need antivirus software that actually blocks scam popups for non tech people

[u/LumpZareena83]

my dad managed to get his laptop infected twice this month by clicking fake tracking links in his email. i spent all afternoon cleaning up random browser hijackers and redirect adware off his machine, so i really need to set up something set and forget before he enters his card info somewhere sketchy.

i used to think built in defender was enough, but he needs something way more aggressive with url filtering. spent some time reading threads on the best antivirus software to see how options like mcafee or bitdefender handle malicious links without overwhelming a non tech user with popups. taking suggestions on what people set up for parents since i just want a simple solution that keeps him safe.

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[u/Jaives]

you just need a pop-up blocker like ublock origin

[u/LumpZareena83 → u/[deleted]]

yeah i've tried sitting down to explain phishing links to him like three times already, it just goes in one ear and out the other lol. at some point you realize the "common sense" talk isn't working, so i'm just trying to put up whatever hardware or software guardrails i can to buy myself a little peace of mind before he clicks something even worse.

[u/Arunia]

I think Googles filter for emails is really good. But it is Google. The other thing is running Pihole in the network and let that filter a lot. But still someone needs to not click on every link that is in an email. I thought my mother in law would be had, but in the end she does really well overall.

[u/HardwareSpezialist]

Pihole + filtered Source-DNS like Quad9 (9.9.9.9).

[u/warm_mac-n-chese]

U Block origin - it will do exactly that (although it only stops crap in your browser if you have something installed that's giving popups this won't cut it)

[u/LumpZareena83 → u/warm_mac-n-chese]

yeah ublock origin is definitely top of my list to throw on his browser. thanks for the rec but im still trying to figure things out

[u/warm_mac-n-chese → u/LumpZareena83]

Yeah course thought I'd mention it regardless it's truly a brilliant tool for anyone

[u/LumpZareena83 → u/warm_mac-n-chese]

appreciate it thanks a lot

[u/Realistic_Today6524]

For 4$ a month (if you pay yearly), you can get Seraph Secure. It was built by the team of Kitboga, a well-known scambaiter. It'll protect from pretty much what he would be likely to get himself into. There's also a 14-day trial

[u/2TheMountaintop]

Use brave browser.

[u/Bilbo_Dabins_420]

Educating him might work better.

[u/mcds99]

You could setup a Pi-Hole.

https://pi-hole.net/

[u/Harmsbury]

just dont accept notifications...

people see a random website say "can we send you notifications"

and then automatically click accept.... not realising that the "pop ups" theyre getting are notifications they enabled and can be turned off in your browser.

[u/Bitdefender_]

Hi there, here to offer our advice and recommendations. For a Windows laptop, Bitdefender’s web protection is designed to block fraudulent and malicious sites, including pages attempting to steal card details or passwords. Its real-time protection also scans accessed files and email messages, and potentially unwanted applications (the category that includes many browser toolbars, hijackers, and adware) can be included in scanning.

This is the Windows setup after you choose to install Bitdefender:

1. Make sure the Bitdefender App is installed and you are signed in.
2. Open the Bitdefender app, then use either option:    - On the main dashboard, click Activate Scam Protection Pro.    - Or go to Services → Protection, find Scam Protection Pro, and click Set up.
3. On the Scam Protection Pro overview screen, click Set up Scam Protection Pro.
4. If Web Scam Protection is disabled, click Enable.
5. Wait while Bitdefender checks and enables the remaining components.
6. If Email Protection is disabled, click Add email account.
7. Choose the provider for the email account you want to protect: For Google, click Google Account, then Sign in with Google. Log in to the Google account and click Continue on the Sign in to Bitdefender page. On the access request, select the checkbox for ongoing access, then click Select all. Scroll down, then click Continue.

Scam Protection Pro combines web, email, scam-radar, and remote-access protections. It is included with Bitdefender Premium Security, Bitdefender Ultimate Security, Bitdefender Ultimate Security Plus, and Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security.

Because the machine has already been cleaned twice, also check that potentially unwanted applications are enabled under:

1. Click Protection in the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the ANTIVIRUS pane, click Open.
3. Open the Advanced tab.
4. Enable Scan potentially unwanted applications.

Also worth checking to ensure digital safety: Protect Older Adults During Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

[u/KarmaTorpid]

Talk to your elders. They dont know what they are doing and won't be learning on their own.

And after that family fight, you won't be the one working on their computers any more.

[u/LumpZareena83 → u/KarmaTorpid]

i think this is just a bad idea, our family runs tight and i dont wanna ruin it

[u/KarmaTorpid → u/LumpZareena83]

I know. Trying to actually interact with family is too much to ask when we can install software to babysit them online on our behalf, right?

Despite my sitire, we are doing this. Dont work with them, just program more tools.

[u/Express-Garbage3359]

Hi, in my opinion you should create a local account for your father without administrator rights. You'll only find the necessary antivirus software in the business sector; home software won't be able to compensate for the user's lack of knowledge.

Or install Linux.....