Is my security set-up sufficient ?

[Andyonline]

Hi,

just bought a new PC and I want to try to ensure I have good protection against virus's etc but at the same time I don't want to overload myself and go overboard.

At the moment I have Avast Internet Security(paid), Malwarebytes Antimalware (paid) with real protection enabled and SuperAntiSpyware (free)

Would this seem to be OK or would I need anything else ?

Many Thanks

Andy

 

[sammy3417]

You should be fine with that setup mate.... I would point you towards Microsoft security essentials when your license's run out for the above... make sure you have automatic updates enabled and you should be home free..but yes you have a good setup

 

[Britton30]

I would recommend having only one security with real time protection enabled. They can corrupt your system and cause crashes.

 

[solarmystic]

Hi,

just bought a new PC and I want to try to ensure I have good protection against virus's etc but at the same time I don't want to overload myself and go overboard.

At the moment I have Avast Internet Security(paid), Malwarebytes Antimalware (paid) with real protection enabled and SuperAntiSpyware (free)

Would this seem to be OK or would I need anything else ?

Many Thanks

Andy

Hello Andyonline,

Your setup is sufficient. But I reckon having both SuperAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes with real protection enabled is a little bit overkill for your purposes and could slow down your system's performance..
(Both deal with spyware, Malwarebytes is much broader in that scope...)

Many on these forums swear by the free Microsoft's Security Essentials coupled with the Advanced Firewall in Windows 7 + your own hardware firewall set on the router (Yes, MS actually made something good that's free).

You could perhaps, like sammy3417 suggested switch to it when your Avast's subscription runs out..

Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows

 

[DustSailor]

Nowadays, most do not need to pay for an antivirus subscription. It just simply isn't needed anymore. I can't think of any oveerwhelming reason why you should switch Avast for MSE when the license runs out. It is your decision completely on whichever you prefer, and I am sure by that time you will have gotten used to Avast.

I think SAS is a bit overkill also, as well as the paid for malwarebytes. IF I were you, I would research how to practice 'safe internet browsing and surfing', while having an antivirus like MSE or Avast handy with the free version of Malwarebytes for a monthly extra scan.

This is just my opinion. At the end of the day, you are the master of your system, and you will be the one deciding the best security for your system based on many other people's advice. We won't be offended if you do not choose our 'answer'

 

[Layback Bear]

The best way to let you know what my opinion is.
I use MSE, MAM Pro and SAS free.
Another little free goodie I use.
FileHippo.com Update Checker - FileHippo.com
It checks for needed updates in things like Flash, Java and many other programs. Many programs we forget about but are subject to infection.

 

[Golden]

At the moment I have Avast Internet Security(paid), Malwarebytes Antimalware (paid) with real protection enabled and SuperAntiSpyware (free)

Perfect - Avast and Malwarebytes work well together and provide a good layered defense : they will not clash with one another. if you are not using a 3rd party firewall, ensure Windows Firewall is tuned ON.

Be sure to install FlashPlayer, and Adobe Reader updates if prompted to do so, and ensure you have the latest Java installed.

Regards,
Golden

 

[sammy3417]

I think the biggest tip on IT secuirty is to keep your system well patched... The nastys always get on your system via it being unpached... I can offer one good tip... I have two accounts on all my systems one for Admin (installing updates, software...etc.etc.) And a standard user account for surfing the net.. As most malware requires admin rights on your system.... you deny it that from the start with a standard user account hope this helps

 

[DustSailor]

I think the biggest tip on IT secuirty is to keep your system well patched... The nastys always get on your system via it being unpached... I can offer one good tip... I have two accounts on all my systems one for Admin (installing updates, software...etc.etc.) And a standard user account for surfing the net.. As most malware requires admin rights on your system.... you deny it that from the start with a standard user account hope this helps

"Hear, hear"

 

[pincushion]

I think the biggest tip on IT secuirty is to keep your system well patched... The nastys always get on your system via it being unpached... I can offer one good tip... I have two accounts on all my systems one for Admin (installing updates, software...etc.etc.) And a standard user account for surfing the net.. As most malware requires admin rights on your system.... you deny it that from the start with a standard user account hope this helps

I know it makes perfect sense to not surf using an admin account but since I have been doing this for more than a decade without ever catching an infection then for me personally there has to be something else that causes people to get malware. I agree about keeping the OS up to date and also the security programs.

Just my experience and I stress I do not recommend running as admin.

:huh: :shock:

 

[DustSailor]

Hey mate, that is like saying you walk down a dark alley in a shady part of town, but have never been mugged so it is fine. Maybe not today, but there is a higher chance that you get beat bad, more than if you drove home on the freeway. Perfect analogy? nah, but I'm working on it.

Although it can get annoying clicking through the UAC prompts, but that is a good part of it and something that keeps you safe even more so than without.

Basically, you have a balance between ease of use and security. The harder you "lock down" your computer, the less things are easy and you get more of a performance drop. There is noscript blocking and all sorts of stuff that just makes browsing hell. Some people give up and just do without security software o.0

 

[solarmystic]

Hey mate, that is like saying you walk down a dark alley in a shady part of town, but have never been mugged so it is fine. Maybe not today, but there is a higher chance that you get beat bad, more than if you drove home on the freeway. Perfect analogy? nah, but I'm working on it.

Although it can get annoying clicking through the UAC prompts, but that is a good part of it and something that keeps you safe even more so than without.

Basically, you have a balance between ease of use and security. The harder you "lock down" your computer, the less things are easy and you get more of a performance drop. There is noscript blocking and all sorts of stuff that just makes browsing hell. Some people give up and just do without security software o.0

No Script + Ghostery + Private Mode on Firefox + VPN +(Sandboxie Optional) = Secure Surfin'!

 

[sammy3417]

I think the biggest tip on IT secuirty is to keep your system well patched... The nastys always get on your system via it being unpached... I can offer one good tip... I have two accounts on all my systems one for Admin (installing updates, software...etc.etc.) And a standard user account for surfing the net.. As most malware requires admin rights on your system.... you deny it that from the start with a standard user account hope this helps

I know it makes perfect sense to not surf using an admin account but since I have been doing this for more than a decade without ever catching an infection then for me personally there has to be something else that causes people to get malware. I agree about keeping the OS up to date and also the security programs.

Just my experience and I stress I do not recommend running as admin.

:huh: :shock:

Many people do get infected through using their Admin accounts... And yes their are may ways of getting infected...But running as a standard user helps keep some malware at bay

 

[sammy3417]

I think the biggest tip on IT secuirty is to keep your system well patched... The nastys always get on your system via it being unpached... I can offer one good tip... I have two accounts on all my systems one for Admin (installing updates, software...etc.etc.) And a standard user account for surfing the net.. As most malware requires admin rights on your system.... you deny it that from the start with a standard user account hope this helps

"Hear, hear"

Did I miss something?

 

[sammy3417]

Some very good tips here http://www.fas.org/irp/nsa/best_practices.pdf

 

[solarmystic]

I think the biggest tip on IT secuirty is to keep your system well patched... The nastys always get on your system via it being unpached... I can offer one good tip... I have two accounts on all my systems one for Admin (installing updates, software...etc.etc.) And a standard user account for surfing the net.. As most malware requires admin rights on your system.... you deny it that from the start with a standard user account hope this helps

"Hear, hear"

Did I miss something?

Dust Sailor was just agreeing with you on that point mate!

 

[sammy3417]

"Hear, hear"

Did I miss something?

Dust Sailor was just agreeing with you on that point mate!

Thanks mate... was getting paranoid :sarc: Thought I gave the wrong advice

 

[Britton30]

One can't be careful enough to avoid infections. As a GFX team member I often search Google images and many times my Norton security blocks the site for the image I clicked on. Users with poor or no security are at risk without going to so-called dodgy sites.

Badware is there where you least expect it.

 

[Arc]

Your security setup is just perfect. Avast/MSE + MBAM ftw .

Still, one more thing is needed that is what they call common sense . That's the best discriminator sometimes.

And, if you browse safe places, dont get connected with risky devises , you are totally tension free.

One more thing, it was suggested by Corrine to me ... lifesaver sometimes : ANTIMALWARE: Panda USB Vaccine - Download FREE - PANDA SECURITY

 

[Andyonline]

Is something like Secunia PSI or Winpatrol a useful addition as well ?