My Norton Security, which I have used for many, many years, has just expired and whilst waiting to purchase a new edition I have temporarily installed the Avast Free program. Having completed a smart scan I have received a notification that my "Device is accessible from the internet, this device has open port(s)". I have gone further which tells me to change my router settings and at this stage I am completely lost. Their next instructions I do not find easy to follow. My ISP is Plusnet and I have their router which is a Sagemcom 2704n. I realise that ISPs do not send out the most expensive routers but I really don't want to have to purchase a new one at my time of life. Is there any way you can help me solve this problem with easy instructions. I am just concerned too that Norton did not pick up this issue.
You are wise to be concerned, but if you did not run without any protection, you are probably fine. And for sure, I would not buy a new router. Sadly, you didn't tell us anything about this computer. To be honest, if you typically keep your computer and Windows current, keep your security solution current, you don't visit illegal pornography or gambling sites, and you are not "click-happy" on unsolicited downloads, attachments, popups and links, you don't need a costly paid program that requires you to pay and pay again every year or so. When Windows 7 came out, I switched to Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) on all my systems with no regrets at all. Contrary to what many want us to believe, Microsoft does NOT want our computers to become infected. That surely would bring more exaggerated bad press on MS. So MSE really is a capable anti-malware solution. When Windows 8 and then Windows 10 came out, I stuck with the integrated Windows Defender (WD) which is basically the same as MSE, just integrated into these newer versions of Windows. Again with no regrets (or infections). HOWEVER, regardless our security solution of choice, we should all have a secondary scanner on hand for "on-demand" manual scanning just to make sure our primary or we, as the user and always weakest link in security didn't let something malicious slip by. I use and recommend Malwarebytes for that. Note this download is the full "Premium" 30-day trial version. This includes a real time component (a good thing) and the good news is, it plays well with MSE and Windows Defender. No worries about running two real-time scanners at one. Note too this would be the only scanner I would consider paying for. But if you don't want to get into another subscription plan (and I don't blame you), after the 30 day trial period, Malwarebytes will automatically revert to the free version. This is the same excellent scanner, but without the real-time component. So you would just need to remember to periodically run it manually (I generally recommend once a week) just to double check your primary scanner. For the record, since W7 came out in 2009, Malwarebytes has never found anything on any of my systems MSE or WD let by except a couple "wanted" PUPs. A PUP is a "potentially unwanted program" - like an extra toolbar or search engine. Typically not malicious and as noted, not always "unwanted". So, if you want to keep Avast, that is fine, but I still recommend you download and install Malwarebytes and scan as a double check on your system to make sure all is good. If you are using Windows 10 (and you should be!), it should be noted Windows Defender is designed to graciously step aside when it detects a 2nd real-time scanner is installed. If you decide to keep both (as I do), you need to tell Malwarebytes not to register itself in the Windows Action Center. This is a simple step. Open Malwarebytes and click on Settings. Under the Applications tab, scroll down to Windows Action Center and tick "Never register Malwarebytes in the Windows Action Center". That's it!
Sorry think I clicked on wrong button. I have been running WD since the advice given. I do not seem to be able to set up scheduled scanning so it works! I get the odd scan but not at the time or day I entered. I have done it through Task Scheduler which seems to be the only way I can find to set it up. Any advice welcome.
First, WD runs in real time - so it is always scanning memory for suspicious activity and it scans all files when they are downloaded, transferred from external drives, or before opening. There is no need to manually schedule additional scans. Second, you still haven't told us anything about this computer. At best, I can assume you are running W8 or W10 because those run Windows defender. Beyond that I don't know. If Home, you may be limited to scheduling options. If Pro, you can schedule scan, but again, I see no reason to schedule them. WD does a daily scan anyway and does it in the background to avoid robbing all your resources when you are using it.
My sincere apologies, I did write a post thanking you for your help, giving the required info and saying that I was going to try WD but somehow I must have made a hash of it and it never arrived. Yes I have the Windows 10 Home which I updated on line from Windows 7 when it first came out. I have all the updates that have been issued. Again my apologies and thanks for your help. I do hate to have appeared so rude and unappreciative. This is far from the case. I will now rest peacefully knowing I am fully covered
Please! Forgetful? Maybe. Rude and unappreciative? Not at all! We are all good here! And for the record, many times I have typed up a reply, previewed it, edited it, previewed again and made sure it said what I wanted to say, then moved on to something else before actually posting it. I chalk it up to chronic GCF (geriatric cranial flatulence).
