Has The AntiVirus Industry Gone Mad?

Free Antivirus programs are trying to load "pups" into user systems with no concerns for the issues they cause. Blogger Corey Holtzman explains why.....BTW though there is an offer in here for Emsisoft AntiMalware, Corey is not representing them....

 

I have have found that many of these newer installs on lots of "free" software have somewhat obfuscated type advanced options that are purposefully hidden. Not so much hidden as it's out out of plain view as to confuse older, or less experienced users. This is a new what i call a "slight of sight" trick being used. My advice would be, on each and every screen stop for a while and fully look at every radio button and every explanation, especially if you see italicized "small" print off the the side with an extra very small radio button, or something along those lines. In other words they are trying to hide it playing the percentages that a certain number of unknowing users will be more excited to be installing an update or new software that someone recommends rather than carefully looking through each screen.

 

Hi This link will help you recognize PUP's but they just figure new ways to install their crap.
You just have to know what your down loading and always chose the author's site when possible.

http://blog.emsisoft.com/2015/01/27/top-10-ways-pups-sneak-onto-your-computer-and-how-to-avoid-them/

 

This is why I get so upset. I deal with these PUP's constantly here at Golden Oaks.
Like I said on another link here on CHF "call then what ever you want"
They are the XXXX's I won't put a name on them, but I far as I'm concerned they are just as bad as malware!
PS I get no volume on the video!!

 

You have to have issues with your laptop Gary as you have the same problem on Paltalk. Go to utube and see if you can hear any of the videos as this is a utube video from a regular weekly blog.

If you are on Firefox I believe you said there is a utube downloader:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-video-and-audio-dow/

 

Thanks Rich Had my head on wrong! Volume OK now! Good video. Really scary stuff!

 

Glad you got it!Corey can be a good resource, he like Ken Dwight is in several Linkedin Pro Forums so Tony should know him also as he is in the same ones I am.

 

Pay note that the video is about "Freeware Antivirus" vendors. The key is 'freeware.' There is nothing free which is why the 'PUPS.'

Also "Freeware Antivirus" utilities tend to NOT be fully featured, they are essentially demo versions, and you have to BUY the fully featured version with virus definition updates. The subscription cost is from monthly to per-year or more.

I HIGHLY recommend use of ONLY for-fee Antivirus Software, AND from a well known vendor.

Here are my recommendations in order best at top (I have tried all these):

1. ESET NOD32 Antivirus (fast, low resource) Highly Recommend
   
2. BitDefender (fast, low resource, some removal/update problems)
   
3. McAfee (slower, high resource, some removal/update problems)
   
4. Norton (from Symantec, slower, high resource, some removal/update problems)

Also note I do NOT recommend the 'suites' sold by vendors, get just the Antivirus.

 

Hi! Not sure about the recommended AV programs above. ESET NOD32 is the only one I would recommend.
IMHO I prefer MSE for W7&W8 Windows Defender forW10. Then use your $$ for a layered protection running with your AV program in real time like MBAM or SAS.
I would like to hear what @Kenny94 suggests for protecting against malware and viruses.

 

Good point about the suites, which I find to be huge resource hogs filled with unneeded programs.
Personally I agree with Gary here and don't understand putting Bit Defender and Eset Nod32 in the same group as McAfee and Norton either, especially when the real infection issues today are not virus but rather more Malware oriented but just opinion here folks and this one can get real personal and very heated quickly! And Using any of the above there is a need to also run a paid version of Sas or Mbam unless your choice is Emsisoft which is both.

 

As Rich mentioned, this can get real personal and heated up. The ways users use their PC's are as different as the number of AV programs out there. I like simple. I'm running Windows Defender with MBAM pro on my W10 rig!
IMHO if you use safe surfing habits, you don't have to pay big $$ for paid AV programs.
Your best insurance is to always have a back up image of your OS that you can turn to if you need to.

 

You know I am also sure as Gary states here and no sane person would disagree, safe surfing habits are really the best protection of all.
I like to add WOT (Web of Trust) to every browser to help us choose safe places to look for what we need and make sure when you select something there are no added freebies or programs offered you are not aware of for install. Uncheck anything you aren't looking to download and make sure what you do download is from the actual branded site. Third party download sites like Softonic, Brothersoft, Cnet and Softpedia and the like exist to load you up with unnecessary bloatware which they make commissions on placing.
Another way to surf safely is do not open email from people you don't know and do not use email program settings that preview email because the preview can trigger an installation of scumware.

 

Just one more suggestion. Always keep every thing up dated. There is a reason for up dates, and that's they are for your protection.
You can gripe about W10 forcing up dates, but I personally have no problem with that.
A free program that will help with up dates is Secunia!
Here's link to down load. No PUP's
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/secunia_personal_software_inspector_(psi).html
One of the biggest security threats out there doesn't come from malicious hackers or online identity thieves. It actually comes from you, the innocent PC user and your out-of-date software. But you can put an end to that threat with the free Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI), which identifies and helps patch the problematic programs you may be running.

 

A little off topic. Members here on CHF can discus their differences about issues and we don't always have to agree on every thing.
That's what makes CHF different then other help forums.
It might seem that Rich and I pick on each other a at times, but it's all in fun and we do agree on most things.
Life and computers IMHO would be boring if we all had the same opinions about every thing!
Now get back on topic!

 

NOD32 and malwarebytes realtime. Would be my first choice for a Windows OS... As of right now, I use a chromebook and iPad.

 

I would agree with that Kenny it seems over a number of recent years NOD32 has been among the best and seems to rarely cause an issue. Malwarebytes paid is great too.