Cracked Antivirus: Is It Safe?

TL;DR

No. Using cracked antivirus software is extremely dangerous and offers virtually no protection. It’s likely to be bundled with malware, won’t update properly, and could leave your computer even more vulnerable than having no antivirus at all.

Why Cracked Antivirus Is a Bad Idea

1. Malware Risk: The biggest problem is that cracked software often contains viruses, trojans, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious programs. These are added by the people distributing the illegal copies.
   • They can steal your personal information (passwords, bank details).
   • They can encrypt your files and demand a ransom.
   • They can turn your computer into part of a botnet for criminal activities.
2. No Updates: Antivirus software relies on regular updates to detect new threats. Cracked versions usually don’t receive these updates, meaning they quickly become ineffective.

   Without updates, your antivirus is useless against the latest viruses.

3. False Sense of Security: A cracked antivirus might look like it’s protecting you, but it probably isn’t. This can lead to a false sense of security and make you more likely to take risks.
4. Legal Issues: Using illegal software is against the law and could result in fines or other penalties.
5. System Instability: Cracked software can be poorly made and cause your computer to crash, freeze, or run slowly.

What Happens If You Install Cracked Antivirus?

Here’s a typical scenario:

1. You download the cracked antivirus from an untrustworthy website.
2. The installer contains hidden malware that is installed alongside the antivirus software.
3. The antivirus might appear to work initially, but it won’t receive updates.
4. Malware starts collecting your data or performing malicious actions in the background.
5. Your computer becomes infected with viruses and other threats.

How to Protect Your Computer Properly

1. Use a Reputable Antivirus: Choose a well-known antivirus program from a trusted vendor (e.g., Bitdefender, Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky). Free versions are available but often have limited features.
   • Check independent reviews and comparisons before making a decision.
2. Keep Your Antivirus Updated: Make sure your antivirus software is set to automatically update its virus definitions.
3. Run Regular Scans: Schedule regular full system scans to detect and remove any threats.
4. Be Careful What You Download: Only download files from trusted sources. Avoid suspicious websites and email attachments.
5. Use a Firewall: A firewall helps block unauthorized access to your computer.

   Windows has a built-in firewall that you should enable.

6. Keep Your Operating System Updated: Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities.

Removing Malware from an Infected Computer

If you suspect your computer is infected with malware, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect from the Internet: This prevents the malware from spreading or sending data.
2. Run a Scan with Your Antivirus: Use your antivirus software to perform a full system scan.
3. Use a Malware Removal Tool: If your antivirus doesn’t detect anything, try using a dedicated malware removal tool (e.g., Malwarebytes). Malwarebytes is a popular option.

   mbam --scan

4. Reinstall Your Operating System: In severe cases, you may need to reinstall your operating system to completely remove the malware. This is a drastic step but can be necessary.