This recent thread got me to wonder about internet security:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3038890&page=1
I use MSE and MBAM Pro, my browser is Firefox 21.0 and I have Do Not Track, Ad Block Plus, Webmail Ad Blocker and Web Of Trust. I use a few other add-ons with FF too but none of them really have much to do with "security". I have MSE and MBAM excluded from each other. Neither one has ever found anything malicious on my computer. My email provider is Yahoo.
The OP in that thread had someone or something access his email and send out multiple emails to his address list. Then the next day some dirtbag was trying to make a fraudulent charge on OP's credit card. Someone somewhere was up to no good with OP's info.
I have done some reading over the last few days trying to learn more about internet security, anti-phishing and anti-spam software. Firefox and Yahoo both say they have internet security and identity safeguards built in but I was unable to find out exactly what the safeguards are and/or how well they might work, how effective they may or may not be.
MSE is an anti-virus and anti-malware program. MSE is not about financial or personal info security. AFAIK, MSE does nothing to combat phishing or email/financial info theft. Neither does MBAM. I surf the web very carefully and do not open email attachments. I delete spam when I receive it. I try to be very careful online, I do not surf porn or other unsavory sites and I use Secunia to keep all of my programs updated.
So, here is my question...just how "good" are the basic internet security aspects of your average browser, whether it be Firefox, Chrome, Explorer or any other browser? Is it or might it possibly be more secure to use an actual Internet Security Suite, such as AVG Internet Security? I have not had any problems with MSE but I am close to removing it and going with a suite. AVG for 3 computers for one year can be had on Amazon for less than $20.00. I am thinking about doing their free trial and if all goes well I may buy the suite.
Please know that I am not trying to be paranoid here. I would just like to have as much peace of mind as possible. Thanks for any info.
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3038890&page=1
I use MSE and MBAM Pro, my browser is Firefox 21.0 and I have Do Not Track, Ad Block Plus, Webmail Ad Blocker and Web Of Trust. I use a few other add-ons with FF too but none of them really have much to do with "security". I have MSE and MBAM excluded from each other. Neither one has ever found anything malicious on my computer. My email provider is Yahoo.
The OP in that thread had someone or something access his email and send out multiple emails to his address list. Then the next day some dirtbag was trying to make a fraudulent charge on OP's credit card. Someone somewhere was up to no good with OP's info.
I have done some reading over the last few days trying to learn more about internet security, anti-phishing and anti-spam software. Firefox and Yahoo both say they have internet security and identity safeguards built in but I was unable to find out exactly what the safeguards are and/or how well they might work, how effective they may or may not be.
MSE is an anti-virus and anti-malware program. MSE is not about financial or personal info security. AFAIK, MSE does nothing to combat phishing or email/financial info theft. Neither does MBAM. I surf the web very carefully and do not open email attachments. I delete spam when I receive it. I try to be very careful online, I do not surf porn or other unsavory sites and I use Secunia to keep all of my programs updated.
So, here is my question...just how "good" are the basic internet security aspects of your average browser, whether it be Firefox, Chrome, Explorer or any other browser? Is it or might it possibly be more secure to use an actual Internet Security Suite, such as AVG Internet Security? I have not had any problems with MSE but I am close to removing it and going with a suite. AVG for 3 computers for one year can be had on Amazon for less than $20.00. I am thinking about doing their free trial and if all goes well I may buy the suite.
Please know that I am not trying to be paranoid here. I would just like to have as much peace of mind as possible. Thanks for any info.