Best virus, spyware protection.

For a long time I used both Bitdefender and Malwarebytes. I recently dropped Bitdefender and figure I'll give Microsoft Defender a shot. I've been hearing that it's much improved. I also run the paid Malwarebytes. It's my understanding that the difference between free and paid Malwarebytes is the paid version runs in real time and stops the threat before it gets into the system, while the free version has to be initiated by you after the fact. If I'm wrong about this guys help me out. I haven't had an infection in years(knock on wood).

Not knowing any better and knowing I got by OK with BullGuard I took the last minute renewal offer. I use free Malwarebytes also occasionally. Also use CCleaner.

IMO, you don't necessarily get better protection from paid security software vs free. As some of the top rated paid malware security apps mentioned here have had instance(s) of being hacked. Which can be dangerous as security software require elevated privileges to run, and can allow hackers admin rights to install and run malware if compromised.

You're better off having a layered approach to security, and keep your OS, browsers, and apps on your system updated with the latest security patches. Anti-virus/malware software is just one piece, and should not be your only protection.

coolmom42 wrote:
I use the built-in Windows protection suite ... Malwarebytes Free.

I also use the free Windows Defender as it's now rated near the top for malware protection by leading independent security organizations. A vast improvement when it's previous incarnations (Microsoft Security Essentials) was apparently rated at or near the bottom.

I also prefer using Malwarebytes Free for on-demand personal secondary scanning, though it ended up being banned at my organization which runs on a U.S. Gov network. As far as I know, due to unprofessional behavior by a Malwarebytes sales rep trying to force my central organization to purchase an enterprise wide license, when it apparently detected Malwarebytes Free being used on a some computers accessing our network? Not a wise move to have threatened our central support staff, as our chief desktop director promptly banned Malwarebytes use on all our organization computers worldwide, which if detected on our network is blocked and uninstalled by our SOC.

What a bummer as my unit purchased Malwarebytes business licenses for use on our own IT computers, and was our preferred supplemental security scanning tool. We can no longer use any Malwarebytes tools as units cannot bypass central IT policy.

While I agree that McAfee is very solid and used by most corporations as the standard, when it runs providing updates and scans it often uses 40-80% CPU. It can really cramp your system if you are trying to do anything else requiring a lot of CPU.

The free Malwarebytes is mainly used when you think you are infected, it will run off a memory stick since viruses will generally try tp disable your AV software. They do have a Malwarebytes Pro version now that is full time but it is a subscription software and not free.
I am happy with the MSE, I avoid likely infection sites and do not click on unknown links. Works for me.

Besides using the built in Microsoft protection, I use Avast (free) and Malewarebytes (free). Also, while internetting, I use Firefox browser with AdBlock (free)- very, very few advertisements when internet browsing. I also use CCleaner (free) every so often to clean out internet history and "cookies".

The Best is what I call "ONION" level (layers of protection) 2 or 3 programs 2 firewalls, stateful router. But with the exception of the router that takes a lot of CPU power.. I use two layers on this box.

Even better is a Chromebook, Worst case
Settings - advanced - power wash a yes or two and the device is .. software wise... brand new just out of the box.

I use McAfee on my Windwos 10 laptop, two Android smartphones, one Apple iPad, and one Microsoft XP(!) desktop.

McAfee is very reliable, has constant updates for new protections, and is very simple to use on all my devices. I have a multiple device autopay annual subscription for it.

It rates high in all reviews I've read about it.

"Whatever you do, DO NOT get McAfee. Everyone I know who uses it has random problems."
I agree 100% I didn't want to say so after that poster mentioned his SIL. But so far as I'm concerned McAfee and Norton are more like malware themselves.