Need suggestion on "commerical" virus ware

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 172
    Windows 10
       #1

    Need suggestion on "commerical" virus ware


    I have an opportunity to work from home doing legitimate jobs. One of the requirements is the use of "commercial" anti-virus program. Since I'm not working currently, I've been using solely Windows Defender. My gut tells me the company I wish to work for would like to see me use something better. Honestly, I'm rather dubious of Windows Defender myself. I just don't download illegal software and refuse to open any emails from someone I don't know. So far, so good.

    What can I get from Cnet, and later upgrade? FYI...I do NOT care for Norton. I've had it before, and it was horrible!!!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 824
    Win10/64 Pro 1511 (and 2 Win 7/64 Ult & Pro systems)
       #2

    Hi:

    If I understand your question correctly, you are asking about options for a 3rd-party anti-virus (or security suite)?

    That is a common question with no correct or best answer to suit all computers, users, budgets.
    If there were, then there would only be one "brand" on the market.
    There are many fine options, both free and paid.
    Aside from Windows Defender (under Win10), most/all of the "free" AVs come with hidden "costs", such as reduced features, reduced support, toolbars/bundled software, nagging ads to upgrade, etc.

    The basic approach often suggested for home users consists of a layered approach to active protection:
    ONE real-time, robust AV
    ONE real-time anti-malware
    ONE real-time anti-exploit
    Other layers (hardware/software firewall, custom hosts file, etc.)

    Having said that, no security program or group of programs can protect 100% of computers from 100% of malware 100% of the time these days. The most critical security component remains the one between the chair and the keyboard, through safe computing practices, aka "safe hex".

    >>WHATEVER you do, however, I suggest that you NOT obtain ANY security application or other software from cnet.
    It is notorious for bundling all sorts of PUPs, wrappers and other crapware with their files.
    There are a few "safe" third party software hosting sites.
    >> But, as a general principle, it's ALWAYS advisable (safer) to obtain the installer for your AV, AM, other security apps (or any software) directly from the publisher's own website.

    HTH,
    MM
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 172
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Moxie, I appreciate all the advice you've given. I agree with what you say. Nobody makes a perfect suit. It's sad that Cnet has become so bad. I do agree, they add a whole heck of junk that's unnecessary. For security purposes, I'd set up box outside my router as a firewall running Bastille Linux.

    Now back to the real world. I'm just getting back to work. It's imperative that I keep my laptop safe, as I'm working from home due to health issues. Step 1 being how to secure our wireless network better. I'm using a TP-Link, model #TL-WDR4300 with that firewall enabled. From there I'm not sure what else to do. There are so many programs out there, and like said before, nobody does everything well. Until I have consistent income, what would you use?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18,425
    Windows 11 Pro
       #4

    The Federal government uses Symantec.
    http://buy-static.norton.com/norton/...FUWRfgodOlQIQw

    1 month free, then $20/year. If they require it - that's what I would use - only if they require it. I've cleaned way too many computers for friends that have had multiple layers of firewall and anti-this and anti-that programs installed on them to know they are a waste of money and computer resources.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 172
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Hhhhmmm, one of the problems I had with the free year I had with Norton Security Suite that came pre-installed on my laptop, is it would prevent some programs from installing. Kept tossing out false virus flags on software I've bought. Wouldn't be so bad if they had an easier way to give permissions to legitimate software. Is there a way that I can work with that? I've worked with Norton in the past, way long long time ago when you had to write your own config.sys and autoexec.bat files and move Norton up into hi memory so you could get Windows 3 to work right. Then the ONLY virus I ever had came on the driver disk for a monitor I'd just bought....and Norton didn't catch it!

    If I were to give Norton another chance, can I feel safe that I'll be protected from viruses, malware, key loggers and well just about anything a cracker can think of to mess with people. If Norton was weak in any area, what would you say that is?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 18,425
    Windows 11 Pro
       #6

    jayv2251 said:
    Hhhhmmm, one of the problems I had with the free year I had with Norton Security Suite that came pre-installed on my laptop, is it would prevent some programs from installing.
    When you want to install a program, turn all third party anti-whatever programs off.

    jayv2251 said:
    If I were to give Norton another chance, can I feel safe that I'll be protected from viruses, malware, key loggers and well just about anything a cracker can think of to mess with people. If Norton was weak in any area, what would you say that is?
    It will make your "boss" feel safe. That's all. I've got 12 computers at my house that had 5 users before one passed away. I run NOTHING on them but Windows Defender and I get about 1 infection on 1 computer per year and it is only the minor pop-up type that is cleaned off by simply running a good disk cleanup and removing all cached internet files. The reason is I have told the other 4 users of the house, if you are not absolutely certain about what you are clicking come and get me and I will tell you what to do. 99% of virus and malware comes from the user clicking on deceptive crap that is usually pretty easy to spot if you pay attention to what you are clicking on.

    On the other side of the coin, I've had to clean up several computers for friends and family not living with me and the first thing I have to do to clean them up is remove their multiple third party anti-virus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware, and firewall programs just to get to the OS to clean up the crap that they have clicked on that have infected their computers anyway. Their is no anti-dumba$$ program.

    So pay the $20, put on some worthless program that you are just going to turn off to do whatever you want to do on your computer so you can show the receipt to your boss and say, "Here, I'm protected."
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 7,876
    Windows 11 Pro 64 bit
       #7

    My bank gives me a free licence to use Kaspersky Internet Security - they have no problem with Kaspersky being a Russian company.

    Note you can enable Windows Defender to do periodic scanning even if use you use a third party antivirus so you have a added layer of protection.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 824
    Win10/64 Pro 1511 (and 2 Win 7/64 Ult & Pro systems)
       #8

    Hi, @jayv2251:

    As @NavyLCDR points out, there are different approaches to home computing safety.
    While no one ought to put blind faith in any one security application or group thereof, different users have different computing styles/practices/needs/skills and -- most importantly -- risk exposure footprints.
    Even savvy users can be hit with exploits, ransomware and other threats.
    Your work-from-home usage may increase your vulnerability and risk footprint somewhat.

    So, for your purposes, some sort of layered approach to security may be a good strategy, rather than solely relying on "safe hex" alone.

    As for Norton/Symantec, it's one of several fine choices. As a whole, traditional AVs (which are mostly signature-based) are weakest at real-time protection against zero-day and zero-hour threats. That's why adding additional protection to better cover those sorts of threats is a common recommendation for many home users.
    Personally, I would not trust Norton (or any AV) alone.

    Examples:
    For real-time anti-malware protection, there's Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (paid) or Emsisoft Anti-Malware (also paid and works as both an AM and an AV).
    For real-time anti-exploit protection, there's Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit (free or paid) or Hitman Pro Alert (paid).
    For firewall protection, there's both software (which comes as part of certain full security suites, or Windows Firewall) and hardware (through a router with robust security configurations).
    There are also several custom hosts files to provide another layer of browser protection.

    MS and a number of the reputable "general" and security-oriented computer fora post detailed, comprehensive "stickies" about home computing safety. I suggest starting your research there.

    100 users will offer at least 101 passionate opinions (positive and negative) about every available security application.
    Ultimately, each user needs to research and select the program(s) that best suit(s) his/her needs, computer system, budget, risk tolerance, etc.

    Safe computing practices and FREQUENT, ROBUST, REDUNDANT data backups and system images to facilitate recovery from an unexpected mishap remain the most critical safety components.

    Cheers,
    MM
    Last edited by MoxieMomma; 01 Dec 2016 at 06:57.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 172
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Wow! There's quite a bit of information to digest since I last posted. The work from home job I speak of is a legitimate position. I'm not sure I can mention names as this is all new to me and there's non-disclosure stuff you have to agree to in order to qualify for some of these jobs. I will say the contract project I'll be working should I get past the next level (a skype video interview), I'll be doing various social media outlets and how effective the advertisement is. As I get more familiar with and gain more experience with companies like this, it could lead to telephone work, like setting appointments for Hilton, or reserving moving equipment for U-Haul.

    Where I'm iffy on this is, just what does this company I'll be working for now, consider to be "commercial virus protection program" mean?

    When it comes to Windows Defender and Windows Firewall, it's ironic that I just so happen to be having issues with Defender. I keep getting Windows it's self telling me the definitions are not current. I never had to deal with this before until a recent Defender update to the program. I had it set to download new definitions once a week. But it doesn't seem to be doing that now, and I can't find anyway in settings to tell it to! What gives?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 824
    Win10/64 Pro 1511 (and 2 Win 7/64 Ult & Pro systems)
       #10

    Hi:

    Where I'm iffy on this is, just what does this company I'll be working for now, consider to be "commercial virus protection program" mean?
    If I understand your question correctly, you are asking about options for a 3rd-party anti-virus (or security suite)?
    It sounds as if they suggest something other than Windows Defender. There are many free and paid options for 3rd-party AVs, each with its own advantages/disadvantages, fans/detractors.

    As for your other question -- about why WD is not automatically updating, that is an entirely separate and different problem.
    To reduce confusion for everyone, I respectfully suggest starting a new, separate post for that here in this same area of the forum.
    Someone will be happy to help you with that.

    For the record, none of us asked for details about your job or employer. I cannot speak for the others, but I merely suggested that your work -- which may involve lots of time online and/or handling emails and/or other potentially "risky" activities -- may increase your security vulnerability footprint.
    As such, I suggest reading up on the different approaches to home computer security and selecting the strategy, "best practices" and (more than likely) the security program(s) that best suit your needs.

    Cheers,
    MM
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:06.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums