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Is It Time to Ditch the Antivirus?
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#4
rcprimak 
- Advanced Member
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 211
- Joined: 29-January 08
- Location:Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
Posted 03 July 2009 - 10:57 AM
Yet another sensationalistic PC World headline!
What is being referred to as Antivirus, or AV, seems to be restricted to the outdated definition of AV as a local scanner with its own local database which is updated by downloading definitions from the Internet.
This is simply not what modern AV does! Modern AV starts with router firmware, goes on to kernel-level behavior monitoring, proceeds with traditional software firewalls, memory firewalls and AV scanners, extends to browser shields, and goes out into the cloud with real-time non-definitions process controls. PC Tools Threatfire 4.5 for example does not maintain a local database, updates every two minutes, and uses advanced behavior monitoring to protect against modern Internet threats. And Prevx 3.0 exists at the kernel level and does not rely on definitions to protect users. Other AV programs are also moving into the Internet Cloud, and do not rely on local databases and downloaded definitions updates.
The whole debate about "ditching your AV" is totally dependent on outdated semantics and word games. AV is still the most effective way to protect any Windows PC. It just needs to be modern AV, not a dinosaur from yesteryear.
And Mac is vulnerable. But there is nowhere near the sophistication in Mac AV products which has been forced on Windows AV products through the years of concentrated attacks on the Windows OS and the IE web browser. And don't think Linux is immuned to Internet based attacks -- the first Linux rootkits have already appeared, and more are to follow.
What is being referred to as Antivirus, or AV, seems to be restricted to the outdated definition of AV as a local scanner with its own local database which is updated by downloading definitions from the Internet.
This is simply not what modern AV does! Modern AV starts with router firmware, goes on to kernel-level behavior monitoring, proceeds with traditional software firewalls, memory firewalls and AV scanners, extends to browser shields, and goes out into the cloud with real-time non-definitions process controls. PC Tools Threatfire 4.5 for example does not maintain a local database, updates every two minutes, and uses advanced behavior monitoring to protect against modern Internet threats. And Prevx 3.0 exists at the kernel level and does not rely on definitions to protect users. Other AV programs are also moving into the Internet Cloud, and do not rely on local databases and downloaded definitions updates.
The whole debate about "ditching your AV" is totally dependent on outdated semantics and word games. AV is still the most effective way to protect any Windows PC. It just needs to be modern AV, not a dinosaur from yesteryear.
And Mac is vulnerable. But there is nowhere near the sophistication in Mac AV products which has been forced on Windows AV products through the years of concentrated attacks on the Windows OS and the IE web browser. And don't think Linux is immuned to Internet based attacks -- the first Linux rootkits have already appeared, and more are to follow.
#5
SDsc0rch
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 22
- Joined: 14-February 09
Posted 22 August 2009 - 12:59 PM
i don't use a/v
if i get hit (and i have!) i immediately update my MBAM (free version) and run a quick scan
if that fails, my "plan B" is ComboFix
those are my two leading a/v tools at the moment
all a tech guy needs to do is keep his ear to the ground and keep up on the latest and greatest a/v tools
*shrug*
if i get hit (and i have!) i immediately update my MBAM (free version) and run a quick scan
if that fails, my "plan B" is ComboFix
those are my two leading a/v tools at the moment
all a tech guy needs to do is keep his ear to the ground and keep up on the latest and greatest a/v tools
*shrug*
#6
marvinbl916
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 1
- Joined: 01-August 06
Posted 29 August 2009 - 04:10 PM
The author told us nothing. How do I protect my computer without an anti-virus program? What is a savvy user and how do I become one.? What methods does he used to protect his computer? The article has no substance what -so- ever. I've gotten virus, etc. with expensive programs. I changed to free Avast without a single incident for 2 1/2 years with windows defender and windows firewall. Yes, I also added the free SpywareBlaster for added protection. Marvin P.S. I suggest a follow up with ways he has become a savvy user.
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