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Wanted: Anti Malware/Virus Scanner

Discussion in 'General Malware And Security' started by N3, Nov 29, 2020.

  1. N3

    N3 Registered Members

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    I've read about the paid/pro recommended anti malware/virus scanners on this forum. I wonder if any of them are now considered antiquated or obsolete? I'm considering the purchase of one of the following programs & would appreciate any comments from 'actual' past or present users. I'm looking for facts, not opinions. Thanks.

    1. Avira Antivirus Pro or an alternative avira program.

    2. Emsisoft Antimalware

    3. Zemana AntiMalware

    4. Eset Nod32
     
    N3, Nov 29, 2020
    #1
  3. starbuck

    starbuck Rest In Peace Pete Administrator

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    Hi N3,

    Then you are asking an impossible question.
    For example, take 3 testing websites and you'll find they all give completely different results.....

    1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
    2. Avast anti-virus
    3. Kaspersky
    4. Panda
    5. F-Secure

    https://www.techradar.com/uk/best/best-malware-removal

    1. Kaspersky Total Security
    2. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
    3. Norton 360 Deluxe
    4. Trend Micro Maximum Security
    5. Sophos Home Premium
    6. McAfee Internet Security
    7. ESET Smart Security Premium

    https://www.tomsguide.com/uk/us/best-antivirus,review-2588.html

    1 .Norton — Best all-around anti-malware protection in 2020.
    2. TotalAV — Comprehensive antivirus with extra anti-malware features.
    3. Malwarebytes — Good dedicated anti-malware program.
    4. Bitdefender — Best real-time detection rates.
    5. McAfee — Advanced customization options.

    https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/best-malware-removal-software/

    You basically have to try one and see how it reacts with your system ..... that's why most will give you a free trial period.
    Sorry but all you will ever get are 'opinions'.
     
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2020
    starbuck, Nov 29, 2020
    #2
    Seth Anthony and allheart55 (Cindy E) like this.
  4. N3

    N3 Registered Members

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    Hmmm...........I guess i was asking the impossible! Searching for the 'ultimate' malware/virus scanner is like looking for treasure at the end of a rainbow. Well thank you starbuck for your truthfulness. I'll have to study various scanners to come to a decision that may suit me. Thank you again for your input.





     
    N3, Nov 29, 2020
    #3
  5. Seth Anthony

    Seth Anthony Registered Members

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    Your security has little to do with what antivirus you use. That's precisely why many computer techs don't use an antivirus program, and never get compromised. Now-a-days, most personal security attacks come from phone call scams, and phishing emails (which an antivirus / antimalware can't stop).

    For my customers, I educate them on how their security can get compromised. I also install "Unchecky" and Ad-Block Plus if they don't have it. For an antivirus program, I recommend Microsoft's "Windows Defender". Windows Security and Windows Defender are built into Windows 8 and Windows 10. I also install MalwareBytes free edition and give them the option to purchase it. Typically though, once I educate them and install Unchecky, then the free version of MalwareBytes will suffice.

    Furthermore, note that the testing websites will almost always just ignore Windows Defender, or put it low on the list. Despite what you think, the reason for that isn't because the other antivirus programs are "better". The reason is because in one way or another, those websites make money by recommending the antivirus programs that they do. Since Window's Defender is "free", and Microsoft does not give money to these sites, then these sites will find any way possible to give Defender a low score. If they didn't do that, they wouldn't make any money.
     
    Seth Anthony, Nov 30, 2020
    #4
    starbuck likes this.
  6. plodr

    plodr CHF Advisor CHF Advisers

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    Use Windows Defender then add to the mix Malwarebytess free.
    Malwarebytes will download a Pro version which gives real time protection and automatic updating for 14 days. After that, if you don't want to pay a yearly subscription fee, it will revert to the free version.
    Just remember to update it and do a quick scan once a week or oftener, if you have the time, and you should be okay provided you don't click on unknown links, download and open suspicious files or go to suspect sites.

    Fortunately, I have lifetime licenses for Malwarebytes and I've moved the program from one computer to another as I upgraded.
     
    plodr, Nov 30, 2020
    #5

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