Advice Request My license is gonna expire, what's next?

[PlayerFromTheITtic]

Hello there, fellow MalwareTipsers!

Hope you're all doing okay as this unusual year is about to end in a couple weeks.

So I'd like to have your feedback about what should be my next move. You see, for Real-Time Protection I'm currently using ESET Internet Security with custom settings (among them, firewall is set to Interactive Mode, HTTPS filtering is disabled and root certificate hasn't been added to known browsers) plus Malwarebytes Premium (using a lifetime license). But EIS license will expire around mid-January 2021...

I'd like to have security app that is quite light in resource usage, effective enough against most of the modern threats , not too pricey, and privacy-conscious.

Few more things to consider:

• Preferably, it should avoid performing HTTPS Filtering through a root certificate (potential risk of MitM privacy/security issue), that's why my choice would be more inclined towards MB and/or Emsisoft Anti-Malware Home.
• Please refrain from suggesting Avast/AVG, Bitdefender, COMODO, Kaspersky, Microsoft Defender (plus any Windows/Defender "hardener" app) and Qihoo 360.
• I'm using NextDNS system-wise, and as main security extension for browsers my choice goes to Malwarebytes Browser Guard. Keep in mind my question is more focused on a system level, so please don't suggest security browser extensions.
• If your suggestion implies a purchase, it'd be nice if you could post a link to buy a licence for such product at cheaper cost on a not-shady website, must be activatable in France.
• Malwarebytes has constantly been improving their product to support their claim it could suffice on their own, so try not to judge this product quickly, version 4.3 was released a few days ago, the slightly clumsy launch of 4.0 one year ago is quite behind us now...

So with such context, what do you think I should do when EIS license expires? I'd appreciate even more if you take the time to explain your choice in a post.

Thanks in advance for your feedback, stay safe everyone and happy malware-free surfing!

 

[silversurfer]

I would like to suggest just using Emsisoft Anti-Malware and beside installing Windows Firewall Control, the overall protection would be strong enough!

In case you want to continue using even MB Premium, just add exclusions in settings of EAM and the same for MB, but system slowdowns are always possible

 

[Divine_Barakah]

I see no need to renew your EIS license. You already have MB premium lifetime and it has been improving recently. Save the bucks and stay with MB.

 

[ZeePriest]

If you haven't had any problems with Eset then renew your license. Eset has a solid protection and is light on your system. Otherwise, take silversurfer's advice if you want to experience something new.

 

[MacDefender]

Kind of curious, why the exclusions you mentioned? Some of the best performing suites are on that list.
Given your choices I think you’re best off renewing ESET again.

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

For privacy-conscious there are IMO only two options Emsisoft or F-Secure.
I suggest you try them both (trial) on your system and see which one works best for you.

 

[gery79]

i would go with Emsisoft as it is cheaper and has a slightly better offline protection than fsecure. EIS is just fine . But it costs bucks unless this is not an issue

 

[Andrew3000]

I agree with what @silversurfer said.
You're better off saving money and using MalwareBytes (alternatively EAM) + WFC.

WFC is very easy to use and configure. You will have no problems.
I also suggest disabling the execution of macros in office (even if MB's anti-exploit works fine) if you don't need them and to block LOLBins through the Windows firewall.

 

[silversurfer]

Kind of curious, why the exclusions you mentioned? Some of the best performing suites are on that list.

OP mentioned that he may would like to use in Real-Time Protection both software together, so exclusions of main-processes by EAM & MB are probably necessary to avoid conflicts between Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Malwarebytes Premium as both running fully enabled as Real-Time Protection in this case...

You see, for Real-Time Protection I'm currently using ESET Internet Security with custom settings (among them, firewall is set to Interactive Mode, HTTPS filtering is disabled and root certificate hasn't been added to known browsers) plus Malwarebytes Premium (using a lifetime license). But EIS license will expire around mid-January 2021...

 

[Ink]

The fact that you mentioned other combinations in your Poll may indicate that you do not necessarily want to stay with ESET Internet Security.

Malwarebytes Premium is currently on the Holiday Sales at 40% off for a single user/device. Link below:

Tax Time Promotion - Antivirus Protection and VPN | Malwarebytes

Keep your information safe and stay protected against hackers looking to steal your information with phishing and email scams. Download our award-winning antivirus protection and have peace of mind this tax season.

try.malwarebytes.com

 

[Digmor Crusher]

I ran EAM and Malwarebytes together for a couple years with no exclusions and had zero issues. That being said, I wouldn't do that now.

 

[Nautilus]

Just stick what you are familliar with and what you trust and love. do not get suckered into that rabbithole changing your security setup more often , than your underwear I would use Malwarebytes Am as an on demand scanner only , Eset is fine on its own!

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

Just stick what you are familliar with and what you trust and love. do not get suckered into that rabbithole changing your security setup more often , than your underwear I would use Malwarebytes Am as an on demand scanner only , Eset is fine on its own!

Come on, where is the fun in that?

 

[Minimalist]

No HTTPS filtering + minding about privacy + low system impact = Emsisoft AM in my opinion. Don't know what to put next to it, I usually just use it alone.

 

[FireHammer]

I voted for the last option, not because I have the best knowledge(far from it!)but either way you are going to spend some money right?.
If it was me, I would purchase Bitdefender or Kaspersky & throw in Syshardener or Simple Windows Hardening IMHO.

 

[bribon77]

Well, in the end the best option would be to try, the Antivirus you have in your mind, all AVs give you a period to try it for free.
What I wouldn't do is use the Eset with Malawarebytes in real time. (But each one is a World)

 

[Eggnog]

Stick with Eset if it's working for you, or see what's shaking in the Giveaway forums for extended trials. Then decide. Otherwise try any of the usual suspects. You'll be fine.

 

[ForgottenSeer 89360]

Any product based on Bitdefender is not heavy, but not the the lightest either, especially during an update process when it's copying large amount of data from folder to folder. Updates are also quite frequent.
Renew your ESET security, as after the exceptions you have mentioned, this is your best choice.

 

[blackice]

You'll be fine.

Anybody on these forums with good digital hygiene probably fits this statement. I agree, if ESET works stick with it. I like it. Also, WD with Malwarebytes works great too. Honestly whatever fits your needs as a user that has reasonable protection is probably more than enough.

 

[Cortex]

Unless you really enjoy messing with different programs, imaging & imaging back & forth (me) you could do a lot worse than staying with ESET, it really is one of the best.