Bitdefender Antivirus is security software for detecting malware and blocking harmful online activity. Its current Antivirus Plus subscription covers Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, with different tools for each platform. On Windows, it combines antivirus scans with monitoring of running applications, ransomware defenses and protection for browsing and online transactions.
Handling detected threats
A System Scan checks the Windows computer for threats such as viruses, Trojans, spyware and rootkits. Bitdefender takes action on detections automatically where possible. If a threat needs a decision, the available responses include disinfecting the infected file, deleting it or moving it into quarantine.
A scan log identifies detected and unresolved items, including their file paths, so the user can see what still needs attention. The log can also be retrieved as an XML file for troubleshooting. Critical notifications record threat events and the action Bitdefender took, keeping the response visible after the scan window closes.
For stubborn threats that cannot be removed while Windows is running, Rescue Environment performs cleanup outside the normal operating system. This option is available on Windows 10 and later.
Ransomware
Bitdefender Antivirus also watches what applications do while they run. Advanced Threat Defense uses behavior detection to identify suspicious activity and intervene, adding a check beyond examining files stored on disk.
The ransomware protection layer works alongside that monitoring to protect documents, photographs, videos and music against malicious encryption.
Network Threat Prevention and Vulnerability Assessment
Network Threat Prevention examines suspicious activity at the network level. Its targets include exploit attempts, connections to malware or botnet URLs and brute-force attacks.
The Vulnerability Assessment looks for weaknesses already present on the PC. It checks for outdated or vulnerable software, missing Windows security patches and unsafe system settings, then indicates corrective actions. Its findings identify software and configuration changes that need attention alongside any malware detections.
Web protection, Safepay and the VPN
Web protection checks links and blocks known infected destinations, while anti-phishing filtering targets sites that imitate trusted services to collect passwords or payment details. Search-result indicators help identify risky links before opening them, and anti-fraud warnings flag potentially deceptive sites.
For banking and shopping, Bitdefender Safepay provides a dedicated browser for transactions. It separates that activity from ordinary browsing and can fill payment-card details into billing fields. The Anti-tracker extension has a different role: it blocks trackers used to collect browsing data and lets the user inspect and manage them for individual websites.
The included VPN encrypts internet traffic, but the standard allowance is limited to 200 MB per day per device. Unlimited traffic requires the separate Premium VPN service. That allowance matters if the VPN is intended for sustained streaming or other frequent internet use.
Activity profiles
Game, Movie and Work modes change how the Windows protection behaves during those activities. Bitdefender can suppress pop-ups and pause less important background tasks. Autopilot provides security recommendations based on the computer’s needs and usage patterns.
Bitdefender beyond Windows
Antivirus Plus is a paid subscription, with device limits determined by the selected plan. Coverage across operating systems does not mean every device receives the same Windows features.
On macOS, Safe Files protects folders chosen by the user and restricts access to trusted applications. Time Machine Protection guards backups against malware that tries to encrypt or destroy them. Mac scanning can also detect Windows malware in files that might otherwise be passed to a PC.
On Android, the malware scanner checks apps on demand and automatically scans newly installed apps. App Lock can place a PIN in front of selected applications, with Smart Unlock allowing access when connected to a trusted Wi-Fi network.
The iOS Security Scan checks for risky misconfigurations rather than performing the Windows-style malware scan. Its web protection addresses dangerous online destinations, while Account Privacy checks a validated email address for exposed account information and alerts the user when a password change may be needed.
