Free PC Security: Layered Security
October 2, 2009
Layers of programs are essential to PC Security and tend to perform better than security suites. There is NO 100% security program, it's that simple, but there are many that offer good security with low resources and work in realtime.
Some will argue that NOD32 or Norton 360 etc. are great, but if this is the case and they are so good, why do I get email requests from users with these installed to help remove malware from their machines?
IObit Security 360 by name suggests that it offers 'all round' security, which it doesn't, Microsoft Security essentials is vaunted as an antivirus, which it isn't, so using lightweight layers and different programs better security can be achieved, but it is also fair to say that there will never be any 100% security program.
On an everyday computer I decided to test security with free programs and visit malware sites and download malware. I have running IObit Security 360, Microsoft Security Essentials, Avast Antivirus 4.8, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware as an on-demand scanner, WinPatrol 2009, RegProt, Web Of Trust and Threatfire.
Important Note:
Do NOT use all of the above, this test was done purely to demonstrate the way in which these programs work.
Use ONE antivirus, ONE realtime antimalware, ONE firewall.
It is quite safe to run WinPatrol, RegProt and Threatfire as they are passive and designed to complement existing security.
Web Of Trust enhances your security with a small browser add-on which does not impact on security resources. You can also use on-demand antimalware programs such as Malwarebytes or Superantispyware.
If you have Malwarebytes, Superantispyware, Spyware Doctor PRO versions or any other realtime antimalware / antispyware do NOT install IObit Security 360 or Microsoft Security Essentials, they will conflict.
Visiting a number of known malicious sites that contain malicious backdoor downloads and malicious programs which I did download, it was interesting to see the way the different programs reacted.
Avast picked up and alerted me to viruses, which is what any good antivirus program should do, Microsoft Security Essentials alerted me to potential threats during the download process, IObit Security 360 issued no warnings, Threatfire warned of a known dangerous application, WinPatrol and RegProt alerted me to new startup programs and the registry changes and Web Of Trust alerted me when visiting a known dangerous site.
One program that does stand out from most others is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which can have several updates per day and is a very effective on-demand scanner. There is also a pro upgrade version for realtime protection. As an on-demand scanner, it will remove most malware quite easily.
Each operate in different ways and it is important that the end user can make an informed decision as to what suits their needs and abilities as well as being comfortable with what they using.
No one wants high resource programs with confusing interfaces, most users want programs that they can install and give them realtime protection with minimal user input.
As malware changes along with technology, so do the tools needed to combat these daily threats. Responsibility ultimately lies with the end user and common sense.
Related Posts and download links, all are free:
* Layered Security Test 2
* Avast Antivirus V5
* Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
* Microsoft Security Essentials
* RegProt
* Threatfire
* Web Of Trust
* WinPatrol 2010
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