How can you tell if it is safe to download antivirus software?

Posted by kent on December 15th, 2009

The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question.

Q: How can you tell if it is safe to download antivirus software?

A: Funny you should mention this. I was just reading an article on PC World about a new piece of scareware that uses a fake endorsement on a real Microsoft site to entice users into installing fake antivirus software. The faux endorsement is part of the scareware's nasty bag of tricks. Installing the software just invites more problems.

With news like that, it's hard not to be skeptical about antivirus software. Scareware is everywhere, and it's doing an increasingly good job of looking like the real deal. The best way to protect yourself from bogus antivirus products is to do your homework, and always download from a reliable source. Make sure that the product comes from a well-known, respectable company. Check out our Internet security software reviews and comparison chart; the links go to the sites of vendors we recommend.