Does antivirus software do more harm than good

[Daljeet]

Antivirus software is more dangerous than attack's & it's vulnerability's ?

 

[frogboy]

Not sure where you got that from but it sure sounds false to me.

 

[brod56]

Antivirus itselves don't harm your PC obviously. However, I do agree that some extras included in some suites may damage your PC!
I'm talking of Speed Boosters (RAM cleaners, registry cleaners etc), which often mess with the Windows Search or create instabilities. For example, Avast Free with the AV Shields is an amazing piece of software, but with the default package is just horrible

 

[ispx]

Antivirus software is more dangerous than attack's & it's vulnerability's ?

you are truly brave to ask this question on a forum which has non-stop giveaways for anti-virus & other cyber security products

on a more serious note, any good security product will slow down your speed for all you do on your computer as it will monitor all actions.

 

[Andytay70]

The only issues with Antivirus software is false positives IMO! but its still better to use one than be without one.

 

[TairikuOkami]

Security software runs with system privileges, so when it has some vulnerability, it makes it easier to take control of the PC.
But considering advantages of using AV vs not to to avoid a situation like that, well it is incomparable. Better to use one.

Then again, my quote would be: "More security software result in more vulnerable OS."
Lets not forget about recent Windows Defender's vulnerability as well.

CVE - CVE-2017-0290

DoubleAgent: Taking Full Control Over Your Antivirus | Cybellum

Cybellum shared its research with a number of antivirus companies. Vulnerable AV programs include those from Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, Trend Micro, Comodo, ESET, F-Secure, Kaspersky Lab, Malwarebytes, McAfee, Panda, Quick Heal and Norton.

 

[Arequire]

Nope, because blackhats who discover exploits for such vulnerabilities are in it for the money. So they have a choice: Sell it on the dark web for absolute diddly-squat or become a greyhat and sell it to a company the specialises in finding vulnerabilities and get paid a lot more.

 

[shmu26]

It can and does harm the smooth functioning of OS and apps, if that is what you mean.
I am sure everyone here has a story or two about that.
There are advanced users who prefer to protect their PC with non-AV security apps. But that, too, can really mess up your system. You almost can't get away from it unless you just stick with Windows Defender.

 

[Daljeet]

Thanks everyone for your valuable information.

My point is we all are using AV products. What happened if hackers find a vulnerability on it and used against us like "DoubleAgent Virus". Mostly White hats hackers said in their interviews that "Don't trust AV". Like @TairikuOkami said AV have privileges and easily gone hacked if have any vulnerabilitys.

 

[AlanOstaszewski]

A cloud anti-virus is light and doesn't contains much drivers that are vulnerable.
If you compromite a software that is deep installed in the system you will have more ways to infect the user than with a portable software that is cloud based.

 

[Fritz]

Any application you add to your system increases the attack surface. In the case of AV solutions, it sure is worth it.

But of course, those solutions can do more harm than good. If you neglect your safety altogether because there's some program taking care of it would be such an example in my point of view.