Advice Request Do I Need an Anti-Malware?

[pithlyx]

I try to be security forward as much as i can but sometimes the download button was for `randomfile23_425_316243_6426141326_135135134_15313.exe` and not `usefulTool.exe` or sometimes the useful tool just feels off and makes me worry about my computer ... or the developer's mental state, but I'm not a therapist so I cant do anything about the ladder.

I see from a lot of people that with good browsing habits you really only need windows defender, which knowing what I know is mostly true. That being said if i did want a small extra layer of protection or at least detection for either harmful files or potential viruses/malware already on my computer.

I don't want anything too intrusive with pop ups and the like (looking at you avg)
If its a one time purchase then I will look into it (but free keeps the bills payed on time)
Not resource intensive (again avg you are killing me and my pc)

Or am i still just overthinking it and fearing the monsters under my cpu?

 

[Bot]

It's always a good idea to have an extra layer of protection, especially if you're frequently downloading files. There are many anti-malware options that are lightweight, unintrusive, and either free or one-time purchase. Malwarebytes is a popular choice that fits your criteria. However, remember that no software can replace good browsing habits and vigilance.

 

[South Park]

At the very least, I would recommend adding the free Configure Defender by our own @Andy Ful
Site: GitHub - AndyFul/ConfigureDefender: Utility for configuring Windows 10 built-in Defender antivirus settings.
Discussion: ConfigureDefender utility for Windows 10
Note-- it works with Windows 11 too.

 

[Acadia]

"Security is always excessive until it's not enough." - Robbie Sinclair, Country Energy, NSW Australia

 

[Freki123]

Not a tool but: How to Make Windows Show File Extensions So you see that bill.pdf.exe isn't a bill
Maybe consider changing your DNS server. ZERO — Hardened security for highly sensitive environments. (it may break not legit streaming sites thanks to blocking newly registered domains). Benefits of the DNS listed at bottom of the page.
If you doubt the file wait 3 days before installing and upload it to virustotal then. Most AV vendors would picked up on it then.
Use Norton Power Eraser as a second opinion scanner to check if your pc is clean (it's free and only scanning when you tell it to so no two AV running at the same time).

A good hassle free starting tool: Configure Defender on "High" like South Park already mentioned.

 

[Practical Response]

I try to be security forward as much as i can but sometimes the download button was for `randomfile23_425_316243_6426141326_135135134_15313.exe` and not `usefulTool.exe` or sometimes the useful tool just feels off and makes me worry about my computer ... or the developer's mental state, but I'm not a therapist so I cant do anything about the ladder.

I see from a lot of people that with good browsing habits you really only need windows defender, which knowing what I know is mostly true. That being said if i did want a small extra layer of protection or at least detection for either harmful files or potential viruses/malware already on my computer.

I don't want anything too intrusive with pop ups and the like (looking at you avg)
If its a one time purchase then I will look into it (but free keeps the bills payed on time)
Not resource intensive (again avg you are killing me and my pc)

Or am i still just overthinking it and fearing the monsters under my cpu?

Before executing "`randomfile23_425_316243_6426141326_135135134_15313.exe`" go to VirusTotal and upload the file and scan it. This is part of those "habits" is to verify before doing, you can also copy/paste websites/urls and scan as well.

 

[Practical Response]

However, remember that no software can replace good browsing habits and vigilance.

@Bot you are becoming truly wise!

 

[Dave Russo]

Why is the Bot recommending Malwarebytes?is there sponsors for the bot?

 

[TairikuOkami]

Why is the Bot recommending Malwarebytes?is there sponsors for the bot?

Malwarebytes is everywhere, just like ESET. I do not like them ever since they banned me because I asked them why they add a hidden startup entry. They told me not to ask.

 

[Azazel]

I try to be security forward as much as i can but sometimes the download button was for `randomfile23_425_316243_6426141326_135135134_15313.exe` and not `usefulTool.exe` or sometimes the useful tool just feels off and makes me worry about my computer ... or the developer's mental state, but I'm not a therapist so I cant do anything about the ladder.

I see from a lot of people that with good browsing habits you really only need windows defender, which knowing what I know is mostly true. That being said if i did want a small extra layer of protection or at least detection for either harmful files or potential viruses/malware already on my computer.

I don't want anything too intrusive with pop ups and the like (looking at you avg)
If its a one time purchase then I will look into it (but free keeps the bills payed on time)
Not resource intensive (again avg you are killing me and my pc)

Or am i still just overthinking it and fearing the monsters under my cpu?

I recommend:
Kaspersky Free
Windows Hybrid Hardening

and you are good to go.

Also create a security setup thread to get more help and feedback.

 

[blackice]

Why is the Bot recommending Malwarebytes?is there sponsors for the bot?

Bot regurgitates whatever people say on the forum. You can hear members voices in its responses. Although it’s gotten more diverse over time.

 

[Practical Response]

Bot regurgitates whatever people say on the forum. You can hear members voices in its responses. Although it’s gotten more diverse over time.

Im not sure what you have that allows you to "hear" members voices in bots response, but I think I might just want one of those lol.

 

[vtqhtr413]

I asked them why they add a hidden startup entry.

Did you ever figure out what the entry was and did Eset treat you badly also? I would be surprised to hear that.

 

[blackice]

Im not sure what you have that allows you to "hear" members voices in bots response, but I think I might just want one of those lol.

Hahaha. Early on posts by Bot read exactly like some specific members. It’s less so now, but if you read the forums regularly you could write its answers and tone yourself quite easily.

 

[nnnnnnnnn]

Before executing "`randomfile23_425_316243_6426141326_135135134_15313.exe`" go to VirusTotal and upload the file and scan it. This is part of those "habits" is to verify before doing, you can also copy/paste websites/urls and scan as well.

need help chromebook ¨hacked¨

 

[Victor M]

If you download and try out a lot of software frequently, then it is worth it to get a third party AV. The thing you are getting is better detection. And the time you need it the most is when you are not paying attention or in a hurry. People make mistakes, deviate from safe habits. Also, it is not only malware detection that you need, but also phishing detection. Windows Defender is not bad, it got good detection score at AV-Comparatives tests recently. But third party AV's are aiming to out-do Defender, so they should offer better than Defender protection. Another way of looking it is to treat it as insurance, it covers your butt.

@Azazel recommended Kaspersky Free above. I second that. And Kaspersky is a popular choice here at MT. The free version is said to offer the same detection capabilities as the paid versions.

AVG, which you found annoying, also got a good detection score on that test.

 

[Trident]

need help chromebook ¨hacked¨

I am very saddened to hear that… how was it “hacked”?
Was a hacksaw used?
How can we help?

 

[monkeylove]

You're not overthinking because more malware is coming from legit apps and sites, with some attacking the embedded software.

Given that, for no popups, consider Avast free (not Avast One) with gaming mode, do not disturb, etc., on, and Firefox browser with uBlock Origin in default mode plus multi-account containers.

You can exclude the non-essential modules in Avast when installing it. For uBlock Origin, you can enable more features to prevent annoyances in various sites.

If you want something lighter and with a popup every month or so, Kaspersky free.

 

[jerzy601]

It's always worth having a second safeguard.
Personally, I use the Hard _Configurator and Configurator Defender system antivirus configuration tools and I have no problems.
I'm not paranoid about too many safeguards.
you can also use system antivirus and WHHlight.

 

[Practical Response]

need help chromebook ¨hacked¨

You should create a separate thread, in it you should detail, what you were doing, the symptoms you experienced that lead you to believe you were hacked. I state this because Chromebooks have been available for over 10 years now. There has not been a single case of a user's Chromebook getting infected with a virus, or being hacked. A user can find themselves with an issue if they install malicious apps, get hit by phishing scams, use unsafe online habits, or install malicious extensions. Its highly unlikely your Chromebook is hacked is what I'm trying to convey and more then likely one of the other issues I stated.

If it is hacked though, you should report it to Google, I hear they pay well to see how that happened.