BUCHAREST, ROMANIA -- (Marketwire) -- 12/04/12 -- Bitdefender, the designer of the world's best antivirus software, has launched the free 60-Second Virus Scanner desktop app, adding a layer of elite cloud-based protection to PCs worldwide in an all-out assault on malware.

The Bitdefender 60-Second Virus Scanner offers all PC users the confidence of knowing their system is checked by proactive, scanning technology that will pinpoint active threats. And it's available for free, any time, at the click of a desktop icon.

"With the 60-Second Virus Scanner, we aim to bring our top of the line technology to as many PC users around the world as possible," said Bitdefender Chief Security Strategist Catalin Cosoi. "We're convinced our free technology will impress PC users with its efficiency and silence. We expect a lot of people who use the scanner to find out that their existing antivirus solution isn't catching everything it should."

The 60-Second Virus scanner works in conjunction with any antivirus software, allowing PC users to double-check whether their existing security software is doing its job. The 60-second Virus Scanner works silently, guarding systems in the background while users work or play, and sending real-time alerts as a threat appears. The cloud-based technology has virtually no impact on the user's system.

About Bitdefender®
Bitdefender is the creator of one of the world's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified internet security software. Since 2001, the company has been an industry pioneer, introducing and developing award-winning protection. Today, Bitdefender technology secures the digital experience of around 400 million home and corporate users across the globe.

Recently, Bitdefender won a series of important awards and accolades in the global security industry, including "Editor's Choice" by PC Mag for Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2013 and the "GoldAward" by TopTenREVIEWS that confirmed the software's top spot among 25 tested security products. Bitdefender antivirus technology has also finished top in leading industry tests from both AV Test and AV-Comparatives. More information about Bitdefender's antivirus products is available from the company's security solutions press room. Additionally, Bitdefender publishes the HOTforSecurity blog, a sizzling blend of steamy computer security stories and stimulating visuals that spotlights the seedy underworld of internet fraud, scams, malicious software -- and gossip.