Hazard Shield jumps into the already overcrowded anti-malware application market, as yet another free anti-malware contender. On the other hand, choice is good, and it’s always a plus to have another free and effective security application to choose from.
In testing Hazard Shield on my test systems as a secondary on-demand scanner, this nifty little program impressed me with its performance. This application however, is not restricted to acting only as a secondary scanner.
Orbitech, the developer of Hazard Shield describes this application as “a fast anti-malware program that scans for any and every threat we can get our hands on. These include malicious items such as malware, viruses, spyware, Trojans, backdoors, dialers and much more”.
Hazard Shield’s Real-time malware monitor, which is not a system resource hog as so many others can be, protects your computer by removing threats before they can do damage.
There’s no question that Hazard Shield is fast. In testing, I found it completed scanning approximately 30GB in just a few minutes. It did not find any malware on my machines. However, I have heard from other Techs who have tested this application, that it has detected and removed a number of infections missed by other anti-malware programs including Norton and Webroot Spy Sweeper.
The simple and straightforward interface is a definite plus, particularly for less experienced users. There’s no learning curve involved here. With a couple of simple clicks you can scan for threats, and remove them from both local and network drives.
Included in the application are a number of integrated tools including a file killer. This tool can be particularly important in removing locked or in-use files. Additional tools include an uninstall manager, a process manager, and a scheduled task manager.
If you’re looking to strengthen your anti-malware resources, this application might be one that’s worth taking a look at.
Quick Facts:
Light on resources
Simple, straightforward interface
Scans local, network, and removable drives
Scans for viruses, spyware adware, malware, Trojans, dialers, hijackers, backdoors
Fast, easy database and program updates
Real-time protection
Additional integrated tools
Scores a respectable 3.5/5 Stars on Download.com and 4/5 Stars on Softpedia.com
Free for personal and commercial use
Bonus: Free tech support is available from the deveoloper at any time, should you have any problems.
System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista
Additional Requirements: NET framework 2.0
Download at: Download.com
Bill Mullins' Weblog - Tech Thoughts 
Bill,
Where are you finding this stuff? Another great find that I will be testing! Everytime I drop by your site, it’s like Christmas!
Rick
i use hazard shield on both my laptop and computer at work.
i tried to install it here at home but it didn’t work well. it kept crashing. that was a while ago though and i suspect it didn’t play well with some of the other security software i was using at the time (spybot and avg).
this reminds me i need to try it again. what you say about a non system resource user is very true. you don’t even notice it’s there.
highly recommend.