This article reviews antivirus and malware scanner solutions for personal devices. For College devices, see CrowdStrike Falcon Antivirus: Overview.
Antivirus: Overview
Updated antivirus is essential to protecting your device from malware and attackers, and is required per the College's Acceptable Use policy. Antivirus differs from a malware scanner in a few notable ways.
- Antivirus: real-time, active defense against threats
- Malware scanner: on-demand scan of files, software, and processes
Attention: Malware scanners do not actively detect and defend against malware; a scan must be initiated by you.
Paid options
LITS recommends one of the following paid antivirus solutions for personal devices of students, faculty, and staff. Each offering boasts the following features:
- Real-time protection
- Phishing and ransomware protection
- Disk cleanup
- System assessments
Windows
 Bitdefender Internet Security1 device (Pricing) |
macOS
| Bitdefender Total Security 5 devices (Pricing) |  TotalAV Antivirus Pro3 devices (Pricing) |
Free options
LITS recommends the following free security tools to supplement responsible computer use and security habits.
Windows
 Windows Security(Pre-installed with Windows 10 and 11) |
macOS
Warning: There is no free antivirus for macOS. The malware scanners below do not provide real-time defense.
 MalwareBytes for Mac(Includes a trial for MalwareBytes Premium) | TotalAV Free |
Questions?
If you have any additional questions or problems, don't hesitate to reach out to the Help Desk!
Phone: 610-526-7440 | Library and Help Desk hours
Email: help@brynmawr.edu | Service catalog
Location: Canaday Library 1st floor
