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Ask HN: Does anti-virus software increase or worsen security?

3 points by binaryanomaly ↗ HN
Since quite a while I'm asking myself whether one is better off using an anti-virus software or not. The recently uncovered events concerning Kaspersky seem to support that one might be better off without an anti-virus software installed.

While I feel a bit naked without even a basic scanner installed, I also must admit that I feel uncomfortable with today's bloated "everything solutions" that obviously come with a huge attack surface from a security point of view.

How do HN readers deal with this situation?

3 comments

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brudgers
On Windows I use the tool provided by Microsoft for free. I have since it first became available about ten years ago.

On the other hand, I assume if a state level actor wants to hack my computer it will happen regardless of what I do.

Good luck.

BjoernKW
The only way to be certain is the same as with encryption software: Only use publicly audited, i.e. open source, software.

So, in case of anti-virus software use ClamAV.

arkitaip
Win 10 bulit-in AW and firewall are good enough for me as far as always-on protection is concerned. Occasionally I will run a manual Malwarebytes scan.

Browser security feels more important these days.