The latest Security News and Anti-Virus options in wake of US Kaspersky ban.
With the impending 09/29/24 drop dead date for receiving updates looming over Kaspersky users, it is time to consider alternatives if you have a KAV subscription. It is unknown whether the company will observer the no-update ban.
If you’re a Kaspersky customer, you have a little over 3 weeks to find a suitable alternative. There has been no news yet about refunds for those with annual plans but if the ban does go into effect, it’s likely the company will announce something along these lines.
Kaspersky’s antivirus has long been considered some of the best antivirus software due to its excellent malware protection, light system impact and included extras. If this ban does go into effect, we’ll be updating all of our antivirus and security software guides accordingly.
In the interim, Kaspersky users should be looking for alternatives just in case. If you use Windows, Microsoft’s built-in Windows Defender antivirus is a great free option that is part of Windows. However, it is recommended that you enhance your security with a product whose focus is the protection of your system from malware, viruses and all the bad actors you are online with daily.
There are numerous offerings and opinions. I have been researching for over a month.
I've read articles, watched videos about what to buy, what not to buy and why. I wonder why everyone isn't with CrowdStrike which seems to be the preference of the big companies, yet it was an update from CrowdStrike that shut down so many systems last month, most notably airlines.
Bitdefender appears in most top 5 lists and I found a comparison of it to CrowdStrike. Below are links to more info that may assist you in making a decision.
Bitdefender vs CrowdStrike 2024 | Gartner Peer Insights
7 Best Kaspersky Alternatives to Replace After the US Ban (cybernews.com)
I found a very good article on Forbes Advisor that highlights 10 different anti-virus vendors along with each software's strength. Their name contains a link to each ones website.
The Best Antivirus Software of 2024
- Bitdefender: Best overall
- Avira: Best value for your money
- AVG: Best for solopreneurs
- McAfee: Best for multi-device protection
- Malwarebytes: Best for real-time protection
- Avast: Best for remote workers
- F-Secure: Best for plan customization
- G DATA: Best for comprehensive features
- Trend Micro: Best for phishing protection
- ESET: Best for technical users
Which one to choose?
There are a myriad of opinions online about antivirus as well as VPNs. Below is a link about why you don't want Norton or McAfee. John McAfee and Peter Norton were brilliant early pioneers in the PC security game. McAfee was a maverick who ran for President in 2016, was imprisoned by the US for tax evasion and died while in custody. The companies that represent their names today are in no way connected to either person.
Below is a link to a YouTube video that warns you to never buy Norton or McAfee.
Don't buy Norton or McAfee. VPNs, dos and don'ts.
NEVER install these programs on your PC... EVER!!! (youtube.com)
In conclusion I'm sure you're thinking, Thanks for Nothing! I've reached the same conclusion after researching online through multiple searches for a month now.
I will be making recommendations this week and next week to my Business clients as I research costs thru Vendors for multi-seat license subscriptions.
In other Security News:
Enslaved in Asia and Forced to Scam Strangers Online
Millions of AMD CPUs vulnerable to hacks, and some won’t get patched
Story by PC World • 3w • 2 min read
Millions of AMD CPUs vulnerable to hacks, and some won’t get patched (msn.com)
Warning Google Chrome users;
Never install browser extensions, honey, shopping extensions.
Thousands of Google Chrome browsers are at risk from this damaging attack (msn.com)
DFORCE Workstations & Computers, custom builds, performance oriented Beasts
