Internet Security & Anti-Virus Offerings

I am looking for suggestions on internet security and/or anti-virus programs to run on my home PC or network. 

I have been using Norton Security Online which I was able to get for $0 while on Xfinity, but they are discontinuing that offering and since I don't have their super-mega-gig speed internet service and I'll be in need of something else to use.  Years ago I only had a PC online to worry about, but now the house is full of devices so I'm not sure what is the best way to go.  Do I need something to load on each device or can something at the network level handle it all?  I'm willing to spend a couple dollars a year to keep everything safe, it doesn't have to be another free offer.  I found one product called Bitdefender after a few minutes searching reddit that seemed to be well liked.  I also found another called Firewalla that seems to have a different purpose but still falls in the security realm.  

I'm a bit out of my league here, help!

Watching because reasons

Malwarebytes has worked well for me for years. Still on the free version. Annoying amount of update notifications, but never had any problems unless it didn't like the executables I was intentionally downloading.

Upvote for Malwarebytes although I have the paid version. Yes updates are fairly regular but 90 percent of them don't need a restart.

Last I heard, Microsoft Security, which is built into Windows, is generally the best way to go.

It is very much in their interest to defeat Windows viruses.  Not sure how it does with browser stuff, but I run browser based script blockers which should help a lot with that.

A script and ad blocker paired with not going to shady sites is 80% of what you need.   For the rest, the Windows Defender setup should do.

I use a script and adware blocker in my browser and windows security. 

Fueled by Caffeine said:

I use a script and adware blocker in my browser and windows security. 

This is what I use at home and the office. Chrome also does a pretty good job at stopping questionable activity before it makes it to the PCs. Between that and staying off questionable sites I have been free of disease for several years. 

For Windows computers, I would just retire/upgrade anything not running Windows 8.1 or Windows 10.

If you're on Windows 8, check the Windows Store for an update to Windows 8.1.

If you're on Windows 10, make sure you're on a version that is supported. We can get into how if needed. 

Everything else is out of support and not getting patches. That includes Windows Vista, 7, XP, Windows for Workgroups 3.11. Microsoft won't fix security problems.

If you have the option, consider staying in Windoww S Mode. It's like traction control - there are solid, sane arguments for turning it off, but it's there for a reason. It does leave you browsing on Microsoft Edge, but Edge is a really good browser now. It even runs Chrome extensions from the Chrome store.

I advise using the built-in AV. I don't think you need any third-party product. Your security budget, both in terms of money and time, at home is usually better allocated to password management, multifactor authentication, and software patching.

There's a good chance that not every user in the house needs to be an administrator of your devices. Consider using the control panel and making admin something only grownups have, or better, a separate account you only use for computer maintenance... Just don't lose the password. Maybe put it in a password manager?

If your household has Apple devices, keep them on the latest version of iOS, iPadOS or the last two versions of MacOS. If your device doesn't support the update, it's time to start shopping for replacement devices.

If you have Android devices, check for updates in the settings app. If, after all updates are done, your patch level isn't a date in the past six months, it's probably time to start shopping for a new device because your manufacturer either doesn't care about the security of their customers or because your device is just old.

If you have Chromebooks, check your device against Google's Auto Update Policy page to make sure your device's last update isn't on some date in the past. The AUP page doesn't show an end date in the future, it's time to start shopping for a replacement. 

Been running Linux for years and haven't had an issue with virii.

Assuming a Windows device, +5th(?) to the built in Windows security.

As other mentioned, use a browser with ad blocking (I use Firefox with UBlock Origin and Facebook Container, Chrome with Ublock or Ad-block+ works as well).

Make sure that your daily driver account is not set as administrator (i.e., you need to enter a password to install programs).  Teach everyone in the house that you should only ever enter your admin password if you know why it's asking (e.g., you are trying to install a program). 

I'm also a fan of blocking most ads & tracking at the source by setting up a  pi-hole.  It'll block most crap that you didn't intentionally set out to find from ever making it onto your network in the first place, and make surfing the net significantly nicer regardless of your device.

It seems like the pi-hole I added to the home network a couple years ago was a good idea since I see a few recommendations for that.  Chrome is my main browser and I have a couple add-ins there as well; Disconnect, Adblock Plus, and HTTPS Everywhere.   In general I try to keep all of the devices in the house up to date with current patches so I think I'm good on that front as well.

What are some names of script blockers that run on Chrome or Edge?

In reply to Nitroracer (Forum Supporter) :

I only know of NoScript for Firefox; to be frank, once you go to Firefox you'll leave Chrome in the dirt before you even get to how serious of a privacy threat it is.