Do we need to install an anti virus product on windows 8 systems?

[jr866gooner]

The reason I ask if we need an AV in windows 8 is because I notice we have defender which when launched is actually Microsoft security essentials ( I assume with windows defender also built in)

Just wondered what people's thoughts were.

 

[nesrinamb]

I always do. While 8 is very secure it doesn't hurt to get an extra little bit of safety.

If they are in a business environment I would suggest a good managed AV system since people will be sharing flash drives and files means also sharing viruses.

 

[cypress]

Yes I still install an AV when working on Windows 8 systems.

 

[carrcomp]

Yes.

I will never trust an AV that is built into an OS.

 

[mraikes]

Well, if you use AV Comparative's scale, Windows 7 and Windows 8 scores about an 84% protection rate "out of the box" which should include built-in defender.

Third party A/V is required only if you want to bump that protection level up into the 90's. Which of course you should.

As long as I continue to see "unprotected" Win 8 computers coming in with viruses, I'll know I need to continue installing something better.

 

[Metanis]

Without a doubt, yes! Microsoft seems to have no intention of making Windows Defender a "best-of-breed" product but rather a "last resort" type. Practically any other product you use will improve detection rates.

 

[bertie40]

MSE has mixed opinions on here. MS themselves said that their product was a bare basic AV, for use as a minimum, and suggested upgrading to another product.

Gut feeling, but I suspect they have pulled the development team and just keep it ticking along with minimal updating.

 

[TechPJC]

I've seen many infected systems running Windows Defender alone...

 

[bertie40]

Picking up a laptop tomorrow afternoon.

The lady used a nearby shop who I feel have really ripped her off. A laptop battery of dubious origin is one thing, but not picking up that the machine had no AV is nowt short of criminal.

Then they said the power jack was duff.

All she had to say was that she had a copy of optimiser pro.

Goes without saying she does online banking. [emoji15]