Immunet
Developer(s)Cisco Systems
Stable release
7.5.10,[1] / June 9, 2023 (2023-06-09)
Operating systemWindows 7 and later
TypeAntivirus
LicenseFreemium
Websitewww.immunet.com

Immunet is a free, cloud-based, community-driven antivirus application, using the ClamAV and its own engine. The software is complementary with existing antivirus software. In January 2011 Immunet was acquired by Sourcefire.[2][3]

The application is free-of-charge, although a commercial version is available. It claims to be lightweight and provides always up-to-date protection against the threats.[4] Virus signature files are stored in the cloud, not on individual computers, so signature downloads are not required. Once a virus is detected and blocked for one user, all other Immunet users receive the same protection almost instantly. The software is noted for its ability to allow individual users to easily author their own signatures.[5]

Products

Immunet was previously provided by Sourcefire in two editions, Free (for personal use),[6][7][8] and Plus (for commercial use). As of June 10, 2014, the commercial version was discontinued, though Cisco (having acquired SourceFire) continued to support the free version.[9]

At version 3.0 as of 2014, Immunet Free offers protection based upon the virus definitions in the cloud, and an option to include the ClamAV off-line virus definitions for use when not connected to the Internet. Immunet advises that the free version be used alongside another antivirus program, and supports several particular such programs in the sense that they co-install properly and work in tandem during normal operations without any obvious interference or resource drag.[10] This is a significant difference between Immunet and other contemporary antivirus products.[11]

Effectiveness

While independent testing has been performed, PCMag, in 2010, rated the product to be fair in its effectiveness.[12]

Immunet's virus definitions are stored on servers available over the Internet, requiring less memory and system resource than antivirus programs that reside on the user's computer. Cloud protection has been known to give better protection and detection, on the other hand, offline protection is not particularly good. Overall, the effectiveness of the Free product is average; the company recommends that users employ the Free product as an additional protection, rather than using it alone.

In Windows 8.1 and 10, older versions of Immunet such as 3.x only satisfies Virus protection but not Spyware and unwanted software protection in Action Center alerts on toolbar unlike other commercial antiviruses which satisfy both.

Discontinuation

On 1st January 2024, Immunet will cease its services. The product will no longer have a connection to the cloud servers. According to its main website, Cisco aims to continue contributing to cybersecurity through Talos threat intelligence, but Immunet does not fit this purpose. The Immunet Forum will shut down all operations on 1st February 2024. [13]

See also

References

  1. ↑ New Release : Immunet 7.5.10
  2. ↑ Friedrichs, Oliver. "Immunet Acquired by Sourcefire". Immunet. Archived from the original on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 10 April 2011.
  3. ↑ "Sourcefire Announces Acquisition of Immunet". Columbia, MD. Business Wire. 5 January 2011. Archived from the original on 10 January 2011. Retrieved 10 April 2011.
  4. ↑ "Free Antivirus Software Download and Endpoint Security". Immunet. Retrieved 2012-08-23.
  5. ↑ Kerner, Sean Michael (9 February 2011). "Sourcefire Immunet 3 Lets You Write Your Own A/V Signatures - eSecurity Planet". www.esecurityplanet.com. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  6. ↑ "Immunet". Immunet. 2015-06-27. Archived from the original on 2012-08-23. Retrieved 2015-06-27.
  7. ↑ "Clam Anti-Virus FAQ". Clamav.net. 2014-09-11. Retrieved 2015-06-27.
  8. ↑ "Immunet AntiVirus". www.immunet.com. Retrieved 2016-08-29.
  9. ↑ "Immunet Plus Antivirus". 27 June 2015. Archived from the original on 29 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  10. ↑ "Immunet Frequently Asked Questions". Immunet. Retrieved 2015-06-27.
  11. ↑ Rosenblatt, Seth (17 June 2010). "Cloud security upstart Immunet aims for antiviruses | The Download Blog - CNET Download.com". download.cnet.com. CNet. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  12. ↑ Rubenking, Neil J. "Immunet Protect Free 2.0". PC Magazine.
  13. ↑ "Immunet AntiVirus". www.immunet.com. Archived from the original on 2023-10-27. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
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