Microsoft's Security Essentials Fails Latest Antivirus Test

[+Warwagon MVC]

Even though they're are technically correct?

The vast majority of the time, you're going to get those 0 day viruses is if you live your life downloading every piece of ###### application you can find and every email attachment you get.

And if that's the case then well you deserve it. Common sense goes a long way when it comes to this since we no longer live in the times of IE6 and XP where you could get half the known viruses on Earth just by opening IE6 and going to freepornexe.com

 

Except, if you take a vulnerablity in Java, flash or Windows and pair it with a Zero day Virus and slap it on a banner ad, now you have an issue if you use MSE.

[TDT]

Lots of recommendations for 360 Total Security.

 

Is that the Chinese software?  Does that worry anyone?

Don't you think that ever since this app is alive SOMEONE would find out if there's crap in it? What's with this Chinese paranoia?

[spaceelf]

I've just wondered how much of their virus test doesn't even work on a modern updated copy of Windows.

 

Not really threat removal when there's no threat.

[+Warwagon MVC]

Don't you think that ever since this app is alive SOMEONE would find out if there's crap in it? What's with this Chinese paranoia?

 

I think we should be more paranoid about our own government.

 

 

I've just wondered how much of their virus test doesn't even work on a modern updated copy of Windows.

 

Not really threat removal when there's no threat.

 

You can find that answer on Post #8

[Mr. Gibs]

Except, if you take a vulnerablity in Java, flash or Windows and pair it with a Zero day Virus and slap it on a banner ad, now you have an issue if you use MSE.

1. Java's default setting asks you every single time you want to run an applet. Don't run something on a website that you don't trust.

2. Flash same thing goes as above. Set it to click to run and don't run something you don't trust but even so drive by downloads through flash aren't that common.

3. Banner ads, same thing as above apply but for extra precaution get an adblocker which is extremely common and also free but if you don't run everything then you shouldn't need one.

So like I said, viruses that you get just by opening a web browser aren't that big of an issue if you used common sense. I don't use MSE (well its installed obviously but I use ESET) or boxie and I've yet to get a virus or any form of malware since like probably Windows XP.

[Michael Scrip]

Don't you think that ever since this app is alive SOMEONE would find out if there's crap in it? What's with this Chinese paranoia?

I was just shocked that when I click on the link from the AV-Test website... it took me to a .cn domain

 

If Total 360 is as good as everyone says... I'm fine with it.

 

It just surprised me

[Raa]

For what you pay, it's still a good tool. Happy to keep recommending it to people that refuse to pay for their security, which quite frankly, is a poor decision.

[ThaCrip]

http://voodooshield.com/

 

that's probably better than Anti-Virus software simply because it has the mindset to stop basically ALL stuff from running that you don't allow during initial training.

 

i figure MSE will be good enough in case VoodooShield fails (unlikely).

[Thomas the Tank Engine]

Where's Baidu Antivirus, I don't even see it on the list?

[spaceelf]

You can find that answer on Post #8

The only number I see there is zero.  So you're saying zero?

[SharpGreen]

For the most part these tests are BS IMO.

 

For example: On one these AV test things, they disabled Windows Update which basically disables MSE definition updates and then took off points for MSE not being up-to-date with definitions.

 

Another (probably the same one don't remember) deducted points because MSE didn't have a builtin firewall (which it doesn't need since Windows has a builtin firewall).

 

I always say the best AV is common sense.

 

I used to repair PCs that were victims of virus attacks and such, and on all the machines I repaired I'd put MSE in place of whatever crap AV was there. Of all the machines I ever did (which probably numbered in the dozens) I think I only had one with MSE on it come back to me again.

[Ryoken]

I'm also of the opinion that these tests are just like the browser benchmark tests.. It's nice if you win, but has no real world application.

 

From a piratical standpoint, 0-day's affect only a handful. Normally it takes weeks before a 0-day expands into something serious. Sure there's always the *chance* but real world your AV is there to protect you from the known and common viruses that are everywhere.. not the brand new one that's been seen by 7 people to date

 

For that, I prefer MSE. Why? It's transparent. you never see MSE unless you have an issue. Others get in your face, complain about things that they have no reason to have issues with, etc. MSE just sits there quietly auto-updated via Windows Update with no popups or other things to bug you. It's awesome.

 

But that's me.

[HawkMan]

According to av-comparatives.org ESET seems to be among the best lately.  I never really had a good impression of them until now, maybe above average but that doesn't count for much.

 

Still using Panda though.

 

can't believe anyone uses panda voluntarily, I have a stack of panda boxes with full license... effin useless with resource usage that makes Norton 2007 seem lean. and then there's the annoying USB crap that breaks a ton of stuff.

[torrentthief]

meh, kaspersky and bitdefender are usually the best antiviruses when you average out all the different test websites. Both are paid though. Avira easily wins the best free antivirus, shame there are so many nags about upgrading though. Last time i used it about 2yrs ago i couldn't exempt cracks/keygen for pirated software which was annoying. Bitdefender often has 6-12 months free licence on some websites so i use it occasionally.

[grik]

Having cleaned a laptop yesterday with McAfee, Norton, two different versions of Avast and Defender yet was riddled with malware and viruses I can safely say any anti virus is rubbish if you never update it or just ignore it's warnings.

 

Maybe the best anti virus is common sense.

 

Avoid all those brands, 15 years ago we found out that Norton and McAfee are bad to the bone

Now we have Avast and AVG also putting a bad name on AV.

[cork1958]

Look at the Free 360 Internet Security on that list! It cleans wipes the floor with even the paid AV's. I use the 360 Total Security, I really wish they would test that one out too.

 

If I'm looking at that chart correctly, I clicked the little arrow under "name" at the top to re-order the list and it does move 360 up near the top then, otherwise, it was near the bottom. I'm assuming that's the order of their rating instead of just alphabetical, in which case I see several AV's that are just as good as 360 if not even better! I know you're always raving about 360 and I've tried it before, but it slows down all 7 of my machines enough to be noticeable, so I removed it. I'm always playing with different AV's anyway but have settled on Bitdefenders Internet Security 2015, which is rated higher than 360 and i t doesn't slow down any of my machines a bit.

 

I've always figured that if an AV was any good by the makers of said product, why would they need to use somebody else's engines also, like 360 does, and that "other" engine it uses is Bitdefenders, so why not just use Bitdefender?

 

I would have to say that the best AV is common sense though, as I often run without an AV and haven't ever had any issues that way either. I do use adblockers, a good host file and miscellaneous on demand malware scanners.

[techbeck]

Look at the Free 360 Internet Security on that list! It cleans wipes the floor with even the paid AV's. I use the 360 Total Security, I really wish they would test that one out too.

 

Does this have annoying popups or ads?  Scan speed and how is it on resources?

[guitmz]

Avira - Best free one

 

ESET - Best paid one

[techbeck]

Avira - Best free one

 

ESET - Best paid one

 

How is Avira on nag screens, speed, and resources?  Have not used that in a while and and looks like MSE is crap and will be going away from it for everyone.

[guitmz]

Avira nags you about purchasing the full version sometimes but nothing major. As for resources, etc it does not seem to affect my spare machine in any ways (not even while gaming).

 

In my main machine I use ESET and its about the same in resources and speed imo

[Sir Topham Hatt]

Shame Microsoft don't buy Malwarebytes.

Both of those combined would be pretty good.

 

I use MSE but it's rare it'll catch anything.  I know when I am installing warez!

[+Nexus18 MVC]

I use kasperky antivirus with comodo firewall.

 

A very good site that compares firewalls:

 

http://www.matousec.com/projects/proactive-security-challenge-64/results.php

[tuckeratlarge]

I always find it funny when people say "I use XYZ antivirus and have never had a virus or malware" - how would you know? If your particular antivirus didn't catch it.

 

I bet 99.99999999999% of viruses are written by the antivirus companies to sell more software.

[HawkMan]

I always find it funny when people say "I use XYZ antivirus and have never had a virus or malware" - how would you know? If your particular antivirus didn't catch it.

 

I bet 99.99999999999% of viruses are written by the antivirus companies to sell more software.

 

ah the good old "AV companies write all viruses conspiracy" still alive today, at least 20 years after I first heard it and heard it get solidly debunked.

 

If you Look around the net I'm sure you'll find the proper debunks for it. but besides that, fact is AV companies don't need to. idiots make more than enough viruses as it is. also there isn't as many new/unique viruses out as you think, most of them "we" more or less know the source of, roughly. most of the work today is malware and we know that the AV companies don't write these for obvious reasons.

[PGHammer]

Shame Microsoft don't buy Malwarebytes.

Both of those combined would be pretty good.

 

I use MSE but it's rare it'll catch anything.  I know when I am installing warez!

I use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium in tag-team with MSE (mom's desktop) or Windows Defender (my desktop) - and no, the two do NOT conflict.  What one misses, the other will catch.