Symantec Declares Antivirus "Dead" as it Focuses on Damage Control

www.engadget.com/2014/05/06/symantec-declares-antivirus-dead/?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000589

I've relied on Norton for safety since forever. Being unschooled and feeling vulnerable online isn't conducive to a good experience in space exploration for simpletons like me.

Is this the trend of the future?

What once seemed easy to achieve... "internet safety" ...is going to become so complex that average folks will need to get a degree in computer science and technology just to feel comfortable... "dressed and ready to go" ...in cyber space?

... ... ... ...

Athena,

No degree in Computer Science is necessary. I run my computer with no antivirus, no anti spyware, no anti-malware, for years now. I also don't download questionable things, or go to questionable sites, where viruses r prevalent.

I do have several layers of defense. Like on ur home, u may have a lock on ur door, or maybe 2? Maybe u have a storm door that also locks? Maybe an alarm after u enter? Layers of security. Same on the computer. For example, on my browser (using Firefox 3.6.28, its old, but I've modified some things)I have, AdBlock Plus, Better Privacy, DoNotTrackPlus, FlashBlock, HTTPS-Everywhere, and NoScript. They all serve to protect my internet surfing. Again, that's just on the browser. I also run it on Private mode. I have never had a virus or anyone break into my computer. All programs r free.

On the computer itself I run a two way firewall (free), Privoxy (free) and if I run Ubuntu I do it using Virtual Box. Also free.

I don't know if it's the trend for the future, but just like I do not pay a security guard to protect my home I don't pay a company to protect my computer. I setup layers of security to dissuade anyone from breaking in. That, and don't go to questionable sites... or leave the door on ur home opened...

How do you know what is a questionable site? Are there red lights flashing, and pop-ups saying, "hold up there a minute, if you enter herein this foreign territory you could get bit, or even get sick, so watch your fingertips and where you're tapping...

Criollo's right Athena. Multi-layering is the most effective form of defense. This is called the 'Castle Defense' Moats, Draw bridges, High walls, and working sentries if you will. :)

I think it's good to remember that what applies in the world applies on the Net; if you're an easy target, you're most likely to get hit.

Virus, trojans, bots, malware all have 'definitions' and some have signatures of their authors. Firewalls and malware preventers rely on having the definitions within their libraries, and those are what you get when you update your protection systems.

Keeping a basic bug catcher, and a wall updated will usually protect your system. Set a time up weekly in which you can run complete scans against the hard drive of your puter and for the most part, you'll be good to go. It's also a good idea to re-name your Firewall and your Bug catchers after you purchase them. Very specific firewalls virus' are created to take down systems as well.
Bad guys are looking for easy targets. The key is to keep yourself moving and adapting to the threats.

thanks, daddy, for all the tips, specially like the castle and sentries analogy.

Glad to help. :)

Athena,
This is one way to figure what is questionable. Hope it helps a bit.

http://websitesgiveback.com/blog/website-scams-and-other-questionable-website-design-practices/

I tell people, "if u have 2 look around u before going 2 a site, there's a good chance is a questionable site."

Firefox also has an addon, WebFilterPro, that checks for (but I would not call all these sites "questionable"):
-------------------------------------------
- Anti Porn, Anti Adult content website
- Anti Abused Drugs including Marijuana
- Anti online game to block the popular game related website
- Anti Violation, gambling or gun related website or forums
- Anti social networking to block popular website like facebook and twitter
- Anti spyware and virus web site
- Anti anonymous proxy web site to bypass firewall or parental control software
- Anti spam web site used to sending most of the spam email in the internet

The following nine security categories are supported in the blocking setup page.

1. Sites hosting spyware, virus, fishing & frauds
2. Adult sites including adult content, sex, nudity
3. Sites related abused drugs & Marijuana
4. Bandwidth consuming sites peer2peer, online storage
5. Sites including weapon, gambling, questionable
6. Online gaming sites
7. Online sites used as proxy server
8. Sites used for spamming
9. Social-networking, dating and media streaming
-------------------------------------------
Avast, and AVG have free addons that check sites against a database of reported sites with "questionable" practices or materials. They actually do place a red flag (lol) on the links, with explanations. Also free addons.

Oh, and I am no computer guru: a computer user, enthusiast at best. My degrees r in mathematics with computer science, but programming. The grad work was in mathematics, science and instructional technology: e.g.the explaining things to people.

Drop the norton!!! Get avast 2014 free addition from cnet.com. Trust Me all worries gone!