Privacy concern Anti Virus software for Windows?

[smf]

but using Flash through Tor (or even Flash in general) is generally a bad idea.

I agree, although they ought to ship a browser that can't support anything that could be used.

Although there are other De-anonymization tactics possible, which the US government are likely employing by now. If they suspect you of doing something they deem important enough to worry about.

 

[dAVID_]

I agree, although they ought to ship a browser that can't support anything that could be used.

Although there are other De-anonymization tactics possible, which the US government are likely employing by now. If they suspect you of doing something they deem important enough to worry about.

Yeah, Adobe Flash is only one possible attack vector. The NSA has also been known to de-anonymize users by exploiting the software in their computers.
Using Tails is great for scenarios where you face constant and aggressive surveillance, since it minimizes the possibility of a failure in your operational security.

 

[Joom]

Antiviruses are really just snake oil. They give people a false sense of security, yet they can easily be bypassed by using what's known as a crypter. These tools obfuscate binaries in order to bypass detection. The sad truth is that Windows security needs a complete overhaul. It really shouldn't be this easy for a 10 year old to gain kernel level access, but here we are in 2020 and Microsoft hasn't changed a thing. Also, if you want a good AV, just stick to Defender. It's free, comes pre-installed, and has the highest detection and removal rate out of any other available on the market. Get an ad blocker, and use a privacy based browser as well (I like Brave). The best defense is just common sense.

 

[JadenAsh]

Microsoft Security Essentials or Windows Defender coupled with Superantispyware should cover it for most people. No need to register an account or connect to the cloud with those. As for other privacy concerns, that's another story altogether.

 

[santoni]

Maybe Windows Defender

 

[Idaho]

Tbh, in this days and age you only need a really good AV software if you do weird stuff on your computer or if you want to secure a corporate network that has sensitive information, it's really of no use if you are just a bit careful with what you download and run on your PC.

That being said, Windows Defender is on by default on Windows 10 and there are a few privacy switch that you can enable from the app, then you can make you privacy on Windows 10 better if you use something like WinaeroTweaker, I also personally edit the local GPO according to the French Cybersecurity Agency, they issued a paper on this, if you do all of this plus maybe even a few registry tweaks, your data should be decently secured, (I made a Windows 10 image at my sysadmin work according to those things, it's been running for 2 years now and they're pretty satisfied with it).

My workplace is using Kaspersky btw, they decided it was the most privacy friendly AV but I'm unsure of their decision and I don't believe there are some truly privacy friendly AVs, but yeah, Kaspersky probably sends stuff to the Russians instead of Israel and the US if you use say Symantec, so it depends who you trust the most and who you need to hide from...

But hey keep in mind you are using Windows if you want total privacy, just don't use it...

Edit: One more thing, of course you should use an ad removal tool like ublock origin on your browser and add some crapware filters to it, it should help you avoid shitty places of the web quite easily and thus avoid you getting infected...

 

[Undertow76]

I have a VPN, and use free malwatebytes if I get a virus , but I am careful on what I download.
And if somthing goes wrong, I can allways do a wipe and reset

 

[the_randomizer]

Windows Defender and Malware Bytes are good to use, McAfee and Norton aren't that great in my opinion.

 

[CORE]

Virtual Machines - Tor - Proxies - MAC Spoofing - Spybot AntiBeacon - VPN - Own Tweaks and Fixes. No Microsoft Updates Forced or Snooping of any kind ADs/Telemetry etc.

I got quite a lot going on and know what should and should not be running aswell as a very good understanding of my OS Setup.

CPU Limit ID used to be a nice touch but dont know if still available via Intel CPUs.

Just a brief of overview my setups not telling anyone how to use your devices I personally prefer to be in Complete Total Control or to the best I can I dont need Anti Virus Software but built in Windows Defender with common knowledge is enough.

 

[SAXJONZ]

This is good. I’ve been out of the scene for quite awhile and coming back, a lot of stuff is different. I could remove stuff easily before but now it seems to be more insidious as in trying to download something and I getting hacked, not once but several times. A wipe and reboot like you said. Now I know to be much more careful about where I go and what’s getting downloaded. .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[nani17]

The number one AV for years has been Bitdefender. I'd also recommend Malwarebytes. Stay away from AVG its one of the most overrated I've ever seen.

For a free scanner that's scanner it doesn't protect or block is ADWCleaner. If you need to check your computer or someone else's get it.

 

[dAVID_]

Virtual Machines - Tor - Proxies - MAC Spoofing - Spybot AntiBeacon - VPN - Own Tweaks and Fixes. No Microsoft Updates Forced or Snooping of any kind ADs/Telemetry etc.

I got quite a lot going on and know what should and should not be running aswell as a very good understanding of my OS Setup.

CPU Limit ID used to be a nice touch but dont know if still available via Intel CPUs.

Just a brief of overview my setups not telling anyone how to use your devices I personally prefer to be in Complete Total Control or to the best I can I dont need Anti Virus Software but built in Windows Defender with common knowledge is enough.

How do you think a VPN will protect you against malware?

 

[CORE]

How do you think a VPN will protect you against malware?

It wont. I will, it can redirect or block traffic to A or B Malicious Site.

Malware for me is quite simple restore or back door. To undo Ransomware etc.

VPN just alters your IP to access restricted Networks or filters your IP so even ISP cant see what your doing.

I just left ideas for Privacy and Security I did not say a VPN can protect you from Malware in most cases that on you.

You clicked on it or where bombed via that website in particular NoScript is a useful Extension for Web Browsers which can block harmful content.

 

[dAVID_]

It wont. I will, it can redirect or block traffic to A or B Malicious Site.

Malware for me is quite simple restore or back door. To undo Ransomware etc.

VPN just alters your IP to access restricted Networks or filters your IP so even ISP cant see what your doing.

I just left ideas for Privacy and Security I did not say a VPN can protect you from Malware in most cases that on you.

You clicked on it or where bombed via that website in particular NoScript is a useful Extension for Web Browsers which can block harmful content.

Tor Browser is also great if you want to keep your browsing activity private. It comes with NoScript.

 

[FamicomHeero]

I don't even use antivirus, just common sense and the occasional web scanner for websites/files.

 

[MetoMeto]

I don't even use antivirus, just common sense and the occasional web scanner for websites/files.

common sense is ok but there are always human errors that machines prevent.

 

[FamicomHeero]

common sense is ok but there are always human errors that machines prevent.

I suppose so. I've not had any issues in the 20+ years I've been on the internet so I feel like it has worked out for me. Your mileage may vary.