ManageEngine Malware Protection Plus vs ZoneAlarm

ManageEngine, part of Zoho Corp, has built a strong reputation in IT management and is used by thousands of organizations globally. Malware Protection Plus is their venture into next-gen endpoint security, seamlessly built into the Endpoint Central management console. This solution provides next-generation antivirus (NGAV) capabilities – leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and behavior analytics – to protect business endpoints against malware, ransomware, and zero-day exploits. It’s tailored for businesses of all sizes that want to unify their IT administration and security. The antivirus module works hand-in-hand with other ManageEngine features like patch management and device control, enabling a holistic approach to endpoint defense. Companies can deploy it either on-premises or use ManageEngine’s cloud service, managing everything through a web-based dashboard. The software can isolate infected devices in real time, automatically kill malicious processes, and even revert changes caused by an attack, which significantly reduces the impact of incidents. With its AI-driven detection engine, Malware Protection Plus can catch advanced threats that signature-based antiviruses might miss, all while keeping a low performance footprint. ManageEngine offers flexible pricing, including subscription and perpetual licenses, and even provides a free edition for up to 25 devices, making it accessible. Read more in our review.

ZoneAlarm is a long-standing name in personal cybersecurity, founded in 1997 and now operating under the umbrella of Check Point Software Technologies. Headquartered in San Francisco, they’ve built their reputation on firewall technology and have since expanded into complete antivirus and internet security solutions. Their services are geared toward individuals and small-scale users looking for a mix of automatic protection and manual control, particularly Windows users who want more say in what their systems allow and block. They offer a free antivirus plan with core malware defense and a personal firewall, and their paid plans add features like anti-ransomware, advanced phishing protection, and mobile security tools. Their standout features include a two-way firewall, real-time cloud-based scanning, and application-level controls, giving users a clearer window into their device’s behavior. Customer feedback is mixed. Some users praise the software’s reliability, ease of use, and long-term consistency, while others cite concerns around billing practices, support responsiveness, and occasional system slowdowns. ZoneAlarm has received recognition in the past, though they haven’t participated in recent third-party testing—something potential users may want to weigh. So what does all this mean for your device? Read on to explore whether their tools match your security needs.