Baidu Antivirus Reviews: What You Need to Know in 2023
When it comes to internet search engines, the term “Google it!” has become a globally recognized phrase. However, in China, “Baidu it!” is the equivalent term. Baidu, China’s leading search provider, has ventured beyond search engines and introduced a free antivirus that’s globally available. This article evaluates the Baidu antivirus based on its features, performance, and user experience.
Baidu Antivirus: First Impressions
At first glance, Baidu antivirus presents an appealing interface. The main window showcases three large buttons allowing users to initiate a quick, full, or custom scan. Sliding the window rightward reveals settings for computer protection, internet activity, and privacy. Sliding leftward provides options to lock your homepage against malicious alterations and submit a file to the cloud file scanner. However, the user experience might differ depending on the language availability.
Lab Test Results: Verdict from the Experts
Baidu antivirus has received certification from West Coast Labs for malware detection and removal. However, it hasn’t participated extensively in tests conducted by other labs like Virus Bulletin, AV-Comparatives, or Dennis Technology Labs. In the few tests it did participate in, Baidu antivirus’s performance was lackluster. For instance, in the 12 tests conducted by Virus Bulletin, Baidu participated only once and managed to acquire VB100 certification. On the other hand, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus secured VB100 in all 12 tests.
Mediocre Performance in Malware Download Blocking
The antivirus’s internet protection settings include options for phishing protection and download protection. However, it lacks features to block malware-hosting URLs. In a test with over 100 malicious links supplied by MRG-Effitas, Baidu failed to block access to any of the URLs.
When examining download protection, Baidu did check all downloaded files. It flagged specific malware in 35% of cases, quarantining the file and requesting permission for removal. However, for the remaining 65%, it declared the files safe, which is a cause for concern.
Behavior-based Detection: User Decisions
Baidu antivirus attempts to detect malware based on their behavior. However, unlike Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus, which makes decisions based on the aggregation of different behaviors, Baidu leaves the decision-making to the user. This means, if Baidu detects any suspicious activity, it alerts the user and waits for their decision on what action to take.
Local Malware Blocking: Room for Improvement
In a local malware blocking test, Baidu antivirus detected only 69% of the samples. This is concerning as the test utilized samples that have been around for a while, making it easier for an effective antivirus software to detect them. Furthermore, for detected malware, Baidu was unsuccessful in preventing it entirely.
Handling Persistent Malware: A Quick Scan
Baidu antivirus was quick in scanning a standard clean test system, taking 20 minutes compared to the average 28 minutes. However, if malware is already present on the system, some might resist the installation of antivirus software, creating potential issues. Baidu can install and scan in Safe Mode, which may help with some persistent malware threats.
Phishing Protection: A Missing Feature
Despite having an on-off toggle labeled “Anti-Phishing” in its settings, the feature seems non-functional. In a test with phishing URLs, Baidu antivirus failed to detect any fraudulent sites.
Final Thoughts: Baidu Antivirus in 2023
While Baidu antivirus scores points for its attractive interface, it falls short on its core functionality — providing robust protection against threats. The independent lab results are not impressive, and the anti-phishing feature was non-existent in tests. Also, its performance in local malware blocking was subpar.
