Totally agree with prev opinions wrt Windows Defender having you covered for 90%+ of the malware out there. 

Nevertheless, before doing any install, script executions or whatever, I always run them though https://www.virustotal.com/ -- it provides a comprehensive analysis of files and URLs for potential security threats. It uses a multitude of antivirus engines and website scanners to detect any malicious content that might be embedded. This ensures an additional layer of security, making it a highly recommended tool for safeguarding your digital environment. And this for both  Windows, Android (APKs), etc..


-----Original Message-----
From: Code for Libraries <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Tim McMahon
Sent: 3 de julho de 2024 17:56
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [CODE4LIB] Anti-badware

I just checked.  It looks like they call it Microsoft Defender now.  I called it Windows Defender in my last message for Charles.  Shows how much I've been paying attention.

On 7/3/24 11:49 AM, Hammer, Erich F wrote:
> [ External Email ]: This email originated from outside of the 
> organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you 
> recognize the sender and know the content is safe.. When in doubt, 
> contact your IT Department
>
>
> Charles,
>
> This is what I replied to your earlier question (May 20):
>
> In my professional opinion, I would not bother installing any anti-malware on an up-to-date Windows system.  The built-in Windows Security/Defender (whatever they are calling it these days) is just as good as any third-party tool (which is to say, only moderately good) and stays "out of the way" much more than any third-party product.  Most of those products cause more problems than they solve.  What you should do is have your "daily driver" account NOT be an admin.  Have a separate admin account that is only used for updating or making system-level changes.
>
> Between a separate admin account and keeping your MS products and browsers updated, you are already protected 95%.  The next 4.5% is your ability to recognize social engineering and the last bit is the anti-malware software (of any branding).
>
> Erich
>
>
>
> On Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 12:06, Charles Meyer eloquently inscribed:
>
>> My esteemed listmates,
>>
>> I thought I;d osted tsi question earlier this year but it's been 
>> crazy busy developing MakerSpace, preparing and doing dog and pony shows re:
>> it. teaching 3d Printer basics, along with all the other tasks at the 
>> library I've lost track of this.
>>
>> I've used avast and malwarebytes for years but a Linux guy shared 
>> that he installed Malwarebytes his Windows PC and when he uninstalled 
>> with Revie Uninstalled he couldn't remove all the Malwarebytes files.
>>
>> He's now using clamv (sp).
>>
>> It was also suggested ....
>>
>> Anti-virus: Windows 10, 11 have built-in AV protection. Activate it.
>> Also set up the Windows Firewall, and modify it for your purposes 
>> (may need on-site help with that).
>>
>> On my newest refurbished laptop running W10 I;ve never activated any 
>> built-in AV.
>>
>> How doe soen fdn and do that?
>>
>> Regarding the Firewall ... isn't it just set to On by Default?
>>
>> Do these Windows protection compare favorably to Bitdefender?
>>
>> Are they better than avast, AVG, Malwarebytes?
>>
>> It's become rather complex as these applications gather all your 
>> data, sell it and track you.
>>
>> Is Duck Duck Go the only application which doesn't track you or sell 
>> your data?
>>
>> Thank you,
>>
>> Charles.
>>
>> Charlotte County Public Library
>
--
*Tim McMahon*
West Liberty Public Library