Topic: Trying to secure my PC (Read 345 times)

First off, use a program to back up your important files and store them off your machine. And make a special backup of any sensitive information.
Install a firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Turn on only the settings you’re comfortable with.
Lastly, and this is really important, if you ever suspect a virus or malware on your machine, it’s always a good idea to immediately move your coins to a different wallet and then, if possible, completely wipe your machine and reinstall the operating system.

We must ensure the security of our PC while working online because we have confidential information here. We have the security of our wallet.  We will lose all the bank accounts we have. He will be able to handle all the information we have, so before you work, you must make sure that our PC is always secure and secure.

I think we must keep our PC in security at all times because the computer you work on may contain your confidential information, all the information about your business, your cryptocurrency, your wallet, your money, your property, everything.  So we must use our PC or laptop or computer security all the time

My point was not about the common AV. I do agree that one needs to have such a tool installed (although nowadays even Windoze comes with one not-too-bad).
My point was about those with strong protection (i.e. over the average functionalities) - usually coming with somewhat more difficult-to-handle functionalities/annoyances (and I'm not talking about the advertising).

But I can also agree that depending on what anti-viruses/protection systems one has been using in his life the experience over what one or another such tool offers and demands may differ.

Paid or free certainly only the difference in features and some security is reduced. I also use free antivirus and even use pirated serials but still survive until now.
The best security that needs to be noticed is security in ourselves. If we can keep our device from the possibility of malware or viruses certainly won't be easy to attack.

Don't arbitrarily open a website or download an unknown application. Most malware attacks come from applications that suddenly donated when opening a website that contains many ads and it will be very dangerous.

So we also have to learn how to avoid it and do a routine checkup on our device to be free from viruses and malware.

People often complain that an AV constantly shows them some notifications in the form of promotions/upgrades, or informs them that a threat is blocked - but this is very easy to turn off in the settings. It took me less than 10 minutes to go through all the settings and set things up the way I like, but I believe a lot of people have problems with stuff like that.

No matter what, there will always be pros and cons for AV on your PC, but if you choose the best possible AV with a solid device configuration, I think the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.

Free antivirus seems not ideal if we wanted more security for our PC but luckily, my computer survive using it. Maybe I have no reason to find an expensive one coz I realized that in many cases, even using the strong one couldn't give a guarantee of 100% as also it depends on us on how we use our computer and how we respond to those warnings that it pop-ups on the screen.
I'd tried a lot of free software, some of them are not suitable for my PC and delete it, it sometimes causes lagging as well which I don't like.

In my case - i7, 12GB RAM - I do get annoyed by the Auto Containment feature that sometimes doesn't recognize an installer, some other time doesn't recognize an exe built by myself, or some other time doesn't allow me install an update to one or another wallet. Or I feel how the antivirus slows me down when I backup folders with 10000s of files.

Of course, I don't use such a computer only for browsing the internet...


But I know what to do to handle my antivirus for my needs and I'm okay. Others may find it more annoying or even highly difficult.

It's not that simple, because it all depends on the configuration of the computer and which AV program we use. I have 8 GB of RAM and a pretty powerful AMD processor, and I don't feel like I have Norton Security and Malwarebytes Premium in the sense that they overload the system. Norton actually consumes just over 100 MB of RAM, while MB spends twice as much, but considering the total RAM, the work on the computer is without any difficulties.

I think we should dispel the myths that were created 20 years ago when computers were actually like toys compared to today, and that no modern computer with a solid configuration will have problems with security software. However, it should be emphasized that there are big differences between AVs, and free ones should definitely be avoided because it is obvious that they charge for their service in some other way.

If you like buy the most expensive antivirus software available some malware will still destroy everything for you, I've done this in the past I used various type of antivirus softwares but in the end I always format my PC because that's the only way things go back to normal.

In ny Laptop i am also holding a big amount of Altcoins. But i didn’t use any Antivirus yet. Windows Defender antivirus protection is enough for my coins security. Coz i am avoid click any unknown phishing link, i didn’t download and unknown and risky apps and Crack apps. and i didn’t put others People’s pendrive in my laptop. I have been using my laptop for the last 6 years like this way and I have been holding different crypto currency in different time  on my laptop but I have never encountered a laptop hack.

Their are lot's of antivirus which you can get online currently, antivirus are suppose to protect your pc, but some are virus which after installing it on your pc, they will compromise your pc and the intruder or scammer will have easy access to all your personal informations stored on your pc, so you have to be very careful when looking for security for your pc.

Many different options have already been suggested above, but I didn't notice the recommendations for using Live USB with Linux.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tails_(operating_system) comes with Electrum wallet (version may not be the latest).

How it works?
- Insert a flash drive (with a pre-installed distribution kit) into any PC and boot from it. Use as any full-fledged Linux OS with some reservations. If desired, you can make a Live USB with Windows.

Nuances:
- after turning off the Live USB, all data from the temporary memory will be deleted (but you can save them to another storage medium beforehand) and from the permanent memory of the Live USB too (this doesn't apply to other storage media connected to the PC).
- the need to re-install the applications you need each time and enter data to access them, if required.
- for example, in the case of Electrum (already preinstalled), you will have to enter the seed-phrase each time anew.
- I ask to add that info that can be useful for the topic starter. I only mentioned the first thing that came to my mind.

How to use?
- You can easily find detailed guides on the internet. I just pointed out a possible solution to your problem using Live USB.


There is also an option using VirtualBox: install on Windows VirtualBox with any Ubuntu distribution you like (or Windows). It turns out 1st OS inside the 2nd OS, which are not interconnected. That is, viruses from the 2nd OS can't get into the 1st OS and are isolated (if any) without the possibility of causing harm. OS in VirtualBox with permanent memory. That is, everything is stored in long-term memory. I only briefly and superficially indicated. I think you can figure out where to look for details.

Lots of options - take your pick.

Antivirus can't protect your recovery seed for you that's your job, antivirus can't stop you from connecting your wallet to a scam Dex platform or website, these are the most popular ways of getting your wallets compromised.

Antivirus is not magical protection against malware, and they often can't protect you against phishing, clipboard threats or from your own mistakes while browsing internet.
If you want to secure your coins you can use separate offline computer, it can be cheap old laptop or desktop computer with Linux OS, Raspberry Pi or hardware wallet.
It's very rear to see antivirus for Linux so I would suggest switching from WiDd0ws to free open source Linux OS, but if you don't want to do that try with Malwarebytes free version.

How big a difference is windows defender which is free compared to paid antivirus like norton or kaspersky?


If you open a file that contains malware, are you screwed no matter what way?  Or could norton and kaspersky pick it up?  Or they only give you an alert that the file might be malware?


What about visiting websites?  If you click on a link on google and let say its a dangerous site, does windows defender block it or give you a message before you visit it?  Norton and kaspersky does that right?  I have to assume windows defender is only safe if you don't click on dangerous links or download certain files?  Then again, if you don't have an antivirus and don't do none of that, isn't that just as safe?


What is its keylogger or things like that?  Does norton and kaspersky protect that or not?


I heard cases of malware clipboard with crypto addresses but many seem to say they only have windows defender?

Hell YEAH, Linux FTW!!!
Right now I'm using MX Linux, and I CHALLENGE you to make a mess with it. It's stable, easy to use, very forgiving. If not, I suggest Ubuntu or Linux mint.

Finally, about Norton...
Let me tell you my experience with it. This was back in 2005, so it's bound to have changed.
I accidentally opened an email instead of deleting it (on Windows XP) and got overrun with viruses, to a point I couldn't even turn the pc off. Finally used the power button, rebooted and ran Norton. It didn't find "anything". I booted up again in safe mode and ran Norton again. Same result.
So I searched online, and at the time the best free antivirus was Spybot S&D, so I got it. Ran it, and it found a bit over 1800 viruses. Disinfected, and ran it again in safe mode, and found another 200+ viruses. Disinfected them again, and never again had a single virus in the 4 years I kept using XP, even when I routinely checked it, not only with Spybot, but also with Ad Aware, Avast, and later on Kaspersky.

Then I switched to Linux in 2009. I ran ClamAV twice since. I wouldn't go back to Windows if they paid me to. 

I'm a windows user, once you have the OS (licensed), there's already an anti-virus included, no need to worry, just update your PC and everything will work well. Also, don't download from untrusted sources or avoid downloading at all as that's one of the cause why malware exists in your computer because some apps has some hidden malware.

use another computer for downloading, and make sure your computer where your crypto is stored is not used for downloading some online stuffs.

Aside from anti viruses.

It should be more on your activities as you use your PC. Majority of the people that I've seen that got hacked were due to malware and phishing sites.

Just as said about windows defender. I've talked to many people that are using it plainly but never got hacked. And it's because they're aware on how to protect themselves through their usual activities.

They don't download malicious software, they don't entertain random emails that has attached file and links and never shared their important details like private keys and seeds. Unlike those that got hacked through phishing sites.

Paid antivirus/malware is of its advantage compared to free apps but of course, these never give you the 100% safety of your PC as sometimes we bypass warning to have their way to coming in. We are definitely prone to any viruses and one thing we could secure our keys is not to keep them in our PC, writing it don in a piece of paper is highly recommended.

https://software.fish/antivirus/best-antivirus

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.