Check Point offers free combined anti-virus and firewall download

Check Point has launched its first free integrated anti-virus and firewall solution.

Named ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall, it said that that is the foremost complete free internet security solution for consumers and provides a multi-layered defence, protecting against already-identified and new threats. 

It claimed that ZoneAlarm's powerful anti-virus engine scans, detects and removes any malicious programs from a user's PC, while the OSFirewall adds an extra layer of protection by spotting and stopping any suspicious behaviour and new attacks.

Its features include: advanced download protection that analyses downloads and warns the user if a download is malicious; identity-theft protection that delivers data encryption and provides offline identity protection; and an anti-phishing/site status toolbar that blocks spyware distribution sites and fraudulent phishing websites.

Bari Abdul, vice-president and head of ZoneAlarm, Check Point Software Technologies' consumer business, said this was designed for consumers who lack a powerful two-way firewall, are unwilling or unable to pay for security or have just left their security at the back burner.

“People are putting themselves at serious risk by not having minimum security, which at the very least encompasses a firewall and anti-virus software. It's basically like leaving your house without locking the doors,” he said.

“With ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall, we are hoping to spur a widespread security movement a good way to help consumers better protect themselves from dangerous predators lurking online. This would in turn help provide a safer experience for all PC users.” 

The functionality is powered by Check Point's ZoneAlarm DefenseNet, a 3rd-generation cloud-based service that automatically verifies the protection of a program by analysing data from greater than 60 million users in the course of the cloud, eliminating overwhelming alerts and interruptions.