[CanDane]

Don't know if this is the right sub-forum for this, but I'm curious what members are using for protection.  

 

I'm listing my security setup, please comment - e.g. what you would add, what you would eliminate etc.  It would be great if some members would list their own setup as well.  Perhaps various info can be gained that's of some value for many.

 

• BitDefender Internet Security 2019
• Windows Defender (Windows 10 version)
• MVPS Host File
• NordVPN
• SpywareBlaster
• WinPatrol Free
• CyberSight RansomStopper
• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free (for periodic manual scans)
• SuperAntiSpyware Free (for periodic manual scans)

Browser Extensions (I use Chrome):

• Emsisoft Browser Security
• Malwarebytes Browser Extension
• uBlock Origin
• TrafficLight
• HTTPS Everywhere

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In Windows 10 it appears that Windows Defender runs harmoniously with a 3rd. party AV with real-time protection.  Never had any issues.  But I for sure get your point in many circumstances.

Edited by CanDane, 18 February 2019 - 08:08 PM.

[CanDane]

In Windows 10 it appears that Windows Defender runs harmoniously with a 3rd. party AV with real-time protection.  Never had any issues.  But I for sure get your point in many circumstances.

Edited by CanDane, 18 February 2019 - 08:08 PM.

[KiwiProbie]

Things that I have

 

• Kaspersky Total Security 2019
• Windows Defender (Windows 10 lastest version)
• Crap Cleaner
• ADWcleaner

Browser Extensions (I use Firefox):

• Adblocker Plus

[paws]

I'm curious what members are using for protection.

 

I think that the state of mind and training, and competence of folks who have access to the computers concerned may be either a significant protection, or, at the other end of the spectrum a great liability! Matching security to the likely risks being run is something some people recommend ( Risk assessments etc.)

 

If people are "click happy" don't read the onscreen messages before acceptance, download copyright protected material via torrents and the like and are generally cavalier towards security and pivacy issues then even the best software protections, firewalls anti virus products and the like are unlikely to provide a 100% solution.

 

Despite all the information freely available about the need for good back up strategies, with correct implementation and disc imaging etc., many people just don't get it. (or sometimes resolutely set their minds against it!)

 

Competent users, the Windows firewall and Windows Defender with a good "on demand scanner" and one of the many free "anti ransomware" products coupled with regular disc imaging and frequent backs ups will go a long way towards providing reasonable security.

Regards

paws

[CanDane]

 

Things that I have

 

• Kaspersky Total Security 2019
• Crap Cleaner
• ADWcleaner

 

Thanks for posting KiwiProbie.  Until last week I used Kaspersky Total Security for 3 years.  I was very happy with it and still consider it among the very best AV suites.  The only reason I decided to change to BitDefender Internet Security is because I was able to get a fantastic deal at Best Buy (deal ended at end of January) - 3 devices for 2 years for $30 Canadian.  It also has a very good rep.

 

I also have CCleaner (Crap Cleaner) and I use it weekly and I have ADWCleaner installed on my computer but rarely use it, as mentioned above, for on demand AV scans I use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free and SuperAntiSpyware Free.  I find both to be very good.

 

 

 

If people are "click happy" don't read the onscreen messages before acceptance, download copyright protected material via torrents and the like and are generally cavalier towards security and pivacy issues then even the best software protections, firewalls anti virus products and the like are unlikely to provide a 100% solution.

 

Despite all the information freely available about the need for good back up strategies, with correct implementation and disc imaging etc., many people just don't get it. (or sometimes resolutely set their minds against it!)

 

Competent users, the Windows firewall and Windows Defender with a good "on demand scanner" and one of the many free "anti ransomware" products coupled with regular disc imaging and frequent backs ups will go a long way towards providing reasonable security.

 

 

Thank you paws for your input.  I agree with you 100%.  I do however feel that added protection (especially if it free) is not going to hurt and it just may help in some cases - naturally this assumes that there are no conflicts and not any significant drain on resources.

 

@ FreeBooter and AronRamsey, thank you for posting.

Edited by CanDane, 19 February 2019 - 09:47 AM.

[CanDane]

@ KiwiProbei, one thing I did not like about Kaspersky Total Security is the daily scans for rootkits.  Personally I feel this is an overkill and they should have an option to schedule rootkit scans so they don't run automatically every day.  Just my opinion.

[Crowbar]

I have Windows 10

• Windows Defender
• MalwareBytes
• Windows Firewall
• MCShield for removable devices
• and the #1 most important Anti Virus and Anti Malware tool is my common sense.

 

As FreeBooter said, multiple anti virus programs are never good, and can make you less secure than just one.

But with Win 10, if you install a 3rd party AV, Windows Defender *should* disable itself.

 

If people are "click happy" don't read the onscreen messages before acceptance, download copyright protected material via torrents and the like and are generally cavalier towards security and pivacy issues then even the best software protections, firewalls anti virus products and the like are unlikely to provide a 100% solution.

 

Paws, I could not have said it better myself.  That's what I mean by my common sense.

Windows Defender is a good AV, but if you like your 3rd party AV's features, by all means use that one.  Always be careful about what you click on and download.  Virustotal and other similar websites can help you out with downloaded files if you are unsure about them. 

[CanDane]

 

But with Win 10, if you install a 3rd party AV, Windows Defender *should* disable itself.

 

 

Windows Defender is a good AV, but if you like your 3rd party AV's features, by all means use that one.  Always be careful about what you click on and download.  Virustotal and other similar websites can help you out with downloaded files if you are unsure about them. 

 

Thanks for your input Crowbar.  My Windows Defender did indeed disable itself from running real-time protection but still runs weekly quick scans.  Regarding VirusTotal, I use that every time I'm not sure about a link.

 

Regarding downloading software, there are several download sites that are very trustworthy - three of the best IMO are Bleeping Computer, MajorGeeks and naturally this Forum.

 

One thing I'd like to mention, people should really consider using a VPN.  I've only ever used one VPN and therefore can only comment on that one, but I assure you it's a good one in my opinion.  As stated in my original post, I use NordVPN.

Edited by CanDane, 19 February 2019 - 06:37 PM.

[KiwiProbie]

Thanks for posting KiwiProbie.  Until last week I used Kaspersky Total Security for 3 years.  I was very happy with it and still consider it among the very best AV suites.  The only reason I decided to change to BitDefender Internet Security is because I was able to get a fantastic deal at Best Buy (deal ended at end of January) - 3 devices for 2 years for $30 Canadian.  It also has a very good rep.

 

I also have CCleaner (Crap Cleaner) and I use it weekly and I have ADWCleaner installed on my computer but rarely use it, as mentioned above, for on demand AV scans I use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free and SuperAntiSpyware Free.  I find both to be very good.

 

 

I have been using Kaspersky Total Security for 8 years.  That is really good, I personally wouldn't bother with bitdefender because the computers that I have worked on the AV kept crashing lol (I laugh cause I think that is funny).  I have tried norton, but really I cannot stay away from Kaspersky, because its a software that I trust, and have had no virus or any other malware on any of my computers since I have had it.  But someone else that has it as well had malware and it got ride of all of them.

 

I do personally think that kaspersky is totally a one stop shop.  I also didn't mention in my first post that I am behind a hardware firewall too.

[CanDane]

I personally wouldn't bother with bitdefender because the computers that I have worked on the AV kept crashing lol (I laugh cause I think that is funny).  I have tried norton, but really I cannot stay away from Kaspersky, because its a software that I trust, and have had no virus or any other malware on any of my computers since I have had it.  But someone else that has it as well had malware and it got ride of all of them.

 

I also didn't mention in my first post that I am behind a hardware firewall too.

 

 

No doubt Kaspersky is good, I doubt anyone can dispute that.  One very interesting fact that you and others may not be aware of: when your subscription ends it is cheaper to come as a new customer rather than to simply renew (i.e. it's best to not use the auto-renew feature).  I found this from personal experience, not only with Kaspersky but other AV vendors as well.

 

The following partial quotes from an excellent article by Brian Krebs illustrate my point: ( full article here: https://krebsonsecur...for-a-safer-pc/ )

"Shop around: Antivirus companies make most of their money on renewals, and so steeply discount their products for new customers." and

"Re-buy, don’t re-new: Also, when it comes time to renewing your antivirus subscription, avoid paying full price for it through the annoying reminder pop-ups that show up on your computer screen; just go shopping online again for another deal and buy a new subscription."

 

I'll let you know if BitDefender crashes on me.

 

NOTE: I forgot to mention two things: I'm behind a router firewall and I use LastPass as my password manager.

Edited by CanDane, 20 February 2019 - 10:28 AM.