Windows 10: What is the BEST Protection for DUMB Users?

I'm looking foe the best protection against viruses and so forth for my mother's computer. She knows enough to not know she's getting herself in trouble by infecting her computer. That said, I'm looking for silent real-time protection.

In the past, I've used both Bitdefender and Web root on Windows 7. I'm not sure I liked either for different reasons, so I'm either going to get Bitdefender again, or try Kaspersky. From what I understand, both have perfect scores.

Thoughts?

EDIT: I didn't think I'd have to mention this, but this is for a Windows 10 machine.

:)

 

What is the best protection against the Ransom Hack - May 12, 2017

Thanks!

They said on the news that Microsoft had software that would combat this attack perfectly that they created last year. Know what they were referring to?

 

What is the best protection against the Ransom Hack - May 12, 2017

You posted in sub-category Microsoft Security Essentials but - judging by your prior posts I believe you use Windows 10... Is that correct?

If you kept your computer and your Anti-Virus program updated, you should be fine...

Please read:

• Customer Guidance for WannaCrypt attacks
• WannaCrypt ransomware worm targets out-of-date systems

In addition suggestion to read the following articles which provide some more interesting information

• Best Practices for Safe Computing - Prevention of Malware Infection
• Spotlight on Ransomware: Common infection methods
• Spotlight on Ransomware: How ransomware works
• WannaCry / Wana Decryptor / WanaCrypt0r Info & Technical Nose Dive
• How to remove ransomware the right way: A step-by-step guide

 

Hi:

You ask a common question with no "right" answer, regardless of the Windows OS version.*Smile
If there were a "best" security product out there, then there would be only one choice.
And 10 computer users will probably offer at least 11 passionate opinions on the subject.
IOW, there is no one "best" product for all computers, all users, all budgets, etc.

The important concept nowadays is to use a layered approach to security, with a robust realtime AV, alongside realtime anti-malware and anti-exploit applications, plus possible additional measures (custom hosts files, hardware/software firewall, etc.)

Having said all that, no one security program or combination of programs can possibly protect all users from all malware all of the time.
The first and last line of computer defense is the component between the chair and the keyboard.*Wink

Here are some references:
The complexity of finding, preventing, and cleanup from malware
So how did I get infected in the first place?
How did I get infected?
Answers to common security questions - Best Practices
List of well known antivirus products
Six tips to help you stay safer online
Re: "free" AVs: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/foru.../#entry3781476

HTH,

MM

 

I'll be using Malwarebytes or SUPERAntiSpyware for malware. Just looking for Antivirus and Firewall protection along with general online protection. In other words, something that scans websites for viruses and phishing.

 

IMHO MBAM + MBAE are better than SAS (except for non-malware tracking cookies).

As for the AV and firewall, the links I provided discuss the pros and cons of many different products.
I am not yet on Win10, but have used Kaspersky products for many years on multiple Windows platforms.

There is no one "best" option that suits all computer, users and budgets.

Cheers,

MM

 

Hi.
I'll add to MM's excellent advice:

Malwarebytes' (commonly referred to as MBAM) free version is very good, *if* you remember to update the virus definitions and run a scan on a regular basis. The same goes for SuperAntispyware (SAS), and I would say, if you use the free version of both, together, you will find that they each will discover different things on the system, and so would be used as a compliment to each other. MBAM's paid version is very reasonable, and I would recommend it for your mother.

An active AV should be thrown into the mix: Defender, Avira, Avast (all have free versions available), etc., or go with your favorite paid AV (Kaspersky is good - I am using it now on one rig). Your AV will be watching your web browsing.

Windows firewall is pretty good; if you feel your mother needs a more robust firewall you could try one, but the "learning nags" might get to be a bit much.

Malwarebytes Antiexploit (MBAE) will help with zero-day attacks.

CryptoPrevent will also help with zero-days and malware which might sneak in and try to execute.

Setting your DNS servers on your NIC to OpenDNS will thwart visits to known malicious sites.

A browser which supports extensions (which is unfortunately not available yet with Edge, but should be some time next year), and LastPass Password Manager plugin will warn you before logging into phishing sites.

That's about all I can think of ATM.

 

Back at ya' @simrick.*Smile

In addition to that excellent advice, just a quick clarification: neither MBAM Free (nor SAS Free) provides real-time protection.
The Free versions are just manual, on-demand scanners that can only REMOVE malware that has already made it onto the system past the AV.

EDIT: Re this:

MBAM (both Free and Premium version) will automatically check for updates when running a MANUAL scan.
(MBAM Premium can also be configured to automatically & silently check for updates on a regular schedule, with an hourly update check the recommended/default setting.)
And, of course, MBAM is not an anti-virus and it does not target "viruses" -- it largely targets non-viral malware. So the databases are "malware" databases, not "virus definitions".*Wink

It is always better to PREVENT malware infection, if possible.
For that, one would need the paid, premium versions of an anti-malware application, such as MBAM or Emsisoft or other, in order to have real-time protection.

MBAE Free shields browsers and plug-ins from exploits.
MBAE Premium can be configured to shield any internet-facing application.
MBAE focuses on the "how" of malware protection, while MBAM (and other anti-malware applications) and your AV focus on the "what" of malware protection.

And nothing can protect the user who is determined to become infected by practicing "unsafe hex".*Wink

Cheers,

MM

 

Ad-Aware anti-virus does the job for my family, so far 'touch (looks around) Wood look a-like substitute desk' nobody has managed to break their PCs or get infected, and some of them have really really tried..


Baring that , a large metal edged ruler and 'shouting , don't do that again' whilst using said ruler on the fingers may be your only solution.

 

I recommend Avast-Free Antivirus 2016. Includes Safe Browsing for Chrome and Firefox, Firewall, Rescue Disk, Malware, Trojan and other protections (Obviously for Viruses). Boot-Time Scan (Scans everything, including Boot Sectors and Hidden Partitions). Spyware and Adware Protection.
For Key Logging Protection, I use Zemana-AntiLogger Free, preventing Hackers from stealing your Keys.
If your still scared, install MBAM (Malwarebytes-Anti Malware Free). I recommend you install it anyways.
MSM

 

I went ahead and took a shot in the dark and purchased Kaspersky Total Security. It was one of four total security suites with perfect scores. I installed it on 3 Windows 10 PCs last night and it seems to be working decently.

The question remains: Is this sufficient? Or am I still needing something like SuperAntiSpyware and/or MBAM/MBAE? If you all remember the rotisserie chicken infomercial, "Set it and forget it", that's pretty much what I'm looking for. Something that'll do its thing under the hood and keep the PC safe with almost zero user interaction.

 

Good choice, don't take advantage and install two Anti-Viruses on your Device, that will mess it up. Yep, still install MBAM however, SuperAntiSpyware is your choice.

 

Josh, Since you're looking for set-it-and-forget-it protection for your mother, I would suggest adding MBAM Pro (real-time, paid version) and MBAE (which is real-time and free).

Read here why:
https://support.malwarebytes.org/cus...are-?b_id=6438

The SuperAnitspyware free version would round things out; it should be manually run every month or so (it will require user interaction, since it is not real-time, unless purchased).

This combination will be a robust measure for your mother. Don't rely on your AV alone - it's just not enough these days.

 

EDIT: OOPS! I didn't see @simrick's post just above mine. I guess it looks as if I am "parroting" the post. "Great minds think alike!"*Biggrin

KTS is a very solid choice (I have used Kaspersky products for years), although (in general) Kaspersky products are NOT necessarily the most "set it or forget it" among the popular AVs. Over the years, their user-friendliness has improved quite a bit.

Yes, you can still add the additional layers of complementary protection.
My personal preference favors MBAM + MBAE (both Premium) over SAS (which I still use for a manual, on-demand scanner, primarily for non-malware tracking cookies).

MBAE (either Free or Premium) is ~entirely "set it and forget it" out of the box, although the Premium version also allows users to customize settings and to configure custom shields for other programs not covered by the Free version. But the default settings are good for most users.
Either way, it helps to protect against exploits, which are a major vector for malware these days and which are not well covered by most of the standard AVs.

MBAM Free does not provide real-time protection. It is just a manual, on-demand scanner for primarily non-viral malware.
MBAM Premium does provide layered protection alongside your AV. It should likewise be fine out of the box, using the default settings, with little user input for configuration or management, although it can be tweaked/configured by an advanced user who wishes to do so.

Having said all that, there are other available options for paid, real-time anti-virus, anti-malware and anti-exploit protection.

HTH,

MM

 

You could also think outside the box and try something in addition alongside the regular anti-virus and anti-malware solutions.

Two suggestions are Appguard and NoVirusThanks, both are anti-executables. I use AG, its bulletproof and very easy to use, not much will get by it. NVT is fairly easy to setup and has few popups once it learns your system.