Internet security software?
 

Seems like every time I buy something electronic these days someone tries to sell me internet security software. It was offered as an add-on when I bought a smart tv. Signed up for DSL service and they want to sell me their security system. Are they just marketing snake oil or does Kaspersky etc. and the protections built in to browsers and OSs not protect computers and iOS devices well enough?

Assuming you are behind a decent home router with no ports forwarded, etc...

Us Linux/BSD users (and yes, that pretty much includes OS X as well) are fairly immune, if it weren't for the tea drinking Mac users we'd be 99.999% immune

If you are using a supported version of Windows, and you apply security updates, and you have a decent antivirus that has up-to-date definitions, you are 9% there. The next 90% is between your ears - don't click on dodgy links/ads/etc, don't open attachments from folks you don't know AND weren't expecting an attachment from, don't download and try various cracked software packages, etc.

As a Linux user who has made spoon buyin' money off fixing Windows issues, I have to say the most useful add on is ad blocking technology - while the content you may be after is legit and OK the ad servers they use may not be (rimfirecentral.com I'm point'n at you).

If you need/want to delve into "nastier" areas that are more prone to drive by downloads, etc (to satisfy your Mexican midget amputee donkey porn fetish, etc) then do so using as few Microsoft products as possible. Ideally, use VirtualBox or similar to run a Linux desktop in a virtual environment, and go wild.

For mobile devices (iOS/Android) you are back to installing apps that use unknown external resources (again, the ad servers, etc) and the associated issues. The bit about using your brain still applies.

Snake Oil.

Let's put it this way, you know my past work in DRTV and my opinion of the value of the products?

Well, when I did a stint at CA, we actually produced an "As seen on TV" spot for our security suite.

We ended up not airing it but that industry will do anything to make a buck.

Never been a fan of Windows but in my line of work I have no choice but to use it.

I have to admit, Windows 10 is pretty secure. Far far better than previous incarnations.

First version I've not had to run a 3rd party suite.

Don't forget, nearly all virus, malware threats, can only be mitigated once they become known and definitions are updated to recognize and detect them.

Basically everyone is susceptible for the time it takes the security providers to react to new threats.

MSFT and Apple both update their own internal definitions as fast as the 3rd parties.

All midgets and donkeys running Microsoft are now officially offended.

Switched the browser I use on my Windows boxes to Opera.

UI is a bit stupid in areas but it's becoming my favorite browser.

Built in ad blocking is as solid as any 3rd party solution.

They are pushing it hard. I bought a TV from Best Buy 3 months ago. I guess I got 3 months of some sort of free internet security. Horror of horrors, it is about to expire! At $29 it is apparently a very good deal (valued at $49!) plus it was obviously developed by smart looking Asian girls. I like Asian girls. Should I go for it? :D

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1523145312.jpg

A good free anti-virus, malwarebytes, and common sense is all you probably need unless you handle US state secrets on a personal computer or surf the dark web.
That said, you'd be surprised how many folks don't even update their OS or anti-virus. Those folks NEED the services everyone is pushing.

I've switched most of PCs to use Windows defender paired with the latest version of Malwarebytes. This with ad blocking catches most bad sites, even in the adware areas.

I do exactly the same with the free version of Malwarebytes. Just keep Defender and Malwarebytes updated, run the scan once a week or so and don't click on anything I am not sure about.

The main thing you gain with the paid version is real-time website monitoring.

Slightly related, on our home desktop Kapersky recently expired and the pop ups telling us to renew and threatening grave damage were unrelenting. My wife decided to get rid of Kapersky (you know, Russians) and go with a difference virus protection.

Wow. Getting Kapersky out of our computer was almost impossible and God knows what they did with any data they still had access to. Finally, she had a service recommended by my IT friends remote in and rebuild our entire system. I used to be technologically astute, on the bleeding edge of innovation. Today I celebrate when I can get the damn computer to turn on without issue. What a racket.

"What a racket" is about right.

Windows 10 like all other MS operating systems before it is garbage. It may be more secure but it's still garbage.
(BitLocker again like all other MS encryption software is also garbage.)

A few years ago Norton's anti virus/Internet security software was shipping with new retail PCs. Total crap. All it did was slow down the computer.

AVAST is probably the best free anti virus software and Malwarebytes has gotten me out of trouble a few times over the years.

If you want to visit "naughty/pirate" sites have a dedicated PC that is used for nothing else with no personal info of any kind.
Opera is a good choice. I use it for most thing but the "Private Window"option work really well.
Just a clean build, update drivers and AVAST only. No Office products or any other software you've paid for.
You could use a KVM switch so you can use the same monitor, keyboard and mouse for two PCs.

Something like this is really cheap.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1523199545.jpg

Start with OpenDNS/ Cisco Umbrella for first layer protection at a DNS layer, it’s free for consumers and will protect you against bad lookups, CnC calk home, etc. Multiple layers of security is the best approach.

Good idea. I have one of those switchers and it worked well (but no indicator light).

Malware and computer viruses: They’ve left porn sites for religious sites.
"When it comes to computer viruses, you’re now more likely to catch one visiting a church website than surfing for porn."

ui
 

James:

If I ran serious business software like I'm sure you do I would definitely use the paid version. Since we sold our software business in 2004, I've gone from trying to keep up with the latest advances in software and hardware to more or less a Luddite. All we use anymore is e-mail, google, wife's Facebook, Quicken and Open Office. I backup all the necessary files at least weekly and be sure Windows 10 and Malwarebytes are kept currently updated. My desktop PC is getting to the age I will just replace it if it crashes or gets hacked with whatever..

Quite a change from systems development and installing/maintaining Unix systems and PC networks back in the good old days...