Should I replace Microsoft Security Essentials?

[Tracey Lowndes]

Now Windows 7 is out of support, should I replace Microsoft Security Essentials with another antivirus/firewall? I will be replacing my current laptop soon, but I want to do some maintenance before I do that.

Any recommendations for replacements would be welcome, preferably with links.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Struggling7]

I’m running MSE and don’t plan on replacing it, because it will continue to get definition and engine updates until 2023. Also Windows firewall is still working on my win 7 OS. I suspect you also have Windows Firewall as it came with win 7, just check >Control Panel>System and Security>Windows Firewall

I’m sure others will recommend different software but this setup has always worked well for me.

 

[Bree]

Yes Tracey Lowndes, Microsoft confirmed that MSE will continue to be updated until 2023 here....

Microsoft will continue to release signature updates (including engine) to service systems currently running Microsoft Security Essentials untill 2023.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17150/windows-7-what-is-microsoft-security-essentials

 

[Tracey Lowndes]

Well, I've read articles suggesting replacing Microsoft Security Essentials with another security application. Were these articles right?

 

[Struggling7]

Well, I've read articles suggesting replacing Microsoft Security Essentials with another security application. Were these articles right?

That’s a personal decision; I’m not sure what articles you’re referring too. I’ve seen one going around site that is several years old, but I’ve read much newer ratings where MSE is rated higher than back then. It was up like ~ 2009, down like ~2014 and last couple years heading back up in free antivirus program ratings.

As I said previously I’m going to continue to use it, I’ve use it for many years thru the ups/downs/ups on different Windows versions and never had any kind of virus, spyware, malware or anything I can remember. The main security components (AFAIK) is signature (definitions) and engine (workings) updates that will continue until 2023, The only thing that won’t be updated (changed) is like the control panel layout, etc.. If I understand that correctly I’m good to go, if not I might be making a mistake. I also like it doesn’t slow down my system and don’t nag about buying upgraded versions like most free antivirus programs.

As I said in the beginning it’s a personal decision, what ever you feel most comfortable with. Some might say if you don’t change the sky will fall (like on 1/14/2020), it’s more about opinions which like -------- everybody has one.
.

 

[Bree]

Well, I've read articles suggesting replacing Microsoft Security Essentials with another security application. Were these articles right?

Depends on how old the articles were. MSE used to be poor, but these days it uses the same engine and definitions as Windows 10's Defender. That gets top ratings now.


Your choice in the end, but MS will continue to update MSE out to 2023. You need to ask how long will other AVs support W7?

 

[michael diemer]

Ditto all of the above. You should also take into account your safe-surfing habits, and your general level of knowledge re: security and computers in general. Not to mention how paranoid you are. Me, I usually have good habits. My general knowledge is rather sketchy; I wing most things. and I'm a bit paranoid. So I choose to run Malwarebytes Premium. Have it on three machines. But when they stop supporting W-7 I will switch to MSE, except for the one machine we have that is Windows 10 (not mine -ugh - but my wife makes her own decisions, and usually gets her way).

 

[torchwood]

Hi @michael diemer

Malwarebytes PREMIUM, V4, is now classified as a fully fledged AS/AV.

Dont run it myself but this will auto-dissable MSE

Latest Version of Malwarebytes


Roy

 

[NoN]

Depends on how old the articles were. MSE used to be poor, but these days it uses the same engine and definitions as Windows 10's Defender. That gets top ratings now.


Your choice in the end, but MS will continue to update MSE out to 2023. You need to ask how long will other AVs support W7?

Well, great it stills get support til 2023...it's a long way to go for Seven now, i mean three years not security patched to run..

 

[michael diemer]

Hi @michael diemer

Malwarebytes PREMIUM, V4, is now classified as a fully fledged AS/AV.

Dont run it myself but this will auto-dissable MSE

Latest Version of Malwarebytes


Roy

Yes, I'm aware of that, been running the premium version for a several months now. Extra coverage for additional machines only cost me $12.00 a machine.

 

[msalton1]

I’m running MSE and don’t plan on replacing it, because it will continue to get definition and engine updates until 2023. Also Windows firewall is still working on my win 7 OS. I suspect you also have Windows Firewall as it came with win 7, just check >Control Panel>System and Security>Windows Firewall


I’m sure others will recommend different software but this setup has always worked well for me.

You may already know this, S7, but as a general statement to those wishing to increase security in win 7:



WFW is good, but only deals with in-bound traffic. Unless you plan on writing outbound rules for your system, you should get a firewall that deals with outbound traffic. My solution for several years now has been Windows 10 Firewall Control, which works with WFW (not affiliated with MS). Everything but system files are black listed and you whitelist on the fly. The paid version provides a much greater degree of control. There's a learning curve, but well worth it, and even if you don't get into those details, just whitelisting as you go is big.


Also, Firefox with security addons does a great job of bolstering browser security. I recommend NoScript, Cookie AutoDelete and Ad Blocker Original.

 

[Struggling7]

WFW is good, but only deals with in-bound traffic. Unless you plan on writing outbound rules for your system, you should get a firewall that deals with outbound traffic. My solution for several years now has been Windows 10 Firewall Control, which works with WFW (not affiliated with MS). Everything but system files are black listed and you whitelist on the fly. The paid version provides a much greater degree of control. There's a learning curve, but well worth it, and even if you don't get into those details, just whitelisting as you go is big.

Also, Firefox with security addons does a great job of bolstering browser security. I recommend NoScript, Cookie AutoDelete and Ad Blocker Original.

Great info thanks, will consider "Windows 10 Firewall Control" depending on system demand. My outbound traffic might not be as critical as many, unless I would pickup something malicious which I minimize with good internet practices.

I use Firefox with some security addons will have to check settings but do know Ad Blocker is Ultimate instead of Original.

Many thanks for your recommendations.

 

[msalton1]

Great info thanks, will consider "Windows 10 Firewall Control" depending on system demand. My outbound traffic might not be as critical as many, unless I would pickup something malicious which I minimize with good internet practices.

I use Firefox with some security addons will have to check settings but do know Ad Blocker is Ultimate instead of Original.

Many thanks for your recommendations.

W10FWC has a free version that functions well (less control than the paid). I recommend downloading and playing with it to see if it's something you should consider. There are pop up balloons for every program that tries to access the internet that isn't whitelisted (system files that require access are whitelisted by default). These balloons will give you an idea of what apps are trying to access the internet. You may be surprised how many apps are phoning home, often reporting your activity.


Also, you may be interested to know that Ad Block Original is the original developer and tries to keep the program on the up and up. Good luck!