computer security Update

we switched to all mac systems and never a problem since. and no we don’t buy software. apple seems to be able to take care of their systems out there.

I just searched and ours comes up on the 3rd page of Google.
Much different than back in 2000 when Microsoft directly linked to our site for broadband tweaking. My friend came up with the best receiving window size and MS knew that it was better than theirs, so for payment (haha) we were one of the 2 or 3 sites that they linked to externally.
They used the receiving window size for all future operating systems and eventually removed the link and recommendation.

hypoxia wrote:
When an unscrupulous person gains access to your computer, who do you go to to see what, if any "gifts" have been left behind, access portals added or whatever?

I don't mean to be offensive, however the saying goes, "when someone has physical access to your computer, it is not your computer anymore"...

Assuming you mean someone you know as opposed to a break-in, and you are wondering if they are spying are and such, some of the aforementioned malware progs should find key loggers, Trojans and such.
If you are meaning that they have opened some of your ports to allow access, then a port scanner will let you know what ports are open.
I have one on a site that I admin, however I am not sure if posting a link is permitted here. You can always search for a security port scanner... Be careful... Good luck!

When an unscrupulous person gains access to your computer, who do you go to to see what, if any "gifts" have been left behind, access portals added or whatever?

I always enjoy hearing what other people use. Like you Ray, I only download from the actual site. Never from Cnet(seems like there always there). Need to be suspicious of every click when you download, or OH bummer you get the "Ask Toolbar"installed. I remember that mistake well. It infected all my browsers. There's an app called "Unchecky" that will actually make sure you don't accidentally miss those check marks and install their junk. I'm always working on computers, and then the relatives always bring their machines too. What I frequently do is boot into safe mode, connect to the internet, then download the right antivirus for the job. That handles a lot of stuff including ransomware. If ransomware's first message is "Don't turn off the computer", hold the power button down for 5 seconds and turn it off and you can frequently beat it that way. There's a few on your list I haven't tried. I might give SuperAntiSpyware a shot. I keep hearing good things about it.

Knowledge is the best computer security, no substitute...

You can put 10 dead bolt locks on your door, however when you open your door and say "who is it", those locks don't mean much. Neither does security programs, same effect...

I repair computers often, typically from email, surfing, gaming and streaming. Not as much from porn as people think as they want you to return to their site, that's how they make money.

Some of the worst problems arise from games, especially free games, although even paid for games can have nasties. Kids are especially targeted due to the power they wield over their parents.

Social media games ALL have spyware and such. Anyone that says Facebook games doesn't have spyware are clueless at minimum. This applies to phones too as more phones are getting infected.

Streaming radio... Even 'honest' stations do NOT screen all of their advertising, same for movies. It is best to leave TV and music to dedicated devices that aren't affected by nasties. It is not if, but when...

Shopping assistants and tool bars are not your friend. Be very careful with downloads. Not merely the programs, but the sites that you get them from. Some very popular and large sites have been known to add goodies to the program without the developer even knowing. If possible, always download from the developers site directly...

Do not run more than 1 antivirus at the time. I'm not going to take the time to explain why, just don't...

Windows Defender was once good, however they didn't/don't keep up as they should and is typically disabled by decent antivirus programs upon installation and by many nasties as well.

Email is a whole vulnerability on it's own... Curiosity kills the cat...

Bitdefender Free is what I have been putting on machines for the last year or so. No such thing as the 'best antivirus'. (I am not implying that you should use it and have a false sense of security. Go back and read the first line in this post)...
It really depends how they rank 'consistently', how often they update and the 'quality' of their updates as many are not really functional on the loose in the wild...

I wouldn't use McAfee, Norton/Symantec or Kaspersky on any machine that I repair and always uninstall, although some corporate versions of Norton/Symantec are OK as system admins would not accept what home users are clueless about... That is totally different versions and much more expensive.
I must confess that I use a paid version of a different AV on mine really because I have to protect our 25 or so computers and the users from themselves doing silly things...

After one does get infected, it is usually best to run 4 or 5 different programs as no 1 can get everything. Malwarebytes is a good one to use for starters, as others have mentioned. SuperAntiSpyware, CCleaner, Glary, Process Explorer- Autoruns, RKill, TDSSKiller, ComboFix are a few other freebes, however you had better be careful and know what you are doing when using some of them. Don't blame me if you hose your box...

One more very important thing. Be sure of the spelling of sites and programs as bad guys often take advantage of carelessness in many ways.

Good luck! Be safe in cyber space!

The only free anti-virus that's top rated and doesn't install adware, or a toolbar, or some other gimmick, is Bitdefender. It use to be that way, not sure now.

wa8yxm wrote:
I will never install McAffee. Not only is HE a crimninal but his company is as well.

You do realize he has nothing to do with the company right? Hasn't had anything to do with it for 20 years.

Not free but has been very reliable and worthy: Trend Micro
Received a free subscription with my Dell desktop years ago and have paid to renew the subscription and will do so again next year. It has been effective and can be installed on numerous devices with one subscription.

A previous software I used started out as legit but then became a viral issue years later.

Far as I'm concerned, 'Free' don't pass the smell test either. In life, you usually get what you pay for. If it's free, I don't expect much and I've never been disapointed.