If you are trading on a Windows computer, now is a good time to take a look at using Windows Defender for trading computer security.
As a trader, you’re no doubt already aware of the nightmare that could hit your business should your trading computer be attacked by a virus or ransomware. But the question is… what’s the best strategy for keeping your trading data secure?
Microsoft has been trying to improve the security of Windows with its Windows Defender app. In today’s post, we’ll take a closer look at Defender as an option for traders and see if it is the best Windows security.
Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus feature in Windows. It has been around for a while, but it hasn’t had the best reputation. In fact, some traders don’t even consider it anymore when planning their computer security strategy.
However, more recent changes to the app have made it worth another look.
What is Windows Defender?
Windows Defender was first released as an additional download for Windows XP. It was intended as an antivirus and anti-malware protection tool.
Windows 7, Defender was packaged inside Windows Security Essentials, but the tool got very low ratings as a security application. Defender was revamped in Windows 8.
In Windows 10, it is delivered as a built-in antivirus/anti-malware package.
For Windows 11, it is now known as Microsoft Defender and it is considered a comprehensive security tool that can efficiently protect against online attacks, malware, and ransomware.
Pros and Cons of Windows Defender
In recent versions of Windows, Defender is active by default. You get the following benefits from keeping it as the primary security protection tool:
- Pre-Installed: You don’t have to worry about setting it up yourself.
- Automatic Updates: Automatic updates from Microsoft keep the software always performing at its best.
- Native to Windows: It’s a Microsoft product. So, it works seamlessly with Windows.
- Real-time Scan: The real-time scan quickly and effectively finds new threats.
- Ransomware Protection: Windows Defender is better at protecting against ransomware than other antivirus solutions because it is native to the Windows operating system.
- Parental Control: Windows Defender also has a parental control feature that can help you control access to your devices.
But, there are some issues you need to be aware of:
- Hard to Install New Programs: Windows Defender pops up more warnings than other antivirus software when installing new applications.
- Auto-updates Can Break Defender: There have been instances where Microsoft updates have broken Windows Defender.
Should You Use Another Antivirus?
You might be wondering if this is the best Windows security or if you should use another antivirus instead. The short answer is that you should use another antivirus in conjunction with it.
The recent version of Windows Defender is a great product. It’s effective as a security tool. Its firewall keeps hackers and malicious software out of your trading computer. But it has occasional hiccups during updates.
So while it isn’t absolutely necessary you install another antivirus app, it is an extra safeguard. This will ensure you are protected even if Windows Defender is inactive for some reason.
There are several great antivirus or anti-malware programs that can complement Windows Defender. For example, take a look at ESET, Bitdefender, Avira, and Malwarebytes.
However, don’t go overboard and install a bunch of antivirus and anti-malware apps. Each of the programs will take up CPU and memory resources. If you install too many, it can impact your computer’s performance.
Also, antivirus apps can cause conflicts with other programs. More antivirus applications mean a greater chance of conflicts.
Our Final Recommendation
We recommend using Windows Defender as your primary antivirus software and then complementing it with another reliable tool. Malwarebytes is a great choice because it doesn’t cause any problems with Windows Defender functionalities.
There are more trading computer tips like this one in our free EZ Trading Computers buyer’s guide: How To Buy a Trading Computer. Grab your copy today.
Remember, we are here to help with all your technology-related questions. If you have additional questions about computer security or other computer-related topics, give me a call. My team and I are here to help. We’re happy to answer any of your questions about trading computers via phone: 800-387-5250.