Bitcoin Forum

Are there any must have anti-virus programs anti-spy ware that you guys would recommend on a computer that holds the bitcoin/litecoins?

I know backing it up constantly and/or securing it on a usb in a safe place is the best way. But what about just having a secure computer/network what do you experts recommend?

Linux

also don't forget about brainware

 ;D

Yeah, what's Anti-Virus?

Linux

http://pastebin.com/sp6YAvGb

also, pfsense.

Linux is the correct answer!

But if you wanna stay with Windows, I recommend daily passive scans with IMHO the two best currently available scanners, Malwarebytes and Hitman Pro.  On top of that you'll want a decent firewall program, such as Comodo.

I was being facetious.  I switched to Linux on the desktop over 10 years ago. Never looked back. Never had a virus or walware.

No need for antivirus or firewall programs under Windows. All new viruses are checked for undetectability by antivirus software and firewall only increases system vulnerability by modifying network stack.

Install latest security patches from Microsoft. Install them by manual download from Microsoft Technet. Scan system for vulnerabilities with MBSA. Learn to use your brain when dealing with executable files, software installs and configuration of software. Learn how your computer really works and not listen to antivirus vendor babble.

GNU/Linux. The bottom line is that if one wishes to use currencies, Bitcoin and Litecoin, whose entire security models depend upon software and hardware freedom, it only makes sense to use a Free Software operating system.

PS: I have not trusted Microsoft Windows for online fiat banking/credit card use since long before Bitcoin even existed for the very same reasons that concern the OP. Bitcoin and Litecoin only raise the ante by many orders of magnitude.

This is my approach to anti-virus programs - as I told my family and friends (after ridding their computers of viruses). Think how big the anti-virus industry is. Now think what would happen to anti-virus companies if there were no more virus problems.

linux

or if a windows fan

STOP downloading random software.

Two very important tips, in my opinion:

• Use a safe browser. Google Chrome or Firefox
• Enable "click to play" for plugins (Flash and Java primarily)

This "click to play"-feature is really valuable. A lot of malware these days gets in via Flash or Java exploits.

And never run a Java applet from a site that you don't trust. If you go looking for a site that can download YouTube videos, and it requires you to run a Java plugin, keep looking. You are essentially agreeing to run a program on your computer that you have no idea what does. It's the equivalent of someone knocking on your door and asking "can I do all the things that are written on the pieces of paper I have in my suitcase" and you're not allowed to read what's on those pieces of paper in the suitcase before deciding.

Also, keeping all your software up-to-date is important. This is another reason to recommend Linux. Doing so is a hassle on Windows, but Linux just makes it incredibly easy.

Put 99% of your bitcoins in cold storage eg. a non-network connected eeepc or something with Armory installed. And live safe in the knowledge that only 1% of your coins are at risk in your normal hot wallet on your normal use PC - use these for small purchases etc. You can still do large purchases from your cold wallet by spending an extra 2 minutes signing the transaction off-line with a usb stick, and considering it'll take way longer than that for the transaction to confirm in any case it's not a big deal.

With some googling you'll find plenty of tutorials on how to do this.

isolated PC.


hidded in library ...  ;D

http://www.cowcotland.com/images/news/2013/01/apc-paper-angle.jpg

For windows ?
Use antivirus for business/enterpise with 24/7 support

For linux ?
You don't need one, but better use linux distribution special for security

Best solution ?
Isolated PC / paper wallet  :)

Yes there is. It is called Linux.

On my desktop that contains small amount of bitcoin (most in paper wallet) I will download this
http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/security/pc-security/malware-removal.aspx

Also just for precautions I have 2 separate pc. One used for downloading software, games and another basically uses only the software after confirmed safe by the first one.

I hear people often mention malwarebytes which seems like a reasonable piece of software, a lot less spyware like than most and they have a free version.

https://www.malwarebytes.org/

Personally I recommend Norton Internet Security for Windows and here is my advice:
Never handle your coin in Windows desktop system if you are a online wallet user,transfer, transaction and even the account creating can be handled in a secure operating system like iOS without jailbreak.

The best is Linux.

The second best is kaspersky.

Interesting no one mentioned Kaspersky.

I personally never install any crapware programs. I am not stupid enough to open spam mails and download the exe's, but while i am surfing some xxx or similar sites, my kis finds trojans and prevents me getting infected.

Using kaspersky for almost 5 years, i am happy with it overall.

Linux OS :)

I protect my computer with a range of software for specific tasks. At the end of the day though, you can't just get a virus on your system unless you ran something dodgy. The chances of someone attacking your home machine strictly for your BTC again is small, unless you were a HPT.

Just be cautious with what you run, what you download and where from. Touch wood, I have not had any invasive software on my systems for 11 years. I think the last time I did was the 60 second shutdown virus on Windows XP.

I use AVG and malawarebytes on my windows machine.
On my Linux which is running Ubuntu 14.10,I don't use anything. It's not needed on Linux at the moment and most likely will never be needed.

Combine spybot+nod32 and you should be fine!

http://chart.av-comparatives.org/chart1.php

malewarebytes and kaspersky i guess.

and then use a hardware-wallet and be even more secure:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=899253.0

 :)

I just use Comodo firewall and haven't had a problem in 10+ years. I run Malwarebytes once every couple of months but never any detections. Computer is on 24/7.

Best advice was already given: try and prevent problems. Don't go to dodgy sites. Don't download and install cracked software or freeware that's too good to be true. Use a decent webbrowser. Keep java and flash up to date.

One thing I did not read yet: install an adblocker. Many virusses are distributed via online ads, because they have such a huge reach.

However, I do think that times are changing. With more and more ppl getting into crypto, it's getting mote and more profitable to do some cyber burglary instead of regular burglary. It follows automatically that this will start to happen more. So I decided to upgrade my security by buying a second PC (an Intel NUC). That will be online 24/7, my main PC will be powered down most of the time.

Well, the best way is the Linux OS without internet conection (only when you need send bitcoin) but if you need to use Windows, my recommendation is "Norton anti-virus".

The best antivirus / anti malware is preventing ever getting it in the first place. Theres so much newer malware and viruses that antivirus programs don't yet have signatures for which makes them largely undetectable.

Just be safe, don't download stuff from places or people you don't trust, be really careful before running or installing anything, dont open random emails/attatchments, be careful what you click/download and even of some pages you visit that can have malicious scripts when browsing the internet.   Be VERY careful about clicking RUN and YES when it asks you if you want to run or allow something to run.

If you do all that - you shouldn't really need antivirus or antimalware. If those things detect any REAL malware then it's likely your system has hundreds or thousands of undetected malware/viruses anyways.


Smart to keep all your important files and stuff on an external hard drive and every so often just reformat your pc and reinstall everything.
I burned all my software, a copy of windows, and the latest drivers/driver updates onto dvds so when I reformat its just a matter of installing stuff one by one, instead of having to redownload everything. Reformatting really is the best (only?) way to ensure your system is truly safe.

I hope you all are kidding. This is a horrible program and there are actually several malware that will actually redirect your searches for antivirus programs to malwareytes.

Most anti-virus programs are really not going to protect your bitcoin because most malware/virus are going to be custom made by people with the specific intent of stealing your specific bitcoin/private keys. Any antivirus program will likely not be able to catch such programs

well im using that for 3 years if not more and never had problems like that

I am just saying that the way they get people to buy their product is sketchy at best. Regardless you should follow good security protocol when trying to protect your bitcoin, not on some third party software