Does Windows 8.1 still need an anti-virus software?

[ship69]

Hello

I am converting a Win 7 PC into Win 8.1 by doing a fresh install.

I was told that on Win7 that Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) + Malwarebytes Premium is a good combination
Should I upgrade to Win 8 or re-install Win 7 - Windows 7 Help Forums

However it now seems that MSE is built into Windows 8.1 !

ALSO I was told that running more than one anti-virus software at once is a mistake.

Does this mean that we do not need anything for anti-virus/anti-malware other than possibly Malwarebytes Premium?

thanks

J

 

[Addictive Gamer]

Hi,
Here is what works for me:

1.) Built in Windows defender
2.) UAC
3.) restrictive Windows firewall by using *GROUP POLICY* ( outbound and inbound )
4.) using standard account only ( never Admin )
5.) install only signed and verified applications
6.) and the most important, be careful while surfing ( the links u click )

If you follow these steps you'll most likely never be infected and probably don't even need to scan your PC.

 

[Cliff S]

What Gamer said, plus restrict 3rd party cookies in your browsers, you do not have to turn them completely off, just set the restrictions you want/can for each browser.
Also, I do like Gamer does, except I have started using Malwarebytes Anti Exploit Free for added browser security. It doesn't slow browsing down a bit, and it hardly uses resources any it uses only 0.1% my 16gB RAM and runs as a service. Just be careful on the install, there is an offer for premium versions trial, which will revert to the free after the trial period or if you forget to untick you can always end the trial and use the free.

 

[whs]

1. Yes, Windows Defender is OK. It is not the best AV program under the sun but it does the job if you are careful on the web. No AV program is perfect. Best is to go on the web with a virtual Linux system.

2. Running 2 AV programs is not recommended. But you can run a scanner like Mbam.

 

[windows8use]

Windows Defender is enough if you won't download and install programs that you not trusted. You can also get a good on-demand anti malware like MBAM free.

 

[ship69]

Windows Defender is enough if you won't download and install programs that you not trusted.

Wait - what happens if I download and install programs that are not 100% trusted?

This issue sounds like it may be contentious... but what are the best recommendations of advanced users in this community?

(For example
1. I installed a little utility called "Network Activity Indicator" because the id**ts at Microsoft have decided that we customers will only get confused if we have some way of seeing whether our computers are actually downloading/uploading anything an any given moment in time.

2. I installed FileZilla which I thought was open source and which I have used to good effect for many years. But now, suddenly it turns out that they have added some kind of malware.)

 

[cradom]

Where did you get Filezilla? Most places like Softonic and Cnet add things to the installer.
Try and get things from the developer webpages.

 

[Gort]

[
2. I installed FileZilla which I thought was open source and which I have used to good effect for many years. But now, suddenly it turns out that they have added some kind of malware.)

The malware isn't actually in Filezilla itself, but in one of the installers that comes from Sourceforge. If you click on the big download button on Filezilla's home page, then you'll get that installer. You need to go to Filezilla's download page and then click on the "recommended" link, which'll link to a link that ends with "nowrap" . This indicates that the link supplies the non-infected version of the Sourceforge installer (still, be cautious).

Saying that, if you want a non-infected version for sure, then why not install the one supplied by PortableApps (once you have installed PortableApps). The PortableApps project is open source, it's been around for years, and is very safe. They supply portable versions of programs, which you'd usually install on USB drives or the like to bring with you and use on machines on the go (hence why they're called portable), but there is no reason why you can't install them on your desktop machine, etc. They work fine and well there; the apps are even upgraded via the platform.

Saying all that, due to the shenanigans pulled by the Filezilla crew in actually using that infected installer and then glibly evading responsibility when questioned about it, I refuse to use their software (a pity, but there you go). I went for WinSCP instead (you can also get a PortableApps version). No problems with that and it works well.

Ultimately, the only safe way to install things is to search about and check up on them beforehand (reviews, forums, blogs, etc). When installing, ensure that you read all that's being said by the installer, and ensure you click on the right buttons (or don't click on the wrong ones). Just don't click and pray.

 

[Addictive Gamer]

Wait - what happens if I download and install programs that are not 100% trusted?

2. I installed FileZilla which I thought was open source and which I have used to good effect for many years. But now, suddenly it turns out that they have added some kind of malware.)

That's why there is a thing called compiler, you review source code and compile it on your own.
or install software signed by trusted publisher.

Also process monitor is your best bet if you're very sceptic, or want to be sure what programs do on runtime.

 

[TairikuOkami]

Wait - what happens if I download and install programs that are not 100% trusted?

I always check, if the software is listed on Softpedia or I check software and webpage at Virustotal.

[FONT=museo_sans_cond]Softpedia guarantees that ... [/FONT][FONT=museo_sans_cond]is [/FONT][FONT=museo_sans_cond]100% Free[/FONT][FONT=museo_sans_cond], which means it does not contain any form of malware, including but not limited to: spyware, viruses, trojans and backdoors.[/FONT]

Does this mean that we do not need anything for anti-virus/anti-malware

Since Vista people do not need any AV, not even Windows Defender.
Granted, UAC at max and sadboxed browser like Chrome is recommended.

 

[BigMac]

I have started using Malwarebytes Anti Exploit Free for added browser security. It doesn't slow browsing down a bit, and it hardly uses resources any it uses only 0.1% my 16gB RAM and runs as a service. Just be careful on the install, there is an offer for premium versions trial, which will revert to the free after the trial period or if you forget to untick you can always end the trial and use the free.

I also recommend Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit.