Best Anti-Virus Program to use? For Bitcoin security?

[mskryxz]

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?

[FTWbitcoinFTW]

Linux

[fr33d0miz3r]

also don't forget about brainware

[matthewh3]

Linux

 

[FlappySocks]

Linux

Yeah, what's Anti-Virus?

[FTWbitcoinFTW]

Linux

Yeah, what's Anti-Virus?

Linux

[xane]

http://pastebin.com/sp6YAvGb

also, pfsense.

[glendall]

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.

[FlappySocks]

Linux

Yeah, what's Anti-Virus?

Linux

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

[MysteryMiner]

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.

[ArticMine]

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.

[acoindr]

Are there any must have anti-virus programs anti-spy ware that you guys would recommend ...

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.

[franky1]

linux

or if a windows fan

STOP downloading random software.

[runeks]

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.

[loanexpress]

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.

[Meuh6879]

isolated PC.


hidded in library ...  

[sandykho47]

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 

[eid]

The Americans have a great saying that I use a lot, "There aint no such thing as a free lunch"....

Yes there is. It is called Linux.

[Q7]

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.

[Lethn]

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/