I have recently been watching a lot of YouTube on scamming. Each author is sponsored by Gaurdio, Aura.com, NordVPN etc and each promoting them as the ultimate protection. I am puzzled as to merits of them as so end up doing nothing. Currently I am using Windows Defender, Avira free and Voodooshield paid. I need to protect various computers, tablets, phone, Alexa devices. Would welcome some advice as to what, if any, protection to add without going overboard.
The only thing you need to add is user discipline. Make sure you keep your OS and your security current. And then (and this is the most important) avoid being "click-happy" on unsolicited links, downloads, attachments, and popups. This is because the user is ALWAYS the weakest link in security. Last, keep current backups.
When it comes to fake helpdesk/call centre scams, ad blocking is the most effective line of defense. In my experience, I recommend everything except AdGuard. For example, free add-ons from below: adblockultimate.net/browsers
Don't know if Adblocker Ultimate currently does this. But gorhill didn’t recommend using it. https://twitter.com/gorhill/status/1165747661691064322 https://twitter.com/gorhill/status/1382319849989357568 https://twitter.com/gorhill/status/1165653947878653952
I like and use Adguard. In my experience, it works great. That's said, I am not going to get into a debate over which is best because no one block is best at everything for every browser. Just use one. If you don't feel it is working like it should, try a different one. That said, it goes back to my comment above about user discipline and avoiding being click-happy. Still, out of sight out of mind. A decent ad blocker will block most of those enticing links before they can lure you into clicking on them.
WD can only used on demand with another AV. in special for that "free": its not that good as defender. and: any free version spies you more than defender. the balance for other antivirus than the built-in between security and issues varies. defender has its places, thats it, no more. any other is causing definitely more issues and thus more headaches and are vulnerable in its core = kernel drivers. for mobile devices - dont install any AV, pointless, waste of money. for android investigate into adguard premium. VPN is overrated. it does not help you out when using registered services. so many myths... https://www.bitdefender.com/blog/hotforsecurity/common-vpn-myths-debunked/ https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-myths-busted https://privacysavvy.com/vpn/guides/biggest-vpn-myths-and-misconceptions/
Thanks. I appreciate all the replies. I am doing more or less what you are advising The worth of a VPN interested me from a security point of view. Have no need to fake my location to get around location specific site. Cheers
VPN do not offer much security, its closer to NULL than other. some offer filters, but i wont count on those because those are weaker than e.g. ublock (origin) or adblock plus, and not configurable (except on/off) concerning fake location (fake geo), some services can detect your location even when using VPN, or they block VPN endpoints in total.
Seems like promoting VPN to average users, ist the new business model. I've seen this several times. Asking the user, who does no nothing about VPN, but does believe in more security.
