If you are using none at all, good luck. Common sense will only get you so far vs the growing types of threats on the net. Even trusted sites with great security get infected and deliver viruses.
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You often see people downloading from shady sites (think torrents, warez, cracks, etc), and the first thing you are told is to disable or exclude it from your AV because "false positive". Guess what, users now are just trained to ignore those "pesky" warnings anyway...
So yeah, common sense is a far better solution XD
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Are you trying to insinuate that those false positives are wrongly labelled. And that the 'trusted' sources are mostly malicious?
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I'm not sure where you got that from
I said that without common sense no AV is gonna protect you anyway
PS: and yes, antiviruses give tons of false positives, just try to compile a python script using pyinstaller into a windows exe and 90% of the time it gets falsely flagged as malicious, i know from experience
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lol Does common sense let you know when your pc is infected 100% of the time?
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and how exactly did said pc get infected in the first place? it's not like it magically contracts a virus from the air by itself
if one enjoys torrenting cracked games, then the real issue is a lack of common sense
if they trust on a random ad-filled download site, and wrongly click on the first big flashy "download" button when the real one is a small barely visible link, then same thing
if they usually blindly hit next-next-next-finish in every installer, is it surprising they end with unwanted "extra" stuff installed?
if they always run things "as admin" (even though it shouldn't need it) just because that's the folk wisdom of solving any problem, well you get the idea ;)
oh and then we have examples of straight up scams by so called "trusted" AV companies, with Norton installing a crypto miner, enticing its users with free cash, when in fact they combine all users in a mining pool and take a giant 15% chunk of the reward for doing nothing themselves lol
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There's a lot of ways that a pc can be infected with a virus. It doesn't have be from downloading anything at all, you can get it just by simply going to a trusted site which I've already. A prime example of this is back in 2014 where potentially hundreds of thousands of users went to Yahoo and were infected by malware. Based on your comments, I just don't believe you understand the type of threats out there.
You use nothing at all to protect your pc and anything on it. So tell me how do you know that you don't have any kind of infection on your pc right now?
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and do you really understand how that particular "threat" worked?
https://blog.fox-it.com/2014/01/03/malicious-advertisements-served-via-yahoo/
malicious ads redirected users to a controlled page which downloaded the payload taking advantage of vulnerabilities in outdated java plugin, this should have raised red flags to begin with, and guess what their antiviruses at the time did nothing to protect the users, why do expect that to be any different today
The attack focused on outdated software," says Steve Regan of security site CSO. "The only way for the exploits to work is to have outdated versions of Java on your system. If Java is up to date, then the odds are, you're safe."
first mistake: running outdated and vulnerable java plugin in the browser wide open to all, it's only common sense to keep critical components up-to-date, and in the case of browser plugins it was even possible at the time to have them only run on-demand (I recal feature with "click-to-enable" before embedded plugins were allowed to run). thankfully java/flash in browsers that run with dangerously high privilege are no longer a thing, for good reason
second mistake: allowing ads in the first place, for as long as i can remember, adblocker addons existed for decades now. I can't imagine how horrible experience browsing the web without one is, being inundated with ads and endless trackers, get uBO and save your sanity!
and even to this day, I remember seeing a couple times here on SG where people reported "bad" ads sneaking in, and taking over the full screen showing some type of phishing attempt to fool users into clicking it...
and yes, windows defender is completely disabled in my case, i have gone through several pcs over the years, and i yet to see an example of being "magically" infected
to be clear, i am not trying to convert anyone here, everyone is free to run what they like. what i am saying is that security through obscurity makes users mistakenly feel a false sense of security and be more complacent, my only advice here is to apply "common sense" ;)
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Yes, I am, that's why I posted the example. You're missing the point entirely.
As you've stated in your orginal comment, you don't use anything. Yet, now you've mentioned you use an ad blocker. That is something and far more than "just common sense".
Once again I'll post my question..
You use nothing at all to protect your pc and anything on it. So tell me how do you know that you don't have any kind of infection on your pc right now?
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let me repeat your initial comment then:
lol Does common sense let you know when your pc is infected 100% of the time?
I dont see how an adblocker would be scanning your pc for infections... the whole discussion here is about AV software, which I already answered I don't use
adblockers aren't considered as AV, and what about browsers with builtin adblockers is that a "gotcha" too?
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I dont see how an adblocker would be scanning your pc for infections... the whole discussion here is about AV software, which I already answered I don't use
Obviously an AV isn't going to scan your pc for infections. It's pretty clear from the OP's question that it's not just about AV software.
The OP asked this question
Just out of curiosity what software are you using for malware/spyware/tracking cookies stuff like that?
And you responded with
None, just common sense
Things like uBlock Origin, Ghostery, AdGuard, Privacy Badger etc. are something that helps protect you from things on the net and aren't just common sense..
Had you mentioned you used something like an ad blocker on your browser, the conversation would be very different and I wouldn't have responded the way I did in my initial comment, as you are at least using something. That's also one of the reasons I brought up Yahoo as an example because of the ads.
With regards to you not using any type of PC AV or antimalware software, I have to admit find it very strange that you are content with not knowing for sure if your pc is infected with something or not.
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So tell me how do you know that you don't have any kind of infection on your pc right now?
Does common sense let you know when your pc is infected 100% of the time?
all your previous questions are clearly asking about AV, which I answered from the beginning I have it disabled, but you seem to imply that I must be already infected for not using one
You're missing the point entirely.
so you mean if I change my first comment to: "No antivirus, just comment sense". Does that make it more on-point?
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My first comment to you was
If you are using none at all, good luck. Common sense will only get you so far vs the growing types of threats on the net. Even trusted sites with great security get infected and deliver viruses.
This wasn't specific to AVs. I addressed growing threats on the net and mention sites being infected. Again this is one of the reasons I mentioned Yahoo as an example because of ads and just going to the web site..
You started talking about downloading torrents which led to my questions about AVs specifically.
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the reasons I mentioned Yahoo as an example because of ads
I did address the Yahoo example, and how simply using "click-to-play" so that java/flash plugins are only run on-demand was enough to make the attack void, even without adblockers.
back in 2012: https://www.howtogeek.com/123986/how-to-enable-click-to-play-plugins-in-firefox/
so again, having common sense to keep components up-to-date and limiting dangerous plugins would have protected more than any AV false sense of security, after all they did not defend from this attack at the time
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WIndows defender is pretty much on top these last years, so definitely don't need any 'cause it won't add any real value.
There's plenty of people that haven't used any for decades with zero issues using what Ormax3 just said, common sense.
It's not that you can't catch it, but 99% of the threats are user mistakes. Adblock pretty much help on the browser too.
I'm not defending not having anything, but common sense is far greater than anything else.
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Microsoft has improved Windows Defender a lot, the rate of false positives definitely isn't ideal though. I prefer what I use, Bitdefender as active protection, and malwarebytes free for stand alone scans over Windows Defender. Also no AV is 100% effective, so not even having a stand alone scanner to see if anything got through your first line of defense doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
Ormax3 said they aren't using anything, nothing at all, just common sense. Once again, good luck with that.
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I understand what you mean but I can tell you I've had 2 machines one with 15 years and another with 8 with nothing at all and never had issues.
Now, I don't advice that to anyone, each person should decide what they think it's best and of course the more protection you've got the better BUT common sense/knowledge is definitely the main course of action.
Also helps knowing your sources. Having some knowledge how to check of there's something strange with your PC also helps a lot.
But again, nothing beats extra protection, so would never tell anyone to not use it.
For most people I would advice having at least malwarebytes.
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Microsoft's one with the OS is the best choice, don't need anything else. While using ublock oriing extension (with changed settings) and adguard extension(free). Sometimes manual scan with malwarebytes
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Windows Defender(this is seriously more than enough for the majority of people) + occasional malwarebytes scans(although I am tempted to uninstall it now... so many ads for its premium service popups now... and it never finds anything anyways)
for browser ghostery and ublock Origin... and ofc practicing safe browsing
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I'm real paranoid. There is like government level shit that allows people to turn on devices and monitor you, access your data and whatever else that basic free stuff either doesn't pickup or ignores because they are on the payroll. I know from experience and I don't want anyone invading my privacy for any reason, not even my government who only wants the best for me and all of it's citizens. So yeah if there is anything out there that will catch everything or almost everything inlcuding FBI and CIA level shit then that's what I would be interested in. If I have to learn how to open or block every single port for every single program and actively monitor every single process, oh well it's still peace of mind. And honestly maybe there isn't even anything that can be done against that level of threat but it doesn't hurt to ask does it?
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Faith
I mean windows defender
I also use TinyWall
I used to use alternatives many years ago but it was always a hassle, invasive, ram eating etc. Apparently i have the basics avoidance well enougth (like not just downloading/opening random exes, entering random links etc) that defender have been enougth
Unless it havent and theres a host of undetected baddies haunting, watching my every keystroke and watching me sleep through my web cam.
Scary...
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Trust me it happens. I have woken up to my devices being turned on after I have knowingly turned them off. And it's not from typical trojans or whatever, not anything that a regular firewall or AV picks up. PC, Phone even TV. Anything that can connect to a wifi/wireless signal.
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Never needed more than windows defender. That's even with occasionally torrenting
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For PC security Bitdefender Total Security as my active first line. Then for non active protection, Malwarebytes free version as my second line.
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+1 Malwarebytes as the goto for non active. Making Malwarebytes my frontline next sale.
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Malwatebytes is definitely a great choice for a frontline. There's a lot of AVs out there that are doing really well this year, which is great to see.
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Thats also the other thing.
6 months from now, it could be a completely different recommendation.
The AVs are always evolving, some better than others.
Malwarebytes has hit the top of my list for many years.
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Ultimately for me, malwarebytes.com
The free version does a better job (IMHO) at detecting than Microsoft built in free Windows Defender. Except, you have to manually run it and is not active. Their free browser extension really helps steer you away from bad websites.
Waiting for Black Friday sale before subscribing 3 machines so Malwarebytes is always active.
Was 50% off the last time. Going with Windows defender for active until after Thanksgiving.
Easy enough for me to turn off its notifications or close the window until then.
This is me seeing Kaspersky, McAfee, Norton, AVG, Avast, ESET on clients computers. When they did get infected, Malwarebytes would detect and remove things that the others wont
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Avast (the free one) because I'm too lazy to switch to something else, but that's on desktop, I'm pretty sure I have literally no protection whatsoever on either of my laptops... oops. Welp, one sees little to no use so it's not an issue and the other must have Windows defender, so no biggie.
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ESET for PC protection. I like how it works. Lightweight and fast.
And uBlock Origin for Firefox browser.
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Just the usual defender. And maybe malwarebytes on the off chance that the system feels different suddenly. But honestly I've found it to be useful 4+ years ago. Now, defender seems more than capable.
And if Im doubtful about a file. I'll Virustotal it out. Too few flag ups? Ignored.
What's life without a little risk 🤧
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ESET, using it for 12 years, used malwarebytes as well, but only when I wanted to double check something.
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I've used numerous programs over the years, but all evidence suggests that, for Windows users, the built-in Windows Defender is among the better options, and is less impactful on system performance than most others.
Their built-in virus scanner has almost done to third-party virus scanners what Win XP SP2's firewall did to ZoneAlarm (which, once upon a time, was something that ALL of us installed immediately after Windows. Now it technically still exists, but almost no one has actually used it for almost 20 years)
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Windows Defender and uBlock origins covers my habits.
I also don't step in computer poop.
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🤔Well, I use various combinations.
However, few people will tell you all of them because if you know what any security measure is being used, it will be used as material for an attack on those generally unknown vulnerabilities.
And it would be scary if you could find out the IP of your Steam friends via their multiplayer and attack them for those exploits.
Steam Support :: Peer-to-Peer Networking and Sharing Your IP Address
https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/1433-AD20-F11D-B71E
Default
This will not share your IP address, unless it appears necessary to avoid excessive ping times.
For example, if a friend request is accepted and you are following a FPS game that tends to be heavy, your country domain will surely be identified by the color of the flag on your SteamProfile and may be used to attack you personally.
The reality of the Internet on Earth is that it is difficult to consider the worst case scenario of a “friend request” being accepted.
If you get along with them, you will be unhappy! How can we make sure that doesn't happen?
Well, it is a good idea to review your settings.
That said, I recommend Malwarebyte if the game doesn't work well or if the VAC/EAC is responsive.
After at least one full scan, adjust and retry the Security measures that may be interfering with the game not working properly to secure the game that is not working properly.
Folks who throw all Windowsdefender and firewalls in the trash because they suddenly don't feel well are usually met with unfortunate events.
📝
Steam Support :: Antivirus software reports Steam games are malicious
https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/5F3D-1477-AFF9-C4F3
Beware of Steam malware - Valve upgrades security following threats, here's what we know | TechRadar
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/beware-of-steam-malware-valve-upgrades-security-following-threats-heres-what-we-know
🙄
This place is not 100% safe.
It is best to remember that.
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Kaspersky Total Security.
You often have to search for various information, so sometimes malicious sites come across. KTS protects my computer well.
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For Windows: Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall; for Firefox: uBlock Origin, uBlacklist add-ons; for Thunderbird: built-in junk email classification; and the most important one, common sense.
What is common sense? It's turning on User Account Control at highest level, don't mindlessly "run as admin" or sudo, mind what you're downloading, don't mindlessly press Next when installing software, keep your system and software up-to-date.
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Malwarebytes says I am 100% safe. I guess that's good enough for now. Does anyone use their VPN? Is it comparable to other VPN's? I might drop my VPN and just pay for the pro version.
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That's good to hear. Did you mark the check box with scan for rootkits by any chance?
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I did not know it was off by default but I do now, thanks. I am still 100% clear. I see it has an option for brute force protection as well. Seem to be a very robust program. I am just wondering about the VPN now.
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I don't know about other countries but i could get a 3 device kaspersky plus license that includes VPN (not that i tried it though) for 20 euro, for several years now and totally legit.
Malware bytes is good but expensive, and in the past it was easier to pirate, now it's a lot harder but not impossible, i am running a never expire license, just don't ask me to try to do that again. I thought i could never update though, but it seems possible and only now i am seeing a whole newer version including the VPN option.
Always use both antivirus and anti malware because one is not the same as the other. But in the end it's whatever money you have and want to spend on it, some compare it to a house and how much you willing to invest in protecting that.
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Just out of curiosity what software are you using for malware/spyware/tracking cookies stuff like that?
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