ThreatFire AntiVirus Free Edition for Windows

User Reviews

• Great potential, but desperately needs updating

  XtremeticJune 13, 2014

  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.

  ---

• Excellent and free.

  DrJansanJanuary 28, 2014

  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.

  ---

• 5+yrs Free Version w/no problem,w/<80+ detection's

  camelnetApril 6, 2013

  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)

  ---

• Can't really see that it does much

  Jerry_TiltonFebruary 24, 2013

  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.

  ---

• Great Free Security Tool, Now Discontinued

  tonester59February 1, 2013

  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.

  ---

• Great Addition To Anti Virus.

  ekertinJanuary 14, 2013

  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.

  ---

• Freeware version now retired.

  LikaLarukuNovember 28, 2012

  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.

  ---

• Excellent-No update needed

  kkbAugust 25, 2012

  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.

  ---

• NEEDS A UPDATE!!!!

  rodney5122July 26, 2012

  Pros

  NEEDS A UPDATE!!!!

  Cons

  NEEDS A UPDATE!!!!!!

  Summary

  NEEDS A UPDATE!!!!!!<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Jul 26, 2012<p/>THIS PROGRAM HAS NOT BEEN UPDATED SINCE 2011

  ---

• Excellent ZeroDay Malware Detector FREE!

  ElObomoJune 20, 2012

  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!

  ---