Internet security suite recommendation for W10

Thank you for reading this post.

 

I have five (5) devices that are running W10 and one running W7. The latter is the girlfriend's laptop and getting her away from W7 will likey require a catastropic failure.

 

I have been running a Norton suite for quite some time. Norton appears to work reasonably well, but I get tired of the frequent sales pushes and pop-up messages.

 

I also run Malwarebytes on my PC.

 

Please provide any suggestions that you think I should consider.

 

Thank you in advance.

Edited by Rick73Bug, 27 August 2024 - 10:31 AM.

Hello & welcome;

Short answer: ask 100 experts & you'll get at least 101 fervent opinions.

Longer answer: No single security application can provide 100% protection against all threats. "Best" will depend on many factors. Moreover, the USER is the weakest point in the security setup. It's essential to practice "safe hex".
See here:
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/407147/answers-to-common-security-questions-best-practices/

All this applies to Win10 and other supported OS

For Win7, the answer is: NONE.

Others will have other, better recommendations

Hello & welcome;

Short answer: ask 100 experts & you'll get at least 101 fervent opinions.

Longer answer: No single security application can provide 100% protection against all threats. "Best" will depend on many factors. Moreover, the USER is the weakest point in the security setup. It's essential to practice "safe hex".
See here:
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/407147/answers-to-common-security-questions-best-practices/

All this applies to Win10 and other supported OS

For Win7, the answer is: NONE.

Others will have other, better recommendations

 

Thanks - I'll look at the link.

FWIW:  I run Win 7 and Win 10 on a dual-boot...have done so for several years now, with no problems.

 

I run the Win 10 Windows protection sans any other "protective services" because I believe it quite capable of doing the job.  No 3d-party "privacy, etc." software...just Windows Update and the native W10 system security protocols.

 

Win 7 is a bit trickier...it's unsupported/outdated...and many vendors do not produce effective software addressing the state of Win 7 in today's threat environment.  This is understandable, IMO.  Net effect is that I ignore Windows Update based on the principle that the system is just going through programmed steps which are not current with the threat environment.  I have a subscription to Malwarebytes Premium, which I use as part of my baseline protection.  That's it.  Periodically, I will run Adware Cleaner as an exercise when the impulse hits me.

 

https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/191650-malwarebytes-3-frequently-asked-questions/#comment-1311691

 

Others here will have varying or different opinions/experiences but I intend to roll with Win 7 and Win 10 until I discover some cogent reason to panic or change my attitude toward using it.

 

Louis

 

I haven't had an infection/penetration problem of any sort that merits my attention...I believe that is partly due to the premise that Win 7 systems would not reflect the current interests of those intent upon creating chaos for system users.

FWIW:  I run Win 7 and Win 10 on a dual-boot...have done so for several years now, with no problems.

 

I run the Win 10 Windows protection sans any other "protective services" because I believe it quite capable of doing the job.  No 3d-party "privacy, etc." software...just Windows Update and the native W10 system security protocols.

 

Win 7 is a bit trickier...it's unsupported/outdated...and many vendors do not produce effective software addressing the state of Win 7 in today's threat environment.  This is understandable, IMO.  Net effect is that I ignore Windows Update based on the principle that the system is just going through programmed steps which are not current with the threat environment.  I have a subscription to Malwarebytes Premium, which I use as part of my baseline protection.  That's it.  Periodically, I will run Adware Cleaner as an exercise when the impulse hits me.

 

https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/191650-malwarebytes-3-frequently-asked-questions/#comment-1311691

 

Others here will have varying or different opinions/experiences but I intend to roll with Win 7 and Win 10 until I discover some cogent reason to panic or change my attitude toward using it.

 

Louis

 

I haven't had an infection/penetration problem of any sort that merits my attention...I believe that is partly due to the premise that Win 7 systems would not reflect the current interests of those intent upon creating chaos for system users.

 

Thank you. I've been running Malwarebytes for some time. I need to edit my OP.

You can also use AdGuard MV3, uBlock Origin Lite (MV3), or Malwarebytes Browser Guard MV3 to block ads, scripts, and trackers in your Web Browsers.

 

However, AdGuard MV3 and uBlock Origin Lite (MV3) are better at blocking ads than Malwarebytes Browser Guard MV3, and this is by design.

 

Good luck!

You can also use AdGuard MV3, uBlock Origin Lite (MV3), or Malwarebytes Browser Guard MV3 to block ads, scripts, and trackers in your Web Browsers.

 

However, AdGuard MV3 and uBlock Origin Lite (MV3) are better at blocking ads than Malwarebytes Browser Guard MV3, and this is by design.

 

Good luck!

 

Thank you. I'll look into those programs.

You are welcome, Rick73Bug!

 

Thank you. I've been running Malwarebytes for some time. I need to edit my OP.

Free or paid?

 

 

Thank you. I've been running Malwarebytes for some time. I need to edit my OP.

Free or paid?

 

 

Premium.

Are you using the current version 5 of Malwarebytes?  Do you have browser guard and ublock origin installed in your browser?

Are you using the current version 5 of Malwarebytes?  Do you have browser guard and ublock origin installed in your browser?

Version 5.1.8.123

 

Browser Guard installed.

 

Ublock origin NOT installed.

5.1.9 is the current. Check for updates.

I highly suggest ublock. Depending on the browser used, there are 2 different versions. Ublock origin lite for Chromium based browsers.

5.1.9 is the current. Check for updates.

I highly suggest ublock. Depending on the browser used, there are 2 different versions. Ublock origin lite for Chromium based browsers.

I am currently using Chrome, but have been giving serious consideration to changing to a different browser. Is there one that you recommend and will not involve a migration process that is a complete PITA?

Most Internet Security Suites include anti-virus and firewall protection plus various other features depending on the software vendor. I'm not an advocate of suites. All-in-one tools and suites are filled with extra features (including "bells & whistles") which typically use more system resources...leaving a larger footprint and they cost more money. Suites tend to have varying degrees of strengths and weaknesses accorded for each feature they incorporate. Internet Security Suites include a Firewall component, which is unnecessary since the Windows built-in Firewall is sufficient and provides adequate protection. Further, many folks also use a router which is essentially a hardware firewall.

• 5 Reasons Why the Windows Firewall is one of the Best Firewalls
• Is Windows 11 Firewall Good Enough?
• Windows Firewall: Your System’s Best Defense

In contrast, separate tools are designed, built and maintained with a greater focus in a specific area so they are generally of better quality, more effective at what they are designed to do and leave a smaller footprint. This means the program's performance for that particular feature is usually superior than their all-in-one counterpart. Most all-in-one tools generally do not allow the user as much flexibility in tailoring program settings and usage.
 
For more information about Windows Firewall, please read Choosing a Firewall.