Whether you are using a Microsoft Surface or Pro, you are vulnerable as long as you access the internet. This concern on data security will make you question the need to install an antivirus or not. Therefore, whether the Microsoft surface laptop needs an antivirus or not, I understand it is a matter of concern that requires your attention.
So, does a Microsoft Surface Laptop need antivirus? The Microsoft Surface laptop comes with Windows Defender and Windows Firewall that protect it from malware; therefore, you do not need to buy antivirus software. But better antivirus programs are available with better detection rates and many people choose these over relying solely on Windows Defender.
The Microsoft Surface RT, for instance, uses the Windows RT OS, an ARM-based system. This implies that the malware written for the standard Windows laptops and desktop operating systems will not infect it. Also, users cannot install the regular software on this Microsoft Surface RT. Thus, users will be limited to navigating into the Windows Store Apps that are safe from viruses for additional protection.
Since Microsoft maintains a high-security standard for its apps in the store, it is difficult for your laptop to get infected by malware. Therefore, you do not need an antivirus for your Microsoft surface laptop. This is despite the fact that Microsoft Surface laptops use a Windows 8 operating system that is attractive to hackers given its large user base.
Also, you can only install the Windows store apps on Microsoft Surface laptops since they run under the Windows operating system. However, you will need to be extra careful by ensuring that PUP’s do not find their way in as you install your applications.
Viruses cause significant damage to your laptop and preventing them in the first place is an ideal option. Some devices will come with inbuilt antiviruses, while others will require you to buy one yourself. If you are a Microsoft Surface laptop user, it is worth understanding how to keep your device safe from viruses.
An infected laptop will be unusually slow and will not respond frequently. If unattended, the laptop will eventually crash. You will also know your laptop is infected if you cannot start your system tools, virus scanner, task manager, you cannot open some websites, or there is a change in the web browser home page and a constant receipt of popup windows.
While these symptoms indicate malware or virus, it could also be a sign of a software or hardware issue. Thus, you will need to review your device further before settling for the best tool or resource to remove the malware.
Some of the Microsoft security tools you can use include Windows Update, Security Essentials, Safety Scanner, Windows Defender, and Windows Firewall. To start with, you should run the Windows update to get the latest software update, including security updates released on the second Tuesday of every month. The Microsoft Security essentials will protect your system from malware and viruses, while the Windows Defender will detect and remove malicious and unwanted software.
If you suspect that your laptop is infected, then you should run the Microsoft Safety Scanner. This free scan will detect and remove most of the issues that customers contact Microsoft about. You can also utilize the Windows firewall to block malicious attempts into your home network.
Malware written for ARM devices are limited in their capabilities and will exploit emulators and apps running on them. For this reason, you will still need to be careful as your laptop can get malware from a compromised email, web pages, or downloaded content. Thus, while Windows Defender is an effective antivirus, you should be careful while browsing the internet. Usually, attackers use Flash and Java, which run on any device, including the ARM devices. Thus, to be safe, ensure you patch your OS and apps all the time.
Another concern for a Microsoft Surface laptop user would be whether the malware can creep in through USB pen drives. However, you should not worry since Microsoft Surface has disabled the auto-play function, and malware cannot execute automatically. Thus, given the above features and factors, it is worth stating that Windows Defender is good enough to protect your Microsoft Surface laptop. However, if you want extra protection, you can install third-party security software from the Windows Store apps.
In addition to the Windows Defender and other security apps, Microsoft ensures its customers’ safety online by giving some minimum precautions they can follow. For instance, users should utilize Parental Controls on their Surface, update automatically, use antivirus protection, use a SmartScreen phishing filter to avoid phishing scams, and lock their data through data encryption.
Parental controls help to keep your device safe while your children are using them, given that it is sometimes difficult to get their hands off your Microsoft Surface laptop. Through this feature, you can also do web filtering to control the websites your child can access, time limits, games, Windows store, and apps restrictions.
With the Windows Defender in place, most Windows 10, 8, and 7 users are confident of their data security. While there are still some malicious attempts online, it is worth exercising precautions to be safe.
Thus, to prevent virus and malware infections, update your operating system often, monitor your activities and threats using the Action center, use strong passwords, update your applications, upgrade your software, use a good firewall, avoid using the Admin account, and avoid opening emails containing attachments from unfamiliar senders.
You should also use a popup blocker with your browser, pay attention to notifications by taking time before clicking the OK button, turn on the User Access Control, and clear your internet cache often.
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Does Microsoft Surface Pro Need Antivirus?
Depending on your online activities, you will likely expose your device to security threats. Thus, securing yourself using relevant tools is vital to avoid slowing down your device or crashing altogether. Thus, while the Microsoft Surface Pro is a powerful device, understanding whether it needs an antivirus is vital.
The surface pro comes with Windows 10 implying that it comes with a Windows Defender as its security feature; therefore you do not need an antivirus. However, there are arguments that the Windows Defender protection is minimal, and you may need a better option. Thus, you may want to look out for third-party antivirus security software as a prudent user.
It will be possible to install this third-party antivirus since Surface Pro runs on the Windows Operating System. When you look for another alternative, you should disable the Windows Defender as multiple antiviruses in one device do not function nicely together.
The Surface Pro is like a Windows PC and prone to infection if you are not careful while surfing the internet. Thus, while security tools will protect your device and system, you should equally learn how to use your computer safely and figure out malicious sites, emails and downloads. In most cases, the infection comes by when a user is accessing a malicious site.
The Surface Pro is designed as a two-in-one device comprising a tablet and a laptop. To protect your Microsoft Surface Pro, you will need an antivirus to boost the Windows Defender. This is because while the Windows Defender does a good job, it does not update as often as it should, and it is not as complex in its detection as other antiviruses. This means that there is a big likelihood that it will fail you in detecting advanced malware such as spyware and ransomware.
If you rely on it actively, you will notice it is slowing down your PC when dealing with threats. Also, compared to antivirus programs such as Bitdefender and Bullguard, the Windows Defender can only block a few viruses, leaving some room for attacks. Its limitation on the viruses is attributed to its lack of the right database update frequency, making it slower in detecting the latest threats.
In addition to its slow updates, the Windows Defender also has some hard to ignore features, including minimal information from the system health reports, missing out on the latest threats, among other features. Thus, while Microsoft has improved its features over the years, it still is not top-level protection for your Microsoft surface pro. This leaves you with other alternatives, including the free software versions available online.
Some of these scanners will only require a plug-in to your browser. While they are not as good as the paid versions, they will certainly help to some extent. Also, these scanners will only work for the Surface Pro as they need you to install some other things that you cannot with Windows RT.
Given the above limitations of Windows Defender, you may want to explore PC Matic, Bullguard, or the Bitdefender antivirus options as a Microsoft Surface Pro user. This is because, with the sleekness and portability of Surface Pro, you will likely carry your device almost everywhere you go and surf the web from whichever location. Such flexibility is convenient but poses a threat if you have a weak security tool for your device.
In this case, you will appreciate the Bullguard antivirus, which relies on machine learning, features high malware detection rates, and can detect zero-day attacks. This means that if you end up on a shady website, Bullguard will immediately get you out of trouble.
Furthermore, if you are an online gamer, you will love Bullguard as its game booster mode enables scanning without interrupting your sessions. Thus, while this is a paid antivirus, its benefits make it worth purchasing. Also, as a frequent traveler, Bullguard gives you the VPN feature, enabling you to play as if you are at home while on the go.
The PC Matic is another effective antivirus that stands out for its peculiar security approach and system features. To start with, this antivirus works with a list of known legitimate programs. Thus, if whatever you are running on your Surface Pro lacks on its list, PC Matic will flag it as suspicious. This antivirus also runs real-time protection and has a 100% malware detection rate. However, unlike the Bullguard, you will not get the VPN, parental controls, and password manager from it.
Finally, you can opt for the Bitdefender features for its exceptional malware scanning and detection rates with its scanner running in the cloud. Its security feature lets you protect your Microsoft Surface Pro while surfing the web with extensive parental controls, anti-phishing, password manager, and VPN.
While antiviruses are effective against viruses, your computer can get malware attacks such as Trojans, spyware, and ransomware. To keep this malware at bay and protect your Surface Pro, you will need to disable USB ports and Wireless Network.
By being unable to load the software that did not come with your device, you will not need to worry about malware. Unfortunately, doing this will paralyze most of your device’s functions. Thus, the most practical way to prevent malware is to use a malware scanner.
According to popular ratings, most users will go for Malwarebytes, which is the best in the market so far. This scanner offers both free and premium versions. The free version is on-demand and will scan when you manually open the application. Also, you will need to update this software manually when there is a new release.
On the other hand, the premium version offers real-time and automated protection, and you can schedule the updates and scans. The most beneficial feature of the premium version is that it prevents you from visiting malicious websites.
Wrap Up
Whether you use the Microsoft Surface laptop or Microsoft Surface Pro, you need to stay protected online against malicious websites. The Microsoft Surface features windows Defender, which protects it fully from viruses.
In addition, since it uses the Windows operating system, you can upgrade its security features by getting a security tool from the Windows store. The good news about this is that it will be difficult for you to get a virus in the process, as Microsoft constantly ensures the safety of all its apps in the store.
If you use Microsoft Surface Pro, you will still have the Windows Defender as a security feature. However, given its limitations, you can opt for other antiviruses such as Bullguard, PC Matic, and Bitdefender. Whatever security tools you pick, you should also exercise precaution online by setting parental controls, updating your operating systems, and using the Windows firewall, among others.
