Check Point has launched its first free integrated anti-virus and firewall solution.
The company said ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus and Firewall was a complete internet security solution for consumers that offered a multi-layered defence.
It claimed that ZoneAlarm's powerful anti-virus engine scans, detects and removes malicious programs from a user's PC.
OSFirewall adds an additional layer of protection by spotting and stopping suspicious behaviour.
Its features include: download protection that analyses downloads and warns the user if a download is malicious; identity-theft protection that delivers data encryption and offers offline identity protection; and an anti-phishing site status toolbar that blocks spyware distribution sites and fraudulent phishing websites.
ZoneAlarm head Bari Abdul said it was designed for consumers who lacked a strong two-way firewall and were unwilling or unable to pay for security.
“People are putting themselves at serious risk by not having minimum security, which at least includes a firewall and anti-virus software. It's basically like leaving your home without locking the doors,” he said.
“With ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall, we hope to spur a widespread security movement that will help consumers better protect themselves from dangerous predators lurking online. This will in turn help provide a more secure experience for all PC users.”
The functionality is powered by Check Point's ZoneAlarm DefenseNet, a third-generation cloud-based service that verifies the safety of a program by analysing data from more than 60 million users through the cloud.
