Are Windows 8.1 Firewall and Defender enough security?

runswithascript

Hi

Windows defender has been revamped for Windows 8 so it apparently does much more than Microsoft Security Essentials does on previous versions of windows but is it enough security?

Is the Windows firewall enough security? I am behind stuck behind a Netopia 2247 until I upgrade in the near future, and due to a connection issue I have with a remote server at the moment its firewall is set to off.

If either Defender or the stock Windows firewall are insufficient, is it worth paying for anti-malware, anti-virus, and firewall software to replace them or are any of the free solutions adequate? Please recommend specific software if necessary.

Ravenid

No.

If you are constantly vigilant and examine every file and webpage that you see, taking care to never accept or download anything that could be the carrier of any virus, malware, or Trojan Horse then maybe, and only maybe, you can get away with just defender and Firewall.

Because no one is ever that vigilant. It takes one misclick nowadays to become infected and despite how many Updates Microsoft do to patch and fix Windows issues, they are not updating Defender and Firewall anywhere close to as many time a dedicated security company would.

Defender is designed to be used alongside a specialist application like AVG, Trend, McAfee (Soon to be know as Intel Security by the way, so get used to that.). Basically if you are connecting to the net you need a proper security package. And unless you have been updating that Routers firmware with each new update release the fireewall on it is useless by now BTW.

The best advice I can really give you is this. Defender and Windows Firewall are the bare minimum you can do nowadays to secure your system. When there are much better FREE Anti-Virus, Malware and Network security packages available for your system that only help secure your system why would you settle for bare minimum?

runswithascript

Ravenid wrote: »

No.

If you are constantly vigilant and examine every file and webpage that you see, taking care to never accept or download anything that could be the carrier of any virus, malware, or Trojan Horse then maybe, and only maybe, you can get away with just defender and Firewall.

I am actually pretty careful, I use Ad-Block to stop popups, Flashblock, Java not installed or using NoScript, and I do not remember the last time I downloaded something I did not intend to. That said, I do not think I could say I examine every single website.

Ravenid wrote: »

The best advice I can really give you is this. Defender and Windows Firewall are the bare minimum you can do nowadays to secure your system. When there are much better FREE Anti-Virus, Malware and Network security packages available for your system that only help secure your system why would you settle for bare minimum?

That makes sense, and you have mentioned AVG and free software so I guess I can take it you are recommending AVG free. How about antimalware and firewall software? I used to use Ad-Aware Free (Real time scanning), Comodo Free Firewall, and regularly run Spyware Doctor scans in compliment.

Can you please advise what you would recommend?

uncle_sam_ie

I use Windows Defender (MSE) and the paid version of Malwarebytes (Pro). For a lifetime license it didn't cost much at all. It's malware that you need to watch out for these days anyway not so much viruses. Defender doesn't get in my way and it free.

runswithascript

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

I use Windows Defender (MSE) and the paid version of Malwarebytes (Pro). For a lifetime license it didn't cost much at all. It's malware that you need to watch out for these days anyway not so much viruses. Defender doesn't get in my way and it free.

I have gone with Windows Defender, Comodo Free Firewall, and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free - the pro version does not seem to offer too much more than the free version, although I like the idea of a lifetime license rather than a reoccurring one.

The only problem I am having is the constant warnings from Comodo when anything tried to connect out or in etc, I find it hard sometimes to decide. When I Google the program or process trying to connect there is always somebody saying it is a virus etc.

uncle_sam_ie

dusf wrote: »

I have gone with Windows Defender, Comodo Free Firewall, and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free - the pro version does not seem to offer too much more than the free version, although I like the idea of a lifetime license rather than a reoccurring one.

The only problem I am having is the constant warnings from Comodo when anything tried to connect out or in etc, I find it hard sometimes to decide. When I Google the program or process trying to connect there is always somebody saying it is a virus etc.

I got it on sale but, I like the active web and file protection the pro gives you.

imitation

I go with the free AV checkers, Avast and AVG tend to come out not too far behind the paid options. Pesonally I still put little stock in AV, and I don't think paid AV provides any value for the money, they are always behind the virus writes, and as the security levels ramp up, so does the corresponding viruses it seems.

I also use no-script, avoid dodgy exes like the plague, use free AV, but yet I still got keylogged by a mystery virus I could never track down.