What security software do you use?

What security software do y'all use? What are your recommendations and decisions regarding computer security? Let's discuss!

I use Avast 4.8 home edition (free), and McAfee, which I purchased (though it is not the most recent version anymore), as well as the basic Windows Defender and Malwarebytes (any feedback on this)? Vote in the poll! If you use more than one, pick the one you most rely on.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide all adverts.

I have a team of heavily armed hamsters performing regular patrols around my computer.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide all adverts.

Other, MSE.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide all adverts.

Nothing really defined as "Security".
Privoxy to prevent harmful web scripts and cookies. (It even denies referral addresses to new websites).
I only go to trusty websites and only download safe things.

You can't get a virus if you're going to safe websites.

 

I don't use any security software. This is not because I underestimate the threat of malicious code, but rather, because I feel that computer/Windows literacy and safe computer usage (as what CheskiChips says above) constitutes better protection than software. I also want to run as few processes as I need to use my computer. Software set to periodically scan or constantly monitor files are resource hogs, especially on an aged computer like mine.

I don't advocate running no security software for most users (emphasis on most users, not average users). Especially those who don't know what a rootkit is, don't understand how it works, or are unwilling to spend time removing it. Prevention is the a fair defense in lieu of experience and knowledge.

I do use "after the fact" software to help me detect or remove malicious code if I suspect it. Among them, HijackThis and Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. There are many people adept at comprehending a log generated by both tools and can give you tailored, comprehensive instructions to help you on your way.

I feel that complacency is the biggest threat to the integrity of our computer security methodology. Lack of knowledge is runner up.

As a closing note, the built-in Windows Defender is a pretty capable piece of software.

 

Never used one, and never had a problem.

 

Even if you practice safety, that doesn't mean you are safe; viruses and malware can still get to your system in subtle ways. If it were so simple, people wouldn't get viruses; thus I think anti malware software is very important.

 

My brains.

 

I haven't run an AV in years. I got paranoid a few months ago, and downloaded and installed Avira - came up clean. I run Spybot every once in a while. I've been thinking about installing MSE, if for no other reason than to make the red flag in my system tray go away.

Every now and then I get something in the spam folder of my free email about how my Facebook password has been reset, and the new one is in the attached file. It boggles my mind that people fall for that, but look at how many people the Nigerian scammers manage to take in.

 

Having preventative software installed doesn't necessarily mean you are safe, either. In fact, such software can encourage complacency through a false sense of security.

If it were so simple, there wouldn't be so many flavors of software doing the same thing. Sure, the concept that the software addresses is important, but not failproof.

 

Kaspersky Internet security, used to use norton.. but it sucked as.

 

i don't use antivirus.

i use:
3 hotfixes from microsoft.
zonealarm.
tune up utilities to repair registry and to remove activex controls.
ccleaner to remove history/MRU lists.
highjackthis to remove various bullshit.
i removed windows messenger, mediaplayer, and internet explorer, and i don't use outlook express.

 

Well, that isn't quite working.. lol

Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

You guys still got some malware running since I keep getting weird emails from shorty's account.

 

I have not used any type of security software for over 5 years. I have not had one problem. Some simple rules to avoid having bulky, CPU intensive, and annoying security software.

Never run software from peer to peer systems. Always read the EULA as spyware and the like is often bundled with some software. Avoid illegal/cracked software and web sites. Never run anything from an email unless you are sure of its source.

Follow these simple rules and you wont need to use security software.

Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

 

security software is somewhat useless unless you download stuff get yourself a good firewall and you simply dont need it.. i dont download anything aka music itunes napster crap like that and i just have a firewall 4 years now not 1 virus

 

Anyone who uses Microsoft has its own firewall running unless they turn it off.

 

i used to fix computers for friends who always got viruses. they seemed to get them from porn sites, peer to peer and cracked programs. one guy ran a carcked program and after a few weeks his drive filled up to the point he couldnt use it. He gave me the drive and i formatted it and it was fine, so i kept the formatted drive. we thought he had bad sectors but the drive was fine.

 

So you stole it?