Do you use an anti-virus software?

[Kain]

Vote!

[Lupine]

Yes. Switched to a 5dev Norton Security license this year - great reviews and $10 AR. Bitdefender Suite before that which, while effective, was resource heavy.

Also run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Pro (lifetime license) and Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit (free version).

[Lazy8s]

Windows defender only coupled with extreme caution on sites visited and links clicked.

I was running Norton 360, but I got so tired of nagging issues, settings not holding, ignoring set scanning schedules and doing whatever the heck it pleased.

[Munkus]

I voted yes, but I'll qualify that by saying that I have most of the real-time scan engines disabled except for email. Only do manual scans with AVG and Malwarebytes periodically, plus I use Ad Blocker and a host file ad blacklist to round things out. Always comes back clean. I pretty much have a set group of reputable site that I visit regularly and I never download anything remotely questionable. Haven't had a virus since 2007.

[Lupine]

Windows defender only coupled with extreme caution on sites visited and links clicked.

I was running Norton 360, but I got so tired of nagging issues, settings not holding, ignoring set scanning schedules and doing whatever the heck it pleased.

I think you'd be pleasantly surprised by Norton Security. I swore off Norton years ago (used to use Norton Systemworks), so my threshold for even considering moving back was very high. My experience thus far has been very good (at this point only using it on two machines ... Win8.1 desktop, Win10 laptop).

[Kain]

Is Windows 8.1's built-in Windows Defender "good enough" as anti-virus software or should I use the more "hardcore" ones like Norton and the like?

[Meteor_of_War]

I have that Microsoft Security Essentials thingy installed on all my computers, but I never run it.

[caveman-jim]

http://www.infoworld.com/article/288...asy-steps.html

[t3hl33td4rg0n]

I've been running ESET along with system-wide ad blocker for years on my main PC, and I check my linux auth logs. I'd like to think no one but the NSA can penetrate my defenses


EDIT: LMAO, someone is trying to get access to my server as I type this Time to block some subnets!

Feb 17 17:18:09 ngz sshd[12206]: Failed password for root from 60.173.14.146 port 27951 ssh2
Feb 17 17:18:09 ngz sshd[12197]: Failed password for root from 202.109.143.42 port 18304 ssh2
Feb 17 17:18:09 ngz sshd[12206]: Received disconnect from 60.173.14.146: 11: Normal Shutdown, Thank you for playing [preauth]
Feb 17 17:18:09 ngz sshd[12197]: Received disconnect from 202.109.143.42: 11: Normal Shutdown, Thank you for playing [preauth]
Feb 17 17:18:10 ngz sshd[12210]: pam_unix(sshd:auth): authentication failure; logname= uid=0 euid=0 tty=ssh ruser= rhost=182.92.236.44  user=root
Feb 17 17:18:11 ngz sshd[12210]: Failed password for root from 182.92.236.44 port 27225 ssh2
Feb 17 17:18:12 ngz sshd[12212]: pam_unix(sshd:auth): authentication failure; logname= uid=0 euid=0 tty=ssh ruser= rhost=60.173.14.146  user=root
Feb 17 17:18:12 ngz sshd[12210]: Received disconnect from 182.92.236.44: 11: Bye Bye [preauth]
Feb 17 17:18:14 ngz sshd[12217]: pam_unix(sshd:auth): authentication failure; logname= uid=0 euid=0 tty=ssh ruser= rhost=182.92.236.44  user=root
Feb 17 17:18:14 ngz sshd[12212]: Failed password for root from 60.173.14.146 port 28162 ssh2
Feb 17 17:18:14 ngz sshd[12212]: Received disconnect from 60.173.14.146: 11: Normal Shutdown, Thank you for playing [preauth]
Feb 17 17:18:15 ngz sshd[12214]: pam_unix(sshd:auth): authentication failure; logname= uid=0 euid=0 tty=ssh ruser= rhost=202.109.143.42  user=root
Feb 17 17:18:16 ngz sshd[12217]: Failed password for root from 182.92.236.44 port 28128 ssh2
Feb 17 17:18:16 ngz sshd[12217]: Received disconnect from 182.92.236.44: 11: Bye Bye [preauth]
Feb 17 17:18:16 ngz sshd[12214]: Failed password for root from 202.109.143.42 port 18898 ssh2
Feb 17 17:18:16 ngz sshd[12214]: Received disconnect from 202.109.143.42: 11: Normal Shutdown, Thank you for playing [preauth]
Feb 17 17:18:17 ngz sshd[12219]: pam_unix(sshd:auth): authentication failure; logname= uid=0 euid=0 tty=ssh ruser= rhost=60.173.14.146  user=root
Feb 17 17:18:18 ngz sshd[12223]: pam_unix(sshd:auth): authentication failure; logname= uid=0 euid=0 tty=ssh ruser= rhost=182.92.236.44  user=root
Feb 17 17:18:19 ngz sshd[12219]: Failed password for root from 60.173.14.146 port 28424 ssh2
Feb 17 17:18:20 ngz sshd[12219]: Received disconnect from 60.173.14.146: 11: Normal Shutdown, Thank you for playing [preauth]
Feb 17 17:18:20 ngz sshd[12223]: Failed password for root from 182.92.236.44 port 29036 ssh2
Feb 17 17:18:20 ngz sshd[12223]: Received disconnect from 182.92.236.44: 11: Bye Bye [preauth]
Feb 17 17:18:21 ngz sshd[12225]: pam_unix(sshd:auth): authentication failure; logname= uid=0 euid=0 tty=ssh ruser= rhost=202.109.143.42  user=root
Feb 17 17:18:22 ngz sshd[12227]: pam_unix(sshd:auth): authentication failure; logname= uid=0 euid=0 tty=ssh ruser= rhost=60.173.14.146  user=root
Feb 17 17:18:23 ngz sshd[12229]: pam_unix(sshd:auth): authentication failure; logname= uid=0 euid=0 tty=ssh ruser= rhost=182.92.236.44  user=root
Feb 17 17:18:23 ngz sshd[12225]: Failed password for root from 202.109.143.42 port 19438 ssh2
Feb 17 17:18:23 ngz sshd[12225]: Received disconnect from 202.109.143.42: 11: Normal Shutdown, Thank you for playing [preauth]

Of course, they're all originating from China. Trying to brute-force my root password, psh.

[GanjaStar]

Don't use anything.

[Maverick123w]

Malwarebytes Pro and anti-exploit

[nutcrackr]

I still use AVG although there have been periods where I remove it and go naked for a few weeks. I find that AVG has generally been the best of the free ones, especially for gaming. I just keep it as a safety net type thing and usually does not get in my way.

[t0adp1p3]

http://www.infoworld.com/article/288...asy-steps.html

awesome thanks!

[Lazy8s]

I think you'd be pleasantly surprised by Norton Security. I swore off Norton years ago (used to use Norton Systemworks), so my threshold for even considering moving back was very high. My experience thus far has been very good (at this point only using it on two machines ... Win8.1 desktop, Win10 laptop).

Same here. I'll check out the differences....I don't believe I have any issues on either of my primary machines, but a strong 3rd party app would probably set me a bit more at ease.

[DeathKnight]

I have that Microsoft Security Essentials thingy installed on all my computers, but I never run it.

You shouldn't need to do a scan unless you're paranoid (or you put it on an already infected machine). The realtime protection does a good job.

I also use MSE.

[Talon_262]

I run Bitdefender Antivirus here...it's very good.

[Meteor_of_War]

You shouldn't need to do a scan unless you're paranoid (or you put it on an already infected machine). The realtime protection does a good job.

I also use MSE.

Yeah I figured as much.

But if you don't run scans often the icon turns from green to yellow/orange and says "potentially unprotected."

It doesn't seem logical since it has "real-time protection," yet says you are potentially unprotected from not running a scan.

[SteadVéx]

Yeah I figured as much.

But if you don't run scans often the icon turns from green to yellow/orange and says "potentially unprotected."

It doesn't seem logical since it has "real-time protection," yet says you are potentially unprotected from not running a scan.

if you got an ssd its pretty fast as well, I only ever run it when it nags me

I find it nuts that people still think they don't need one! and more to the point they 'know' they don't have a virus

...especially mac users, always makes me smile when someone I know with a mac gets a virus, or uses a non mac and is like, how is this possible, macs are faster than pc's, how dare your computer start quicker!

[**G.I.BRO**]

Yup, I used to use Kaspersky (sp??) and loved it, but avast free has evolved nicely and convinced me that its good enough to replace Kaspersky.

[DeathKnight]

Yeah I figured as much.

But if you don't run scans often the icon turns from green to yellow/orange and says "potentially unprotected."

It doesn't seem logical since it has "real-time protection," yet says you are potentially unprotected from not running a scan.

Do you have scheduled scan turned on in the settings? If it's turned on it will nag you if it doesn't actually get around to running scans on its own. I turn it off and I've never got any scan nags.

[Meteor_of_War]

Do you have scheduled scan turned on in the settings? If it's turned on it will nag you if it doesn't actually get around to running scans on its own. I turn it off and I've never got any scan nags.

Yeah you're right, I did. Totally forgot about that, thanks.

[confusedsoul]

Panda Free here.

[Lupine]

http://stateofthenet.net/2015/02/how...re-you-making/

[Lazy8s]

http://stateofthenet.net/2015/02/how...re-you-making/

Do you agree with the top 10 ratings linked in that write up Lupine?

I'm questioning my decision to stick with Windows Defender, and Bitdefender Internet Security seems to top more review charts for paid protection than any other suite.

I'm thinking I might take the plunge...

[Lupine]

Do you agree with the top 10 ratings linked in that write up Lupine?

I'm questioning my decision to stick with Windows Defender, and Bitdefender Internet Security seems to top more review charts for paid protection than any other suite.

I'm thinking I might take the plunge...

I agree that they're all concerns. I think a combo of free AV + MAM + MAE is solid but, since you can usually get a better featured paid app on a deal for free (or nearly so), I always keep an eye out. That's why I'm running Norton Security, and I also picked up a couple different unactivated Kaspersky licenses FAR during the BF / Christmas sales.

Frankly, viruses / malware have become my least favorite part of this business. Used to be that the core of my business was on improving clients' experiences through this or that upgrade / install. Now, most of my interactions with home users consists of simply getting them back to where they were pre-infection. And, more and more often, they have no idea where they got infected ... there are just so many points of vulnerability these days. Its really ugly out there, and I get less and less satisfaction from working in this industry as things progress.

No offense intended to anyone here, but the ones that really boil me are those that say protection isn't necessary (I don't run anything). In our connected world, you're no longer just victimizing yourself - you're putting everyone else at risk.

[Lazy8s]

I agree that they're all concerns. I think a combo of free AV + MAM + MAE is solid but, since you can usually get a better featured paid app on a deal for free (or nearly so), I always keep an eye out. That's why I'm running Norton Security, and I also picked up a couple different unactivated Kaspersky licenses FAR during the BF / Christmas sales.

Thanks - I'm going to upgrade my defenses.

Frankly, viruses / malware have become my least favorite part of this business. Used to be that the core of my business was on improving clients' experiences through this or that upgrade / install. Now, most of my interactions with home users consists of simply getting them back to where they were pre-infection. And, more and more often, they have no idea where they got infected ... there are just so many points of vulnerability these days. Its really ugly out there, and I get less and less satisfaction from working in this industry as things progress.

No offense intended to anyone here, but the ones that really boil me are those that say protection isn't necessary (I don't run anything). In our connected world, you're no longer just victimizing yourself - you're putting everyone else at risk.

Well, you know what I do for a living and out of necessity there's a lot of customer interaction with both small and large/enterprise level businesses. The larger usually have no tales to tell regarding malware, but I've walked out of small businesses just absolutely stunned at the lack of concern so many show, and the condition of their OSes. I refer a lot of businesses to a few of the local IT shops.

[1madman1]

Yes if Windows Defender counts...

[Lazy8s]

I just bought Kaspersky Internet Security Multi-Device 2015 for 5 Devices. Installed on my Surface pro 3 and can't even tell it's there, but I love the feature set, including locking the web cam from unauthorized access.

It will also be going on my ipad mini2 and my note 3, as well as the wifey's lappy.

[MangaSpawn64]

I have Kaspersky because they gave it for one year with my motherboard... I had Avira before and scan regularly with spybot S&D and Malwarebytes anti-malware....

[Lazy8s]

I have Kaspersky because they gave it for one year with my motherboard... I had Avira before and scan regularly with spybot S&D and Malwarebytes anti-malware....

I just loaded Kaspersky on my note 3 this morning. I don't know if it's absolutely necessary on an android device or not, but the added layer of security does give some peace of mind.

Placebo effect? Maybe...

[fleetnorton]

I'm using Avast but I have it turned off now. I only run it when I want to do a scan.

[GTwannabe]

Avast, Malwarebytes, and Adblock Plus.

[|MaguS|]

I switch often because every Free AV program starts getting more resource hungry. Right now I am using Panda AV and its lightweight and catches a ton without all the BS extras many other AVs add on.

[Ristogod]

I have only been using windows defender for quite some time now. However my kids are getting older and doing more stuff and I think that I need something more robust.

I've got at least 7 machines I would need to run it on. I'd like something effective, reasonably priced and something I don't have to constantly babysit. What would be your guys' suggestions?

[fierro]

Do you agree with the top 10 ratings linked in that write up Lupine?

I'm questioning my decision to stick with Windows Defender, and Bitdefender Internet Security seems to top more review charts for paid protection than any other suite.

I'm thinking I might take the plunge...

Windows Defender and MSE are a JOKE. MSE used to be one of the best when it first came out...But today it had very bad detection rates.

Bitdefender is one of the best of the paid options, while Avast is one of the best in the freeware realm.

Personally, on my main rig I use Malwarebytes Antimalware Premium, WOT and Adblock. I also scan it once it a while with adwcleaner and others.

[SteadVéx]

Windows Defender and MSE are a JOKE. MSE used to be one of the best when it first came out...But today it had very bad detection rates.

Bitdefender is one of the best of the paid options, while Avast is one of the best in the freeware realm.

Personally, on my main rig I use Malwarebytes Antimalware Premium, WOT and Adblock. I also scan it once it a while with adwcleaner and others.

aren't defender and MSE the same thing?

If they made them good, then they would get sued for being anti competitive

[Lazy8s]

Windows Defender and MSE are a JOKE. MSE used to be one of the best when it first came out...But today it had very bad detection rates.

Bitdefender is one of the best of the paid options, while Avast is one of the best in the freeware realm.

Personally, on my main rig I use Malwarebytes Antimalware Premium, WOT and Adblock. I also scan it once it a while with adwcleaner and others.

Yeah I've seen the MS solutions dropping off on detection . That's a shame really as it was nice not having to worry about installing anything new.

Reviews I've read seemed to all favor Bitdefender or Kaspersky, so I figured either of those were safe. I'm extremely careful with my browsing habits anyway, and very selective about emails too.

Hoping I won't have any issues.

aren't defender and MSE the same thing?

If they made them good, then they would get sued for being anti competitive

Yes they are. Like fierro said, it used to be one of the best. It still isn't what I would call worthless, but it's not near the top of the free options any more either.

[Silent-Runner]

MSE & Malwarebytes

[Lupine]

Norton Security (5 dev license) for $25 @ Amazon. Download version. Pretty good deal, I think.

http://www.amazon.com/Norton-Securit.../dp/B00MHZ6Z64

[Talon_262]

Norton Security (5 dev license) for $25 @ Amazon. Download version. Pretty good deal, I think.

http://www.amazon.com/Norton-Securit.../dp/B00MHZ6Z64

Just a tip for Comcast (Xfinity) internet customers: Norton Security is included with your service, gratis.