AVs are going extinct, similar to firewalls, there are currently 2-3 that are not based on windows firewall API. Within 5 years, 3rd party AVs will be mostly for companies and users, who need more granular control, everyone else will use Defender. I guess we will not see many free AVs either aside a few lost souls like Immunet or Chinese AVs, that are just front end banners for companies like Baidu, Tencent and Alibaba.

Still paying for antivirus software? Experts say you probably don't need it

TairikuOkami said:

AVs are going extinct, similar to firewalls, there are currently 2-3 that are not based on windows firewall API. Within 5 years, 3rd party AVs will be mostly for companies and users, who need more granular control, everyone else will use Defender. I guess we will not see many free AVs either aside a few lost souls like Immunet or Chinese AVs, that are just front end banners for companies like Baidu, Tencent and Alibaba.

Still paying for antivirus software? Experts say you probably don't need it

I agree 100%, but I am keeping my AV:



At the moment, Vipre perfoms/rates well. If it goes South, Defender will take over, regardless of the long term license...

Reminds me of all the brands GM has! (Where easily 4 of them, are part of the same company!)

ThrashZone said:

Hi,
Norton a wretched company surprised anyone still uses them frankly.
Avast wise just bloated themselves up so badly guess norton owns ccleaner now too lol

Where is your evidence or are you simply reiterating decade+ prejudices. Reviews I have seen do not support this view.

cereberus said:

Where is your evidence or are you simply reiterating decade+ prejudices. Reviews I have seen do not support this view.

Strongly agree!

Just remember my Mantra - "Security In Layers" - use different tools.
You don't want to rely just on one vendor, if at all possible.

It's sad to see these massive corps turn everything into a monopoly, destroy competition, and variety. Not to mention the incredible power they have over us, even going as far as to control what we're allowed to say.

CannonRebel said:

It's sad to see these massive corps turn everything into a monopoly, destroy competition, and variety. Not to mention the incredible power they have over us, even going as far as to control what we're allowed to say.

Well, it cannot be a monopoly by definition as there are many independents but who neeeds those anyway. Defender is fine.