What Programs are needed to Fully Protect Windows 10??? HELP!!!

Beautyissullen · 19 Aug 2017

Like i got hacked within the first week. i'm still finding suspicious files. i mean it came with windows defender. I paid for Mcafee....What else do i need>>>??? I cant pay out anymore so anything free would help!! I mean firewall> antimalware, spyware, better encryption??? there is just too much AND BELIEVE ME I'M NO COMPUTER gENIUS I MAINLY BOUGH THIS FOR PICTURE TO STORE AND ORGANIZE. But now i'm feeling totally exposed!!! I will take any and all advice that i can get!!! THANX SOOOOO MUCH ALL !!!!!!!!!

Josey Wales · 19 Aug 2017

MalwareBytes has a free program that works great. You get a trial of the full featured one for a short time. Welcome to the Forum BTW

Malwarebytes | Free Cyber Security & Anti-Malware Software

MeAndMyComputer · 19 Aug 2017

The computer became hacked the first week: is it new or used?
--- If it is used, is it possible the hacked issue was already there?

"it came with windows defender. I paid for Mcafee"
So you'll know, since you have a paid McAfee product, Windows Defender is no longer in use.
Windows Defender is usually turned off when a real-time internet security program is used.

Borg 386 · 20 Aug 2017

McAfee isn't a well recommended program, it usually causes more harm/problems then good.

There are numerous free AV's out there. There are also paid ones, such as Norton Security which have a good track record.

The layered approach is usually the best one, using multiple malware programs as nothing gets everything 100% of the time. Yes, it's a PIA using multiple programs, but it's something that needs to be done if you want to maintain a clean computer.

Malwarebytes as Josey recommended (paid or free), AdwCleaner, CCleaner (not an AV, but will clean out junk files that can cause problems/slowdowns), and the AV of your choice.

If you believe that your OS is severely compromised, sometimes a clean start is the best thing. Reinstalling Windows would be beneficial in that instance. If you bought it used this would also be a good idea as you have no idea what the previous owner had on it, and it could have already have been compromised as noted by MeAndMyComputer.

Clean Install Windows 10 Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

swarfega · 20 Aug 2017

What makes you think it was hacked, can you list some of the file names you suspect were suspicious.

As for security, I use Defender, Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware and due diligence. Dont click on webpage ads or unsolicited email links.

MeAndMyComputer · 20 Aug 2017

swarfega said:

What makes you think it was hacked, can you list some of the file names you suspect were suspicious.

On the hacked issue, please do let us know what that means: if you haven't yet, please run Malwarebytes as recommended and let us know the results. Reporting some of the suspect file names would also be appreciated.