What are best free AV + other malware removal programs in 2019?

I'm currently using:
Avast
CCLeaner
Malwarebytes
Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

This post was edited by ferf on Apr 28 2019 11:50pm

Bitdefender Internet Security 2019. But Avast is right up there. FYI, Bitdefender doesn't like to run with Malwarebytes, so probably just stay with Avast.



/e https://www.av-comparatives.org/comparison/

This post was edited by Ghot on Apr 29 2019 12:22am

haven't used anything in a few years I kinda like the viruses adds excitement.

Actually haven't had any problems except during the ransomware a while back, usually dont brows random websites though and dont keep personal info on PC.

I do scan once in a while with malwarebytes though

28MB hosts file fixes 99% of your issues with 'web-browsing.'
If you're still paranoid: Web-browser based extensions add to the ever-growing dynamic list.

Just ensure you disable the Windows DNS cache when using a 28MB hosts file.

--> https://forums.d2jsp.org/topic.php?t=81014790&f=120

1,000,000+ entries of known bad websites (tracking, viruses, malware, etc); blocked via Windows hosts file (redirects the IP address to: 0.0.0.0; which obviously leads no where).

This post was edited by Muted on Apr 29 2019 12:37pm

Best thing you can do is use your brain. I haven't used an AV since probably 2014 and haven't had any viruses.

None that you're aware of.

Or that a full Malwarebytes scan has detected. Or that windows has detected (on my gaming desktop). Or that has slowed down performance. Or that has created any unusual processes in my system. This isn't the 90's, random viruses don't just randomly download themselves to your computer, and I know where everything I download comes from sooo... Pretty safe to say just don't be an idiot and you're fine.

agree

Avoiding AVs is a joke. They are about as smart as iRobot without the 'emotional chip' installed. Please disregard mumbo-jumbo about system level driver root kit. I'm sure it wouldn't even scoff at GRUB2.




Windows is a general purpose operating system (proprietary, however). 'It' doesn't detect anything. If you're referring to the hilarious joke of 'Windows Defender' written in Visual Basic? Yeah... No.




4GHz single core, 4GHz duo-core, 4GHz quad-core, 4GHz octo-core, 4GHz 16-core+ CPU chips with 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 128GB+ systems (server level at the latter). What were you expecting from a 'bad program?' To be exposed on accident?




This isn't the '90s. MS-DOS and Windows 3.1.1 (Windows with networking) has come to a halt. Remote injecting executable code into already spawned processes (even multi-threaded) and creating code-caves was an old task. It leaves behind nearly no evidence, unless you're actively searching for it. Want a generic process? svchost (service host) fits the bill. Connecting to the internet? svchost processes will spawn. SSDP is enabled? Count another bean. Link-layer enabled? Another svchost. Installing a program? Another svchost. Windows Update (automatic)? Tag another. Oh, boy! The options. The memory footprint is also practically zero (especially if you're basing it on code-caves, in which case: 0% increase and CPU increase is 0.001%).




Ironically: Yes. They do. Probably more frequently than you are aware of. Java's major security exploits have been handled. Google Chrome and other more commonly used browsers adapted to using 'Sandboxie' type ideas to help handle the security issues with providing direct access to the local machine's hardware (EG: "drive-by-download"). AJAX, Javascript, Java, VBS, Python and dozens of others (ActiveX anyone? Although I believe that's an IE only issue now) provide plenty of attack vectors (in the year of our lord: 2019).




I wonder if that's what the persons using the PlayStation Network said! Oh, wait. The US Government as well? I'm pretty sure that "top secret classified" doesn't mean "open to Wikileaks hacker." I wonder how he gained access repeatedly (without a 'mole' inside). Hm.

Overall, however: I agree. Anti-virus scanners always have been and always will be useless for the average user.
In regards to your '90s comment: I couldn't help but laugh at you. You should've said: 'This isn't the '80s.' You should really do some homework on technology (in the obvious case that you were alive during the birth of them).

WTF are you even arguing Muted?

You sound like an epileptic being tased...



You want a solid AV go with INTUNE or Windows Defender both are light and have the fastest response and signature updates on the market.

Anti Virus will only protect you as much as you let it. Just as a lock only works if you lock it.

Being a smart user is your best defense, don't set yourself up to fail, verify your downloads, don't use untrusted sources...

I've always been a fan of creating an admin account and a user account. Require auth, and now nothing runs without approval.

You'd be amazed how many corporations have failed SOC audits because everyone is a local admin. Its a bad business practice and a bad home practice.