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Guides - Privacy & Security Tips
Anti-Virus & Malware = Myths and Facts
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<blockquote data-quote="Nico@FMA" data-source="post: 172657" data-attributes="member: 8154"><p><strong>2: Choose your Antivirus how to?</strong></p><p>There are a lot of factors to take into account when you’re trying to select the best antivirus solution for your needs. With the security of your data, digital identity and financial transactions at stake, it’s worthwhile investing some time in assessing each antivirus product.</p><p></p><p>Furthermore, if you make extensive use of the Internet, email, messaging and other web services, it’s important to consider a solution that includes Internet security software and technologies that can make your online activities much safer.</p><p></p><p><strong>Criteria to help you get the best virus protection:</strong></p><p>Unfortunately, not all antivirus products provide a reliable, usable solution that delivers an adequate level of protection against malware. When measured against the following criteria, even the market’s top 10 antivirus solutions may achieve very different scores:</p><p></p><p><strong>•Reliability</strong></p><p>Even the most thorough antivirus solution can prove to be absolutely useless if it conflicts with other software that’s running in your computer. If these conflicts lead to a malfunction or temporary suspension in the antivirus protection processes, that could leave you vulnerable.</p><p><strong>•Usability</strong></p><p>If the day-to-day operation of an antivirus solution requires special skills, it may be impractical for many users. Any antivirus product that is awkward to use, asks the user complex questions or needs the user to make difficult decisions, is likely to increase the chances of ‘operator errors’. In some cases, if the antivirus software is too difficult to run, the user may simply disable it.</p><p><strong>•Comprehensive protection</strong></p><p>An antivirus solution should deliver constant protection for all computer domains, all types of files and all network elements that could be subject to attack by a computer virus or other malware. The program should be able to detect malicious code and also protect all channels or entry points to the computer — including email, the Internet, FTP and more.</p><p><strong>•Quality of protection</strong></p><p>Antivirus solutions need to be able to operate in an aggressive environment that is constantly changing with new computer viruses, worms and Trojan viruses that can be much more complex than previously known malware, and may include new ways of avoiding the actions of antivirus programs.</p><p>Quality of protection partly depends on the following:</p><p><em>Effectiveness of malware detection processes</em></p><p><em>Frequency and regularity of updates</em></p><p><em>Ability to remove infections from the computer</em></p><p><em>Efficiency in delivering computer protection – without significant impact on the computer’s performance</em></p><p></p><p><strong>•Free Antivirus or Premium</strong></p><p><em>1: It will never happen to me.</em></p><p><em>2: I won’t click on anything I don’t recognize.</em></p><p><em>3: Only uneducated computer users get viruses.</em></p><p><em>4: I don’t need to pay for antivirus software.</em></p><p><em>5: Free antivirus is better and cheaper then premium one.</em></p><p>Do any of these statements sound familiar? As we’re all aware, we live in an ever-changing world in regards to technology. Ask yourself, do you keep up with the latest cyber-security threats and viruses? If not, don’t worry, Its my job to stay updated. I personally recommend to use a robust antivirus that will keep your computer protected from the latest viruses and cyber-security threats.</p><p>You may be thinking that a free antivirus is a good, cost-effective solution. Unfortunately, it isn’t. Think for a moment, what motivation does a company have for offering a good free antivirus product? Many of the companies that offer free antivirus products also offer a paid version. Which version do you think is the most up-to-date? Which version do you think is the most efficient at keeping your computer safe? The paid version. Many free antivirus software include advertisements. Many times these advertisements are often the cause of infections in the first place! By purchasing a good antivirus upfront you are essentially achieving a baseline protection and system hardening. Lets say you disregard my advice and use a free antivirus; if you become infected, the cost to clean the virus has cost you at least 1 and a half times the amount the paid antivirus would have cost on the front end.</p><p></p><p>Obviously I am not talking about some annoying little Trojan, I am talking about a real virus.</p><p>How many people come here on the forum asking for malware removal even tho they have a free antivirus running?</p><p>Remember the example about Mister X?</p><p>Also did you know that most free antivirus gather surfing habits? anonymous statistic's and other information about your pc? Keep in mind there is no such thing as free.</p><p>I am not saying that Free antivirus should be avoided, no I am saying free antivirus is MUCH better then NO protection at all.</p><p></p><p>Here let me give some more examples.</p><p><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong>Paid-for security software </strong></span></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Paid-for software provides an high grade all-round antivirus, antispyware and firewall solution accessed through a single interface.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Individual components are automatically updated at the same time so you get protection against the latest threats.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Most security suites come with multi-user licenses so you can install the same protection on two or more computers in your home.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Many include useful extras, such as performance management or backup and recovery tools that can help you restore your computer in the event of a disaster.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Paid-for security suites provide expert customer and technical support.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Higher detection and removal capabilities.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Sophisticated intrusion detection and identity protection.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Emergency updates and vulnerability updates.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Advanced dedicated removal tools and patches.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Compatible with virtually any software including custom software.</li> </ul><p><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong>Paid-for security software cons</strong></span></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Security suites can be expensive – usually around 30-50 Euro, and you’ll also face ongoing costs usually in the form of an annual subscription in order to receive updates after the initial period of protection is over (usually a year).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You may not always need all the options a security suite provides and, therefore, you may be doubling up in some areas or paying for protection you won’t use.</li> </ul><p><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong>Free security software pros</strong></span></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">It’s possible to reasonable protect your computer by using separate free antivirus, antispyware, antispam and firewall programs in tandem.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You choose only the tools you need. If you already use a built-in firewall and antispyware program, then you may only need to install an antivirus program rather than pay for an entire security suite.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Free antivirus software means you can try different tools to find one that suits without worrying about wasting money.</li> </ul><p><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong>Free security software cons</strong></span></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Free antivirus software provides only a minimum level of protection and lacks the extra features of paid-for software.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You’ll have to keep each individual program updated to ensure you’re protected against most of the latest threats.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Most free security software programs are trial versions of paid-for packages and may have time limits for how long you can use them.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Free antivirus software is typically single-user so you’ll need to download, install and manage a separate version on all your computers.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You’ll get limited technical support. Most free antivirus programs only have online support.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Less advanced removal capabilities.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Less advanced detection capabilities.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Less advanced vulnerability protection.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Less sophisticated overall protection.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">More false positives and more data corruption due less advanced removal options (leaving remnants)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Free antivirus software conflicts more and has less usability and compatibility, next to performance issues.</li> </ul><p>Just a few differences out of the top of my head.</p><p>I am sure that some exceptions can be made and that I missed one or 2 things.</p><p>But lets say this paid antivirus does cost money and they are not cheap, but if take into account what you get in return across the whole spectrum then its a rather small investment which buys you the 3 most important things for a company:</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Solid security & performance.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Continuity & Data loss protection.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Compatibility & Flexibility.</li> </ul><p></p><p>So to get back at what I was saying within the industry it is a<strong> cold HARD fact</strong> that free antivirus regardless their claims and testing results just do not have the level of sophistication and protection that a premium package does.</p><p>And there is not a soul on the planet that can convince me otherwise because facts are facts.</p><p>So many magazines and blogs write great articles and most of them are theoretical correct, but in the real world things are VERY different.</p><p></p><p>*<em> Do note that: Avast, Malwarebytes, Avira, AVG, Bitdefender and Comodo as free versions are pretty darn good, they have the same scanning modules as their premium versions BUT their performance and overall protection is no where near their premium packages.</em></p><p><em>Otherwise why would they offer you a premium package if the free one is just as good.</em></p><p><em>Or do you really think you only pay to have access to technical and costumer support?</em></p><p></p><p><strong>•Conclusion</strong></p><p>Your technical expertise and knowhow are perhaps the biggest factors in choosing the best software for your needs.</p><p>And last but not least the specific configuration your pc has and its present state is a HUGE factor.</p><p></p><p>That said again a VB test report is not going to make that choice for you. In fact based upon the detection percentages and reviews it might even push you towards a WRONG antivirus brand.</p><p>End of part 2</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nico@FMA, post: 172657, member: 8154"] [B]2: Choose your Antivirus how to?[/B] There are a lot of factors to take into account when you’re trying to select the best antivirus solution for your needs. With the security of your data, digital identity and financial transactions at stake, it’s worthwhile investing some time in assessing each antivirus product. Furthermore, if you make extensive use of the Internet, email, messaging and other web services, it’s important to consider a solution that includes Internet security software and technologies that can make your online activities much safer. [B]Criteria to help you get the best virus protection:[/B] Unfortunately, not all antivirus products provide a reliable, usable solution that delivers an adequate level of protection against malware. When measured against the following criteria, even the market’s top 10 antivirus solutions may achieve very different scores: [B]•Reliability[/B] Even the most thorough antivirus solution can prove to be absolutely useless if it conflicts with other software that’s running in your computer. If these conflicts lead to a malfunction or temporary suspension in the antivirus protection processes, that could leave you vulnerable. [B]•Usability[/B] If the day-to-day operation of an antivirus solution requires special skills, it may be impractical for many users. Any antivirus product that is awkward to use, asks the user complex questions or needs the user to make difficult decisions, is likely to increase the chances of ‘operator errors’. In some cases, if the antivirus software is too difficult to run, the user may simply disable it. [B]•Comprehensive protection[/B] An antivirus solution should deliver constant protection for all computer domains, all types of files and all network elements that could be subject to attack by a computer virus or other malware. The program should be able to detect malicious code and also protect all channels or entry points to the computer — including email, the Internet, FTP and more. [B]•Quality of protection[/B] Antivirus solutions need to be able to operate in an aggressive environment that is constantly changing with new computer viruses, worms and Trojan viruses that can be much more complex than previously known malware, and may include new ways of avoiding the actions of antivirus programs. Quality of protection partly depends on the following: [I]Effectiveness of malware detection processes Frequency and regularity of updates Ability to remove infections from the computer Efficiency in delivering computer protection – without significant impact on the computer’s performance[/I] [B]•Free Antivirus or Premium[/B] [I]1: It will never happen to me. 2: I won’t click on anything I don’t recognize. 3: Only uneducated computer users get viruses. 4: I don’t need to pay for antivirus software. 5: Free antivirus is better and cheaper then premium one.[/I] Do any of these statements sound familiar? As we’re all aware, we live in an ever-changing world in regards to technology. Ask yourself, do you keep up with the latest cyber-security threats and viruses? If not, don’t worry, Its my job to stay updated. I personally recommend to use a robust antivirus that will keep your computer protected from the latest viruses and cyber-security threats. You may be thinking that a free antivirus is a good, cost-effective solution. Unfortunately, it isn’t. Think for a moment, what motivation does a company have for offering a good free antivirus product? Many of the companies that offer free antivirus products also offer a paid version. Which version do you think is the most up-to-date? Which version do you think is the most efficient at keeping your computer safe? The paid version. Many free antivirus software include advertisements. Many times these advertisements are often the cause of infections in the first place! By purchasing a good antivirus upfront you are essentially achieving a baseline protection and system hardening. Lets say you disregard my advice and use a free antivirus; if you become infected, the cost to clean the virus has cost you at least 1 and a half times the amount the paid antivirus would have cost on the front end. Obviously I am not talking about some annoying little Trojan, I am talking about a real virus. How many people come here on the forum asking for malware removal even tho they have a free antivirus running? Remember the example about Mister X? Also did you know that most free antivirus gather surfing habits? anonymous statistic's and other information about your pc? Keep in mind there is no such thing as free. I am not saying that Free antivirus should be avoided, no I am saying free antivirus is MUCH better then NO protection at all. Here let me give some more examples. [SIZE=4][B]Paid-for security software [/B][/SIZE] [LIST] [*]Paid-for software provides an high grade all-round antivirus, antispyware and firewall solution accessed through a single interface. [*]Individual components are automatically updated at the same time so you get protection against the latest threats. [*]Most security suites come with multi-user licenses so you can install the same protection on two or more computers in your home. [*]Many include useful extras, such as performance management or backup and recovery tools that can help you restore your computer in the event of a disaster. [*]Paid-for security suites provide expert customer and technical support. [*]Higher detection and removal capabilities. [*]Sophisticated intrusion detection and identity protection. [*]Emergency updates and vulnerability updates. [*]Advanced dedicated removal tools and patches. [*]Compatible with virtually any software including custom software. [/LIST] [SIZE=4][B]Paid-for security software cons[/B][/SIZE] [LIST] [*]Security suites can be expensive – usually around 30-50 Euro, and you’ll also face ongoing costs usually in the form of an annual subscription in order to receive updates after the initial period of protection is over (usually a year). [*]You may not always need all the options a security suite provides and, therefore, you may be doubling up in some areas or paying for protection you won’t use. [/LIST] [SIZE=4][B]Free security software pros[/B][/SIZE] [LIST] [*]It’s possible to reasonable protect your computer by using separate free antivirus, antispyware, antispam and firewall programs in tandem. [*]You choose only the tools you need. If you already use a built-in firewall and antispyware program, then you may only need to install an antivirus program rather than pay for an entire security suite. [*]Free antivirus software means you can try different tools to find one that suits without worrying about wasting money. [/LIST] [SIZE=4][B]Free security software cons[/B][/SIZE] [LIST] [*]Free antivirus software provides only a minimum level of protection and lacks the extra features of paid-for software. [*]You’ll have to keep each individual program updated to ensure you’re protected against most of the latest threats. [*]Most free security software programs are trial versions of paid-for packages and may have time limits for how long you can use them. [*]Free antivirus software is typically single-user so you’ll need to download, install and manage a separate version on all your computers. [*]You’ll get limited technical support. Most free antivirus programs only have online support. [*]Less advanced removal capabilities. [*]Less advanced detection capabilities. [*]Less advanced vulnerability protection. [*]Less sophisticated overall protection. [*]More false positives and more data corruption due less advanced removal options (leaving remnants) [*]Free antivirus software conflicts more and has less usability and compatibility, next to performance issues. [/LIST] Just a few differences out of the top of my head. I am sure that some exceptions can be made and that I missed one or 2 things. But lets say this paid antivirus does cost money and they are not cheap, but if take into account what you get in return across the whole spectrum then its a rather small investment which buys you the 3 most important things for a company: [LIST] [*]Solid security & performance. [*]Continuity & Data loss protection. [*]Compatibility & Flexibility. [/LIST] So to get back at what I was saying within the industry it is a[B] cold HARD fact[/B] that free antivirus regardless their claims and testing results just do not have the level of sophistication and protection that a premium package does. And there is not a soul on the planet that can convince me otherwise because facts are facts. So many magazines and blogs write great articles and most of them are theoretical correct, but in the real world things are VERY different. *[I] Do note that: Avast, Malwarebytes, Avira, AVG, Bitdefender and Comodo as free versions are pretty darn good, they have the same scanning modules as their premium versions BUT their performance and overall protection is no where near their premium packages. Otherwise why would they offer you a premium package if the free one is just as good. Or do you really think you only pay to have access to technical and costumer support?[/I] [B]•Conclusion[/B] Your technical expertise and knowhow are perhaps the biggest factors in choosing the best software for your needs. And last but not least the specific configuration your pc has and its present state is a HUGE factor. That said again a VB test report is not going to make that choice for you. In fact based upon the detection percentages and reviews it might even push you towards a WRONG antivirus brand. End of part 2 [/QUOTE]
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