Antivirus Software

In order to counter the increasing threat from viruses, worms and similar, RWTH Aachen University joined the North Rhine-Westphalia state contract for an antivirus solution back in June 2006. This provides the university with antivirus software.

Switch from Sophos Central to Cisco Secure Client

The NRW state contract with the Sophos Central product expired on September 30, 2024 and was extendable until December 13, 2024.

On behalf of the universities in North Rhine-Westphalia, the Ruhr University Bochum conducted an open tender in 2024. The contract was awarded to Cisco for its “Secure Endpoint” product. The contract begins on October 1, 2024 and runs for 5 years. The new contract covers employees' business devices.

Since students and private use are not covered by the NRW state contract for Cisco Secure Client, we have put together recommendations for free and paid antivirus software for you.

Antivirus Software for Private Use

Please note that free software usually offers fewer functions – and therefore a little less protection – than a paid version. You can find more information on the topic of virus protection on the website of the German Federal Office for Information Security.

Recommended Antivirus Software

Operating System Free Software Free-Based Software
Windows

Sophos Home
ClamAV
Bitdefender Antivirus Free
AVG Antivirus Free

Bitdefender Internet Security
Mac

Sophos Home
ClamAV
AVG Antivirus Free

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
Linux ClamAV
Android Sophos Intercept X for Mobile
AVG Antivirus Free
iOS Sophos Intercept X for Mobile
AVG Antivirus Free

Note:

The software mentioned is a recommendation based on an article by Stiftung Warentest (german only). It is neither a paid partnership nor advertising.