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I rent a VPS, and as an a kneejerk reaction (it's a Windows server), I got AV for it.

Given that I do very little with it as a logged-in user (I use it as a web server), bar install my own software on it, and occasionally download Microsoft libraries and whatnot, is there a need for AV at all?

I think my question boils down to this: can a machine become infected without a human user being involved, and if so, how? Or do I only need AV to protect my server from my own foolish actions?

David
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1 Answers1

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can a machine become infected without a human user being involved, and if so, how

Yes, by any number of vectors. Most likely are vulnerabilities in whatever software you're running on the server, but also possible (though rare) are remotely-exploitable operating system vulnerabilities.

I would not feel comfortable running without an up-to-date antivirus.

Andrew B
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EEAA
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