Prevention software FAQ

[hackman2007]

Please note this is just the starting of the guide and that I probably will edit this FAQ a lot. I decided to make it as a FAQ as it was easier for me that way.

Beginning: I'm going to make this small guide into a FAQ type guide since a lot of these questions I have been asked myself and I know a lot of people probably have these questions themselves. I hope this guide helps some people remain uninfected.

Choosing the right antivirus: Nowadays there are tons of antivirus applications. You can get just about any antivirus you want, from well-known makers such as Symantec and others from virtually unknown companies such as Comodo. All of these antivirus applications perform about the same, as they ALL catch viruses and other malicious applications (but they may not be as good at it). When choosing an antivirus it is important to note that an antivirus CANNOT detect everything. It takes some preventive thoughts in order to remain uninfected. So when choosing an antivirus never want it to detect everything.

Which features should I make sure the antivirus has?: At the very least you should look for an antivirus that has heuristic technology. Heuristics allow the application to detect malicious applications that are not in it's detected database. It's also important in case you cannot update the program if the updater gets disabled somehow. Another important feature it should contain is an automatic updater. Without an automatic updater you are taking the burden of responsibility to update the program on yourself. Automatic updaters allow the maker to put updates on at any point they want. The main feature you NEED TO MAKE SURE IT HAS is a real time scanner (it may be called something different). A real time scanner does exactly what it's name implies, it protects you real time. Above all the other features make sure it has this. If it does not do not purchase it.

Should I choose a free antivirus or a pay antivirus?: Today it is possible to get a free antivirus that is good. However, it is also possible to get a good pay for antivirus. Mostly it depends on user opinion as almost all antivirus applications perform about the same in detecting viruses. Just remember antivirus software CANNOT protect you from everything. You MUST also be a smart internet user.

What are these other terms I'm hearing such as trojan horses, worms, adware, spyware and keyloggers:
In the past couple of years a new breed of malicious software as appeared. This new breed is called malware (malicious software, it's different than viruses in my book). These typically DO NOT include viruses. Viruses are a completely different thing. These also require a separate prevention tool. The problem with this new breed is no tool is 100% effective at removing this software because it changes all the time (not like a virus doesn't, it's just there are more variants of these). Most tools that can remove these do not offer real time protection (certain pay programs do, such as Webroot Spy Sweeper and AVG Antispyware). It's crucial to have more than an antivirus application in your protection suite.

I've heard about this strange antimalware program I've never heard of before is it ok to use?:
With all the malware out today some “rogue” developers have decided to deceive the user and make rogue applications that in effect can add more malware, hijack a computer, or some completely odd effects. Sometimes it's fairly easy to recognize that one of the applications is rogue, but other times it's extremely hard. A good list to have bookmarked is The Rogue Suspect List of Products and Websites. This website will let you know if the product you are researching is a good product to use.

Wouldn't it just be easier to get an All in one Security Suite?: It's not always good to get a security suite. You have to remember that everything has vulnerabilities and hackers love to discover these. The more modules the program contains, the more code it contains. So in effect you are giving a malicious person an easier time to try and infect/break into your computer. Security suites also tend to take up more system resources (RAM, Hard drive space, CPU cycles, etc). However, sometimes it is easier to just get an all in one security suite, especially if they are not sure how to work certain programs. It depends on the person whether they should get an all in one suite or individual programs to make a custom suite.

Do you have any recommendations on antivirus software and antimalware software: There are many programs that you can use to protect yourself. I will list a pay list and a free list in which I can personally recommend.

Pay list:
The following are pay programs that will protect you

Antivirus - Nod32
Antimalware - Webroot Spy Sweeper
Firewall - Zonealarm Pro

Free list:
The following programs are a list of free programs that will protect you

Antivirus - AVG Antivirus
Antimalware - Spybot search and Destroy
Firewall - Zonealarm firewall

Will this protect me against everything?: As I have said before it is virtually impossible to protect yourself from everything. If you follow any of these lists you will be protected against viruses and other malware (note that you will have to run Spybot search and Destory regularly) and hackers.

What happens if I accidently get infected?: It is entirely possible that you can get infected as some malware is virtually impossible to stop. If you happen to get infected, the best thing to do would be to go onto an online forum, such as geekstogo.com or bleepingcomputer.com that specialize in malware removal. Just keep in mind that you will be asked to provide logs and that no one can “see” what you are doing personally.

I hope this FAQ helps some people remain uninfected.

[Capper]

excellent job....I need to give this to my bro so he protect himself while enjoy his hobby....porn

[Panda Man]

Nice guide, will be useful for most of the new members

Originally Posted by Capper

excellent job....I need to give this to my bro so he protect himself while enjoy his hobby....porn

He needs REAL protection for that stuff.