Anti virus software

[Alanstevensonsgloves]

The ransomeare attack highlights the need for us to protect our computers, and reminds us to regularly back up our files.

Both of which I don't do

What is the UTC recommendations for protecting and backing up? Free or otherwise?

[Vegas Claret]

Avira
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-antivi ... 588-5.html

[If it be your will]

.

[Imploding Turtle]

If you're a typical home PC user you almost certainly don't need to pay for additional security software if you're a Windows user. Windows firewall and Microsoft Security Essentials are more than adequate protection (although i'd also have MalwareBytes installed too).

The biggest problem with IT security for the typical user isn't whether they've got software, or how good the software is that people get lazy and disable their firewall instead of learning how to use it to make exceptions and that pisses me off. People disable their anti-virus because they don't like notifications too. Most of the time (almost all) when a home user gets a virus it's because of something they've chosen to do. Whether it's download from file sharing sites and hitting every "Download" button for 8 pages, or actually turning off their protection, most of the time the Problem Exists Between Chair and Keyboard.

My advice is simply to become a smarter computer user. Familiarise yourself with online threats, and how to protect yourself from them. If you get an email from your bank don't go clicking any links in the email unless you know how to verify that the email is legit. Stop clicking "download" so much. This isn't perfect but hover over links and check that the URL (in the bottom left of your window) is as it should be, so don't click this web address www.santander.co.uk because while it looks innocent enough, if you click it it will ruin your day. Like seriously, don't do it.

Best think you can so is Google "how can i be a safer internet user" and starting from there. This website is a good start - www.getsafeonline.org/protecting-your-computer/safe-internet-use/

[Rick_Muller]

Is it safe to click the Santander link from my Linux box...? Asking for a "friend"

[Imploding Turtle]

Is it safe to click the Santander link from my Linux box...? Asking for a "friend"

It'll rot your mind.

[Hipper]

It seems the biggest issue in this particular attack was using out of date (unsupported) software (Windows XP) and not keeping it updated (Windows had issued an update for XP for this very exploit).

I'm not sure any AV would have solved this problem.

So, the most important thing to do is make sure Windows Update is either set appropriately or you manually check every month (the second Wednesday every month is the norm although updates can be issued anytime).

[mort]

Kaspersky. Been using it for years now and it works perfectly

[mort]

This might be interesting for you

http://pc4u.org/best-antivirus-for-windows/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[basil6345789]

Microsoft have issued an update to XP
I still have an old machine running on Vista (with Kaspersky protecting it)
Does anyone know if they will issue an update for Vista?
Although it's fossilized it would still be a potential source of weakness/spread into the system at large

[Rick_Muller]

the best antivirus is to be well informed and educated so you dont just click attachments in e-mail and links on dodgy websites and to have your OS configured as recommended and up to date, again as recommended. The vast majority (if not all these days) viruses and malware propagate because of the stupidity of the users.

[ClaretAndJew]

I don't use an anti virus, and I don't get viruses.

[Rick_Muller]

Microsoft have issued an update to XP
I still have an old machine running on Vista (with Kaspersky protecting it)
Does anyone know if they will issue an update for Vista?
Although it's fossilized it would still be a potential source of weakness/spread into the system at large

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/lib ... 7-010.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Chip Harrison]

Am I the only one that daren't click on any of the links?

[COYC73]

Kaspersky. Never had a problem with it! I also get the 5 PC version to cover all the laptops in the house for pretty much the same price as a 1 PC version....Bargain!

[BleedingClaret]

Avira
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-antivi ... 588-5.html

yeah like i'm opening that link, I know your game pal

[Jakubclaret]

One alternative that's rarely considered is to leave Windows and Mac OS and switch to Linux. Linux is inherently safer and is free. If you run it as a live CD/DVD it is incredibly safe (though running it that way slows it down - but it's worth considering for online banking).

It's dead easy to use, you just change your BIOS/UEFI settings and bung a CD in. Ubuntu and Mint are the biggest ones (and most like Windows to use) - look out for the free DVDs you get with various Linux magazines. They work well on even the most dated computers because they're not clogged up by useless junk. I've been on Linux for years, never had a virus, and would never, ever consider going back to Windows.

(Oh, and don't think you need to be a techy to use Linux. I know absolutely jack about computers.)

Windows as a OS is completely riddled in comparison to Linux. Linux has less users in comparison so less malware is designed for the system, the average Linux user is also much more tech savvy, so would be less vunerable to malware anyway, compared to the average Windows user.

[Spijed]

Am on Talktalk supersafe. Seems ok. Used to use Avast which is similar to AVG.

[NorthIsCool]

I use McAfee LiveSafe.
It covers EVERY device I have in the house, and also other members of my family in other houses.
1 sub covers all PC's, laptops, Android phones etc.
You can also track said devices.

[aggi]

Microsoft's take on last Friday's attacks, all quite sensible https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issu ... 19fv3ly52n" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; One of the main things to take away is the importance of keeping your PC up to date (true of whichever OS you use). If the patches had been applied those computers wouldn't have even been vulnerable. It's inconvenient having that your computer needs to restart or it taking ages to shut down because a load of patches have been applied but it is necessary.

Microsoft is much better than it used to be in building a secure system and Win10 is pretty good nowadays (if you keep it up to date). Linux is generally more secure (partly through obscurity, partly the way it's designed) but it isn't as easy to use (although much, much better than it used to be). It's generally fine until you run into a problem and then you seen end up editing obscure configuration files in the terminal.

One option for a secure computer for browsing and online is a Chromebook. They're obviously limited in terms of what you can do with them (although with google docs and Office online and the rest you can do a lot with them) but they're virtually bulletproof when it comes to viruses. The only risk is if you actively choose to install a corrupt extension and even then it's a simple matter to wipe the Chromebook and be up and running in 10 minutes.

[techiejoe]

Along with anti virus software, it is better to have good firewall. Using non-admin account is also advisable.

Both firefox and mozilla browsers blocks suspicious and malware websites.

For antivirus, sophos home edition is good choice. Do check out http://technoxy.com/best-free-anti-viru ... ows-10-pc/

[FactualFrank]

I recommend AVG Free. I also use scanners such as:

Spybot - Search & Destroy
Malwarebytes

An extra tip is to use CCleaner - it doesn't protect you against attacks, but it does help prevent your computer from being cluttered up with millions of cookies, temp files etc. You can set it up to run at startup.