Bitcoin Forum

Is Antivirus still a good way to avoid some malware on my PC? I want to start working on my PC online but I don't have any Antivirus or security on the system since it's been year's since I work on PC last, also I have two to three crypto wallets on my PC.

Antivirus is generally good for spotting old threats. Stuff that's been well reported and around for a while is picked up quite well by antivirus. They also have simplistic models of ai for detecting new threats (such as using heuristics to try to work out what a program does/functions to see if it's malicious).

They'll likely either take a while to spot innovative threats or they'll overclean your pc (and they'll also find ways to do both of those things too at once).

If you're doing something you don't trust, it'd be better practice to use a VM as a secure VM won't be able to interact with your main system unless you allow it to.

The best is to get yourself a hardware wallet.

Antivirus can help to an extent, but you can try ublock origin for ads blocking.

Best not not make use of Google search engine, privacy search engine like Duckduckgo is better. Also better to make use of privacy broswers like Duckduckgo, Firefox and Tor.

Be careful of the sites you visit, avoid link ads. Visit the URL of a reputable site directly is even better.

But it is still better to get yourself a hardware wallet for the safety of your coins.

You shouldn't expect that an Antivirus will keep you safe from every malware out there. The safest option is probably to have an air-gapped machine that is only used to sign transactions, and that's the thing I'd do if I were you. Do you have any computers or laptops left over? Make them air-gapped. If you can't or don't want to, then the second best option is to buy a hardware wallet (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5282364.20), although you might have to submit some personal data.

Ultimately, I think a good quote from Electrum (https://electrum.org)'s downloads page is needed here;

Get a laptop for online jobs or whatever you plan to work online, leave the PC for a crypto wallet transactions only, I believe that the moment you start using your PC for online work, clicking on links and opening a new website you are already in possible danger of losing your key or getting your PC spied on.

Antivirus should also work fine for you (as in my experience the last 3 years) as long as you always update to the latest version to detect the latest viruses. And you should also buy some browser protection packages that are offered such as antimalware, antiphishing, etc., before your PC is actually infected.

If i were you i would definitely not leave my funds on that PC, hot wallets are pretty risky even with an antivirus, remember that even with an active antivirus, all it takes is one mistake/folly from you and the purpose why the antivirus is there becomes useless, causing you to lose your funds. Mind you also that the chances of this happening when you have your funds in a hot wallet is high. Just move your funds to a cold storage, then you can now use your PC for your work, plus with your antivirus and religiously following other safety measures too.

Most people of course save funds from PCs to make their transactions easier but still recommended is a hardware wallet with a lot of recommendations, there it is much safer for large funds when I want to save them except assets that are not too large so I always keep them in my PC.

In essence, we have to be careful with Antivirus, it is for the security of your PC, but if there is an error on our part, it will be a weapon for us, and avoid some suspicious ones and don't click or download them the unknown, more precisely, the advice above should be followed.

If you don't have an antivirus - keep yourself away from unnecessary download. avoid inserting a USB to your computer.
Try to find way to install an antivirus through video. You. might get some real help of a key which could save you from trouble.

Depending on your habit, whether you visit risk sites or install suspicious, cracked applications probably antivirus is not enough for sure. there are many other options to look out for.
Keylogger or some malwares will not necessarily be recognized by AV, but it can cost you a lot.
I am certainly a proponent of the idea of using a separate PC for wallets, and only for that. which will be online only for the purposes of the transaction and nothing more. Raspberry Pi can wear most wallets, a cheap and efficient solution.

It would be recommended to you and  to anyone to download antivirus on your pc because it could help you to avoid some malwares that can affect your pc if some of it penetrates. But what most important thing there is how you secure your own hardware so better also not to click any random link and if you cannot avoid to do this better grab your smartphone and check the link first before opening it to your pc so that you may know that the link you are curious with is safe and not stuffed with any harmful things.

You can choose a good AV software for your computer, this will help you to protect your important data against malware infection and cyberattacks.  It has many features that AV can do and I think it's usually recommended on PC that has an AV system to control that possible problem.

In this case, if you're afraid to get scammed, you can use a hardware wallet, this wallet has a built-in feature that can protect itself and won't have to leave any footprint for every transaction that you've made.  So I think, it's not ideal to leave a big fund on your computer if you've worried about this.

Perhaps, you can't just expect that Antivirus will keep your PC 100% safe, especially if you are using a free app. You'd rather acquire paid Antivirus system to enhance your protection but as I said, this won't guarantee that you are totally safe, it still needs your help like being careful in clicking links from strangers. And I don't advise using multiple AV as sometimes it contradicts each other that causing lags in the computer system. And I also advise you to move your other wallet to the other computer for security reasons and in the case that hack comes, they can take everything from you.

Antivirus or Internet security softwares can not protect you completely from all threats on the Internet. You should be responsible to protect yourself first with your healthy web-surfing behavior.

It's bad idea to store your coins in wallets on a device that is used daily and with daily exposure to the Internet. Your coins, wallets should be store offline, air-gapped if possible. The best practice is only connect your wallet to the Internet when you have to broadcast transactions.

Remember, even after installing a wallet, when you create seed for a specific wallet, you should do it offline.

[Guide] Secure air-gapped crypto wallet storage method (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2828437.0)

Antivirus should not be free, because everything that is free always speaks of holes in the system. A year has passed, you say, but you did not say what system you have. If it's Windows, then update it, if Linux, even more so.
Regular updating of systems, antivirus databases, and of course, the separation of entertainment from finance, can promise more or less stable security.
Also, try working in a sandbox; it will also reduce the risk of getting some active malware.

If your PC's serves of your means of making money ,it is advised to install anti-virus and regularly optimise ,maintain and clean your device to avoid you PC been corrupt with virus and it may affect your transaction ,especially your crypto wallet .be careful of sites you visit and what you plug in your PC's .
Same goes to your mobile devices ,if you maintain your crypto wallet account from your mobile, sane approach goes to it ,regularly maintain and clean your phone and be security conscious.

Your OS is windows 10 or 11?

If that's so, no need for that as windows has its built-in, windows defender. Getting malware depends on your usage and the way you browse the web.

If you're a reckless user and just downloads any material on the web without knowing if the source is trustworthy or not, you're likely to get it even you've got a good antivirus.

For most people, the odds of downloading malware on Windows computers have greatly reduced over the years as a result of a variety of different methods that were developed to help make PC users' lives safer.

Most modern anti-virus products are now very good at recognising malicious code and blocking it. Even default Microsoft Defender Antivirus can spot most threats in Windows. It's not perfect, of course, and there are still a few strains of malware that are not detected, but no antivirus product is perfect. You can never be sure that the product is 100% effective, so it's important to remember that it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to viruses and malware. Update your software regularly and make sure you do regular security updates. Think twice before clicking a link or downloading anything, and be on the lookout for suspicious emails and other messages. Be careful when opening attachments or images from email. And keep in mind that these threats can show up on your mobile devices, too.


Many security-conscious people choose to use separate systems for work and everyday use. It is up to you to decide what you want to use and how you wish to work. Personally, I like to separate my personal life and work life. By segregating them , I find it easier to protect my data and I'm keeping my digital life as safe and secure as possible. There are some very good reasons why you might want to consider using a Virtual Machine (VM) to keep your main operating system secure and malware-free while you're working on your PC. This is not just a form of housekeeping; it's an effective way to prevent the spread of viruses and other malware by keeping the virus-infected part of your PC isolated from everything else.

This is a rather strange explanation given that the AV database is updated at least once every 24 hours with the latest antivirus definitions, although these intervals may be more frequent. Of course, here I am talking about those AVs that have the best reputation and are not free software.

Anyone using Windows OS should have good AV, firewall, and antimalware, especially if your computer has crypto wallets or you trade cryptocurrencies. A good AV/antimalware will protect you (in most cases) from downloading a fake wallet or any malicious file, and a firewall is also a very important part of security for any personal computer.

The problem is that most people don't want to pay for premium security solutions that aren't really expensive, and they think that such security solutions will slow down their computers. If you use an old computer with 2 or 4 GB of RAM, everything will be slow anyway, so without at least 8 GB of RAM we can't talk about comfortable work on the computer.

Well this is right --always go premium AV service if you want a good security system.
A free version of AV has only basic protection which is not all malware infections will be detected --not like premium it has more comprehensive protection which is absolutely good when it comes to protecting your device.
Just watch this OP on how AV will work, ^{[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW626WMWNAE ]}, and thank me later.

Antivirus programs are just a cosmetic protection and it won't provide you very good protection against malware, especially with anything related with cryptocurrency wallets.
My suggestion is to switch from wiNd0ws to linux operating system and you won't need to use any antivirus software.
It is more important to have some clipboard protection that is more often used for phishing with bitcoin wallets.

Without a doubt, the best way to store your crypto assets is keeping it with you. However, once you have put your crypto coins into your software wallet , you need to keep it in a secure environment . This requires an encryption, strong password and strong other security measures to guard your assets. To secure your operating system from online threats and hackers, you should make use of and enable Windows Defender Antivirus or any security tools that offer advanced protection against system and online threats. You can also consider using a VPN service, to increase your privacy online. But the best way to secure your crypto assets is to keep them stored on a cold wallet or a hardware security device such as a Ledger Nano S, Trezor Wallet, and other.

Very nice - also I think - one should not keep all the eggs at one place. There are members who have were in trouble because their account got hacked.
The hackers are way smarter than we think - so keep the extra money a side. Because I know people have lost the money and they were never able to retrieve them

I also use antivirus on my pc. but do not be careless in choosing the type of antivirus. use a trusted one or at least one that has been recommended by many people. because I've heard from my friend that there is an actual antivirus application besides eradicating the virus, it will also create its own virus if we don't update it. but I forgot the name of the antivirus. and I heard this was a long time ago about 7 years ago. so I don't know the truth. I'm just sharing what I heard.

Security these days is something VERY important! especially for those involved with cryptocurrencies

• Some tips I would like to share is... use a good antivirus (even a paid one)
• Use 2FA ALWAYS! (or even a physical 2FA)
• Use a hardware wallet
• If possible, use only one computer to carry out transactions involving cryptocurrencies
• I even believe that the use of VM can be useful
• Using a sandbox
• Use a Linux OS (if you're not familiar, Mint and Ubuntu are some interesting options users with a little bit experience

edit: I think it's interesting you also analyze what other users said in this topic, because surely there must be some users with an extremely greater knowledge than mine in this area

OP, be informed that Antivirus and Malwarebytes work based on how they are programmed and they are never a good way to avoid some malware on your PC because the good way to avoid something malicious on your PC depends on you.
You can visit a website thats, 's not from a trusted source thats full of something thats harmful to your system and expect the Antivirus or Malwarebytes that you used to apply the simple knowledge you ought to apply yourself.

They are... kind of. But not perfect and shouldn't be completely relied upon. If you be cautious (ie, visit shady websites, install cracked games/softwares/porn sites) - you will be safe without one.

For you to have such number of cryo wallet in your PCs then it must be of frequent use to your source of income. I'll have loved to refer a particular antivirus for you but I'll advise you do the search for yourself and out of the features of different ones you would come across pick that which is very compatible to your demands.

But make sure to be doing a regular updating too.

When you say Antivirus then you can't say in general that all AVs are good or bad and do their job the way they should. I have tested many AVs over the years and for many (even very famous ones) I can say that they surprised me very unpleasantly with how aggressive they are, how much they have a negative effect on the OS and that they are difficult to configure for the average user.

On the other hand, there are security solutions (not just AV) that in my opinion do their job very well, have little effect on the system and are not aggressive in any way. The problem is that most internet users are not aware of the dangers, do not think they need to be protected and in the end think that every AV is the same.

With a well-organized security system and good online habits, even Windows OS can be a secure environment - and I say this from personal experience.

If I were you I would withdraw all my money from crypto and would invest in some local flourishing business.
My  $3000  have been hacked from the vault. So I withdrew all the money and invested in property. I am so scared to keep it walets now.

Like what most have suggested, if you plan on downloading a crypto wallet for your cryptocurrencies, better provide or purchase a hardware wallet as this is considered one of the safest ways of storing your cryptocurrencies.

Unfortunately, it was alleged that anti-virus protection also creates viruses- that is why it is inevitable that people upgrade regularly. In order to provide maximum security, avoid clicking random websites and downloading random links without first checking or doing a background check on the files.

I would suggest using a K7TotalSecurity anti virus on your computer. Or you might have got a best suggested anti virus. Install it. Make sure you do not attempt to login to unknown websites. Make sure the url is secured with https://. You can use a trusted wallet on the pc with trusted anti virus installed. Besides all these anti protection, best thing is to activate all secured features in the concern wallets. This would really support.

Obviously that suggestion is the best by far if the OP has enough assets. I don't know what is the best reason to keep it in PC wallet if someone has a lot of assets in his wallet. Having an HW wallet is the best advice and should be the right choice for any long term holder.

A PC wallet or android wallet should only be used as a good alternative for dealing with activities that don't involve a lot of assets. But having an antivirus on a PC is a must because it will certainly prevent malware infections that we don't want. Of course, an antivirus is a must-have not only because we have a wallet on a PC, but also a must-have even if we only use a PC for activities in forum.

Personally, I didn't use any antivirus or anti-malware for years and I didn't face any problem so far. My pc works just fine even I don't remember when was the last time I had to format it. However, I only open websites I trust and never download anything but the softwares I need and I make sure to download them from their official websites and update them regularly.
Using an anti-virus will certainly make your device safer but doesn't mean it will make it totally safe.

This is my own experience and I don't recommend you or anyone else to do the same, unless you are totally sure you know what you are doing.

Assuming that the user is using Windows OS, it would be fine for him to just stick to the Windows Security by default if he is not doing such an in-depth browsing.
I can still recall when I encountered plenty of adware in my PC even if I was not really downloading anything. It was a nightmare, but it serves as a lesson as well for me anyway.

You're right and thats the reason why I said AV works how they are programmed since I am not tech-savvy to do the testing you said you did.

It will be nice if you could list the AV you find to be worthwhile through your research because security should be the number one priority of every cryptocurrency investor or holder.

Thank you for pointing out this vital information and I wish a lot of people can learn from what you said because in the mind of a lot of people the use of AV is enough to guarantee their security.
i will be happier if you could explain the way to the well-organized security system.

You have to be very careful whenever you are installing an anti virus on your pc, Currently their are lot's of anti virus that are scam, they are designed by scammers just to have access to your pc after installing it on your pc and they can steal any information or data they want. Is not that am saying that their are not legit anti virus, but you just have to be very careful when installing it now, scammers are also making use of it.

My PC is 5 years now and I only use the default windows defender since then, so far I haven't been hack or discovered a malware that will cause my crypto assets to be stolen. As long as you know what websites you are visiting and not clicking some malicious links then there is no need to install other Antivirus. If you have some large assets, it's always best to have a hardware wallet to secure those properly.

I agree. We have to be aware of the websites we visit because it's the only protection that we can do to ourselves together with our PC and crypto assets. There's this teaching to me that anti-virus companies are also the ones that make viruses so they know how to tackle and delete them. And that's why they come with a price.
It was just said to me but the whole thing rotates on what kind of user you are with your PC or laptop.

What paid antivirus do you all use?  do most just use the free windows defender or is that not good enough? 


does kaspersky total or any other paid av protect you more than windows defender if you click on a link or preview or open an attachment?
 

So do people use a separate laptop for visiting adult sites, streaming tv or sports online from their main laptop?  So best to have a separate windows pc and install a VM and you could download any porn, torrents or games or whatnot and stream tv or sports or even randomly click on links or attachments or even open them and you won't have any concern?  So you could even do this on the same windows pc which is your main pic which have your crypto software wallets and online banking and email and you still would be safe as long as you do any dangerous web browsing, streaming and downloading of porn, games on the VM profile account and not your main windows pc profile account?  But couldn't many malware and virus or keylogger still somehow get into the other part of the pc though and infect it?  Or make it where you need to do a complete reinstall of windows if the malware/virus is not removable?  So basically that VM account will always have malware on it if you planning to download lot of porn files etc? 

I don't want to single anyone out in a negative context, and I think everyone should try out how some software behaves in his environment - and they all have a trial period of 15 or 30 days, which is enough for everyone to decide if something is good for them or not. Here I am primarily thinking of testing premium software, not those that are free.

My recommendation would be Norton 360 + Premium Malwarebytes, both complement each other great and you don't feel their impact on a computer that has 8 GB of RAM.

What you are doing right away is idea soliciting, i will induce the ideas of antivirus, because it's what we have been using for long time for security purposes. But i know vividly that their other kind of varieties or version's for security purposes you can research on for more safety and purpose.. because it seems that majority is lamenting similarities things via antivirus kind as a preferable.

Meant if you go stream porn, tv, movies from those sites online that are free.  Or if you download porn movies and porn pictures from random porn forums?  does av protect you from that or not?

I understand what you're trying to point out but I ask the question because not everybody that has the knowledge or time to understand the best AV to use.
I have once used Norton on my old laptop computer and I can tell it is a good AV but sometimes it is hard for my old computer to withstand the capacity of the AV. However, I have never tried out the AV again ever since then and what I use now is Kaspersky.
I have never used Malwarebytes but someone once told me that using it alone with updated window defender is enough if don't visit an untrust site.

My recommendation for a commercial anti-virus is Nod32. I have used it on my business computers for years and have never had any problems. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is also commercial software, and in my experience it's able to detect threats that standard antivirus programs miss.

If you are using Windows 10, you already have basic protection with Windows Defender and a firewall. I doubt neither can be considered world-class though. They are probably average at best. But that doesn't matter. You are supposed to be your computer's antivirus and firewall protection. Just like Bitcoin teaches you how to handle your finances, you are supposed to learn about online security as well. Each click of a mouse can have serious consequences, so think before you act.

Keep your work and financials away from the machine you use at home especially if you are into pirated software, torrenting, and girl-on-girl action after midnight.

I personally have never seen this option in the program, but it is not something that is automatically enabled but comes as an option. This means that anyone who has not manually enabled this option will not automatically mine anything.

AV with a file scanner that is downloaded or entered into our PC device and has the protection of visited websites and other full features I found on AV Kaspesky Internet Security.
lots of malicious websites and embedding ads that contain malware that will attack the device if you don't use AV. In my experience, malware that attacks some of them will encrypt all files on a computer device.

Actually using a built-in AV like the AV in windows 10 i.e. Windows Security is enough, but I want to be even more secure by adding another AV for double security.

All AVs provide extra protection for PCs, but that also depends on the user as well, and Premium Licensed AVs are more recommended than Trial-licensed AVs.

https://i.postimg.cc/cCH6Wbz8/image.png https://i.postimg.cc/xCj1GZnF/image.png

thoughts on bitdefender vs kaspersky total?

It would be better if you get a hard wallet. Models on which antivirus are made are very simple and they won’t be able to protect against greater threats. If you can’t afford it, then be careful. Avoid links and chat groups that raise security concerns.