Running Malwarebytes and Norton Security Together. Is it possible?

Mr Ed · 26 Jan 2017

I've been using Norton Internet Security for quite some time and am pleased with it. I also use Malwarebytes (free) to perform occasional scans. I've noticed that Malwarebytes finds more suspicious items when scanning than when I run a Norton scan, although Norton appears to be doing a good job with real time protection. I do know that two antivirus programs should not be run simultaneously, but is there any exception with Malwarebytes (premium version), since it's not advertised as a security suite? What say you experts?

EdTittel · 26 Jan 2017

Never a good idea to run two real-time protection tools simultaneously. I've tried on and off for research purposes since the early 2000s and have only found heartache and grief from those attempts. Stick to MBAM as an occasional follow-up/clean-up scan and let Norton handle the real-time stuff. This approach works for me, too, BTW.
HTH,
--Ed--

SoFine409 · 26 Jan 2017

Mr Ed said:

I've been using Norton Internet Security for quite some time and am pleased with it. I also use Malwarebytes (free) to perform occasional scans. I've noticed that Malwarebytes finds more suspicious items when scanning than when I run a Norton scan, although Norton appears to be doing a good job with real time protection. I do know that two antivirus programs should not be run simultaneously, but is there any exception with Malwarebytes (premium version), since it's not advertised as a security suite? What say you experts?

Hi Mr Ed. I am not an expert but I use Norton Security and Malwarebytes Premium together with no problems. Norton is an AV but MBam is not so there is no conflict.

Phone Man · 26 Jan 2017

I have also ran Norton and Malwarebytes premium in realtime with no problems for years.

Jim

Bastet · 27 Jan 2017

I too run MBAM pro & Norton together, the only time I see a conflict is when I've set MBAM protection to startup early (upon pc startup) as I have set Norton to do the same, on occasion I've noticed that Norton auto protect is greyed out, restarting pc doesn't make a difference but turning off MBAM early launch auto protect does.
Since MBAM & MBAE have combined, security & maintenance lists both MBAM & Norton as active AV, not seen any conflicts though. MalwareBytes claim that users no longer require traditional anti virus software but until I read actual test evidence I'll stick with what I have.

EdTittel · 27 Jan 2017

I've had it cause BSODs on my systems, though it was long enough ago I can't remember what else with Norton caused the problem (might have been BitDefender). But if you ask the experts: guys like Larry Seltzer, Ed Skoudis, and Greg Hoglund you will find them unanimous on this subject. If you're lucky it won't hurt you (as you've learned through your own experience); if you're unlucky, it will (as I learned through mine).

Ultimately, the OP can do what he thinks best (assuming Mr. Ed accurately reflects that person's gender identity) no matter what any of us says. My opinion, however, comes from personal experience to the contrary and is backed up by other experts.
Cheers!
--Ed--

Mr Ed · 27 Jan 2017

I've decided to leave things as is.I'll continue using MB for scanning purposes only and let Norton take care of the real-time stuff.I do appreciate the feedback, though.

I enjoy tinkering with computers, but want to be careful with this newer machine. I did a lot of tinkering with my previous laptop, also a Toshiba,running XP, and if I screwed it up too badly I just reinstalled the OS from the disk that came with it when purchased new. I learned a lot about computers that way..

SoFine409 · 28 Jan 2017

Mr Ed said:

I've decided to leave things as is.I'll continue using MB for scanning purposes only and let Norton take care of the real-time stuff.I do appreciate the feedback, though.

I enjoy tinkering with computers, but want to be careful with this newer machine. I did a lot of tinkering with my previous laptop, also a Toshiba,running XP, and if I screwed it up too badly I just reinstalled the OS from the disk that came with it when purchased new. I learned a lot about computers that way..

Keep tinkering and learning especially now that you have and extra machine. I have 3 desktops and a laptop so that I always have one to use for "learning." If you hang around the forum you'll definitely learn a lot. Lots of sharp people with tons of experience and always willing to help.
Bob