herdProtect
herdProtect is a free Windows malware scanner designed to provide a second opinion alongside an existing antivirus product.
What herdProtect is
herdProtect is a free Windows malware scanner designed to provide a second opinion alongside an existing antivirus product. Its cloud scanner uses 68 anti-malware engines to check active files and auto-start locations. Unknown files can be sent for remote analysis, which the site says takes 5 to 30 minutes. Scanning is on demand rather than real time, and scheduled scans are not available. The scanner can quarantine threats, but remediation is manual. Reports and other communications between a user's PC and herdProtect servers are encrypted, according to the download page. The scanner does not accept one-off or batch file uploads for analysis. Its terms describe personal, non-commercial use unless otherwise specified. Support is limited, with [email protected] listed as a contact. A key availability constraint is that the maker says it is not currently distributing downloads and invites interested users to email to join a waiting list.
Good
- Uses 68 anti-malware engines
- Checks active files and auto-start locations
- Can quarantine threats
- Communications with servers are encrypted
Watch out
- Downloads are not currently being distributed
- No real-time or scheduled scanning
- Remediation is manual
- Support is limited
Who it suits
It is intended for Windows users who want an on-demand second-opinion scan alongside an existing antivirus product. Its stated terms limit use to personal and non-commercial purposes unless otherwise specified.
Verdict
herdProtect offers an on-demand second-opinion scan, but it does not replace real-time antivirus protection. Its current download unavailability is a practical barrier for new users.
Plans and prices
From herdProtect's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| herdProtect | Free | Windows desktop scanner · no real-time protection · currently not distributing downloads |
The facts
Each one read from herdProtect's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Data handling
- The download page says reports and other communications between a user's PC and herdProtect servers are encrypted.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Download availability
- The maker says it is not currently distributing herdProtect and invites interested users to email for a waiting list.checked 8 Oct 2026
- File uploads
- The About page says herdProtect does not support one-off or batch file uploads for analysis.checked 8 Oct 2026
- How scanning works
- The scanner checks active files and auto-start locations, then can send unknown files for remote analysis.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- The Terms of Service say the services are for personal and non-commercial use unless otherwise specified.checked 8 Oct 2026
- No real-time protection
- The current scanner requires an on-demand scan and does not provide real-time protection.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- herdProtect is a cloud-based second-opinion malware scanner designed to run alongside an existing antivirus product.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Scanning engines
- The site says the cloud scanner uses 68 anti-malware engines.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Scan timing
- The site says analysis of unknown files takes 5 to 30 minutes.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The About page says support is limited and lists [email protected].checked 8 Oct 2026
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