Windows 10: Security/Antivirus Protection

Lately, I had been receiving pop-up notifications that my antivirus software had expired. After ignoring them several times, I received an automated audible verbal and visible warning that my computer was contaminated and that I must contact the number on the screen 800 403-2488. The message was loud and repetitive and warned me not to close out of the screen without calling. I called the number and that led to me yielding remote access to my laptop to an individual who I believed to be Microsoft Tech support. He said that I had a trojan horse virus on my computer, and then the conversation led to him trying to coerce me to immediately purchase expensive services $200-$500 to fix this problem. I am now very concerned about that interaction. Was that indeed Microsoft tech support?

:)

 

Antivirus protection

No. Please read:
Why it isn't a good idea to run multiple full antivirus products at the same time

But you can always use other tools for on-demand scans, see:

• this Forum Article:
  List of Malware Removal Tools
• this
  List of Removal Guides

In addition, suggestion to read:

• Best Practices for Safe Computing - Prevention of Malware Infection
  
• Top 10 Ways PUPs Sneak Onto Your Computer. And How To Avoid Them.
  

 

PC antivirus protection

Windows 10 comes with in-built AV Windows Defender.

Please read:

• Choosing an Anti-Virus Program
• Safe Steps for Replacing your Anti-virus - Why should you use Antivirus
  software?
• Supplementing your Anti-Virus Program with Anti-Malware Tools
• Why it isn't a good idea to run multiple full antivirus products at the same time
  
  

• 13 mistakes to avoid when choosing antivirus software in 2018

• Best Practices for Safe Computing - Prevention of Malware Infection
  

 

Suggest me best total security/antivirus for windows 7

heard much about microsoft security essentials.

is it total security? [antivirus,antispam-firewall-realtime protection)?