Browser makers say decry the use of antivirus -- except Microsoft Defender
Anyone who has visited my blog in the past probably knows that I have been advocating for years that Windows users should completely remove all anti-virus software — except for Microsoft's built-in Defender software (which used to be called Microsoft Security Essentials).
Now it seems that major technology companies — the companies that build the web browser that you are using right now to look at this post — are saying the same thing. Using McAfee, Semantec, Kasperski, etc., actually erodes the security of your web browser, rather than making it more secure. The article I have linked below describes why this is. Basically it boils down to the fact that the browser makers build in all kinds of advanced threat prevention and then when you install anti-virus software it basically disables all that built-in security and replaces it with their own rather insecure and outdated program code.
If you're using Windows 8, 8.1, or 10, all the protection you need is built into the operating system, and installing additional security software is not only pointless, but makes your computer less secure, in the opinion of the biggest technology companies. Windows 7 and Windows Vista did not come with the software built-in, but it can be installed for free. Whether it is built-in or installed by you, any additional anti-virus software can be safely uninstalled using the Programs and Features applet in the Windows Control Panel.
Here's a link to the article in question:
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/01/antivirus-is-bad/
