Pros
This program is loosely defined as 'host based intrusion prevention' but unlike a true HIPS program like OSSEC it does not monitor the PC's connection to a network, so it does not examine the contents of packets or detect port scanning. What is does is intelligently detect exploits like rootkit installation, hijacking, impersonation and injection which makes it more like a heuristic antivirus. What it does not do is examine every process, registry addition, system call, etc and compare it to a set of rules of permitted actions. This type of HIPS constantly produces pop ups prompting the user to permit or deny an action with his decision being added to the rule-set. The lack of pop ups made me wonder of Threatfire was doing anything, so I tested it with Commodos Firewall Leak Test, and I found that it intercepted 12 out of 34 tests.
Cons
The majority of exploits in the Commodo Firewall Leak Test were not detected. The definitions for the scanner have not been updated since 2011 when support for the product was discontinued. It is not possible to train the program for better detection results.
Summary
Potentially this is a great program, but without further developments it would be unwise to rely on it if you are one of those people who do not believe in installing Microsoft security patches or who persist in using XP. There are several software firewalls that incorporate HIPS, such as Commodo's Firewall Pro, which would be a better bet a they are constantly being updated.
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Pros
This is/was a very good companion to my free Anti Virus software. It does it's job very well.
Cons
I have not come across any
Summary
See comments from Tonestar (February 2013) I would like to think that Symantec have shot themselves in the foot by discontinuing this excellent free software. They are not concerned with offering their customers freeware.
A big thumbs down to them.
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Pros
Installed on 2 consecutive PC's(XP-PRO SP3)HP dc7600/Pen.4HT>>ThreatFire in-sync w/Avira ,Comodo Firewall & M.S.FireWall w/no-issues in over 5yrs. All are the free release's. In Jan.2013 upgraded(purchased)to AVIRA Premium.Only using the COMODO Firewall & MS XP Pro firewall. Probably put Voodoo on for saying -->No issues or BSOD etc. Only issues have been due to Java(turned it off). So the configuration of the aforementioned protection software I find work great in concert...have recommended this to family etc. and all are happy and have not complained of any conflicts. My level of computing knowlage would be novice and attitude leans toward Parinoid when it comes to any private info on line.One of my kids has trouble with attacks(?)that I point to social media, namely FACEBOOK...people, specially younger do not realize how dangerous FACEBOOK is and how much info is at risk.KNOW using FACEBOOK is criminal what they do with your data and make $$$ off of you for life.SAY NO TO FACEBOOK!
Cons
Have not been able to update for the past 83 days...IDK why...yet
Summary
Threat Fire is as someone else said "icing on the cake" when it comes to your protection (& common sense)
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Reply by avrebelsocal on June 18, 2016
CHEERS!! To many clueless folks are wrapped up or hooked on Facebook -> too many things just ain't right about it, nor the way they visibly act, or worse, act in ways folk's can't see :( !! Government is always wanting the bury us in unnecessary laws while acting entirely improper all along the way, why haven't 'they' extended a few slightly controlling reigns to protect folk's from the Beast of Facebook?!?!? The why not's kinda go hand in hand w/ the anti-Americanism and criminally based fraud that's been unlawfully and wrongfully exercising power he is not entitled to in his pretty much destroying many fabrics of America while selling America out to Muslim or Arab regimes or presently allowing the criminal Clinton [Obama's pal] to even run for Office instead of properly prosecuting her ass 4 years of criminal misconduct & behavior -> or damn near protection of child molesters & rapists etcetera, etcetera, etcetera :( !! Sad state of ongoing affairs -> IDK WTF these days
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
I have been infected with several viruses and PUP with this program running.
Summary
Probably uninstall as it's not providing much protection.
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Pros
Behavioral-based protection against a variety of threats.
Cons
'Has been discontinued. As best as I can tell from their website, PC Tools has been purchased by Symantec, and they have chosen not to support this fine security tool.
Summary
I hope somebody at Symantec is reading this. By discontinuing Threatfire, you have done nothing but generate ill-will for your company. Not everyone can afford paid security products, and this is just another step towards an internet class system: those with the cash can afford better protection than those of us who must rely on freeware to stay safe. Thank goodness not every security-related company thinks the way yours does. This demonstration of corporate greed leaves a foul taste in my mouth, and I can assure you that, should I have the means, I will never purchase a Symantec security product. And I'd wager that you'd sell a lot more copies of Norton IS or Norton 360 if you offered a free edition. But that's just my opinion.
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Pros
It's free. It catches threats as they happen, sometimes better than my anti virus (Avast). It has a minimal drag on processor.
Cons
Haven,t found any yet.
Summary
Free is always the best price. I use, and like Avast, but no anti virus software is perfect, and Threatfire gives me the extra edge.
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Pros
This WAS a good freeware firewall.
Cons
Freeware version has been officially discontinued. Even if you already have it installed, it will not actually apply any updates you download. It says it did, but you will end up downloading & faux installing the same update manually over & over to no avail unless you upgrade to the pay version.
Summary
Upgrade to pay version or start looking for a new firewall.
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Reply by djnv on February 23, 2013
it's not a firewall
Pros
Frequent ultra lite definition updates,customizable(default is best),low resources-does'nt slow system,rootkitscanner/scheduler, can be used with another product or by itself,very high detection rate.
Cons
Could use an antimalware scanner,slightly high memory use at
idle: installed vs uninstalled.
Summary
Yes the product has'nt had a program update and does'nt need one.
This is behavior based and works fine as is. Major updates can be
good but cause problems,incompatabilities,bugs,crashes. They can
also install bogus crapware(toolbars,Chrome anyone?)or hound you to buy something. I'm a tech guy who works on PC's and don't want
to bother with all that hassle-but its what I do.
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Reply by rodney5122 on October 31, 2012
BULL I DONT BY THAT BECAUSE NEW THREATS COME OUT DAILY AND THEY ARE GETTING SMARTER AND SMARTER SO YOUR PROTECTION GOT TO BE UP TO DATE
Pros
NEEDS A UPDATE!!!!
Cons
NEEDS A UPDATE!!!!!!
Summary
NEEDS A UPDATE!!!!!!
Updated on Jul 26, 2012
THIS PROGRAM HAS NOT BEEN UPDATED SINCE 2011
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Reply by LikaLaruku on November 28, 2012
It's actually been discontinued as freeware, so you have to pay for the update.
Reply by EricVonZipper on September 26, 2012
It gets a database update ever few hours.
Pros
Catches malware by it's behaviour, not by it being on a list somewhere. FREE!!! Why pay for software that does the same thing?
Cons
Pretty sensitive - may tag Malwarebytes because of Malwarebytes stealth ability to hide itself from detection. You can whitelist it, though. You can also adjust the sensitivity settings.
Summary
Watch it in action on YouTube - several reviews showing how it detects everything!
Needs to be run alongside your traditional anti-virus like MSE, although I bet you'd be pretty secure just running Threatfire by itself. FREE!
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Reply by GERRY RAINS on May 23, 2013
My name is Gerry Rains. My email address is gerryrains@yahoo.com. I can't run Threatfire and I can't install it either. Please send me the installation file so that I can install it properly and then uninstall it.
Please Wait
