Anti-Spyware, anitvirus makers

[zarkon4]

Why can't these guys get their act together! I currently have norton anitvirus and I keep it updated, It has been good for nothing, fails to detect things, and when it does it doesn't fully clean. So I then download something else, and run it, it detects and claims to clean it. I then download something else and it works for a little while and then I have to download something else.
All of the products I use are supposed to be excellent, but each of them fall short in detection and in cleaning.

Just trying to start a discussion.

 

[aquias]

What are you expecting these scanners to detect? Several major antivirus vendors now offer, limited, anitspyware support. However, there is a suite of tools that you should utilize in defending your system.

Give us some details on what you're using and what your current configuration is.

 

[electronicsfreak]

Well from my "view" of things this is what happens. They start out good then as the word gets around there sales go up and money starts flowing in. Then they become greedy and loose tract of the main reason for the products and start focusing mainly on money and spend little focus on ensuring the program is actually doing what its designed to do.

That is just my view of things.

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon

 

[zarkon4]

I have xp pro and keep it updated. I use microsoft ant-spyware, norton, ewido, lavasoft adaware, and a bunch of others that I don't remember the name.
I'm just ranting because I get tired of having to purchase something new every three to four months due to the fact that one or all fail to detect and/or clean.

 

[flyrodder]

Let's not get testy now.

 

[spizotfl]

well, the problem is that the people who want to do nasty things have a big advantage. they don't need to worry about trashing your system or making sure that anything you have ever works right again. they also can target anything in your system. the good guys have to keep racing around trying to cover whatever new holes and new issues are discovered. they also have to try and find ways to counteract the careless behaviour of the average computer user. it is a mighty big task. it does get tiring trying to keep up with all of the new information and tools, that is why forums like this are so valuable. we can rely on one another's experiences and expertise to solve the many problems that creep up.

"Maturity is a bitter disappointment for which no remedy exists, unless laughter can be said to remedy anything."
-Vonnegut

 

[aquias]

Really, securing your system is a cheap task. My system configuration.

Kerio 2.15 Firewall (free)
Microsoft Antispyware (free)
Avast! Antivirus (free)
Spyware Blaster (Free)

Those are my "active" scanners

On demand scanners are Ewido (free), Sunbelt Software (free), and AVG (free).

Problem with the current situation of antivirus/spyware vs hackers. What's that? The vendors that create this software are, often times, forced to a reactionary role. And, prior to releasing code, all code MUST be tested.

Look at what happened recently to Mcafee, they improperly flagged specific file types and created MASSIVE damage to networks world wide.

Another part of this problem is responsible surfing. Understanding where you go and the risks you assume for surfing WHERE you sure, is a very large part of this problem. Understanding that many attacks do NOT rely on exploits, but on social engineering.

This is a multilayered discussion. Tools to protect and remove are but one part of this current problem.

 

[WZUP]

We're just doomed I tell ya... Doomed!!

...and don't get me started with Mr gates contributions..

 

[electricpete]

I agree with zarcon it can be a real hassle. We have two computers in our home and for some reason only one gets repeatedly attacked. I'd have to say the only difference I know of is wandering to a wider variety of sites.

It brings to mind a question:

Will I significantly reduce the "shots on goal" (number of virus/trojans etc that will try to get past my a/v software) if I use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer?

What about dumping Outlook Express in favor of another mail reader, would that help?

 

[aquias]

Firefox/Opera (personally, I use Opera) both operate with stronger security features. Additionally, they're both still "secure by obscure". With such a small market share (especially for Opera) they aren't the logicical targets for the majority of the crap dealers to target.