Wondering if I need additional security tools or if Avast & occasional MBAM is..

[_Rej_]

Hi,

I'm wondering if I need additional tools or if Avast & the occasional MBAM is enough (I also own SAS Lifetime, but it's not installed since Win7).

This new question comes from reading up on this forum where some users get infected and are told to download tools like aswMBR.exe & TDSKiller to disinfect a computer.

Wouldn't Avast (and MBAM which I tend to run as well when I have suspicions) detect those viruses before they infect the computer? OR detect them even after infection?

from a curious mind...

Regards,

R

[Dch48]

If you're using the free version of MBAM, then no, it will not prevent infection. Avast will, if there is a signature for the malware in the database. If there is no signature, then Avast may still alert you through the behavior shield, heuristics, or the auto sandbox feature that something seems wrong.

I think the combination of Avast and the free MBAM is pretty solid since if you do get infected, MBAM is an excellent removal tool for the vast majority of malware. Only certain types of malware may require the use of other things like AswMBR. The experts in these forums can fix just about anything that could happen so rest easy.

[_Rej_]

Thanks for the very quick reply Dch48

Since I haven't been infected for years now, I'll stick to the good old Avast IS & occasional MBAM (free) scans.

Starting to wonder about SAS (Beta 5.x) too since I've heard good things about it & since I already own a license, why not use it as a replacement to MBAM.  I just don't know if it's as good as MBAM though.

Again, appreciate the input!

Regards,

R

[Asyn]

Starting to wonder about SAS (Beta 5.x) too since I've heard good things about it & since I already own a license, why not use it as a replacement to MBAM.  I just don't know if it's as good as MBAM though.

No, it isn't, imo.

[Dch48]

I don't think the new version 5 of SAS is as good as the older v4 was. I stopped using it out of frustration that the right click scan option is only present if SAS is running or is in the system tray (which means it's running in the background). MBAM's right click scan is always available. There was a recent test done of antimalware products where SAS failed miserably and both Avast and MBAM passed with flying colors. MSE also failed completely.

http://malwareresearchgroup.com/2011/06/mrg-flash-test-29062011/

[_Rej_]

Thanks much for the info guys.

Checked the link and noticed that only 4 programs passed all 4 tests... Avast being one of them!

I'll keep SAS on the shelf still.  Less resources taken anyway.

Regards,

R

[LunarWolf]

Add sandboxie. Set it to auto delete. Run your browser using sandboxie. Right click > run sandboxed. Your system will be safer.

http://www.sandboxie.com/