herdProtect

What herdProtect is

herdProtect is a Windows desktop scanner for a second opinion alongside an existing antivirus product. It uses a cloud service with 68 anti-malware engines to check active files and auto-start locations. Unknown files may be sent for remote analysis, which the site says takes 5 to 30 minutes. The scanner runs on demand rather than providing real-time protection; it can quarantine threats, but remediation is manual, and scheduled scans are not available. Communications and reports between the PC and herdProtect servers are encrypted, according to the download page. The service is free, with a listed plan price of $0, and no separate free trial. However, the maker says it is not currently distributing downloads and invites interested users to email to join a waiting list. The stated terms restrict use to personal and non-commercial purposes unless otherwise specified. herdProtect does not accept one-off or batch file uploads for analysis. Support is limited, with [email protected] provided as the contact address.

Who it suits

herdProtect may suit Windows users who want an on-demand second-opinion scan alongside an existing antivirus product. Its stated terms are for personal, non-commercial use unless otherwise specified.

Limits

The free plan is an on-demand scanner without real-time protection or scheduled scans. Threat remediation is manual, and the maker is not currently distributing downloads.

Getting started

1. Visit https://www.herdprotect.com/.
2. Email the maker to join the waiting list for download availability.
3. Use the Windows desktop scanner for an on-demand scan when available.

Verdict

Choose herdProtect if you want a free, on-demand Windows second-opinion scanner that can quarantine threats. Look elsewhere if you need real-time protection or scheduled scans, and note that the maker is currently directing interested users to an email waiting list rather than distributing downloads.