I used to use Bullguard without any issues, then they got taken over by Norton and foolishly I kept my subscription going. The latest update from Norton has played havoc with the peripheral software interacting with MSFS 2020 (I haven't bit the bullet to 2024 yet). The peripherals being TDS GTN750, LittleNavConnect and the Status Indicator Panel from Turtle Beach.  I delved into the settings of Norton and told it to "Allow" all these APIs but still it interferes, with not allowing them complete and full access. What other virus/firewall software do other members use ? It's about time I changed from Norton.

I use Windows Defender & firewall.

 

I just use windows security and exclude drive E (which my sim is located on) for virus scans.   Seems to work Ok

Edited April 17, 20251 yr by cianpars

Norton = 💩

Just use Windows Defender + active brain.

Windows built in only. You don't need anything else (apart from common sense). 

Yup, the days of needing anything more than what’s built into windows are thankfully passed.  Exclude your flight sim folders and you’re good to go.  

I consider Norton to be malware as it wrecks the performance and operability of the OS it's supposed to be protecting. A friend had it on a new PC they'd bought so I nuked it from orbit just to be sure deleted the drive partitions and re-installed Windows.

Don't bother with payware antivirus.  There was a day when companies like Norton were industry leaders, and payware antivirus was critical.  Now?  Times have changed.  These companies get bought and sold so many times that the original company no longer exists.  I still have a book with Peter Norton on the cover at work, but that was a long time ago.  

Defender does as good, if not a better job than anything you pay for.  We use it where I work and I use it on all my Windows devices.  

Microsoft's own antivirus used to be a joke, but it has gotten way better over the years, while others have fallen.  

Stock windows defender is the best. With 3rd party anti malware program you will spend more time fighting legit app than viruses LOL

Thanks guys. I'll now spend a few hours extirpating Norton from my PC.

While I agree that Norton isn't great, the idea that you don't need anything but the local Windows Defender is laughable.

Just like Defender has gotten much better, SO HAVE THE BAD GUYS and the TTPs they use.

E.g., we make a LOT of money helping companies who believed Defender is fine clean up their networks from all kinds of crippling threats.

1 hour ago, UrgentSiesta said:

While I agree that Norton isn't great, the idea that you don't need anything but the local Windows Defender is laughable.

Just like Defender has gotten much better, SO HAVE THE BAD GUYS and the TTPs they use.

E.g., we make a LOT of money helping companies who believed Defender is fine clean up their networks from all kinds of crippling threats.

You're right that companies shouldn't rely on just Defender, but what would you recommend for flight simmers that are likely to be far more IT literate than the average employee?

We've now got most of our clients on SentinelOne linked to ConnectWise's SOC, but private individuals can't get that.

I always exclude my game folders from av. You can keep Norton, just exclude the sims folders from realtime protection.

Edited April 17, 20251 yr by Maladoror

2 hours ago, flyingscampi said:

You're right that companies shouldn't rely on just Defender, but what would you recommend for flight simmers that are likely to be far more IT literate than the average employee?

We've now got most of our clients on SentinelOne linked to ConnectWise's SOC, but private individuals can't get that.

Y'know, that's a GREAT question.

I don't have enough experience with consumer / standalone computers to make an informed recommendation.

My idea would be to look at cybersec vendors who have (reputable) Commercial offerings that have at least a good reputation in that space.

From a quick perusal of consumer titles, only Sophos, and perhaps BitDefender, jump out as having commercial grade solutions.

P.s., SentinelOne is great but it's really limited when it comes to prevention, lateral movement & gateway protection. Part of a good solution, but not "The" solution.

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