whats the best antivirus to use I've tried most antivirus software from free to payed
But I like to know is the best for now as my avast is about to expire so I like to get the best there
is for next year.
Hello @vicdune, and welcome to MalwareTips!
Avast Free Antivirus is a very good antivirus, alternatively COMODO is also good. If you are looking for a paid antivirus, you could go for ESET or Kaspersky. 1. Real-Time Protection:
I would also suggest that you install Avast Free Antivirus, and tweak it with the following settings:
1.Enable PUP Detection:
A PUP (potentially unwanted program) is a program that may be unwanted, such as spyware, despite the possibility that users consented to download it. This usually includes: toolbars, browser hijackers or adware (ad-supported software)
Open Avast, click on Settings, then on Active Protection and click on the gear next to the Files System.
In the "Sensitivity", select "Scan for potentially unwanted software (PUPs)".
Next, you will need to do the same for the Web Shield so lets do it.
Click on Settings, then on Active Protection and click on the gear next to the Web Shield. Then select Sensitivity and check "Scan for potentially unwanted software (PUPs)".
2. Enable Warn when downloading files with poor reputation.
In the Web Shield field, you can enable "Warn when downloading files with poor reputation", and it does what it says.. it will warn you when you are downloading a file with a low reputation...
To enable it, click on Settings, then on Active Protection and click on the gear next to the Files System. Then select Web Shield and check Warn when downloading files with poor reputation..
3. Enable Hardened Mode (OPTIONAL)
Hardened Mode is designed to make protection tougher without interfering with the computer usage much.
avast! by default checks suspicious files with DeepScreen within virtual environment to see how they behave. But if you use Hardened Mode, it starts to behave a bit differently.
Hardened Mode: Moderate (Recommended)
Under normal conditions, if avast! decides that some file is too suspicious by various characteristics, it then throws it into the DeepScren for further scanning. But if Moderate Hardened Mode is enabled, avast! automatically blocks files that are detected as suspicious by preliminary analysis.
In most cases DeepScreen checks the file and if it doesn't find obvious malicious problems with it, those files are started automatically after analysis. But Hardened Mode (Moderate) blocks it right there.
Hardened Mode Agressive
This mode behaves a bit differently. It actually relies on analysis on a very small scale and mostly relies on a huge whitelist database located in avast! Cloud. If file is located within the cloud and flagged as safe, it will allow to run it. If it's not found or marked as bad, it will block it. So, at least based on my experience, Aggressive Mode is actually much more secure and also a lot less intrusive. Only time that it will cause problems is with some very rare old software or very very new software that isn't used by thousands of users. Usually some very specialized programs used by only few users.
Moderate mode often feels a bit too paranoid (despite its name) because it often blocks safe programs just because they exhibit local suspicious file characteristics that are basically ignored by the Aggressive mode.
To enable Avast's Hardened mode to go:
Open Avast, click on Settings, then on Antivirus and check "Enable Hardened Mode", then put a check-mark on Aggressive or Moderated as you wish. Again, I would adivse you to go for the "Moderate" settings as are less intrusive.
2. Browser Protection:
Internet Explorer is a good browser, but it's still prone to exploits, I would suggest that you replace it with Firefox or Google Chrome. uBlock - https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/µblock/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm?hl=en
You need an adblocker becauser apart from the simple fact that most ads are annoying, some of them might even lead you to adware or potentially unwanted programs. This add-on will block all the ads from a web page, making it look very clean and neat!
WOT (Web of Trust): Web of Trust, WOT: Website Reputation Ratings
To help you avoid malicious sites you can use Web of Trust (WOT) a website rating browser plugin. After you add it to your browser make sure you only visit websites rated "Green" by WOT. Here is how it works:
3. Virtualization:
A virtualization software will allow you to browse the web or run another application in a completely safe environment. This is especially useful when visiting high-risk web sites, whether accidentally or deliberately, as the Web browser will be completely contained within the virtual environment, preventing any damage to your computer.
A sandbox can also be used to run any other applications which you think may be suspect - you can run the program inside the sandbox to determine whether or not it is safe while remaining completely protected against any malicious actions that it may try to carry out.
I strongly advise you to install Sandboxie and use it for when you're browsing the Internet or running shady or unknown programs. Sandboxie (Free/Paid) - link
Sandboxie runs your programs in an isolated space which prevents them from making permanent changes to other programs and data in your computer.
Always run suspicious of freshly downloaded files in a Sandboxie to verify that he download isn't compromised! Sandboxie will replicate perfectly your operating system so all the files should run without any problems in it.
If you learn how to properly use Sandboxie, then you really decrease your chances of gettings an infection, I'm always running my web browser sandbox just to be on the safe side.....
4. On-demand scanners
An on-demand scanners is a type of antivirus program that actively scans your computer for malware only when prompted to do so by the computer user, or by scheduling it as a time-specific task. Unlike a traditional antivirus, an on-demand scanner will NOT protect your computer in Real-Time.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and HitmanPro are two of the most known and used on-demand scanners. It's a good idea to have them installed on your machine, and perform regular scans with these anti-malware software.
Hitman Pro - Link
An on-demand scanner using multiple anti-malware engines and cloud technology. It offers unlimited free scanning but once you use it to remove detected malware it switches to a 30-day trial version. I recommend using it after you've scanned your hard-drive with the other products you have installed Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free - Link
This product utilizes Malwarebytes powerful technology to detect and remove all traces of malware including worms, trojans, rootkits, rogues, dialers, spyware and more.
5. Tips from MalwareTips to keep your computer clean
The single biggest factor in preventing a malware infection on your PC is YOU.
You don’t need expert knowledge or special training.You just need vigilance to avoid downloading and installing anything you do not understand or trust, no matter how tempting might be!
Below you can read , some tips on how to easily avoid a computer infection.Follow them and we can guarantee, that you’ll never have to deal with an infected PC.
1. Avoid running programs that where downloaded from a untrustworthy source or don’t have a digital signature.
Before clicking the ‘Run‘ button make sure you know what the program is and always keep in mind from where you got it.
Everyone has seen this type of alert however most of the user for a reason or another, decide to ignore it and allow the file to run without any kind of restriction.
Files that don’t have a digital signature or were downloaded from a unknown source should always be treated as dangerous.
I strongly recommend that you check each file before allowing it to run :
Scan it with your antivirus.
Scan it with an on-demad scanner (programs that you can install on your computer and use them only for scans) like HitmanPro and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
Submit the file to virustotal.com, a site which will scan your program with the 43 known antivirus engines.
Even so it’s strongly recommended that you run the file in a virtual environment like Sandboxie.
2.Avoid keygens,cracks and other warez
Keygen , cracks and patches are the most common ways of getting your PC infected.
I strongly advise you to avoid them, as there is little quality control in the world of illegal software, and it is easy for an attacker to name a piece of malware after a popular movie, album, or program to tempt you into downloading it.
3. Download files only from trusted sources.
You can drastically reduce the risk of an infection by knowing what and from where you are downloading a file.
We recommend that you install a site advisor like Web of Trust or Norton Safe Web, which will help you decide if the site is trustworthy or not.
As a general rule it’s recommended that you download files from known and reputable sites that have confirmed that the download is malware free.
If you are unsure about the quality of a download, leave the site and research the software you are being asked to install. If it is OK, you can always come back to site and install it. If it is not OK, you will avoid a malware headache.
4. Use common sense while online
Finding something on the internet does not guarantee that it is true. Anyone can publish information online, so before accepting a statement as fact or taking action, verify that the source is reliable.
If it’s sounds to good to be truth then most likely is!
You’ll not win the lottery and you’ll not get an amazing prize on the Internet so don’t fall for this type of scams. Ignore emails or websites who promise you a great prize as there is always a catch behind this type of promises.
Completing a survey will not grant you a iPhone or 1000$ instead it will give the cyber criminals your personal details.
5. Keep your computer up-to-date and secure
Always update your OS or software when an update is available as this can greatly reduce the chances of an exploit.
Also keep in mind that a simple antivirus engine doesn’t do the job anymore, you need to have a layered system protection as malware threats are constantly changing and improving thus making the antivirus engine obsolete.
An antivirus engine, firewall , host intrusion prevention system, a site advisor and sandbox are security layers which every computer needs to be safe in today’s world. You can build up your malware defenses with our help by starting a thread in our Security Configuration Wizard forum.
Another common mistake made by Windows users is to disable the User Account Control.
The way Microsoft found to keep security, comfort and function in balance by integrating User Account Control (UAC) that seamlessly, is one of the benefits Windows 7 offers.When using a Limited/Standard User Account , your user profile might still getting compromised, but not Windows 7 basic operating system in the background. Even your profile got hit, all your pictures, MP3 files or documents can be restored easily by logging in to another account that is not yet compromised.
I strongly advise you to let this Windows feature enabled and pay a very close attention to this pop-ups , as this could save your PC from an infection.
Other Quick Security Tips :
Uninstall Java if you don’t really need it as this is one of the most exploited programs.
Use complex passwords for you online accounts – Passwords should be a minimum of eight characters and contain a combination of letters (uppercase/lowercase), numbers, and special symbols (!,@, #, &, %,*)
Do not open email attachments from unknown sources or files sent through an instant messenger
Don’t give out your details to people who don’t have a legitimate need to know them.
While on social networks it’s best to be reserved when allowing people to see your profile or updates.
Welcome... That's it for now.. I'm waiting for you reply for more..
Thank you for sharing your configuration, vicdun. Secure and high performing browser choices in addition to IE include Mozilla based (Firefox) and Chromium derived browsers (Chrome or Opera) among others. Two frequently updated, secure, and agile, examples are based upon Mozilla's Gecko engine, the same as Firefox, and are available in 64-bit (x64) form which offer added security and performance with your 64 bit system.
Jack's tips included enhancements for Avast! which may continue to be considered among your top choices. Furthermore, darko999's statement rings true that your needs are a crucial factor. You may consider test driving a 30 day trial version of either of two AV's featured in our current Free Giveaways: ESET and Emsisoft are both favorites of experienced users of this community. Links to both can be found near the top right of this page (above the title of this, your thread!).
Best antivirus is at yours (common sense 2014) haha, well seriously Avast is one of the well known products and it should not be expire since its a free versiom unless you didn't registered.
You can register Avast and continue with the free version or you can use a trial of some of the paid solutions but ultimately it what works best for you on your machine.
Operator error for lack of a better word is the #1 cause of getting infected and the AV/firewall is there as an additional security measure.No security program is 100% ,free or paid.
I like to add other browsers such as Firefox or Chrome with a few goos extensions such as ABD +,Wot ,uBlock in Chrome and HTTPS Everywhere.
Any back up solution?
CCleaner or Privazer?
On demand scanner(s) such as Malwarebytes,Hitman Pro,Emsisoft Emergency Kit and or ESET Online Scanner.
welcome to MT and my suggestion is to add a password manager to secure your passwords when you are online.As for the best antivirus i believe that you will find what is best for you just by trying many of them and you will end up with what is best for you in matter of protection and easy of use, i am in that path my self right now
