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herdProtect
What it is
herdProtect is a free Windows desktop malware scanner intended to provide a second opinion alongside an existing antivirus product. Its cloud scanner uses 68 anti-malware engines and checks active files and auto-start locations. Unknown files may be sent for remote analysis, which the site says takes 5 to 30 minutes. Scanning is on demand rather than continuous, so the product does not provide real-time protection or scheduled scans. Threats can be quarantined, while remediation is manual. Reports and other communications between a user’s PC and herdProtect servers are encrypted. The scanner does not accept one-off or batch file uploads for analysis. The maker says downloads are not currently being distributed and asks interested users to email for a waiting list. Terms describe personal, non-commercial use unless otherwise specified. Support is limited, with [email protected] listed as the contact address.
For and against
For
- Uses 68 anti-malware scanning engines
- Checks active files and auto-start locations
- Can quarantine detected threats
- Encrypts reports and server communications
- No-cost Windows scanner
Against
- Downloads are not currently being distributed
- No real-time protection
- No scheduled scans
- Remediation requires manual action
The verdict
herdProtect offers multi-engine, on-demand scanning for Windows as a second opinion. Its current download availability, lack of continuous protection, and limited support are important constraints before seeking access.
Who it suits
It suits Windows users seeking an additional, on-demand scan alongside existing antivirus software. The stated terms limit use to personal and non-commercial purposes unless otherwise specified.
Plans and prices
herdProtect
Windows desktop scanner · no real-time protection · currently not distributing downloads
Read 8 Oct 2026 · herdprotect.com
On the record
- Data handling
- The download page says reports and other communications between a user's PC and herdProtect servers are encrypted.herdprotect.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Download availability
- The maker says it is not currently distributing herdProtect and invites interested users to email for a waiting list.herdprotect.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- File uploads
- The About page says herdProtect does not support one-off or batch file uploads for analysis.herdprotect.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- How scanning works
- The scanner checks active files and auto-start locations, then can send unknown files for remote analysis.herdprotect.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- The Terms of Service say the services are for personal and non-commercial use unless otherwise specified.herdprotect.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- No real-time protection
- The current scanner requires an on-demand scan and does not provide real-time protection.herdprotect.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- herdProtect is a cloud-based second-opinion malware scanner designed to run alongside an existing antivirus product.herdprotect.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Scanning engines
- The site says the cloud scanner uses 68 anti-malware engines.herdprotect.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Scan timing
- The site says analysis of unknown files takes 5 to 30 minutes.herdprotect.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The About page says support is limited and lists [email protected].herdprotect.com · read 8 Oct 2026
