Microsoft security essentials


  1. Posts : 329
    Windows 7 home premium
       #1

    Microsoft security essentials


    Is it possible to upgrade from windows defender to microsoft security essentials without changing the system tray icon? I really prefer the windows defender icon. Is it at least possible to disable the annoying animation that appears when you search for viruses?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 0
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #2

    I'm sorry, I can't answer your question because I don't use Security Essentials. But from what I read here several years ago, you're probably better off with ClamWin as a basic anti-virus scanner.

    Due note that anti-virus software is more or less just a security blanket and something to make one feel all warm and fuzzy knowing it's there. That's because they are in large part definition based and won't stop something like zero day malware such as ransomware. Not only that, but most anti-virus software is over bloated and is a major spying apparatus where the software intercepts all of your Internet traffic and God only knows what else. I don't think ClamWin does that since they are NOT an active anti-virus but just a passive scanner. Plus, ClamWin is open source so you can examine the code yourself as well as others can do the same. So if there are shenanigans people would see it. Of course, being able to compile it yourself would further add to the trustworthiness. But that's beyond the scope of this post.

    My mitigation attempts are just scanning the download (each and every download) at VirusTotal (a Google owned product that gets malware samples from the U.S. Cyber Command). The general consensus is four hits and you toss. But it depends on what you have and if you know how to read the given relations if available.

    An easier way to check the download is by generating the SHA256 hash for the file and pasting that hash value into VirusTotal's search box. If that file was already uploaded to VirusTotal you'll get a result. Otherwise you'll have to upload it yourself. A great little program I use to check hash values of files is Hash Tools. You just right click the file and select the Hash Tools option. Then generate the SHA256 hash of the file. VirusTotal ONLY uses SHA256.

    Refrain from downloading self executing files of course. Here's a list to be weary about. Some require user intervention to execute. The everyday normal .exe is one such file. ANYTHING even an image can contain malware. Someone could craft something in a seemly innocent image using an alternative data stream and upon the unsuspecting user loading the image on your computer (or browser) (to look at it) the internal hidden code is executed and now you have a RAT (Remote Access Trojan) Say goodbye to all of your private info. on your computer and possible network. A hacker could go one step further an obfuscate the alternative data stream with simple Morse code or a Bacon cipher or something very rudimentary to bypass anti-virus scanning heuristics.

    There are whole disk sandboxing programs. Shadow Defender is one (wish it had profiles). For my browsers I use Sandboxie (can interfere with Shadow Defender). But with more security comes more cumbersomeness. Above all else, periodic whole disk clones and data backups go a long way.

    Anyway...Give this a read. The author is echoing my sentiments I've had for years now. Going back to when I got rid of anti-virus software circa 2015. Is Your Antivirus Software Spying On You? | Restore Privacy
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 329
    Windows 7 home premium
    Thread Starter
       #3

    is it at least possible to disable the notification icon in the system tray?
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 23:58.
Find Us