Which malware programs do you use for protection?

Mishkyn · Jul 13, 2015

Dear Forum:

It is difficult to know how much protection is too much or too little.

I have received so much conflicting advice from various sources, I would like to know what other members feel are enough, but not too many programs, and which ones you use to keep your computer as safe as possible.

Thanks for any help and advice, I hope this is the correct forum to use for this information.

Mishkyn

dr.moriarty · Jul 13, 2015

Hello, Mishkyn

Check out this guide -
How to Protect yourself from malware!

LauraR · Jul 13, 2015

Hi Michkyn

As a general rule, you should have one Antivirus, one Firewall, and one realtime antimalware software such as Malwarebytes. You can have as many on demand scanners as your want to scan your computer.

The absolute most important part of protection is you, the user. If you don't practice safe online habits, it doesn't matter what protection you have. For example, never click on links in emails unless you absolutely know they are legitimate. Do not download pirated content as it is often infected. Pay attention to every single window that opens in downloads since they often have 3rd party software you should avoid and opt out of by unchecking the box.

I personally use Eset NOD32 Antivirus, Windows 8.1 built in Firewall, and Malwarebytes Antimalware Paid version so it protects me.

There are a lot of free AV's out there that people use and are very good.

A good link: How to Protect yourself from malware!

mdonah · Jul 13, 2015

It depends on which version of Windows I'm running.

For XP, I run 360 Internet Security, native firewall, EMET and Spyware Blaster.

For Vista, I run Microsoft Security Essentials, native firewall, EMET and Spyware Blaster.

For Win 8.1 I run Windows Defender, native firewall, EMET and Spyware blaster.

I run CryptoPrevent on all OSes and as stated by others, I follow safety rules and know where to go for safe downloads, don't click on unknown links in emails, etc.

plodr · Jul 14, 2015

Anti-malware, IMO, Is more important than an av program.
On a new computer, before I even connect it to the internet, I have malwarebytes on a USB stick and install it on ALL the Windows computers in the house.

I found on Win 7, the Windows firewall is fine.
Also MS Security Essentials re-named as Defender for Win 8/8.1 is okay as an av.

I feel more computers are in danger from rootkits, malware, trojans, keyloggers, etc. than viruses.
Unpatched things like flash and Java and Adobe Reader is a bigger threat than not having an av program.

sexyandy81 · Jul 15, 2015

I have F-secure for security and have malwarebytes for spyware removal and not had any problems.

F-Secure is through my ISP which I pay for at a discounted rate.

Anon-9aee479f8f · Jul 15, 2015

My personal choices are:
Windows Defender
Malwarebytes Anti Malware Free Version
SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition
SpywareBlaster Free Edition

Everyone has their own favorites. Run regular scans.
As Laura mentioned follow safe internet practices yourself, think before you click!

Eldon · Jul 15, 2015

I use:
Avast Antivirus Free.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free.
Windows Firewall.

And I avoid Windows Updates... but that's another story...:-D

Mishkyn · Jul 15, 2015

Thank you all so much for your definitive answers, I appreciate your taking the time to answer me in such detail.

I update my malware every time I turn on my computer--which is several times a day--and it is amazing how much new stuff is loaded on in every update to protect us all from the latest junk out there. Kind of scary (and sad) how so many people have nothing better to do than hack us.

Thanks again for all your generous help.
Mishkyn

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Which malware programs do you use for protection?

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