Essential security add-ons recommendations
Hi!
I just upgraded to windows10. I don't use a paid antivirus or security software so wanted to make sure I am using maximum security add-ons available. I would appreciate your advice.
1) What are the quintessential security and anti-virus add-ons recommendations? So far, I am using the following. Is it too much? Too less? AVAST online security Ghostery Ublock origin ad block plus phishwall IBM security Rapport
2) I read that I should keep add-ons minimum. Are there any cons in using multiple add-ons for same purpose? For example, can I use Ublock origin and Ghostery together as an anti-malware? Or would that diminish the efficacy of each extension?
3) Are the security add-ons one should use in Firefox and chrome more or less the same?
Thank you!!
Chosen solution
This forum is intended for people having issues with Firefox. Nevertheless, I'll give you some advice.
Avast is great (I use it myself). I'd also recommend installing Web of Trust. It doesn't do anything to keep you safe, but it will tell you which websites you should steer clear of. I'd also recommend scanning your computer with Malwarebytes from time to time.
To clarify your second question, it usually doesn't hurt. There are some rare occasions where you will get some conflicting extensions, but that's not that common. However, I should point out that neither Ublock Origin or Ghostery are anti-malware extensions, nor do they replace a traditional anti-malware program. They are content blockers, designed to hide ads and tracking cookies from Firefox. They don't do anything to prevent you from getting a virus.
To answer your third question, more or less, yes. Since both Firefox and Google Chrome use similar programming languages for their extensions, many developers can easily create a single add-on that will work with both browsers. But not every Chrome extension is also available on Firefox and vice versa.
The key to staying safe online is only visiting websites that are trusted. These websites are least-likely to give your computer a virus. That's the point of Web of Trust and the Avast Online Security add-ons. Not to protect you from the viruses, but to tell you whether or not you should be visiting the website.
You should also use other online safety practices, like using caution when opening emails from unknown senders and being careful about what you download.
Depending on your online habits, you could be safe from the risk of getting a virus. However, skipping out on an anti-virus is not something that I'd recommend for everyone. If you don online banking or anything sensitive like that, I'd almost certainly recommend paying for an anti-virus software.
The bottom line is that if you chose to run without an anti-virus program, you do so at your own risk. Some people can get away with it; Others can't. It depends on whether or not you are willing to accept the risks involved with surfing the web unprotected.
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Chosen Solution
This forum is intended for people having issues with Firefox. Nevertheless, I'll give you some advice.
Avast is great (I use it myself). I'd also recommend installing Web of Trust. It doesn't do anything to keep you safe, but it will tell you which websites you should steer clear of. I'd also recommend scanning your computer with Malwarebytes from time to time.
To clarify your second question, it usually doesn't hurt. There are some rare occasions where you will get some conflicting extensions, but that's not that common. However, I should point out that neither Ublock Origin or Ghostery are anti-malware extensions, nor do they replace a traditional anti-malware program. They are content blockers, designed to hide ads and tracking cookies from Firefox. They don't do anything to prevent you from getting a virus.
To answer your third question, more or less, yes. Since both Firefox and Google Chrome use similar programming languages for their extensions, many developers can easily create a single add-on that will work with both browsers. But not every Chrome extension is also available on Firefox and vice versa.
The key to staying safe online is only visiting websites that are trusted. These websites are least-likely to give your computer a virus. That's the point of Web of Trust and the Avast Online Security add-ons. Not to protect you from the viruses, but to tell you whether or not you should be visiting the website.
You should also use other online safety practices, like using caution when opening emails from unknown senders and being careful about what you download.
Depending on your online habits, you could be safe from the risk of getting a virus. However, skipping out on an anti-virus is not something that I'd recommend for everyone. If you don online banking or anything sensitive like that, I'd almost certainly recommend paying for an anti-virus software.
The bottom line is that if you chose to run without an anti-virus program, you do so at your own risk. Some people can get away with it; Others can't. It depends on whether or not you are willing to accept the risks involved with surfing the web unprotected.
Much appreciate your prompt and detailed reply!
I will definitely try web of trust and stick to AVAST and malwarebytes. Hopefully it will help me steer clear of unsafe sites.
As for online banking, it may be a bit of a stretch to rely on free software. Better to invest than worry about potential security hacks.
Anyway, thank you again for your valuable input.