11/01/2023
Is Windows antivirus Enough?
Microsoft’s Windows Security suite (also known as Windows Defender or Microsoft Defender) provides built-in virus protection for your PC, and it doesn’t cost a dime. I’ve been using it for years, and the last time I can recall having virus problems on my PC was well over a decade ago. Some recommended Windows Security in conjunction with Malwarebytes’ free malware scanner. The reasoning is simple: Windows Security rivals other programs at sniffing out viruses. While this wasn’t always the case, Microsoft’s detection has improved considerably in recent years, to the point that the independent AV-TEST Institute regularly awards it a 5.5 or even a perfect 6 out 6 in protection, usability, and performance, beating industry averages.
Perhaps more importantly, security is decentralized now, so a single virus scanner is no longer your only line of protection. Some examples:
Major web browsers can detect and block malicious websites on their own, thanks to tools like Google Safe Browsing.
Those browsers may also warn you if you’re about to download an unrecognized program.
Major email providers, such as Gmail and Yahoo, scan attachments for viruses before you can even download them.
Those same email providers’ spam filters do a great job at keeping malicious emails out of your inbox and warning you of potential phishing schemes.
The SmartScreen filter built into Windows will warn you if you’re attempting to install unrecognized software.
Antivirus, in the end, is just another line of defense. For many people, Microsoft’s built-in defenses should be strong enough.
