Sophos Disses Norton and McAfee, Praises Windows 8 Built-in Antivirus

Perhaps you've heard that Windows 8 will ship with built-in antivirus software. Don't fret if you're just now learning this, Microsoft did a great job bombarding the media with information about its next major OS at its BUILD conference, and retaining it all on first pass is asking a lot. Nevertheless, this is a big announcement, and one that can't be sitting well with third-party AV vendors. Security firm Sophos has a message for them: "Too bad, sucka!"

Read more at: Maximum PC | Sophos Disses Norton and McAfee, Praises Windows 8's Built-in Antivirus
 
Norton, and Mcafee have always been resource hogging garbage....that isn't news to anyone :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built by me
    CPU
    QX9770 @ 4.3ghz
    Motherboard
    EVGA 780i A1
    Memory
    4gb Corsair XMS2 DDR800 @ 1.0ghz
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 8800GT SSC SLI
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster Live Xtreme Gamer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" Samsung LED LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 x 150GB WD Raptors in Raid 0 (OS)
    1 x 750GB Hitachi (Storage)
    PSU
    Enermax Galaxy 1000watt
    Case
    Lian Li Extended ATX
    Cooling
    Thermalright Ultra 120 with 2 x 120MM fans
    Keyboard
    Dell Soft touch USB
    Mouse
    Dell Optical USB
    Internet Speed
    FIOS 40Mb down / 40Mb Up
The only difference it will make is for those systems without a pre-installed A/V. OEM's will continue getting their pay-per-install from Norton & McAfee and people will continue to let them expire without replacing them.

Snips from Protecting you from malware - Building Windows 8 - Site Home - MSDN Blogs (already posted here in Win8 News):

We believe that all Windows 8 users should be protected by traditional antimalware software that provides an effective, industry-recognized level of protection. There are a lot of great antimalware solutions available that we expect will be updated to protect Windows 8 PCs and we believe most PC makers will continue to ship Windows PCs with these solutions installed.
We’re continuing to work with antimalware partners during the Windows 8 development process so you have the best possible Windows PC experience no matter what antimalware solution you choose. We provide them with resources, such as the technical details of how we architected the performance improvements for Windows Defender, so they have the opportunity to make similar improvements to their products.
 

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Yeah, I agree with the fact that security software companies had their chance this past decade but yet PCs are getting herpes and viruses and all sorts of yuck. But then again, that might be also due to the fact of user ignorance. Windows 8 will change that.

On a side note, I am really liking the phrase, "Windows 8 will change that." It's awesome!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Good info. Still loaded up MSE and its running smoothly.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
Good info. Still loaded up MSE and its running smoothly.

Hi, Lee!

Why did you do that when it's already built in to the Win 8 OS?
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows 8, x64, DP8102 - Win7 Ultimate x64, Dual Boot
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
    CPU
    Core 2 Duo T5500
    Motherboard
    Intel
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 965
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop 17", Gateway 20"
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 (x2)
I'm wondering, isn't MS building up monopolistic positions again that it got hammered for? Inbuilt AV, iso handler, pdf reader (where did modern pdf reader disappear? Oh well, not really missing it).
 

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Good info. Still loaded up MSE and its running smoothly.

Hi, Lee!

Why did you do that when it's already built in to the Win 8 OS?

It is, is that what Windows Defender is/does??


Can I uninstall MSE?

As far as MS building an AV, or anything else they want into their OS, good for them. I just bought a Chevrolet pick up, GM had installed the seat belts, thank you GM. I don't need to be running all over looking for seat belts.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8 Pro x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    24c Built
    CPU
    i7-2700k
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z68 EXTREME4 GEN3
    Memory
    CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ENGTX560 TI
    Sound Card
    n/a
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 Samsung 2343BWX
    Screen Resolution
    2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    2-Vertex4x128-RAID0-OS
    2-Vertex4x128-RAID0-DATA
    2-Vertex4x256-RAID1-BACKUPS
    PSU
    CORSAIR Professional Series Gold AX750
    Case
    ANTEC 900
    Cooling
    stock case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 solar
    Mouse
    Logitech M310 wireless
    Internet Speed
    pretty quick
I'm wondering, isn't MS building up monopolistic positions again that it got hammered for? Inbuilt AV, iso handler, pdf reader (where did modern pdf reader disappear? Oh well, not really missing it).

As I understand it, since the majority of computer purchases are OEM, if the OEM elects to include a different A/V then the revamped Windows Defender will not be activated. From the same blog post:

If you don’t have another solution installed, Windows 8 will provide you protection with a significantly improved version of Windows Defender.

Good info. Still loaded up MSE and its running smoothly.

Hi, Lee!

Why did you do that when it's already built in to the Win 8 OS?

It is, is that what Windows Defender is/does??


Can I uninstall MSE?

As far as MS building an AV, or anything else they want into their OS, good for them. I just bought a Chevrolet pick up, GM had installed the seat belts, thank you GM. I don't need to be running all over looking for seat belts.

On Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7, Windows Defender only includes signatures for spyware, adware, and PUPs. Only in the Developer Preview, the virus, worms, bots and rootkit definitions included in MSE, Microsoft Forefront, Windows InTune, etc. are included, thus incorporating A/V protection.

Thus, in the Developer Preview, Windows Defender = Microsoft Security Essentials.
 

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Hello Corrine. As far as OEMs are concerned, they'll just install whatever the highest bidder pays and of course we know MS has deep pockets and a "special" relationship with OEMs.

Second, its about choice. When the user makes an informed decision of which anti-malware product he'll use from a distance. Bundling an AV with the OS is trying to make a backdoor entry and gives MS a head start for various reasons- user inertia, MS advocacy of a product (they're the guys who know best cos they made the OS etc.) etc.
 

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Thank you Corrine.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8 Pro x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    24c Built
    CPU
    i7-2700k
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z68 EXTREME4 GEN3
    Memory
    CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ENGTX560 TI
    Sound Card
    n/a
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 Samsung 2343BWX
    Screen Resolution
    2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    2-Vertex4x128-RAID0-OS
    2-Vertex4x128-RAID0-DATA
    2-Vertex4x256-RAID1-BACKUPS
    PSU
    CORSAIR Professional Series Gold AX750
    Case
    ANTEC 900
    Cooling
    stock case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 solar
    Mouse
    Logitech M310 wireless
    Internet Speed
    pretty quick
I think that having Windows Defender as an actual A/V rather than turning it off to install MSE is great since, you know, they're basically the same type of programs. This way we use the full potential of Defender.

I decided to switch to the DP and use it as a primary system, at least until I find out if any piece of software I regularly use isn't compatible in some way.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire V3-531G
    CPU
    Intel B960 Sandy Bridge (2.2GHz, 2MB L3 cache)
    Motherboard
    Intel® HM77 Express
    Memory
    6GB (4+2) DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GeForce GT630M with 1GB dedicated VRAM + Intel HD
    Sound Card
    Integrated audio with 2xHigh Definition Dolby® v4 speakers
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" HD LED Acer CineCrystal™ (high-brightness 200-nit)
    Screen Resolution
    1.366 x 768 (WXGA)
    Hard Drives
    500GB SATA
    Keyboard
    Acer FineTip & MultiTouch Touchpad
    Internet Speed
    ADSL 5M
I'm with you on both counts Gornot. WD and Win8 as primary OS.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8 Pro x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    24c Built
    CPU
    i7-2700k
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z68 EXTREME4 GEN3
    Memory
    CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ENGTX560 TI
    Sound Card
    n/a
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 Samsung 2343BWX
    Screen Resolution
    2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    2-Vertex4x128-RAID0-OS
    2-Vertex4x128-RAID0-DATA
    2-Vertex4x256-RAID1-BACKUPS
    PSU
    CORSAIR Professional Series Gold AX750
    Case
    ANTEC 900
    Cooling
    stock case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 solar
    Mouse
    Logitech M310 wireless
    Internet Speed
    pretty quick
Because at the time I didn't know it was built in, hence since then couldn't see any reason to remore. It doesn't seem to be hurting anything so I'll just keep it for now. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
Hello Corrine. As far as OEMs are concerned, they'll just install whatever the highest bidder pays and of course we know MS has deep pockets and a "special" relationship with OEMs.

Second, its about choice. When the user makes an informed decision of which anti-malware product he'll use from a distance. Bundling an AV with the OS is trying to make a backdoor entry and gives MS a head start for various reasons- user inertia, MS advocacy of a product (they're the guys who know best cos they made the OS etc.) etc.

Although Microsoft may have deep pockets, I am 100% positive that Microsoft will not put the company in the position of inviting lawsuits by attempting to influence OEMs to switch to Windows Defender instead of staying with whatever agreement the OEM has with Symantec, McAfee, or some other third party to provide A/V protection.

Microsoft isn't making a profit from MSE and won't from Windows Defender on Windows 8. Thus, the only incentive is to provide a more secure environment out of the box for the installs that do not include a different A/V package.

Because at the time I didn't know it was built in, hence since then couldn't see any reason to remore. It doesn't seem to be hurting anything so I'll just keep it for now. :)

Have you checked System and Security to see what is shown there? The A/V definitions added to Windows Defender on Windows 8 are the exact same as those for MSE (as well as the other Microsoft A/V products).
 

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Microsoft isn't making a profit from MSE and won't from Windows Defender on Windows 8. Thus, the only incentive is to provide a more secure environment out of the box for the installs that do not include a different A/V package.

And we know that most average users need that...

Have you checked System and Security to see what is shown there? The A/V definitions added to Windows Defender on Windows 8 are the exact same as those for MSE (as well as the other Microsoft A/V products).

That's another good point.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10.0.10122
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    My Build - Vorttex Ultimate
    CPU
    Core i7 @ 4500 MHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Plus
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 @ 1822 MHz (OC)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon R9 280X 3GB @ 1180 / 6800 MHz
    Sound Card
    7.1 HDA
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD LG 22" + CRT LG 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1760 x 1320 / 1280 x 960
    Hard Drives
    1 x 240 GB SSD (System)
    3 x 500 GB HDD (Data/Media)
    1 x 2000 GB e-HDD (Backup)
    PSU
    ThermalTake 1000W PSU
    Case
    Corsair Carbide R300
    Cooling
    Corsair H60 (Push-Pull)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps (Down) 5 Mbps (Up)
    Browser
    IE, FF, Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    Some wired stuff
Although Microsoft may have deep pockets, I am 100% positive that Microsoft will not put the company in the position of inviting lawsuits by attempting to influence OEMs to switch to Windows Defender instead of staying with whatever agreement the OEM has with Symantec, McAfee, or some other third party to provide A/V protection.

Microsoft isn't making a profit from MSE and won't from Windows Defender on Windows 8. Thus, the only incentive is to provide a more secure environment out of the box for the installs that do not include a different A/V package.

1) Third party preinstalled AVs are time limited trials, the user has to be proactive and buy them or install free ones. Defender's sitting there.

2) If the intention is not to make a profit, there should be a clear and easy way of removing defender. Right now, it can only be turned off at the most.
 

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This is actually a very good idea. I doubt on release day of Windows 8 with those new fangled ARM-based tablets, there will be anti-virus software from the major vendors. Thus building it in the OS makes sure those consumers with ARM-based tablets are protected...then again malware will need to recompile to ARM as well...
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows 7/Windows 8
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