Best Spyware, Malware Recommendation

burlmart wrote:
Mike (OP)

Most of what I gather is that MS would prefer that you just stick w/ what they already include in W8. I think these articles suggest as much.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/how-protect-pc-from-viruses

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/antivirus-partners#AVtabs=xp

Keep in mind that they do not want to shut out 3rd party AV Developers, but that said, they are pretty non-commital in tone w/r needing any other AV than that already in W8, and they seem to be giving a nod to the exclusive use of W8's builtin AV apps.

If you do the research, I don't believe that is the case at all. The question is whether you want basic, adequate protection according to MS, or the best you can get for FREE? Any malware that's not natively detected by your AV represents a threat. Especially damaging rootkits, such as keyloggers that are designed to evade detection, and are very difficult to find even by most AV software.

If MSE and Defender(WIN 8) are that good, why does the three major independent security testing organizations rate it at or near the bottom for protection(detection)? Just look for yourself at AV-Comparatives: Real World Protection Test-May 2014. The white line represents how MSE/Defender performed in protection testing compared to other AV software rated? Notice that only AhnLab AV scored worse than MSE/Defender. All other FREE AV packages scored significantly better, with Bitdefender and Panda at the top. Both offer FREE versions.

If I was still using WIN XP, I wouldn't want to consciously enhance an already bad situation with no future security patches/updates, by utilizing weaker AV security?

Question is what incentive is there for Microsoft to expend additional resources for creating a top FREE AV package, when they have no paid consumer version? Especially, when FREE AV is already available from companies that specialize in only net security, and have paid versions that make it possible?

MS has already indicated that they cooperate with third party AV companies to provide updated security threat data.

IMO, what Microsoft is providing is a basic AV package out of the box. So a user is initially protected until they can install another more effective AV. Or better yet, utilized a layered security approach? Personally, I think EMET is a more useful FREE security app than either MSE/Defender, and doesn't interfere with other third party AV packages.