Mutiple security programs

Quietthyme

5 pts.

Tags:

Antispyware

malware

Spyware

Trojans

Viruses

worms

Is it okay to have 3 different security programs. To make sure as much spyware, viruses, and worms be identified as possible?

Asked: April 3, 2009 4:27 PM Last updated: November 24, 2014 5:24 PM

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Last updated: November 23, 2014 6:11 PM GMT

Ken Harthun2,300 pts.
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- Michael Tidmarsh62,165 pts.
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Thanks. We'll let you know when a new response is added.

Yes, it is okay to have multiple programs but they could “beat up” on each other and reduce the performance of the machine. The best option is to have the best of breed in each area or have the program suite from a single vendor who should have tested the applications working together.

In the IT trenches? So am I – read my IT-Trenches blog.

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Definitely not, it is not advisable to install multiple or more that 1 security software in your computer system. Remember that every antivirus software constantly scans the entire computer system for potential threats and this could really make your computer in a very slow condition. In addition, it would make your entire system crash because of the conflict between antimalware programs installed.

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Multiple anti-malware programs won’t necessarily cause problems on your machine unless you have more than one configured to scan in real time for threats. If you turn off this feature in all but one application, you should be OK. Then you can manually run individual scans with each tool to thoroughly clean your machine. I have done this in the past with little or no performance degradation. As Michael mentions, a suite with multiple malware tools designed to run in concert with each other is a good solution. Microsoft ForeFront Endpoint Protection is a good one, as is Symantec Endpoint Security.

Check out my security blog, Security Corner.

Yes, it is okay to have multiple programs but they could "beat up" on each other and reduce the performance of the machine. The best option is to have the best of breed in each area or have the program suite from a single vendor who should have tested the applications working together.

In the IT trenches? So am I - read my <a href="https://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/it-trenches" target="_blank">IT-Trenches blog</a>. <div> ============== 
</div><div>Definitely not, it is not advisable to install multiple or more that 1 security software in your computer system. Remember that every antivirus software constantly scans the entire computer system for potential threats and this could really make your computer in a very slow condition. In addition, it would make your entire system crash because of the conflict between antimalware programs installed.</div><div>========</div><div>Multiple anti-malware programs won't necessarily cause problems on your machine unless you have more than one configured to scan in real time for threats. If you turn off this feature in all but one application, you should be OK. Then you can manually run individual scans with each tool to thoroughly clean your machine. I have done this in the past with little or no performance degradation. As Michael mentions, a suite with multiple malware tools designed to run in concert with each other is a good solution. Microsoft ForeFront Endpoint Protection is a good one, as is Symantec Endpoint Security.<div><br></div><div>Check out my security blog, <a href="https://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/security-corner/">Security Corner</a>.</div></div>

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Discuss This Question: 4 Replies

carlosdl Apr 3, 2009 5:50 PM GMT

Yes it is ok. In fact, I would recommend to do that, but I agree with Labnuke, they could interfere with each other. For example, it is not advisable to have more than one firewall installed/enabled, but it is usually Ok to have more than one anti-spyware program.

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MMimoso Apr 8, 2009 5:08 PM GMT

Not sure if you're thinking about a UTM, but this technical tip on SearchMidmarketSecurity.com looks at basic UTM features and gives you some things to think about when it comes to consolidating antivirus and antispyware versus running multiple best-of-breed products.

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ToddN2000 Nov 24, 2014 5:24 PM GMT

I run multiple myself AVG anti-virus, ZoneAlarm fire wall and Spybot Search and Destroy. I have not had any issues running all 3. I still have an occasion where something is caught by one and not the other two. So go ahead and run a few.

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Kevin Beaver Nov 24, 2014 9:25 PM GMT

Probably so, but why would you? If you use the right program in the first place there's probably no need to have more than one. I would recommend searching for the latest reviews of anti-malware products and make your decision based upon that information as well as actually downloading and trying the software out for yourself.

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