How to Avoid Using an Anti-Virus

[Jason76]

You don't really need one if you avoid risky sites, generally. I mean, in my experience, I've seen people overrun with mal-ware and/or viruses - to be people getting free music downloads etc.. Anyhow, it is true probably that music companies, textbook companies - put the viruses there on purpose - and maybe that's despicable - BUT, those not going there - simply have few/none virus problems.

Now, myself, as mentioned in another thread, use anti-malware, even though I don't surf P2P software (Napster etc.).

 

[Smokey]

Using common snese when browsing will prevent you from getting viruses & malware generally. However, having an anti virus and anti malware solution is always advised........just to be extra safe. 🙂

 

[Elli]

I don't think any IT specialist worth their salt would recommend not having an anti-virus and anti-malware software installed. Sure, like @Smokey says, you can avoid a lot of trouble just through common sense, but that's not always enough. Bad code can sneak in through vulnerable, but otherwise trustworthy apps. Websites can be compromised. One mis-click on a shifty email, now you have a worm. It's better just to have an anti-virus to start with.

Early in my teen years, my computers had viruses and malware constantly because I would click indiscriminately on ads and false "Download" buttons (lots of time at Pirate Bay). But, it made me smarter. I learned how to clean up really well and prevent bad downloads in the first place. I haven't had any trouble for years and years, but I still keep Malwarebytes and Windows Defender installed at the very least, and a flash drive with RKill and some other registry tool for emergencies.

So... don't do shady stuff, be smart about what you're clicking on, and definitely have an anti-virus and anti-malware program installed. No reason not to.

 

[overcast]

Using everything on cloud and saving everything there often reduces need for the anti virus to some extent. But that industry is pretty much known to create viruses and blame it on hackers to make money.

 

[Jason76]

Using everything on cloud and saving everything there often reduces need for the anti virus to some extent. But that industry is pretty much known to create viruses and blame it on hackers to make money.

Yeah, this is kind of similar to music companies making viruses, as I mentioned. No doubt, they would do such despicable stuff.

 

[Deleted member 8254]

Try using Linux to avoid malware and virus. Not that you can be 100% secure but it helps you run a pc without an Antivirus

 

[Ghost]

I completely disagree. There are hackers out there constantly infiltrating accounts and computers to send malicious files. You can hide viruses and malware inside legitimate programs, email attachments, and although not so much anymore - images, PDFs, etc. There has been everything from JavaScript worms to near global botnets even with people using proper security software. I was recently refreshing my memory about Conficker and I think it's a great example of hackers were able to infiltrate millions of computers without a user having to initiate an email, download, etc...

No offense, but nobody should listen to this advice. It's never a good idea to run your computer without some anti-virus/malware/etc installed with daily or frequent scans.

 

[Elli]

Also, fun fact, did you guys know that CSS can be used as a keylogger?

All You Need To Know About CSS Keylogger (2021 Update) - ByteScout

Here are everything you need to know about CSS Keylogger, its definition, classifications, and how you can protect your data from it.

bytescout.com

GitHub - maxchehab/CSS-Keylogging: Chrome extension and Express server that exploits keylogging abilities of CSS.

Chrome extension and Express server that exploits keylogging abilities of CSS. - maxchehab/CSS-Keylogging

github.com

 

[Webster]

Using common snese when browsing will prevent you from getting viruses & malware generally. However, having an anti virus and anti malware solution is always advised........just to be extra safe. 🙂

It's never a good idea to run your computer without some anti-virus/malware/etc installed with daily or frequent scans.

Agreed on both points...

 

[Ghost]

Also, fun fact, did you guys know that CSS can be used as a keylogger?

All You Need To Know About CSS Keylogger (2021 Update) - ByteScout

Here are everything you need to know about CSS Keylogger, its definition, classifications, and how you can protect your data from it.

bytescout.com

GitHub - maxchehab/CSS-Keylogging: Chrome extension and Express server that exploits keylogging abilities of CSS.

Chrome extension and Express server that exploits keylogging abilities of CSS. - maxchehab/CSS-Keylogging

github.com

I did not know that hackers are actually doing this, but now that I see the method I can see how it works.
The ability to use this method is somewhat limited though, unless the page allows users to insert their own CSS. If a webmaster is using a stylesheet of their own to keylog, they could *much more easily* store the username/password data when it's submitted without the user knowing... Whereas the CSS method is detectable. I could see this being used on a site that allows custom CSS, like old school MySpace, or maybe even Reddit's old subreddit stylesheets... Or obviously a browser plugin. However, there are not many opportunities to mass distribute a tool that uses CSS like in those examples because any site owner has multiple easier ways to do it, and most websites have gotten away from letting users embed custom CSS/HTML.

 

[kode_block]

You should never have a Device without an Anti-Virus.

It doesn't matter if you know what's good or what's bad or if you know that something looks sketchy, a piece of Malware, Trojan, Virus or Worm could sneak on at anytime. Some Websites and Apps sneak in malicious code and God knows what that Code could do to your Device.

Having an Anti-Virus is always recommended. Even if you do a good job of staying safe, danger is always lurking at every corner.

 

[NordVPN Teams]

An antivirus is a great thing to have when owning a PC! I believe that you don't have to avoid it.