: 14,376
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 262 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt on March 20, 2008
Editors note: This review was modified from the original to reflect changes in the publishers description of the product as a complementary rather than standalone package.
Called CyberHawk under its previous owners, PC Tools' ThreatFire is a useful program but only in limited situations. It offers real-time prevention of virus and malware infections by identifying suspicious behaviors ("zero-day" events) as they happen, before malicious code installs itself on your PC. However, ThreatFire does not offer an on-demand scan for viruses already on your computer, though it will perform an on-demand scan for other malware. The name says "antivirus", but if you're looking for an all-in-one on-demand bug killer we recommend looking for a product that includes both on-demand virus scanning and real-time protection.
ThreatFire does do some things very well. The software real-time protection didn't noticeably slow down our Windows Vista computer, and the customizable advanced settings were excellent. Users can pick and choose their preferred trusted processes and create rules for detection, such as scanning for SCR files created by an email client. You can also avail yourself of the scheduler, and create a system restore point before moving threats into quarantine.
However, once installed, ThreatFire is difficult to remove from your startup routine without uninstalling it. The absence of on-demand virus scanning means that this app is best used in conjunction with a program that offers on-demand virus detection and removal. While ThreatFire offers some compelling features, competing freeware security programs provide a more comprehensive combination of real-time and on-demand virus scanning.
Publisher's description
From PC Tools :Traditional antivirus solutions cannot protect you until after they have discovered a new threat and produced a signature to counter it. ThreatFire does not rely on signatures, but instead provides behavior-based protection. It is designed to be used alongside your existing antivirus software and it fills the gap in protection between your antivirus signature updates. ThreatFire protects you against major security threats including viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits and even some spyware. Its advanced ActiveDefense technology intelligently analyzes the behavior of processes and programs on a system and immediately halts any malicious action. It continuously monitors all activities on your PC at a very low system level and uses a proprietary combination of analytics, risk algorithms, program histories and tolerance thresholds to identify and shut down threats so you are always protected, no matter how new the threat. ThreatFire is easy to use, instantly effective, and very light on system resources.
What's new in this version:
Version 4.6 reduces the confusion about the appropriate action to take, and incorporates patent-pending technology to provide accuracy.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.2 stars out of 262 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 8 user reviewsSee all 8 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: ThreatFire AntiVirus Free Edition 4.6
"it will corrupt your windows operating system"
Pros: can identify virus but, cannot totally clean up the computer
Cons: when i un-install this program, my widows OS was corrupted. i dont recommend this program.
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Version: ThreatFire AntiVirus Free Edition 4.6
Pros: Runs smooth and is free to new to tell how well it works
Cons: My computer is not seeing it as an anti virus it says computer needs one installed. Any help on this matter?
Summary: I will keep checking my computer with a free on line scan for back up so far so good
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Version: ThreatFire AntiVirus Free Edition 4.6
Pros: Work's great, No spyware, or Trojans.
Cons: Nothing, Have had no problems.
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Version: ThreatFire AntiVirus Free Edition 4.6
Pros: I think is could be a good buffer if you run compatible software..
Cons: Attacked my security suite (Kaspersky) And wants to take a few things on the uninstall.. Ever watch the Jerk..
Summary: I was a big fan of Pc Tools 5yrs back when they had it together.. Threat fire is like a buffer between malware/virus protection that is supposed to play nice with your antivirus already running. I found parts of my security suite being closed down a... read more >>
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: ThreatFire AntiVirus Free Edition 4.6
Pros: None. See Cons.
Cons: Warning--executable contains Trojan PSW.Banker5.ZOY.
Summary:
Further research indicates that the trojan may be the result of a false positive by the AV software. I feel that it is fair to report that, but the jury is still out.
Updated on Oct 19, 2009 - See all 8 user reviews Write review
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