Topic: Trying to secure my PC - page 2. (Read 345 times)

A great suggestion to use Linux systems. Many systems are suitable for beginners, such as MX Linux. User-friendly interface, very reminiscent of the Windows system.
I do not agree that the absence of antivirus is better than its presence. There are many paid antivirus that updates their signatures daily. But it is necessary to test them and learn as much as possible about these antiviruses.
If you are aware of several antiviruses, they already know how to mine cryptocurrencies today, which the owner may not like at all.\
Antiviruses Norton 360 and Avira
Therefore, of course, setting up your system must undergo thorough preparation. Separation of finance and entertainment, as well as travel on the Internet. Everything related to finance must be strictly separated from everything else.

Actually forgot about this lol. If anything, the built-in Windows Defender is more than enough. And if you think about it, they have the most incentive in actually keeping your computer secure as it's from Windows themselves.

Assuming you're using Windows and you really need antivirus, just use built in Windows Defender. While it doesn't offer best security, it's not too annoying (less false positive or annoying pop-up) and use less resource than other antivirus.


Additionally, some antivirus these days acts like virus (especially the free one). They would steal and sell your data[1] or even perform cryptocurrency mining (which use lots of your PC resource and affect your electricity bill) without explicit consent[2][3].

[1] https://www.tomsguide.com/news/avast-avg-data-collection
[2] https://observatorial.com/news/technology-and-science/36579/avira-the-antivirus-that-enables-bitcoin-mining-is-causing-a-stir/
[3] https://www.ghacks.net/2022/01/05/norton-360-antivirus-installs-a-crypto-miner-on-pcs/

I find PC more convenient to use without antivirus, here are the problems you will face when using them.

1. Your PC will lag frequently when trying to open software some times.
2. Slow browsing speed.
3. Antivirus will remove DLL files without your consent which will after your OS later.
4. Antivirus will see your files as virus especially if you are mining coins on your PC

The best antivirus is you, be more careful with where you visit in your chrome browser and keep your PC updated always.

Under Windows, my experience tells that the stronger the security/antivirus system on your PC is, the more difficult it can be to work on that PC. It may block access to legit files or even installers (false positives or unrecognized binaries), it may remove legit program on sight (false positives), it will slow down the system (opening/reading/parsing each and every file you copy, your system uses, or just present in a folder you're opening). Unless you are very experienced (and from your question I'd say you're not), I advise you don't go on that path. Just get a light/common one you can handle. And, as said, get a hardware wallet.

Another direction would be to either ditch Windows for a Linux, or at least install Linux as a secondary OS for when you work with your wallet, but if you're inexperienced you may make mistakes. And I'm back to "get a hardware wallet".

I know it costs some money. I know that it's not the universal solution for everything (if you are overconfident about hardware wallet you can also make mistakes and lose money off it too, but it's much more difficult), but it's an option worth considering. Another good option is to keep completely offline the funds you don't use on a daily basis (a seed stored safely offline in multiple geographically different locations, in the same way you should also store the backup seed for your current wallet).

The best way is use an air-gapped computer to store your cryptocurrency, exclusively Bitcoin.

No internet security or antivirus software can protect your computer and keep it 100% clean. It's only you can do this with preventive methods that are more important with your habit when you are on your computer. Use your computer, your device in a healthy way. Stay away from dark website it will play as strong barriers to any risk of exposure to virus, malwares, trojans, etc. which have potential to penetrate through Internet security or Antivirus softwares you use on your computer.

The best protection you can get is from yourself, malware do not just get installed on devices, it is through online activities the device is exposed to, but if you are following a secure and safe path, you will not get your device infected, making use of anti-malware should just be an extra protection but not the actual protection, the actual protection is how you are careful and making all possible means to make sure device do not download malware.

Me as an example, the device I use for wallet, exchanges and banking, I used it strictly to access only those and nothing more. Even on my second device, I am very careful, not clicking on ad links, avoiding pirated torrent files. Some people access porn sites through search engines or accessing other malicious sites, these are common ways malware are installed.

If you have Telegram, WhatsApp and other apps that can automatically download to your device, disable the automatic download, making sure you control all what your device is downloading and installing.

For ads blocking, ublock can be of help, also stop clicking on ads and ad links.

The strongest anti-malware is your head — stop downloading pirated software and random software over the internet, stop clicking on shady links, etc. Also, keep your OS software up to date frequently.

As for the security of your funds, one of the best solutions would be to simply grab a Ledger[1] or Trezor[2] hardware wallet and only store your backup offline on a piece of paper or a steel sheet.

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[1] https://ledger.com/
[2] https://trezor.io/

Is there any strong antivirus I can use to safeguard my PC from malware? I have few coins that runs wallet only on PC but it's very easy for PC to get compromised that's why I'm looking for a safer tool that can fight Trojans and malwares.