Security combinations?

Discussion in 'other anti-malware software' started by Confused86, Oct 13, 2013.

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  1. Confused86

    Confused86 Registered Member

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    Ok so I don't consider myself particularly tech savvy when it comes to Internet security. With my old laptop I only ever used the free version of Avast for protection and decided to just go with the same when I recently got a new laptop as I never had any issues.

    However, in the past few months I have had a problem with one piece of ransomware in particular on the new laptop that I have struggled to get rid of fully. It kept coming back and back and eventually I had to wipe my computer and restore it to factory settings to clear the damn thing rather than pay someone to remove it.

    So now I'm thinking I need to majorly bulk up my security but have no clue whether I'm better off using several different programmes or one security suite. Also, I've always used free programmes but now I'm thinking should I go for a paid version? I just have no clue where to start.

    I don't want the computer to slow down as I know some security programmes can do this but I don't know which ones are good or bad. When I look online it's all so confusing because the reviews always conflict.

    Help!!!!!
     
  2. blasev

    blasev Registered Member

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    what is you laptop spec?
     
  3. Techwiz

    Techwiz Registered Member

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    As long as your not someone that intentionally navigates to malicious sites and torrents (pirated) content a lot. The average computer users should be able to get with free software. As long as you have an anti-virus, anti-malware, anti-spyware/keylogging (optional, and not necessary as some of the others may include protection already), and a firewall (windows built-in is fine). I like to keep several on-demand scanners available so I can get a second, third, fourth opinion on files that I download. Sticking with a suite would be a good idea if you want to avoid conflicts and other incompatibility issues. I'd definitely suggest you check out this thread for some ideas on possible combinations:
    httx://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=111264

    If you find something you like, you can always ask the community and consult the developer's FAQ, support forums, etc. about compatibility. But as long as you don't double up on anything: antivirus, anti-malware, hips, firewalls, sandboxes, etc. you should be fine. Also, keep in mind your option will vary depending on the operating system/hardware. I'm not currently tracking Windows 8 compatibility, but I haven't had problems in particular with Windows Vista or Seven myself. Just some minor compatibility issues due to two applications offering similar features.
     
  4. guest

    guest Guest

    I would ask about how did you get hit with that ransomware? If it was from the browser, try extensions like NoScript. Also, a more secure DNS filter like Norton DNS or OpenDNS to avoid malicious/phishing sites.

    Be careful that those reviews might contain some fantastic fanboyism. :ninja:
     
  5. ams963

    ams963 Registered Member

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    I highly recommend Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete. This is all that you would need and more. The fastest, lightest and most efficient security solution. No need for combinations. All-in-one solution. Just give it a try and marvel the magic.:D
     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2013
  6. fax

    fax Registered Member

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    Just look at AV-TEST.org and/or AV-comparatives.org and choose the preferred one... any with certification is good to go. Its not about choosing the best but about choosing a solution that you feel confortable with and that runs well on the system. Don't pile up security tools one over the other, just choose one that you are able to master.
     
  7. ifacedown

    ifacedown Registered Member

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    Yes, choose one that you are able to master. Emsisoft Anti Malware 8 is the one that has served me well for almost two years already.
     
  8. justenough

    justenough Registered Member

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    Welcome to Wilders. To start with you could install a good free AV: http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-anti-virus-software.htm

    You could add 2 free scanners, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware: http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/

    and Hitman Pro: http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro/

    When you are sure your system is clean of infection make a system image with a program like Macrium Reflect: http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

    Then you can relax and start reading, if nothing else check out the signatures in recent posts in this thread https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=111264&page=1288 to get ideas of how to combine different kinds of security programs.

    And if you need to, read up on safe computing practices.
     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2013
  9. Johnny123

    Johnny123 Registered Member

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    You should consider running as a limited user (or standard user as Microsoft now calls it) and setting up a software restriction policy or parental controls. For a limited user, take a look here. To see how to set up a software restriction policy or parental controls, read this. If you read the instructions carefully, it is very simple to set up.

    Using the security features from the OS itself is the best starting point. With these measures enabled you are probably eliminating around 99% of the malware out there. After this you can install an AV of your choice which runs the lightest. In fact, I used a system like this for several years with no realtime AV and never got infected. At the moment I have MSE installed because I tried it out to see how it is and since it is very non-intrusive and light on my system I have left it on.
     
  10. tomazyk

    tomazyk Guest

    First I would suggest you to learn about safe computing. Knowledge is your best weapon against malware.
    Here are some sites that can give you some tips:

    http://www.av-comparatives.org/it-security-tips/
    http://www.staysafeonline.org/
    http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/

    Then try building your security setup that best suits your computing habits. Polls section of this forum can be used to check out what software is popular among members of this forum.
    You can then download and try software for yourself and decide which is the best for your unique system.
     
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