For all the people who believe aditional Antivirus software, is not necessary..


Agreed. You should use something like CrowdStrike Falcon. (sorry @andrew129260, if it's too soon to mention that
:sneaky:)
And don't forget the famous CrowdStrike outage. It was MASSIVE.

On 19 July 2024, American cybersecurity company CrowdStrike distributed a faulty update to its Falcon Sensor security software that caused widespread problems with Microsoft Windows computers running the software. As a result, roughly 8.5 million systems crashed and were unable to properly restart[1] in what has been called the largest outage in the history of information technology[2] and "historic in scale".[3]

The outage disrupted daily life, businesses, and governments around the world. Many industries were affected—airlines, airports, banks, hotels, hospitals, manufacturing, stock markets, broadcasting, gas stations, retail stores, and more—as were governmental services, such as emergency services and websites.[4][5] The worldwide financial damage has been estimated to be at least US$10 billion.[6]
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (OS Build 26200.8246)Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E3-1535M v5 @ 2.90 Max T...64GB DDR4 ECC (Error-Correcting Code memory)NVIDIA Quadro M2000M 4GB GDDR5 & Intel(R) HD ...
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (OS Build 26200.8246)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Precision Mobile Workstation
    CPU
    Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E3-1535M v5 @ 2.90 Max Turbo 3.80
    Motherboard
    00V5FJ
    Memory
    64GB DDR4 ECC (Error-Correcting Code memory)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Quadro M2000M 4GB GDDR5 & Intel(R) HD Graphics P530
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" 4K UltraHD
    Screen Resolution
    4K UHD 3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    2TB Crucial NVMe & 2TB Seagate SATA
    PSU
    Dell 180W 19.5V-9.23A
    Keyboard
    Backlit
    Mouse
    Logitech G703 & Logitech G305
    Internet Speed
    WIFI: Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6E AX210NGW(Gig+) 160MHz Bands 2.4GHz(574Mbps), 5GHz 2.4Gbps, 6 GHz (160MHz) 2.4Gbps
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security + additional Anti Spyware, Anti Malware, etc.
    Other Info
    Thunderbolt 3
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (OS Build 26100.6725)Dual (X2) Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E5-2690 0 @ 2....64GB DDR3 ECC (Error-Correcting Code memory)NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB of GDDR5
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (OS Build 26100.6725)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Precision Workstation T5610
    CPU
    Dual (X2) Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E5-2690 0 @ 2.90GHz Max Turbo 3.80
    Motherboard
    0WN7Y6
    Memory
    64GB DDR3 ECC (Error-Correcting Code memory)
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB of GDDR5
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio & NVIDIA High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    3 Acer Monitors
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2 Seagate Barracuda ST2000DM008-2UB102 (RAID)
    Mouse
    Logitech G305
And don't forget the famous CrowdStrike outage. It was MASSIVE.
lol yeah, that’s why I specifically mentioned them. Also to traumatize Andrew again.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 [rev. 8893]
OS
Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 [rev. 8893]
It proves, reliance on just Windows security, is not wise.
Why don't you just come right out and tell us which antivirus software company you work for? However, I will agree that reliance on just Windows security is not wise. The best antivirus tool is between the user's ears. Knowing what to click on or open and what not to click on or open, combined with Windows security as well as a NAT firewall built into your internet router will keep you just as safe as any paid for antivirus software.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT32GBEVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
    OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 EducationIntel i7-8550U32GBNvidia Geforce MX150
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
lol yeah, that’s why I specifically mentioned them. Also to traumatize Andrew again.
Interestingly enough, the CrowdStrike debacle and its effects were documented in this YouTube video shot by RATT Tour Manager Jason Green in Toledo, Ohio. They misnamed CrowdStrike as CloudStrike in the title, but nevertheless showed some of the effects at the hotel level (no working hotel computers, unable to do hotel purchases, no room keys, etc)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEoOWkLGSCU
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (OS Build 26200.8246)Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E3-1535M v5 @ 2.90 Max T...64GB DDR4 ECC (Error-Correcting Code memory)NVIDIA Quadro M2000M 4GB GDDR5 & Intel(R) HD ...
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (OS Build 26200.8246)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Precision Mobile Workstation
    CPU
    Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E3-1535M v5 @ 2.90 Max Turbo 3.80
    Motherboard
    00V5FJ
    Memory
    64GB DDR4 ECC (Error-Correcting Code memory)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Quadro M2000M 4GB GDDR5 & Intel(R) HD Graphics P530
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" 4K UltraHD
    Screen Resolution
    4K UHD 3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    2TB Crucial NVMe & 2TB Seagate SATA
    PSU
    Dell 180W 19.5V-9.23A
    Keyboard
    Backlit
    Mouse
    Logitech G703 & Logitech G305
    Internet Speed
    WIFI: Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6E AX210NGW(Gig+) 160MHz Bands 2.4GHz(574Mbps), 5GHz 2.4Gbps, 6 GHz (160MHz) 2.4Gbps
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security + additional Anti Spyware, Anti Malware, etc.
    Other Info
    Thunderbolt 3
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (OS Build 26100.6725)Dual (X2) Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E5-2690 0 @ 2....64GB DDR3 ECC (Error-Correcting Code memory)NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB of GDDR5
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (OS Build 26100.6725)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Precision Workstation T5610
    CPU
    Dual (X2) Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E5-2690 0 @ 2.90GHz Max Turbo 3.80
    Motherboard
    0WN7Y6
    Memory
    64GB DDR3 ECC (Error-Correcting Code memory)
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB of GDDR5
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio & NVIDIA High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    3 Acer Monitors
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2 Seagate Barracuda ST2000DM008-2UB102 (RAID)
    Mouse
    Logitech G305
An "informed", "non emotional" article, on Security researchers "analysis", of a plug X variant.



View attachment 122176

So I guess "Plug X", is "not so targeted", and may well be languishing on many machines, without sophisticated Virus/malware protection.

its funny you show avast, because a flaw of the avast driver, malware was delivered to machines


But yes, other AV's should be updated for this to be sure.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProRyzen 7 5700 X3D64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws VRTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5700 X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws V
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) 2560 x 1440 @ 170hz HDR
    Hard Drives
    2TB Samsung nvme ssd
    4TB Western Digital nvme ssd
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx SHIFT Series™ RM750x 80 PLUS Gold Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
    Case
    CORSAIR 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 CPU Water Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech G213
    Mouse
    Logitech G203
    Internet Speed
    1.2gbps Fiber 😎
  • At a glance

    Chrome OSIntel Pentium Quad Core4GB LPDDR4
    Operating System
    Chrome OS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Chromebook
    CPU
    Intel Pentium Quad Core
    Memory
    4GB LPDDR4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14 Inch HD SVA anti glare micro edge display
    Hard Drives
    64 GB emmc
As a cyber security dude, I'll never accept, free antivirus/anti malware solutions, will be as effective, as solutions, with required R&D budget, and priced accordingly.
Perhaps you use Kaspersky antivirus software made in Russia?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 ProCore i7-13700K64 GB Kingston Fury Beast DDR5Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 Super Gaming OC 8G
OS
Windows 11 Pro
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Self build
CPU
Core i7-13700K
Motherboard
Asus TUF Gaming Plus WiFi Z790
Memory
64 GB Kingston Fury Beast DDR5
Graphics Card(s)
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 Super Gaming OC 8G
Sound Card
Realtek S1200A
Monitor(s) Displays
Viewsonic VP2770 & Dell (secondary)
Screen Resolution
2560 x 1440
Hard Drives
Kingston KC3000 2TB NVME SSD & SATA HDDs & SSD
PSU
EVGA SuperNova G2 850W
Case
Nanoxia Deep Silence 1
Cooling
Noctua NH-D14
Keyboard
Microsoft Digital Media Pro
Mouse
Logitech Wireless
Internet Speed
80 Mb / s
Browser
Chrome
Antivirus
Defender, Malwarebytes Free & AdwCleaner

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    11 Homei7 13650HX16GB DDR5GeForce RTX 4060 Mobile
    OS
    11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus TUF Gaming F16 (2024)
    CPU
    i7 13650HX
    Memory
    16GB DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce RTX 4060 Mobile
    Sound Card
    Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC Supreme; Emotiva UMC-200; Astell & Kern AK240
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia XR-55X90J
    Screen Resolution
    3840×2160
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD internal
    37TB external
    PSU
    Li-ion
    Cooling
    2× Arc Flow Fans, 4× exhaust vents, 5× heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logitech G402
    Internet Speed
    30Mbit/s up, 500Mbit/s down
    Browser
    FF
    Antivirus
    What's an antivirus?
  • At a glance

    11 Homei5 1135G716GB DDR4Intel Iris Xe
    Operating System
    11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Medion S15450
    CPU
    i5 1135G7
    Memory
    16GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe
    Sound Card
    Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC Supreme; Emotiva UMC-200; Astell & Kern AK240
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia XR-55X90J
    Screen Resolution
    3840×2160
    Hard Drives
    2TB SSD internal
    37TB external
    PSU
    Li-ion
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logitech G402
    Internet Speed
    30Mbit/s up, 500Mbit/s down
    Browser
    FF
These days i use Windows Defender, backed up by Malwarebytes Premium, Router firewall, and practice safe surfing, and for daily use--on My Standard MS Account, and Only use System Admin account for Admin Tasks
Great post, great regime..

To be honest, I was so disgusted with some of the "pitch fork mob" like responses to this thread, for daring to question MS Windows Defender, I almost left this place, for good.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Fedora/KDE Plasma F43Xeon 2667 v448GB ECC DDR4nVidia GTX 1650
    OS
    Fedora/KDE Plasma F43
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Z640
    CPU
    Xeon 2667 v4
    Motherboard
    Xeon V4 Motherboard
    Memory
    48GB ECC DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX 1650
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@144hz
    Hard Drives
    NVME, SSD
    PSU
    850W
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 IOT Enterprise LTSC/RHEL 10.1 KDE ...Intel Xeom 2680 V464gb DDR4 ECCAMD RX560
    Operating System
    Windows 11 IOT Enterprise LTSC/RHEL 10.1 KDE Plasma
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Z440
    CPU
    Intel Xeom 2680 V4
    Motherboard
    HP Z440
    Memory
    64gb DDR4 ECC
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD RX560
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Gsync 27" 144hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@144hz
    Hard Drives
    SSD/nVme/HDD
    PSU
    standard 700W
    Case
    standard
    Cooling
    Standard
    Browser
    MS Edge
    Antivirus
    BitDefender
Great post, great regime..

To be honest, I was so disgusted with some of the "pitch fork mob" like responses to this thread, for daring to question MS Windows Defender, I almost left this place, for good.
Nothing wrong with questioning windows defender or any other security, including windows efforts itself.

It's about having all the facts though and data, which your sources lacked.

Unless we know more, we cannot arrive at a good conclusion. The fact of the matter is no typical home user should be using windows in the first place imho.

Chromebooks are the only type of computer I recommend for home users.

You have your opinion and that is fine. I don't think paying for an antivirus makes you invulnerable which is what you seem to claim. The fact is any security solution can miss things. Whether you pay or not makes no difference. The paid and free get the same detection rates for avast for example.
 
Last edited:

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProRyzen 7 5700 X3D64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws VRTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5700 X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws V
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) 2560 x 1440 @ 170hz HDR
    Hard Drives
    2TB Samsung nvme ssd
    4TB Western Digital nvme ssd
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx SHIFT Series™ RM750x 80 PLUS Gold Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
    Case
    CORSAIR 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 CPU Water Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech G213
    Mouse
    Logitech G203
    Internet Speed
    1.2gbps Fiber 😎
  • At a glance

    Chrome OSIntel Pentium Quad Core4GB LPDDR4
    Operating System
    Chrome OS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Chromebook
    CPU
    Intel Pentium Quad Core
    Memory
    4GB LPDDR4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14 Inch HD SVA anti glare micro edge display
    Hard Drives
    64 GB emmc
Great post, great regime..

To be honest, I was so disgusted with some of the "pitch fork mob" like responses to this thread, for daring to question MS Windows Defender, I almost left this place, for good.
One needs to keep their integrity and stick to their guns, regardless of what those with different opinions (and the obvious bigot) have to say
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built 2013
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    ROG SupremeFX Formula 8-Channel High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Touch Screen Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list. OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / Mx Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    2000/500Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    TP-Link BE9300 WiFi 7 Bluetooth 5.4 (Archer TBE550E)
    TP-Link TX201 V1 2.5GB Lan

    Grandstream HT812 - VoIP
    ASUS DSL-AX82U - Mesh
    ASUS RT-AC68U - Mesh
    ASUS RT-BE88U Router

    Brother MFC-L2880DW Printer

    I’m on a horse.
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894 (Wifes)13th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-1340P Process...16GB LPDDR5-52001x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894 (Wifes)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7 14IRL8 - Type 82YL
    CPU
    13th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-1340P Processor(Core™ i5-1340P)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5-5200
    Graphics card(s)
    1x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512 GB SSD PCIe
    Mouse
    Logiteck MX Master 3S
    Internet Speed
    2000/500
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.


    Wireless Network: Wi-Fi 6E 2x2 AX; Bluetooth® 5.1 or above
    Ports: 1x 1 Novo button; 2 in 1 Audio Combo jack; Micro SD Card Reader; HDMI 1.4b; 2 x USB Type-C (TBT4)
    USB 3.2 Gen 2 DP 1.4a
    PD 3.0); 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A
    Camera
    1x 1080P FHD IR/RGB Hybrid with Privacy Shutter and Dual Array Microphone
    Graphics
    1x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    Monitor
    14" WUXGA
    Form Factor
    Convertible Notebook
  • Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894 (Wifes)

    Yoga 7 2-in-1 14IML9 - Type 83DJ

    Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H Processor(Core™ Ultra 7 155H)

    Memory: 32GB LPD5X-7467

    Hard Drive: 1 TB SSD PCIe

    Wireless Network: 1x Wi-Fi 6E 2x2 AX; Bluetooth® 5.1 or above

    Ports: 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS; 1 x Novo Button; 1 x Combo Audio Jack
    2 x USB-C (USB 4.0)
    1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1

    Camera: 1080P FHD IR Hybrid with Dual Microphone

    Graphics: Intel® Arc™ Graphics

    Monitor: 14" 2.8K

    ...Where's my horse?
Do most users trust the companies that review antimalware or do you think they are in the pockets of the AV companies without whom they would have no busines?

I'm thinking of these companies...

Virus Bulletin (VB100)
MRG Effitas
SE Labs
AV-Comparatives
AV-Test Institute

I see that Bitdefender consistently outperforms MS Defender!😜

Personally, I use Webroot as it's so lightweight on resources and space. It installs in seconds and use heuristics not definition files.
 
Last edited:

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8894AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics16GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8894
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acemagic LX15PRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics
    Motherboard
    BIOS CT_BI_AMI_LX15PRO_AB8139_A-004
    Memory
    16GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 2TB
    Internet Speed
    30 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete beta
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506Atom N450 1.66GHz2GB
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
  • Acer Swift SF114-34 laptop
    OS Windows 11 Pro 26200.8894
    CPU Pentium Silver N6000
    RAM 4GB
    BIOS v1.17
    SSD Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD 2TB (an upgrade)
Do most users trust the companies that review antimalware or do you think they are in the pockets of the AV companies without whom they would have no busines?

I think they all sell their soul to the highest bidder
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built 2013
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    ROG SupremeFX Formula 8-Channel High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Touch Screen Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list. OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / Mx Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    2000/500Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    TP-Link BE9300 WiFi 7 Bluetooth 5.4 (Archer TBE550E)
    TP-Link TX201 V1 2.5GB Lan

    Grandstream HT812 - VoIP
    ASUS DSL-AX82U - Mesh
    ASUS RT-AC68U - Mesh
    ASUS RT-BE88U Router

    Brother MFC-L2880DW Printer

    I’m on a horse.
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894 (Wifes)13th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-1340P Process...16GB LPDDR5-52001x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894 (Wifes)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7 14IRL8 - Type 82YL
    CPU
    13th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-1340P Processor(Core™ i5-1340P)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5-5200
    Graphics card(s)
    1x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512 GB SSD PCIe
    Mouse
    Logiteck MX Master 3S
    Internet Speed
    2000/500
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.


    Wireless Network: Wi-Fi 6E 2x2 AX; Bluetooth® 5.1 or above
    Ports: 1x 1 Novo button; 2 in 1 Audio Combo jack; Micro SD Card Reader; HDMI 1.4b; 2 x USB Type-C (TBT4)
    USB 3.2 Gen 2 DP 1.4a
    PD 3.0); 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A
    Camera
    1x 1080P FHD IR/RGB Hybrid with Privacy Shutter and Dual Array Microphone
    Graphics
    1x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    Monitor
    14" WUXGA
    Form Factor
    Convertible Notebook
  • Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8894 (Wifes)

    Yoga 7 2-in-1 14IML9 - Type 83DJ

    Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H Processor(Core™ Ultra 7 155H)

    Memory: 32GB LPD5X-7467

    Hard Drive: 1 TB SSD PCIe

    Wireless Network: 1x Wi-Fi 6E 2x2 AX; Bluetooth® 5.1 or above

    Ports: 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS; 1 x Novo Button; 1 x Combo Audio Jack
    2 x USB-C (USB 4.0)
    1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1

    Camera: 1080P FHD IR Hybrid with Dual Microphone

    Graphics: Intel® Arc™ Graphics

    Monitor: 14" 2.8K

    ...Where's my horse?
If that were true, why would companies that score less well keep paying their subscription? You are too cynical! I think the computer magazines always have an eye on the advertisers but I don't think they are corrupt.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8894AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics16GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8894
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acemagic LX15PRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics
    Motherboard
    BIOS CT_BI_AMI_LX15PRO_AB8139_A-004
    Memory
    16GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 2TB
    Internet Speed
    30 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete beta
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506Atom N450 1.66GHz2GB
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
  • Acer Swift SF114-34 laptop
    OS Windows 11 Pro 26200.8894
    CPU Pentium Silver N6000
    RAM 4GB
    BIOS v1.17
    SSD Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD 2TB (an upgrade)
I see that Bitdefender consistently outperforms MS Defender!😜

Personally, I use Webroot as it's so lightweight on resources and space. It installs in seconds and use heuristics not definition files.
Yes for the last couple months I see bitdefender doing quite well, as well as avast. AV test showed defender getting top marks, while av comparatives gets defender a just passing grade.

Everything nowadays are using a combination of definition files, heuristics, hashing, behavioral analysis etc etc. The counter list is huge.

There are tons of holes in security. While one product may be better at detection in some months vs others, I think the user is ultimately the first defense.

I think the operating system used, the knowledge of the user, all are much more important than any chosen AV.

The labs are using samples they have catalogued recently as well as ones over a length of time.

Sometimes on the day of testing it might favor one solution being more up to date vs others that are lagging behind.

Either way, as long as you're using some type of security solution, you're much better off than others.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProRyzen 7 5700 X3D64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws VRTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5700 X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws V
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) 2560 x 1440 @ 170hz HDR
    Hard Drives
    2TB Samsung nvme ssd
    4TB Western Digital nvme ssd
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx SHIFT Series™ RM750x 80 PLUS Gold Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
    Case
    CORSAIR 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 CPU Water Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech G213
    Mouse
    Logitech G203
    Internet Speed
    1.2gbps Fiber 😎
  • At a glance

    Chrome OSIntel Pentium Quad Core4GB LPDDR4
    Operating System
    Chrome OS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Chromebook
    CPU
    Intel Pentium Quad Core
    Memory
    4GB LPDDR4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14 Inch HD SVA anti glare micro edge display
    Hard Drives
    64 GB emmc
Webroot does not use definition files! That is why it is unique. I never see Webroot popups unless I go to an iffy site. It is very unobtrusive. I find their technical support to be excellent. I hope it continues to innovate but it has been bought out.

Webroot was sold to Carbonite, Inc. in February 2019 for approximately $618.5 million. Later that same year, Carbonite itself was acquired by OpenText, a Canadian software company, in December 2019.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8894AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics16GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8894
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acemagic LX15PRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics
    Motherboard
    BIOS CT_BI_AMI_LX15PRO_AB8139_A-004
    Memory
    16GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 2TB
    Internet Speed
    30 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete beta
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506Atom N450 1.66GHz2GB
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
  • Acer Swift SF114-34 laptop
    OS Windows 11 Pro 26200.8894
    CPU Pentium Silver N6000
    RAM 4GB
    BIOS v1.17
    SSD Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD 2TB (an upgrade)
......As a cyber security dude,.... If you are a cyber security dude, I'm surprised you didn't tell people to dump Windows and install Linux. You list it as your OS.

I glanced at the article and it said, ......" This variant of PlugX malware spreads through a computer’s USB port, infecting attached USB devices, and then potentially spreading to other Windows-based computers that the USB device is later plugged into. ...." How did the USB Flash drive that is mentioned get infected in the first place?

I don't plug anything into the USB ports on my computer. I use wireless KDE Connect for my phone.

While I have Windows 11, I never really use it unless there is some software that requires it
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11, Linux Mint 22.3Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-6300U CPU @ 2.40GHzG.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (2 x 8GB)Skylake GT2 [HD Graphics 520]
OS
Windows 11, Linux Mint 22.3
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
Asus
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-6300U CPU @ 2.40GHz
Memory
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card(s)
Skylake GT2 [HD Graphics 520]
Monitor(s) Displays
15.6"
Screen Resolution
1600 x 900
Hard Drives
931.51 GiB (8.9% used)
Browser
Firefox, Chrome & Brave
I think they all sell their soul to the highest bidder
Probably just me, but I have always thought since the beginning, the antivirus companies, are the ones that create the viruses. I believe the best antivirus, is setting on top of your shoulders.
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows XP (Stable, iconic) 7/8.1/10/ Tiny11 ...Intel i7 4790K32GB DDR3 1600 MHzATI Radeon HD 7770 2GB GDDR5
OS
Windows XP (Stable, iconic) 7/8.1/10/ Tiny11 25H2
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Alienware PC
CPU
Intel i7 4790K
Motherboard
ASROCK Z97 EXTREME4
Memory
32GB DDR3 1600 MHz
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon HD 7770 2GB GDDR5
Sound Card
Onboard
Monitor(s) Displays
SAMSUNG UE57 Series 28-Inch 4K UHD
Hard Drives
SAMSUNG 860 EVO 250 gigabyte SSD
PSU
EVGA 850 watt
Case
Alienware Area 51 Black Tower Case
Keyboard
HyperX - Alloy Elite 2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.
Mouse
Microsoft Wireless
Internet Speed
1.2 GHz
Browser
Chrome..Edge..Firefox

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11, Linux Mint 22.3Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-6300U CPU @ 2.40GHzG.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (2 x 8GB)Skylake GT2 [HD Graphics 520]
OS
Windows 11, Linux Mint 22.3
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
Asus
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-6300U CPU @ 2.40GHz
Memory
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card(s)
Skylake GT2 [HD Graphics 520]
Monitor(s) Displays
15.6"
Screen Resolution
1600 x 900
Hard Drives
931.51 GiB (8.9% used)
Browser
Firefox, Chrome & Brave
For all the people who believe aditional Antivirus software, is not necessary..
I have not AV used since XP, except for testing and this malware can be easily stopped with DNS and firewall.
Code:
https://any.run/malware-trends/plugx
https://www.cybereason.com/blog/threat-analysis-report-plugx-rat-loader-evolution
Not to mention a simple tweak, which works like smart app control and blocks an unsigned exe.
Code:
reg add "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System" /v "ValidateAdminCodeSignatures" /t REG_DWORD /d "1" /f
capture_01272025_185723.webp
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Home26H2CanAMD Ryzen 5 8600G (07/24)2x32GB Kingston FURY DDR5 5600 MHz CL36 @5200...ASROCK Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8G @48FPS ...
OS
Home26H2Can
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G (07/24)
Motherboard
ASROCK B650M-HDV/M.2 (07/24) BIOS 4.21 AGESA ComboAM5 1.3.0.1 (04/26)
Memory
2x32GB Kingston FURY DDR5 5600 MHz CL36 @5200 CL36 (07/24)
Graphics Card(s)
ASROCK Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8G @48FPS (08/24)
Sound Card
Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus (05/24)
Monitor(s) Displays
24" Philips 24M1N3200ZS/00 (05/24)
Screen Resolution
1920×1080@165Hz via DP1.4
Hard Drives
Kingston KC3000 NVMe 2TB (05/24)
ADATA XPG GAMMIX S11 Pro 512GB (07/19)
PSU
Seasonic Core GM 550 Gold (04/24)
Case
Fractal Design Define 7 Mini with 3x Noctua NF-P14s/12@555rpm (04/24)
Cooling
Noctua NH-U12S with Noctua NF-P12 (04/24)
Keyboard
HP Pavilion Wired Keyboard 300 (07/24) + Rabalux 76017 Parker (01/24)
Mouse
Logitech M330 Silent Plus (01/26)
Internet Speed
500/100 Mbps via RouterOS (05/21) & TCP Optimizer
Browser
Edge, Brave for YouTube, LibreWolf for FB
Antivirus
NextDNS blocking 1/3 Traffic
Other Info
Phone: Motorola Moto G86 (02/26)
Backup: Hasleo Backup Suite (PreOS)
Headphones: Sennheiser RS170 (09/10)
Chair: Huzaro Force 4.4 Grey Mesh (05/24)
Notifier: Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Milanese (10/24)
FlexCore USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (M) to LAN (F) (08/25)
Webroot does not use definition files!

Webroot provides definition updates almost every day to protect you against the latest malware threats. By choosing our "Uninterrupted Protection" option, you ensure that you will continue to receive regular updates and protection against new virus and spyware threats.
  1. With the convenience of automatic renewals, you never need to worry about keeping your PC safe. We'll automatically take care of it for you so you're always protected.

The amount of incorrect information in this thread is staggering.


Not to mention a simple tweak, which works like smart app control and blocks an unsigned exe.
Code:
reg add "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System" /v "ValidateAdminCodeSignatures" /t REG_DWORD /d "1" /f
View attachment 123418
Its a shame smart app control usually disables itself automatically on new installs of windows after the evaluation period.

For home people I manually enable it as soon as I can if they really need windows on their pc.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProRyzen 7 5700 X3D64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws VRTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5700 X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws V
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) 2560 x 1440 @ 170hz HDR
    Hard Drives
    2TB Samsung nvme ssd
    4TB Western Digital nvme ssd
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx SHIFT Series™ RM750x 80 PLUS Gold Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
    Case
    CORSAIR 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 CPU Water Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech G213
    Mouse
    Logitech G203
    Internet Speed
    1.2gbps Fiber 😎
  • At a glance

    Chrome OSIntel Pentium Quad Core4GB LPDDR4
    Operating System
    Chrome OS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Chromebook
    CPU
    Intel Pentium Quad Core
    Memory
    4GB LPDDR4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14 Inch HD SVA anti glare micro edge display
    Hard Drives
    64 GB emmc

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