Is there any use for additional antispyware applications like Counterspy ?

[Fly]

In the past I've answered that question with 'no'.

In fact, <I> could probably run the computer without security software, as long as I'm cautious. But that might not be such a good idea when I explore the dark side of the 'net. That's not a reference to porn, warez, P2P etc, it's more about not well-known websites that sometimes seem suspicious when I just look at them in a search result.
Recently, Avira has jumped into action a few times. Probably false positives, but I prefer to be safe.

Supposedly, the good AVs and suites of today are quite capable of handling spyware and adware. The results of av-comparatives' tests are not that clear about how well a certain product handles spyware and adware.

If I wanted a realtime or on-demand scanner for spyware and adware specifically, Counterspy would probably be in the top three, perhaps even number one.

In a previous version of Counterspy, in on-demand scans it detected many cookies ... obviously not my number one priority... and one adware program. IMO, the best antispyware application I've ever used.

I know I can restore an image if I suspect something ...
But do you feel that an antispyware application really adds to a good AV/suite ? I'm just not sure how well the different AVs handle spyware/adware, av-comparatives is not that clear about that.

[JerryM]

I have posted that a friend last week got infected with a rogue named antivir. He was using Norton IS, which is one of the best if not the best according to recent tests.
Norton did not detect it even after the infection when he scanned his system.
We ended up using MBAM. One quick scan and it identified and removed it.
Previously he had tried SAS, and while it removed most of it as far as number of pop-ups it did not remove the pop-up when he went to the internet and blocked download sites.

So I have been convinced, in the past, that there was no real need for anything but a top notch AV or suite, I have had to change my mind, and now run MBAM in real time.

I used Counterspy several years ago, but found it heavy. I assume it is a good one, but no recent experience.

I also have gone back to KIS.

Regards,
Jerry

[Ibrad]

I always think its good idea to have an additional antispyware, even if its only on demand. Counterspy is a very good program, I am using it on a spare machine and its very light. Another good choice would be to use Malwarebytes or Superantispyware, they are very good anti-spyware/anti-malware programs.

[NAMOR]

I usually have MBAM install for an occasional scan but it never finds anything on my computer. Honestly for surfing I think it would be better to be have sandboxie or defensewall and clean backups.

[arran]

Is there any use for additional antispyware applications like Counterspy ?

NO

you only need it if you allow yourself to get infected in the first place. in which case you would need things like Counterspy to clean out the malware.

[Edwin024]

And that's why you have all that stuff installed?

[Fly]

-{ Quote: "And that's why you have all that stuff installed?" }-

................

;D

[arran]

-{ Quote: "And that's why you have all that stuff installed?" }-

a lot of that stuff is just hardening tools and ff add ons. I only have about 4 security apps that are actually running very light on resources. only 250mb ram used out of 3.5 gigs of Ram that I have.

Personally I prefer to have security apps running on my pc instead of Malware running on my pc ;D