Is Windows Defender in Windows 8.1 Enough for daily computing and surfing needs?

[ifacedown]

Hi,

Honestly, I do not believe so much in independent testing labs. I believe my own testing. However, I could see that Windows Defender has a low-to-average detection rates whenever I am downloading new malware packs. Of course I know that WIndows has ELAM, UAC, and Smart Screen.

But, is Windows Defender enough for daily computing and regular surfing? Or should I try other AV?

Is this setup enough for basic computing/surfing?:

Windows Defender
Windows Firewall
K9 Web Protection (against porn and malware)
UAC Default
SmartScreen Default
MCShield 3

Surfing habits: basic searching and email, very low social networking, no porn

Thanks.

 

[Venustus]

An emphatic yes, if you are indeed practicing safe browsing habits!

 

[zeusc4]

yes with Malwarebytes Pro, otherwise you need good common sense (& don't trust friend's pen/USB drives )

why don't you use FREE & top rated products like Comodo IS http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php or avast Free version.
I'm using Comodo IS past few years & never had a problem, their forum support greater than others. also Comodo Using less than 30mb of RAM.


I vote no, Because there are lot of FREE & Top rated products. install one of those

 

[Ahmad Faiz Mukhlis]

yes, more less

 

[Ink]

For me, yes.
For Windows RT users, they can't disable Windows Defender and use IE10/11 with EPM enabled.

But also:
Is the user on Windows 8.1 responsible when surfing and daily computing?
Does the user know about the threats and scams on the Internet?
Can the user distinguish between a fake codec, and maybe know that they don't need it to view Youtube?
Are they aware that fake viral videos on facebook and twitter, will likely to give them malware?

 

[killerz]

A good antivirus like kaspersky + anti malware like spyware doctor or malwarebytes Pro + some common sense as said above will be more than enough. Windows Defender is barely effective if you are surfing online.

 

[Ink]

@killerz "Windows Defender is barely effective if you are surfing online." Could you explain, or examples?

 

[illumination]

On windows 8.1, combined with smart screen and windows firewall, windows defender is enough for average surfing needs.. Leave smart screen on, crank UAC to max, and you will be good to go.

Most of us in this forum you see running tanks for protection, is because, we dare to go where no man has gone before on the net, huh Umbra

 

[cruelsister]

If you don't mind my butting in, I can give an illustration on one of the main reasons Windows Defender is inadequate - Go to Malware Hub here:

http://malwaretips.com/threads/windows-antibreach-suite.23091/

When one runs this Fake AV with Windows Defender "protecting" the system (aside from letting the malware activate and infect the system), note that the malware will do something that is very common- it will modify the registry to disable Windows Defender (shuts down msascui.exe and suppresses msmpeng.exe). This is a very common thing for malware to do and the ease at which it can be accomplished is just unacceptable.

And saying as long as one surfs safely WD is fine is like saying auto insurance is not necessary if one drives safely. Neither is a very good idea.

 

[ifacedown]

If you don't mind my butting in, I can give an illustration on one of the main reasons Windows Defender is inadequate - Go to Malware Hub here:

http://malwaretips.com/threads/windows-antibreach-suite.23091/

When one runs this Fake AV with Windows Defender "protecting" the system (aside from letting the malware activate and infect the system), note that the malware will do something that is very common- it will modify the registry to disable Windows Defender (shuts down msascui.exe and suppresses msmpeng.exe). This is a very common thing for malware to do and the ease at which it can be accomplished is just unacceptable.

And saying as long as one surfs safely WD is fine is like saying auto insurance is not necessary if one drives safely. Neither is a very good idea.

Wow! Is that so. Then WD isn't good enough... only if I choose to run such fakewares...

 

[Ink]

@cruelsister But where are FakeAV's commonly downloaded from?

Don't use Windows Defender, don't use Windows, don't use a PC. Buy a Mac!

 

[ifacedown]

On windows 8.1, combined with smart screen and windows firewall, windows defender is enough for average surfing needs.. Leave smart screen on, crank UAC to max, and you will be good to go.

Most of us in this forum you see running tanks for protection, is because, we dare to go where no man has gone before on the net, huh Umbra

How much is the possibility that a malware may pass through WD, K9, Windows Firewall, UAC, and SmartScreen?

 

[Ink]

Check here on how to share your security config.

 

[Deleted member 178]

On windows 8.1, combined with smart screen and windows firewall, windows defender is enough for average surfing needs.. Leave smart screen on, crank UAC to max, and you will be good to go.

i second that

Most of us in this forum you see running tanks for protection, is because, we dare to go where no man has gone before on the net, huh Umbra

totally

 

[cruelsister]

I just used the Fake AV as an example since it was readily available; a variety of malware target both WD and MSE. The point I tried to make is that WD can be shut down with ease by malware rendering it useless. I hope you agree that this is not a good thing.

 

[Koroke San]

@killerz "Windows Defender is barely effective if you are surfing online." Could you explain, or examples?

I'n my opinion it's not soo bad but not soo good

 

[ifacedown]

I just used the Fake AV as an example since it was readily available; a variety of malware target both WD and MSE. The point I tried to make is that WD can be shut down with ease by malware rendering it useless. I hope you agree that this is not a good thing.

Of course I got your point, and I do agree

 

[Lailson]

If you are a responsible and careful User, you are in doubt of a file and send to the total virus + malware bytes pro without problems. I personally would not use, I dislike the microsoft antivirus, malware does not detect zero day, very rare. We have better options, but you know that ....

 

[ifacedown]

I just used the Fake AV as an example since it was readily available; a variety of malware target both WD and MSE. The point I tried to make is that WD can be shut down with ease by malware rendering it useless. I hope you agree that this is not a good thing.

I just reinstalled Windows 8.1 Update 1. It seemed buggy. For example, sometimes the cursor is missing on the browser when I right click on the links. Is it because it still not final or is it because of malware? My emsisoft emergency kit and malwarebytes can't detect anything. (haven't tried hitman pro yet)

 

[ifacedown]

If you are a responsible and careful User, you are in doubt of a file and send to the total virus + malware bytes pro without problems. I personally would not use, I dislike the microsoft antivirus, malware does not detect zero day, very rare. We have better options, but you know that ....

Yes, but is ESET good for 0-day malware? PrivateFirewall is great for 0-day right?