Computer security

BrianCSmith

Hi, I have tried various Computer security sites for my home desktop over the years but I keep having the same problem.  Once I have purchased the security (recommended by computer mags etc. and including 'free' ones) I get bombarded by pop ups asking me to upgrade, take out extra security for various reasons, at of course a cost.

Now I have no idea whether I need a lot of these things but surely when I get a 'premium' internet security (or similar wording) product that should be it?

Does anyone know of a provider that supplies one product for every security problem and does not do as I have described?

frustrated Brian

[Deleted User]

It depends on which OS you have.
Windows 10 has all you need built in.
Older Windows will need added security.

DoaM

As above ... if you have Windows 10 you don't need any paid-for security suite. Simply use the built-in Windows Defender, and install MalwareBytes AntiMalware (free) for regular manual malware scans.

a

If you do want to go the extra mile, get Sanboxie - it is free

DoaM

a said:

If you do want to go the extra mile, get Sandboxie - it is free

Fixed that for you. However the tone of the OP suggests that this would be a mile too far nevermind a step.

debitcardmayhem

BrianCSmith said:

Hi, I have tried various Computer security sites for my home desktop over the years but I keep having the same problem.  Once I have purchased the security (recommended by computer mags etc. and including 'free' ones) I get bombarded by pop ups asking me to upgrade, take out extra security for various reasons, at of course a cost.

Now I have no idea whether I need a lot of these things but surely when I get a 'premium' internet security (or similar wording) product that should be it?

Does anyone know of a provider that supplies one product for every security problem and does not do as I have described?

frustrated Brian

No such product sorry, but

DoaM said:

As above ... if you have Windows 10 you don't need any paid-for security suite. Simply use the built-in Windows Defender, and install MalwareBytes AntiMalware (free) for regular manual malware scans.

and everyone will/should tell you that you must have good backups

JJ_Egan

Sandbox is on Win 10   see google .

Pop ups on free AV never had pop ups on genuine paid for AV .

Most on here say Win Defender and Malwarebytes as a default baseline .

No provider can provide security for everything as so many exploits are users clicking on bad links opening emails from unknown sources .

AndyPix

"Viruses" are pretty much dying out these days as its too much work for the developers of them to get any kind of return.

They have all realised that much money can be made creating "potentially unwanted programs" (PUPS) that do not destroy the computer, but rather have some 'limited' use , and in the background they do their nefarious money making stuff (like sending spam, or feeding adverts)

The idea being, that if said program is mildly useful to an unsuspecting user then they wont uninstall it.

And as it has no destructive properties, will not be targeted by Antivirus systems.

So , that said, you really really only need basic heuristic protection from 'Viruses' - and I would say much much more useful is to run a semi-regular scan with the free version of malwarebytes .. Or if you are 'click-happy' then you might even consider the paid for version.

That , IMHO would be money well spent, and gives full and thorough malware protection.

For antivirus , if you are on W10 then the built in defender is solid and you dont need more. If not on W10 yet , then get on it ! And in themeantime you can use something free like Bitdefenders free version.

Just refuse to be scaremongered into being up-sold - because you dont need anything else.

Oh, and whilst on the subject.. There are NO CIRCUMSTANCES when you need any kind of AV on a phone or tablet *

*OK MAYBE if you have a jailbroken phone, and the AV is specifically designed for a jailbroken device then perhaps..

But as far as im aware, that doesnt exist anyway

forgotmyname

Exactly that the easiest protection do not click random links.  If its clickbaity or unknown then
do not click it.

RumRat

Windows 10 security, Malwarebytes (free) and a good dose of common sense, is all that is required.

JJ_Egan

and a good dose of common sense

Often MIA