Windows 10: View Poll Results: What antivirus/antimalware program would you recommend?

How many of you solely use Windows Defender? How many use a third-party app?

I've installed Kaspersky Internet Security 2017, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to renew. The Creators Update of Windows 10 seems to have a better antivirus/antimalware, but I don't think it's completely on-part with Kaspersky, Norton, BitDefender, etc.

I don't surf dubious websites or download pirated software, but I have a need for high security. I use my laptop for Dragon to dictate patient records and incorporate them into Epic.

Would you guys think Windows Defender is enough, or would you stay with Kaspersky? I haven't noticed a performance hit.

:)

 

Windows Defender Error Code 0x80004004

That definition is about 24 hrs old.



WD should automatically update about every 24 hrs
if the program needs new definitions. I’ve seen MS antimalware products (and others for that matter) sometimes go a couple of days before new definitions are required.



Why don't you see if WD will automatically update the next time you restart the computer?



Or see
https://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/definitions/adl.aspx



But if you are not comfortable with WD, you can always install a third party program of your choice (which will disable WD). There are some antimalware programs that can be set to update every hour if that's what you want them to do.



http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/antivirus-partners#AVtabs=win10



Choosing an Anti-Virus
Program



Is Windows Defender The Best For Windows
10? Good article but ignore the ads.

AV Poll 2015 - Security | DSLReports Forums





Regards…

 

Starting Windows 10 Defender

Would there, perhaps, be a third party antivirus or antimalware program somewhere on your device?

 

I stopped considering other solutions when Windows defender improved significantly earlier this year.

See AV-TEST – The Independent IT-Security Institute for their latest comparison. If you click on the sideways arrow on the right of the Windows defender entry you will see that where it falls down [relatively] is in higher than average loading of application installations and starts [that's the Performance score]. Its level of protection is as good as almost all of them [as you'll see in the Protection score].

Denis

 

Thanks for the link Try3, but it looks like Windows Defender has a bigger performance hit than Kaspersky.

 

Eric,

Windows defender has slower downloads, application installations & application starts. I have experimented with Norton, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, McAfee over the last year or so. I could not, in practice, see any performance differences when using the computer.

As for their relative Protection, Windows defender has only recently entered the top of the range whereas Kaspersky has routinely been achieving 99.8%+ for ages.

Denis

 

If you need high security, you should be using encryption. No AV package protects against a dodgy link (many fakes that look genuine) or a new unknown threat.

Also, you should have a robust backup strategy in case pc does get attacked.

 

I have Kaspersky antivirus provided free by my bank. I still have concerns about the security of their software due to Kaspersky being Russian. I guess whether you are more worried by vulnerabilities provide by spying by the NSA or FSB. I might just use Defender having seen the good scores in the link posted above.

 

Agree with that one!
If using Windows Defender, I would recommend adding the paid version of Malwarebytes Antimalware.

 

Thanks to all for the replies. I have encryption of my SSD enabled through Dell's Data Protection Program. The computer uses a password for initial boot and then fingerprint for access to locked screen/screen saver etc. The laptop came with a FIPS-compliant fingerprint scanner and smartcard reader.

I use OpenVPN for an encryption to my network at home anytime I'm on public wifi. I have a pfSense server that I use solely for Snort and as an OpenVPN server.

I definitely try to keep everything as secure as possible, but I realize nothing is 100%. (I even use a lock to keep my laptop from being stolen at work when people are walking the hallways of the ER -- it won't prevent someone from cutting the cable, but it helps prevent the passerby from quickly snatching it).

It seems like most people prefer Windows Defender over other antivirus programs. I may not renew my Kaspersky and just use it. The websites I visit with my work laptop are almost always work-related (UpToDate, ePocrates, PerfectServe, Georgia Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, etc.).

There have been a couple of compromises of security in physician offices lately and I definitely don't want to be in the news as one of them.

 

The above AV TEST results will be irrelevant when the Creator Autumn/Fall update is released.
Improvements to Defender will include WDAG Application Guard plus Exploit Protection.

 

Have 1 System right now using Windows Defender with Block at First Sight Enabled and Pua protection guess I'm as safe as when I used to use Avast, Cannot afford Paid version of Malwarebytes though, but I guess if I remember to do weekly scans with the Free Malwarebytes I should be ok.

Rest of the Household Systems are running Avast latest 2017 version

 

If you don't need to use them disabling USB ports is a good idea. USB keys are terrible at spreading malware.

Blocking USB Devices and Removable Media - Active Directory GPO - Spiceworks

If you need them occasionally you can sign off your normal account and onto administrator account and enable them again temporarily.