Do we need an anti-spyware? Win 11 & Win Defender

Win Defender runs automatic scans, never finds anything, a good thing!  Had been running SuperAntiSpyware from time to time, (install / uninstall), but I understand it's outdated, so any free recommended anti spyware out there or is it not needed.  Haven't had a 'virus' in maybe 20 years.

Win 11 - all updates - 23H2 - latest build.- HP Pavilion Desktop PC TP01-2000a

Thanks in advance.

Edited by hamluis, 08 April 2024 - 09:22 AM.
Moved from Malware Forum to AV/AM - Hamluis.

Your chances of contracting an infection are determined more by your browsing habits than by what protective systems you have installed on your machine. 

So if you're someone who is cautious about what you click on, and has a reasonable level of scepticism. then Windows Security is going to be more than adequate protection for you.

If however you're the kind of person who feels they should be able to install a program that will protect you no matter how carelessly you peruse the internet, then I'm afraid you're in for a few nasty experiences, because truth is, there are no programs, or combination of programs, that are going to allow you to do that.

Adding extra programs usually does little more than duplicate protections already supplied by Windows Security, and though an alternate scanner may sometimes pick up things that Windows Security misses, they will not generally increase your security to any marked degree.

If you've gone 20 years without getting infected, I would guess that you are someone who falls into the first category, in which case Windows Security is all you really need.

I'm sure there will be others who disagree with me on this, and no doubt you will receive plenty of recommendations to "tie down" your browser by installing various extensions. But to be honest, most modern browsers have settings already built in, that will allow you to make them more restrictive if you wish.

You can follow the Best Practices for Safe Computing - Prevention of Malware Infection.

Additionally, to strengthen Microsoft Defender Antivirus, you can use ConfigureDefender by Andy Ful.

Setting the Protection Levels in ConfigureDefender to 'High' is a good baseline and recommended for the majority of users.

The ConfigureDefender.exe file that you should download, save to your desktop, and run, but NOT install, is the second option on the GitHub website.

You can also use uBlock Origin, uBlock Origin Lite (MV3), AdGuard MV3, or Malwarebytes Browser Guard to block ads, scripts, spam, and trackers.

Good luck!

@Gary R - O.K. - No need for extra 'program' - anti spyware.  So deleted SuperAntiSpyware from my "anti" folder.  I still have "AdwCleaner", but I haven't used it in a long time.

@midmusicman79 - I installed "ConfigureDefender" and set it to "high".  "Run but not install", don't understand that part.  I mean I downloaded the 'exe' and I clicked to run it and when the menu opened I clicked on "high" and then closed the program.  I assume that's all you have to do. I have uBlock Origin installed, have had it for years.

O.K. Thanks guys, that's all I needed to know.

Thanks for the help!

Your chances of contracting an infection are determined more by your browsing habits than by what protective systems you have installed on your machine. 
 
So if you're someone who is cautious about what you click on, and has a reasonable level of scepticism. then Windows Security is going to be more than adequate protection for you.

Totally agree with Gary R.
 
It has been proven time and again that the end user is a more substantial factor (weakest link in the security chain) than the architecture of the operating system or installed protection software. Security is all about layers and not depending on any one solution, technology or approach to protect yourself from cyber-criminals. The most important layer is you...the first and last line of defense.

• Are Humans the Weakest Link in Cyber Security?
• Humans and Cybersecurity— The Weakest Link or the Best Defense
• Why Are Humans The Weakest Link In Cybersecurity?
• Studies prove once again that users are the weakest link in the security chain
• Humans are the weakest link in any cyber security strategy

No amount of security software is going to defend against today's sophisticated malware writers for those who do not practice safe computing and stay informed.