Is a Security Suite really worth it?

As I was flipping through AV reviews looking for the antivirus I'll run for the next year....I started thinking... "Are suites really worth the cost?" NIS is $70 for 1 year. KIS is $80 for 1 year. NAV on the other hand, is $30 with KAV ringing in at $60. Avira Internet Security is $60, while their standalone AV is only $30 as well, unless you need it for 3 PC's like I do, then it's $47, their Avira Internet Security is $90 and NAV skyrockets to $90 as Norton only gives a 1PC license for their standalone AV.

I tried to doublecheck the price of Kaspersky Internet Security prior to hitting submit, but their site seems to be down more often than not.

 

from what i understand, albeit not much, just being smart about your email's and not going to random websites prevents almost all of the problems that you can and should have.

 

Comodo offers a complete suite for free.
Includes Firewall, Process-protection(defense+), Anti Virus and a Sand Box.
Many install Avast as Anti Virus instead, which also is free.

Windows Firewall can do the same, but inbound and outbound rules are harder to set up since there isn't anything included asking if you want to allow a program.
With that I mean that block all outbound and inbound connection is set to default, everything that does not have a rule allowing traffic is blocked.
That is the only way you get top protection from Windows Firewall, default setting is easy to hack trough.
But so is it with any firewall that doesn't block everything both ways as the default rule.
I tried some 3rth party control apps for Windows Firewall, but they seem to exclude dependent processes when coming with a pop up.

I would never say that installing a suite is a waste, since I have seen even heavy experienced users getting attacked / infected.
But even with a suite, if you trust in automatics it won't protect as well as if you look over everything carefully.

Regarding websites, even the most trusted website can be infected.

 

Well in the past I would say nah not worth the cost and frankly never ran any. I would just pop onto Microtrends Housecall once in awhile just to make sure nothing snuck in(nothing ever did either)
Now seeing as there is Microsoft Security Essentials that is free I said why not. But I would never pay for another solution.

 

MSE has a good reputation too what Antiv Virus and Process Protection concerns.
But that should be running with Windows Firewall for best performance. (yeah sounds crazy, but I did performance tests with a few combinations )
I still think Comodo is the best and easiest thing between the free options, plus that it is a complete suite, everything made to work well with each other.
Some may say the AV is weak (not sure how it evolved over the past year), but does it matter if the Virus is snapped before it gets in?

As for scanning after... Post Active is not best practice, but if your data isn't worth more who cares?

 

Yes I suppose I should have mentioned Windows Firewall is always running. I also use Spybot S&D for passive protection and NoScript in my browsers.

 

Well, I personally wouldn't buy an antivirus at all, BUT..

I got BitDefender Total Security 2012 (for a present), and I really like it.
Also, a 1 year subscription costs 69.95$ for one comp, and 79.95$ for 3 comps.

 

not worth it at all imo.

 

Agreed. Nothing beats sensible browsing.

 

Bingo!

 

As others have mentioned, more often than not it is the habits of the user that determines security.

To be honest though if your on a Windows 7 machine an AV/Malware only solution is fine as the Win7 firewall is more than adequate when configured properly. I fyour interested Wilders Security Forums have a few topics on software making two way traffic control easier for the Win7 firewall.

I managed to pickup a 5 comp license plus another 1 comp license for KIS2012 for £60.

 

I'm willing to bet that 100% of people on these forums have browsed porn sites. That isn't what you call "sensible browsing"

 

I have MWBAM for scanning dodgy files but I don't use any real time protection at all.

You can visit porn sites and still browse sensibly.

 

*cough* err couldn't possibly comment *cough*

 

I'm leaning towards Avast. I've had no issues with Norton over the last 5 versions. It just feels like it's time for a change. I like the new UI for Avast 6 as well. Appears much cleaner looking than in previous years.

Try to find a tech forum where a high % of users doesn't browse porn..... I mean, kinda goes together....lol

 

I'd like to thank everyone that's participated in the poll thus far. Lets keep it going!!!

 

Yeah It's really worth for me, bcoz not with the websites sometimes virus can affect by Plugging Flash drives,Im on Kaspersky internet security 2012 which costs 13$ for One User one year Licence, Solid Protection........

 

P .. orn? what is that, never heard of :eyebrows:

 

What if Guru3D got hacked and injects something to the PC?
Just saying, everything that can go wrong will go wrong.
And with free products available that can prevent some of it, I don't see a reason why not to use them.