Do you go without protection

[moosey]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: drjman
I usually reinstall my entire system every 4-6 months so virus protection is a moot point.

If you reformat your system, does that undo the damage after a keystroke logger snags a copy of your credit-card number, your WoW log-in, eBay, PayPal, bank or other logins?

Nope. And that's where the motivation is for the bad guys nowdays, it's financially driven.

An active anti-virus isn't needed unless you're surfing the shady sites...

Not true. Take a look at the Bofra incident at The Register, which is certainly not a shady site. Or I could cite the example where Interland got hacked, and my own employer's website (hosted on Interland servers) began trying to feed our own computers malware. And guess what website I'd set as the homepage? 😕 Yeah, you got it. 😛 Active antivirus protection to the rescue...

I study the security scene daily and it's time for people to figure out that the bad guys can make off with your money, identity info, documents, they can steal your CD keys to sell them, they can steal your WoW stuff and sell it, it's money, your money, that they're after now. Put away the "haha I can just reformat LOL" way of thinking, people... that won't fix the damage they want to do.


/soapbox

I don't understand what's so great about not running an AV. I can understand not wanting to pay so there are free ones. With a new system I don't see how it's going to really get bogged down...especially with some of the systems people have in these forums. And even if it does take up a lot of resources, just get one that uses fewer resources.

 

[Kirby64]

Originally posted by: moosey

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: drjman
I usually reinstall my entire system every 4-6 months so virus protection is a moot point.

If you reformat your system, does that undo the damage after a keystroke logger snags a copy of your credit-card number, your WoW log-in, eBay, PayPal, bank or other logins?

Nope. And that's where the motivation is for the bad guys nowdays, it's financially driven.

An active anti-virus isn't needed unless you're surfing the shady sites...

Not true. Take a look at the Bofra incident at The Register, which is certainly not a shady site. Or I could cite the example where Interland got hacked, and my own employer's website (hosted on Interland servers) began trying to feed our own computers malware. And guess what website I'd set as the homepage? 😕 Yeah, you got it. 😛 Active antivirus protection to the rescue...

I study the security scene daily and it's time for people to figure out that the bad guys can make off with your money, identity info, documents, they can steal your CD keys to sell them, they can steal your WoW stuff and sell it, it's money, your money, that they're after now. Put away the "haha I can just reformat LOL" way of thinking, people... that won't fix the damage they want to do.


/soapbox

I don't understand what's so great about not running an AV. I can understand not wanting to pay so there are free ones. With a new system I don't see how it's going to really get bogged down...especially with some of the systems people have in these forums. And even if it does take up a lot of resources, just get one that uses fewer resources.

My computer = crap. I have enough trouble running web + games together, I don't need AV bogging it down too. 😉

Also, as in regards to the issue with browser exploits: Using a browser that is less likely to be used (Firefox, Opera, etc) makes your chances of getting hit with a browser exploit less likely. IE is what, 60%-80% of the market share? If you want to hit as many people as possible, internet explorer would be the best browser to attack.

Plus, Firefox has nifty add-ons like NoScript that fix many javascript exploits 🙂

 

[irishScott]

McAffee is bloatware. Used it for years and then got AntiVir Personal. Lighter weight, free, and does a better job.

Also, try spyware blaster from javacool. Immunizes your browser like spybot, only it's database is 3x as large.

I also use comodo firewall. The only active protection I have is AntiVir, and I've yet to get anything above the occaisional tracking cookie.

I also run regular Adaware and Spybot Scans.

 

[CP5670]

I haven't used any active virus protection either, at least not since 1998 or something (aside from a router firewall). I always try to minimize the amount of stuff running the background. I used to run Adaware and Spybot S&D regularly, but rarely use those either these days as I haven't gotten anything since I started using Firefox/Adblock two years ago.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Kirby64

Originally posted by: moosey

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: drjman
I usually reinstall my entire system every 4-6 months so virus protection is a moot point.

If you reformat your system, does that undo the damage after a keystroke logger snags a copy of your credit-card number, your WoW log-in, eBay, PayPal, bank or other logins?

Nope. And that's where the motivation is for the bad guys nowdays, it's financially driven.

An active anti-virus isn't needed unless you're surfing the shady sites...

Not true. Take a look at the Bofra incident at The Register, which is certainly not a shady site. Or I could cite the example where Interland got hacked, and my own employer's website (hosted on Interland servers) began trying to feed our own computers malware. And guess what website I'd set as the homepage? 😕 Yeah, you got it. 😛 Active antivirus protection to the rescue...

I study the security scene daily and it's time for people to figure out that the bad guys can make off with your money, identity info, documents, they can steal your CD keys to sell them, they can steal your WoW stuff and sell it, it's money, your money, that they're after now. Put away the "haha I can just reformat LOL" way of thinking, people... that won't fix the damage they want to do.


/soapbox

I don't understand what's so great about not running an AV. I can understand not wanting to pay so there are free ones. With a new system I don't see how it's going to really get bogged down...especially with some of the systems people have in these forums. And even if it does take up a lot of resources, just get one that uses fewer resources.

My computer = crap. I have enough trouble running web + games together, I don't need AV bogging it down too. 😉

Also, as in regards to the issue with browser exploits: Using a browser that is less likely to be used (Firefox, Opera, etc) makes your chances of getting hit with a browser exploit less likely. IE is what, 60%-80% of the market share? If you want to hit as many people as possible, internet explorer would be the best browser to attack.

Plus, Firefox has nifty add-ons like NoScript that fix many javascript exploits 🙂

If you want to run safely without using antivirus, then whatever browser you use, it will have far less potential for danger if you follow my suggestions above 🙂 And so will your other apps.

If you haven't tried the AOL Kaspersky, you might want to give it a shot, it's not a drama-queen type of antivirus software where it has to get in your face a lot. If you try it, skip the optional security toolbar :camera:.

 

[adairusmc]

I use bitdefender internet security v.10 along with my sonicwall at home.

Bitdefender > All

 

[T9D]

Nope dont use one and dont want one. I dont need extra crap running. Seems more hassle and cause more trouble than it's worth.

Every so often I will go and run a free online scan though. And I run anti spyware programs sometimes too. That's all you need. And some common sense.

(and make sure windows is updated.... can't tell you how many times I've read about a huge virus attack that is totally preventable if people would just keep windows up to date).

 

[QueBert]

my 2 cents, not all spyware or viruses are POW in your face. Obviously the more knowledgeable and careful you are reduces your risk. But if you've never installed AV software, and never scanned your system, it's impossible to say "I don't have a virus"

I run AntiVir and I can honestly say I notice no difference in the speed of my system, but knowing I have residential background scanning keeping me safe(er) is a win, win for me.

I didn't have AV for ages, though everything was good, ran Trends free online scan and I had a virus, I researched and it was a pretty wicked one. I had it for months the infected file was from 3 months before I scanned. I hadn't noticed any problems though so I never assumed I had one.

There's no logical reason not to run AV software, if bloat or speed is an issue at least run Trends free online one once a week. But nobody with a even semi decent computer would notice any slowdown from Anti-Vir, install it then disable the complete scan if you're anal about slow down. Then just let the resident run in the background. Why give up protection for no reason?

 

[mechBgon]

Every so often I will go and run a free online scan though. And I run anti spyware programs sometimes too. That's all you need. And some common sense.

Do you understand what rootkits are? Getting a clean result from an online virus scanner could simply mean that a rootkit on your system is hiding stuff from the scanner. "LOL no, there's no malware here! 😀 (that I'm going to let you see, anyway... :evil: )" That's what rootkits are for. You may want to either get some active virus protection, or else really batten the hatches with the Limited account and SRP (or both).

 

[VIAN]

Originally posted by: Fike
I have McAfee virus protection. They keep trying to sell me a bunch of other crap: phishing protection, spam protection, and all kinds of junk. Virus protection slows my boot times, takes up memory, clogs the registry....I hate it.

I am considering going without protection.


I have a router with firewall.
I know to check the URL of the site I am submitting my personal information to, so I am not foolish enough to need phishing protection,
I don't install any old crap on my machine, so spyware is not too big an issue.
2 years ago, I was without virus protection for the previous 2 years. I had no problems.

Are the virus protection companies just trying to sell us some snake-oil? Do they have sneaky funding mechanisms that pay programmers living in some third-world country to make viruses and unleash them on the world just to make a market for their product?

Internet Security is a very good idea. Most of the time, I don't catch anything since I don't go surfing onto many different unknown website. But I still think it's important because you never know. Sometimes I might pick up something. Maybe 1 or 2 viruses a year. But I'd rather know that I'm being protected than find out it a harsher way.

If you're worried about system resources than you are definitely using the wrong software. Try Pc-cillin Internet Security 2007. It's much faster than Norton or McAfee. Better protection too.

 

[QueBert]

Originally posted by: adairusmc
I use bitdefender internet security v.10 along with my sonicwall at home.

Bitdefender > All

I installed the Bitdefender trial, I set it to do a full system scan, and it only took about 15 minutes I don't trust it. Was way too quick to scan my 400+ gigs of files. every other scanner takes well over an hour to scan, now B.D.'s real time scanning might be king, but after the system scan I'm a big worried about the program as a whole

 

[John]

QueBert, did you configure it to scan all files, compressed files, and NTFS streams?

 

[StopSign]

Originally posted by: adairusmc
I use bitdefender internet security v.10 along with my sonicwall at home.

Bitdefender > All

BitDefender 10 is incompatible with uTorrent and there's no way to get around this problem unless I uninstall it.

That's a big no-no.

 

[Aikouka]

I only have a virus scanner that's set up to scan when I want and what I want, but other than that, I have nothing else because I need nothing else. I mean, I like watching 1337 hax0rz try to break into my FTP. I get to make colorful kick-ban messages based on their resolved host name and such!

 

[Fike]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: drjman
I usually reinstall my entire system every 4-6 months so virus protection is a moot point.

If you reformat your system, does that undo the damage after a keystroke logger snags a copy of your credit-card number, your WoW log-in, eBay, PayPal, bank or other logins?

Nope. And that's where the motivation is for the bad guys nowdays, it's financially driven.

An active anti-virus isn't needed unless you're surfing the shady sites...

Not true. Take a look at the Bofra incident at The Register, which is certainly not a shady site. Or I could cite the example where Interland got hacked, and my own employer's website (hosted on Interland servers) began trying to feed our own computers malware. And guess what website I'd set as the homepage? 😕 Yeah, you got it. 😛 Active antivirus protection to the rescue...


My suggestion would be for people to learn how to use a layered defense:

1) post Software questions in the software section of the Forums 🙂 That prevents heckling by smart-alecks like me 😀

2) use a Limited user account for daily-driver stuff. It's arbitrary damage containment against many software exploits, including as-yet-unknown ones. Zero performance hit, no signature updates required, no cost.

3) if you have WinXP Professional Edition, add a SRP to your Limited account for the same reason. Zero performance hit, no signature updates required, no cost.

4) take a snack break 😀

5) Keep your system updated with not only Automatic Updates, but by uninstalling unnecessary software, and updating the rest of your software monthly (browsers, IM clients, email clients, Flash, QuickTime/iTunes, WinAmp and other media players, etc). Secunia's online checkup might surprise you, give it a try and see if your rig needs some security updates. Keeping stuff updated has no performance hit, and generally doesn't cost anything.

6) Fully enable your hardware Data Execution Prevention like this pic shows for arbitrary protection against some types of exploits. Zero performance hit, zero cost, zero updates required.

7) use a router as your perimeter firewall, and consider locking it down to allow ONLY the ports you actually NEED. What a concept, huh? 😛 If your router has wireless, turn it off if you don't use it, so no one can mooch off of you. Otherwise, enable the highest encryption level it allows (WPA2 or WPA, preferably). Zero performance hit.

8) I'd use the Windows Firewall to block inbound attacks against any other computers sharing your router, or else a third-party firewall software.

9) Yes, use common sense and stay away from warez and the rest of it.

10) don't run publicly-available services on your system.

11) Use a current-generation antivirus and configure it! Finish the job: go through the options, enable the heuristics and extra detections, and schedule a nightly scan. I generally suggest AOL Kaspersky if you want a freebie for home use, or Kaspersky 6.0 if you need a pay-for one because you use it for commercial use.



I study the security scene daily and it's time for people to figure out that the bad guys can make off with your money, identity info, documents, they can steal your CD keys to sell them, they can steal your WoW stuff and sell it, it's money, your money, that they're after now. Put away the "haha I can just reformat LOL" way of thinking, people... that won't fix the damage they want to do.


/soapbox

mechBgon, that is a thoughtful and complete reply. I never thought of using an account besides the admin account. As far as the credit card and ssn stuff, I am not that concerned. Why? Most identity theft is done with ordinary means...going through garbage, stealing mail etc... so protecting data that I probably shouldn't even be sharing online is less of a concern. Online theft of credit cards is easy to fix with fraud protection that most cards already have. My biggest concern, and the one thing that is not fixable, is loss of data. I have over 15,000 photos, and files and writing that go back over 14 years. I have kept my data files through all my upgrades and system changes over the years. I have Volkswriter Deluxe files, for cryin' out loud.

I probably won't go completely naked, but this thread has shown me several lighter-weight AV programs I can use as well as other common sense things I can do, like those that you posted. Thanks. As for the performance hit, I think I am mostly annoyed by the bloated boot times and the annoying messages that constantly pop-up and tell me whenever a program wants to change the registry or access the internet. I guess that is the price of security.

I would also say, that if you have a pure gaming machine with minimal concern for data integrity, going naked is probably okay if you act smart.

 

[adairusmc]

Originally posted by: StopSign

Originally posted by: adairusmc
I use bitdefender internet security v.10 along with my sonicwall at home.

Bitdefender > All

BitDefender 10 is incompatible with uTorrent and there's no way to get around this problem unless I uninstall it.

That's a big no-no.

Works fine with azureus, which I prefer over all other torrent clients.

 

[Malak]

A router is all you need. You can only catch a virus if A) someone actually thinks you are a worthwhile target and purposely hacks you and installs a virus(never going to happen), or B) you download the virus yourself. Unless you lack common sense(the reason viruses spread), then you'll be fine. Of course if you are hooked up to a network filled with people with no common sense... well you are screwed regardless.

 

[zodder]

<3 Mech. I agree 100%

 

[StopSign]

Originally posted by: adairusmc

Originally posted by: StopSign

Originally posted by: adairusmc
I use bitdefender internet security v.10 along with my sonicwall at home.

Bitdefender > All

BitDefender 10 is incompatible with uTorrent and there's no way to get around this problem unless I uninstall it.

That's a big no-no.

Works fine with azureus, which I prefer over all other torrent clients.

I used to be an Azureus user until I discovered uTorrent a bit over a year ago.

 

[Maximilian]

Yea i didnt use protection once 🙁 i got herpes 😛

I used AVG since this one time i opened a dodgy looking mp3 file and things went crazy, it was some kinda virus so i decided to get an anti-virus, that was about two years ago.

 

[blurredvision]

I've not used virus protection ever, and have only gotten a couple of viruses from my less-knowledged days of Kazaa downloading 🙂. I am well versed in how to properly use firewalls + common sense with web surfing and opening email.

 

[TheRyuu]

Free Windows Defender (offers real time protection)+Spybot S&D+NOD32+Router+regular Windows Updates=Me Safe

Thats all you'll really need.
Add in a software firewall if your really that paranoid.

 

[docinthebox]

If you have regular backups, and you're knowledgeable and careful, you don't need virus protection to slow down the system. In the very rare event when you get unlucky (maybe once in a few years, or once in a decade?), just restore the most recent backup.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: docinthebox
If you have regular backups, and you're knowledgeable and careful, you don't need virus protection to slow down the system. In the very rare event when you get unlucky (maybe once in a few years, or once in a decade?), just restore the most recent backup.

And that gets back your credit-card number, your game CD keys the bad guys stole and sold, your WoW gold & gear & characters that they stole and eBayed, the private documents that got FTP'ed off to Siberia, and the other data compromised by the malware... wait, no it doesn't! 😕

 

[zodder]

I am well versed in how to properly use firewalls + common sense with web surfing and opening email.

Good thing the black hats are n00bs and have no idea how to compromise any of that stuff. :roll: