Internet security - cheap downloads?

[MotCO]

I need to renew my internet security. I can either pay full price via the official website, or I can go on eBay and buy the same thing for around £15. Are these cheap offers safe and reliable? Are there any risks to my computer's security if I buy the cheaper version?

 

[Bevan Price]

Better safe than sorry. Unless they are from a reputable source, you can never be 100% certain that they don't also sneak some spyware or other undesirable onto your computer. There was something on the radio recently about Russian software that mostly worked fine, but there was a suspicion that it might also contain "hidden" items.

 

[Puffing Devil]

Plenty of no-cost options out there: Sophos and Avira have good reputations.

Practice safe browsing and all should be well. Or buy a Chromebook

 

[Lrd]

If using Windows, then using Windows Defender and firewall are good enough. No need to pay for any software, there will always be a decent free alternative.

 

[Crossover]

There is a free version of Panda too, but as mentioned, there are plenty others. I would advise against hooky copies of any software, not least security, as you don't know what is hiding in them!

 

[MotCO]

. I would advise against hooky copies of any software, not least security, as you don't know what is hiding in them!

I seem to recall buying a cheap version before which involved being given a code to apply in order to validate the subscription from the kosher website. I can't see how anything could be hidden via the code?

 

[TheEdge]

http://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-free-antivirus

There are plenty of 100% legit and 100% free security and antivirus softwares out there, all good. Don't spend a penny on home anitvirus, no point.

 

[HarleyDavidson]

If you want to buy a good all round Internet/PC security software package, look on Amazon and choose one from last year (2017 edition), yes it's still 2017, but it's classed as last years product, but it will more often than not allow you to do an update to the newest one which is the 2018 edition for free.

I did it last year with Kaspersky and when that expired I changed to Norton, I'll be looking at the prices on Amazon shortly, buying "last years" product installing it and then do the update from their servers to the latest edition.

 

[Crossover]

I seem to recall buying a cheap version before which involved being given a code to apply in order to validate the subscription from the kosher website. I can't see how anything could be hidden via the code?

I couldn't comment about particulars, although I'd be similarly dubious about the legitimacy of codes being sold on eBay too. Ultimately, the call is yours - it may save you a bob or two, but may similarly be misplaced spending.

 

[gazthomas]

I wouldn't bother, most security software is "bloatware" - if you've got good basic AV and you patch your machine you should be fine. Remember your router is a firewall in its own right. Also practice safe surfing - don't go to dubious websites or click on links in emails sent from people you don't recognise.

 

[Howardh]

I use Avast free AV; seems to do the trick and apart from it keep popping up in the corner I can't recall any problems. I often wonder if they aren't tracking us and if we dare complain about their anti-virus then all our posts go dt aue neiat %42L CCagTT LkUE-+£FFeq @@@@@ Una**tfmmm.

 

[Crossover]

I wouldn't bother, most security software is "bloatware" - if you've got good basic AV and you patch your machine you should be fine. Remember your router is a firewall in its own right. Also practice safe surfing - don't go to dubious websites or click on links in emails sent from people you don't recognise.

It is also said to be good practice to keep the software firewall enabled on the device as well - it's an extra line of defence. As you say though, the main thing is to stay away from dubious sites and links

Not practical for home users too, but something we do corporately, is lock down the hardware firewall to not allow outbound traffic on all ports. I believe an amount of malware will try and communicate out on non-standard ports (rather than the usual 80/443 etc.) so is another measure (though this isn't the primary reason we have the restriction on outbound ports)