Is Windows Defender Enough ?

For some years we have used Kaspersky Total, (up to 10 devices), and we still have a valid licence for Kaspersky Total that is valid up to February 2024.

We all know about the issues with Bad Vlad and the Russians and because of the Russian Connection for over a year I have been tempted to move away from Kaspersky.

Therefore, last December in an Amazon Deal Norton 360 was on offer and we bought Norton 360, (10 Devices for 15 months), in a cheap Amazon Offer. and we decided to install it today even though we still have a 11 months left on the Kaspersky licence. - (We used the Kaspersky removal tool).

Kaspersky has been quite good and we have had no issues with it but Norton 360, (possibly due to the way that it is set up on my PC), seems slower and I may uninstall it and remove some of the options.

Windows Defender is part of the Windows operating system which begs the question:: is just Windows Defender Good enough or do we also really need to use separate paid Anti-virus/Internet Security Software as well ?

Never paid for any antivirus software, just use the free stuff (Avast, AVG, Defender, stc), and have never had any known issues.

Hi,

IMHO, unless you're running a business system then I would steer well clear of anything other than Defender. Anything more would just be ridiculous IMHO. Previous versions of Windows (XP & earlier) was the last time I used a free antivirus such as AVG Free and the ilk. This was because Windows didn't have a built in antivirus that was installed. With Windows 10 / 11 Defender is the default antivirus.

HTH,

Yes. It's your own behaviour that will determine how safe you remain, not anti-virus.

Personally, i think a 3rd party Firewall Will always Be a massive improvement to security of any system, Microsoft's firewall is rudimentary at best and isn't very intuitive or informative, but that alone will not prevent your device being compromised but it is an added layer to alert you, IMO good old common sense and logic are often all that is needed to avoid disaster along with a BACKUP system that isn't stored on the same device or in fact in the same property unless in a a fireproof safe for total protection of your data, should it mean that much to you

We have a few laptops using Window 10, an IPad, two Android Phones and an IPhone.

Up to now we have used a Total Security Software on my Laptops, (I7 processor, older now but good spec ram, etc.), and the Android Phones, (for years it has been Kaspersky Total and prior to that it was the older type of Norton 360).

Kaspersky has been really good and the older version of Norton 360 was also good but this new version seems to slow down the internet and it halves any speed tests.

We have not had any security issues on any device.

Since the router has a hardware firewall we are less concerned, (possibly foolishly), with regard to the laptops which stay at home and also have Windows Defender as part of the Windows 10 OS.

In the old days an anti-virus/security package was considered a must but these days Windows Defender looks good and I am not sure that separate anti-virus/security software is needed on the laptops.

The Android Phones, IPad and IPhone is not always behind our router firewall and could be more vulnerable but the theory is that the IPad and the IPhone does not need separate security software.

Regarding Android Phones, I have read conflicting views about their security needs. - We still have valid licences for the next 15 months but would a free anti-virus be adequate for them after that?

Does the IPad and the IPhone need separate anti-virus/security software ?

Completely agree with Zadeks

Out of interest Fido, when you say that Kaspersky & Norton have been really good, how are you quantifying that?

In reply to a post by timandhaylea:

Completely agree with Zadeks

Out of interest Fido, when you say that Kaspersky & Norton have been really good, how are you quantifying that?

Kaspersky Total has not needed to interfere in my internet use and it has not slowed any devices down. - The same applies to the older Norton 360. - Overall, I never knew that they were there.

That said; the latest Norton 360 does appear to halve the internet speed on laptop Ookla speed tests and it seems more intrusive.

To me a really good Software Security package is one that works in the background and only makes its presence know if there is a potential issue. - Kaspersky has a good rep and gave a reassurance even though I hardly noticed that it existed.

Right now I do not like the latest version of Norton 360 Premium.

Rightly or wrongly the Russian link to Kaspersky is a concern and I am not sure that either is needed if Windows Defender is good enough.

I tend not to visit dodgy sites. - On the IPad I only download apps from the Apple Store and on the Android Phones I only download apps from the Google Store.

Does the IPad need security software ?

Everyone has to asses the risk for themselves as we all surf the web differently, I am extremely cautious and still use Defender and a paid for Antivirus/Firewall product on my windows devices as well as an addon to identify unsafe search results. On Android I also run antivirus software.

Having said all that its a risk assessment by you that will determine what you need to do and if its clouded by cost considerations then thats not the best way to do it.

In reply to a post by dect:

Everyone has to asses the risk for themselves as we all surf the web differently, I am extremely cautious and still use Defender and a paid for Antivirus/Firewall product on my windows devices as well as an addon to identify unsafe search results. On Android I also run antivirus software.

Having said all that its a risk assessment by you that will determine what you need to do and if its clouded by cost considerations then thats not the best way to do it.

Hi dect,

Cost is not the main concern and it is not at all about cost. - Luckily we are comfortable so cost is not an issue and in any case, (these days), security software is relatively inexpensive.

Foolishly I actually bought two 15 month licences for Norton 360 Premium so I already have Norton 360 Premium licences for 30 months, (I will probably give them to a family member), and I still have 11 months left on my Kaspersky Total Licence so I will not be going Security Software Free on the Laptops or on the Android Phones anytime soon for at least the next year.

The reason for my original post is that there are people on the Thinkbroadband WebSite that are well up on internet security than most of us who are mainly putting a wet finger into the air as they know much more about internet security than I do and that is why I raised the question.

As a layman with very little idea about internet security: My personal gut feeling is that for 98% of us Windows Defender alone would be a good option but I really do not know enough to quantify the differential between Windows Defender and a Premium Security Package.

Regards,
Fido