Free Windows XP Security Software

Please note that all of the tools are provided without warranty or support by WRH as a service to the community.

[NI] denotes the program does not require installation.

Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware [2.6MB] - Eliminates trojans, adware and malware. Its performance puts similar bloated products to shame - see these reviews.

avast! antivirus [10.3MB] - Avast is great for folks like myself who are a bit forgetful as it automatically updates its virus database regularly. Requires free registration after 60 days use.

VirusTotal - An online method of comprehensively checking files for hidden nasties. Simply upload the file to be checked, it is then thoroughly inspected by numerous antivirus clients and you are presented with the results.

WinPatrol [670KB] - Alerts you to hijackings, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission, amongst many other things [review].

DieHard [351MB] - Helps buggy programs run correctly in memory and helps to prevent security vulnerabilities [details]. Enabling Data Execution Prevention also protects against memory exploits [details].

System Protect [4.8MB] - Prevents the modification/deletion of system files, programs and documents [details].

Truecrypt [3MB] - Encrypts folders and USB drives.

Any Password [640KB] - A secure place to store passwords and private notes. Simple to use.

Xpy [76KB] [NI] - Disables the default threats of a Windows XP installation such as Windows Messenger. Also removes those pesky Windows Assistants. Easy to use, but not recommended for beginners (see this program review).

According to Jupiter Research, 58% of web surfers deleted cookies from their system in 2004. This threw a spanner in the works of marketers who track consumers online activities, so they responded with Persistent Identification Element (PIE) which uses Macromedia's Flash MX to track you without using cookies. This page shows how to disable this feature.

Online Armor [12MB] - An excellent free firewall which is ultra light on system resources [test results] [review]

Imaginary Web Server [28KB] - A secondary line of defense against hackers who are intent on compromising your PC's security.

Seconfig XP [37KB] [NI] - Closes ports and disables services which can compromise online security.

Windows Worms Doors Cleaner [50KB] [NI] - Closes ports left open by Seconfig XP.

CurrPorts [55KB] [NI] - Shows a list of ports being used by programs to connect to the internet and allows rogue connections to be terminated.

SpywareBlaster [2.5MB] - Prevents ActiveX based spyware, adware etc from installing on your computer via IE. Uses no resources.

"Major browser vulnerabilities are discovered on a regular basis, and attackers install a great deal of malware by exploiting these browser holes. That manipulation will likely continue for some time. The browsers have improved, but all the browser-helper applications that play media files, including QuickTime and Acrobat Reader, and render different languages, like Flash, are proving to be a big security concern." [TechTarget]

Sandboxie [330KB] - Allows web browsers to be run in a "sandbox" which allows the full functionality of web pages to be retained whilst preventing nasties installing on your PC. Problem solved.

Feel paranoid that Google Chrome is spying on you? Apply UnChrome!

If you have a directory in Program Files named "Viewpoint" and you don't know why it is there read this. ViewpointKiller [24KB] [NI] can help to get rid of it.

92% of critical Microsoft vulnerabilities could have been mitigated by stripping users of administrative rights, said John Moyer, the CEO of BeyondTrust. "This speaks to what enterprises should be doing," Moyer said. "Clearly, eliminating administrative rights can close the window of opportunity of attack." Of the 154 bugs published and patched by Microsoft in 2008, critical or not, 69% would have been blocked or their impact reduced by configuring users to run without administrative rights, said the company. [computerworlduk]

DropMyRights [164KB] - Runs selected programs with lower administrative rights when you are logged on as an Administrator [details].

Enable/Disable Automatic Admin Shares [8KB] [NI] - details about Administrative Shares are here.