Since quite a while I'm asking myself whether one is better off using an anti-virus software or not.
The recently uncovered events concerning Kaspersky seem to support that one might be better off without an anti-virus software installed.<p>While I feel a bit naked without even a basic scanner installed, I also must admit that I feel uncomfortable with today's bloated "everything solutions" that obviously come with a huge attack surface from a security point of view.<p>How do HN readers deal with this situation?
The only way to be certain is the same as with encryption software: Only use publicly audited, i.e. open source, software.<p>So, in case of anti-virus software use ClamAV.
On Windows I use the tool provided by Microsoft for free. I have since it first became available about ten years ago.<p>On the other hand, I assume if a state level actor wants to hack my computer it will happen regardless of what I do.<p>Good luck.
Win 10 bulit-in AW and firewall are good enough for me as far as always-on protection is concerned. Occasionally I will run a manual Malwarebytes scan.<p>Browser security feels more important these days.