Basic Security shukla44 Security Configuration 2021

Last updated
Mar 17, 2021
How it's used?
For home and private use
Operating system
Windows 10
On-device encryption
Log-in security
    • Biometrics (Windows Hello PIN, TouchID, Face, Iris, Fingerprint)
Security updates
Allow security updates and latest features
User Access Control
Always notify
Smart App Control
Network firewall
Real-time security

Kaspersky Total Security 2021 MR3
AdGuard Windows


Firewall security
About custom security
Application Control:
Protected folders via Manage Resources (Guide)
Trust Group for Unknown Applications - High Restricted*^
Trust Group for Applications started before Kaspersky - Low Restricted^
Trust Digitally Signed Applications - Disabled

* - Start program - Prompt
^ - Internet - Deny


Firewall (Internet Access):
Trusted Group - Allowed (Only for selected programs)
Low Restricted Group - Deny
High Restricted Group - Deny
Periodic malware scanners
Emsisoft
Malwarebytes
Malware sample testing
I do not participate in malware testing
Browser(s) and extensions

Browser: MS Edge (Primary)
Search: DuckDuckGo
Addons: AdGuard Browser Assistant, AdGuard VPN, Kaspersky Protection, Sticky Password, Smart HTTPS, & Others...
Settings: Custom settings with some experimental flags enabled

Browser: Mozilla Firefox (Kaspersky Safe Money)
Search: Google
Addons: Kaspersky Protection
Settings: Default

Secure DNS
Quad9
Desktop VPN
AdGuard VPN
Password manager
Sticky Password Premium
Maintenance tools
CCleaner
Wise Registry Cleaner
SUMo
File and Photo backup
Cloud (Onedrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, Mediafire)
System recovery
Macrium Reflect Home Edition
Risk factors
    • Browsing to popular websites
    • Opening email attachments
    • Buying from online stores, entering banks card details
    • Logging into my bank account
    • Working from home
    • Gaming
    • Streaming audio/video content from trusted sites or paid subscriptions
    • Streaming audio/video content from shady sites
Computer specs

CPU: Intel i5-9400
MB: Asus ROG B365-G
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 16GB 2400MHz
SSD: Samsung 970 EVO Plus 250GB

Notable changes
Changed: Kaspersky Application Control & Firewall settings
Changed: Windows Login security to PIN
Added: Device recovery & backup solution
Changed: Device backup routine
What I'm looking for?

Looking for maximum feedback.

shukla44

Level 13
Thread author
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Jan 14, 2016
601
This is my current system config which I build last year.
Setup updated a lot. Most significant are implementing protected folders in kaspersky & going Biometrics (PIN) login security.
Just added Macrium Reflect home edition.
 
Last edited:

shukla44

Level 13
Thread author
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Jan 14, 2016
601
No Network firewall in personal router?

Also, no a full System Image Backup solution?

Thanks for sharing :)
I am using router/modem provided by my ISP. Aside from basic Wi-Fi settings, i didn't configured it, if it has a firewall, it's settings is at default.
NOTE: My ISP modem doesn't even support changing DNS servers, so I basically rely on AdGuard or Windows.

Don't need it IMO. I have both online & offline backups of my files (all). System image backup is just to save some time from installing all the drivers & software in case of your windows failure or format. This is nullified with Windows 10 feature "Reset This PC". I haven't used this feature yet (i hope i won't have to) but it's nice to not install another software & manage it as well.

Update: I checked, my modem does have a firewall & it's ON with some of the protection enabled.
 

SeriousHoax

Level 49
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Mar 16, 2019
3,861

Kongo

Level 36
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Feb 25, 2017
2,584

Dex4Sure

Level 3
Verified
Well-known
May 14, 2019
116
Seems bit excessive to me :D I used to actually run Kaspersky PURE (before it was called Total Security) + AdGuard for Windows back in the day too. Remember it being lighter than it would have first seemed...

Regarding VPN's, why 2? You switch between Kaspersky and AdGuard VPNs or? Also why so many different cloud storage providers? I'd just pick 1 for each and stick with them. Like for instance, AdGuard VPN and OneDrive. If you need Office anyway, OneDrive is the best choice.

When it comes to DNS, I'd use Cloudflare. Actually no idea why its so unpopular DNS on MalwareTips. Found it easily the best with lowest latency/ fastest response.
 

TairikuOkami

Level 37
Verified
Top Poster
Content Creator
Well-known
May 13, 2017
2,628
When it comes to DNS, I'd use Cloudflare. Actually no idea why its so unpopular DNS on MalwareTips. Found it easily the best with lowest latency/ fastest response.
Because this is a security forum, we prefer the best, not the fastest DNS. Besides, even if you would use the slowest DNS out there, you would hardly notice any difference.
Would you use AV with 50% detection vs AV with 95% detection, just because it uses less RAM? It is basically the same dilemma. Still Cloudflare (1.1.1.2) is the second best.
 

Dex4Sure

Level 3
Verified
Well-known
May 14, 2019
116
Because this is a security forum, we prefer the best, not the fastest DNS. Besides, even if you would use the slowest DNS out there, you would hardly notice any difference.
Would you use AV with 50% detection vs AV with 95% detection, just because it uses less RAM? It is basically the same dilemma. Still Cloudflare (1.1.1.2) is the second best.
In most of the western developed countries there's not much difference, but for instance in Japan and India Cloudflare is FAR faster than Quad9 at resolving. 2ms vs 40ms is a huge difference no matter which way you put it. In fact in Sao Paulo Brazil, Cloudflare seems to have 2ms delay while Quad9 has 114ms... DNS Resolvers Performance compared: CloudFlare x Google x Quad9 x OpenDNS

I don't personally rely on DNS blocking malware anyway, so I'll pick the faster resolver any day of the week.

Seems to be when it comes to malware site filtering: However really won't change my DNS as malware blocking isn't the main reason I use Cloudflare, its just added bonus.
 

Kongo

Level 36
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Feb 25, 2017
2,584
In most of the western developed countries there's not much difference, but for instance in Japan and India Cloudflare is FAR faster than Quad9 at resolving. 2ms vs 40ms is a huge difference no matter which way you put it. In fact in Sao Paulo Brazil, Cloudflare seems to have 2ms delay while Quad9 has 114ms... DNS Resolvers Performance compared: CloudFlare x Google x Quad9 x OpenDNS

I don't personally rely on DNS blocking malware anyway, so I'll pick the faster resolver any day of the week.


Seems to be when it comes to malware site filtering: However really won't change my DNS as malware blocking isn't the main reason I use Cloudflare, its just added bonus.

Well, agreed when it comes to non-configurable DNS. NextDNS still is stronger when configured correctly.
 

SeriousHoax

Level 49
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Mar 16, 2019
3,861
Currently on my network, Cloudflare is the fastest with 13ms if i just open CMD and ping 1.1.1.1. Google is 43ms and all the other popular one's are including Adguard, quad9, Open DNS, NextDns, Cleanbrowsing are between 60-65 ms.
Then there's this DNS benchmarking tool which gives a very detailed result testing various aspects. According to this tool it turns out, NextDNS is the fastest for me overall followed by quad9, Adguard, Google, Cloudflare.
So I think it's better to check this out to make sure what's the fastest for you.

 

shukla44

Level 13
Thread author
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Jan 14, 2016
601

shukla44

Level 13
Thread author
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Jan 14, 2016
601
Seems bit excessive to me :D I used to actually run Kaspersky PURE (before it was called Total Security) + AdGuard for Windows back in the day too. Remember it being lighter than it would have first seemed...

Regarding VPN's, why 2? You switch between Kaspersky and AdGuard VPNs or? Also why so many different cloud storage providers? I'd just pick 1 for each and stick with them. Like for instance, AdGuard VPN and OneDrive. If you need Office anyway, OneDrive is the best choice.

When it comes to DNS, I'd use Cloudflare. Actually no idea why its so unpopular DNS on MalwareTips. Found it easily the best with lowest latency/ fastest response.
Yes, the new 2021 MR2 seems to ME (of course) the lightest on my system resources. I guess many factors are included in this SSD, RAM, CPU etc.

Regarding 2 VPN's, Kaspersky VPN comes bundled with KTS so I was using it for convenience, Since i purchased AdGuard VPN last year, Installed it as well. Keeping both has it's reason as Adguard VPN doesn't have a system-wide software yet. Currently, I am using it on Edge as an extension.

IMO, the fastest for me seems to be Google, but Quad9 i started using after trying almost all the DNS services i could find. It's the perfect balance in security & performance for me.
 

shukla44

Level 13
Thread author
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Jan 14, 2016
601
Currently on my network, Cloudflare is the fastest with 13ms if i just open CMD and ping 1.1.1.1. Google is 43ms and all the other popular one's are including Adguard, quad9, Open DNS, NextDns, Cleanbrowsing are between 60-65 ms.
Then there's this DNS benchmarking tool which gives a very detailed result testing various aspects. According to this tool it turns out, NextDNS is the fastest for me overall followed by quad9, Adguard, Google, Cloudflare.
So I think it's better to check this out to make sure what's the fastest for you.

Quad9 on my network gives just 20-24ms & Cloudflare is 8-14ms. Really can't tell the difference.
 

About us

  • MalwareTips is a community-driven platform providing the latest information and resources on malware and cyber threats. Our team of experienced professionals and passionate volunteers work to keep the internet safe and secure. We provide accurate, up-to-date information and strive to build a strong and supportive community dedicated to cybersecurity.

User Menu

Follow us

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to know first about the latest cybersecurity incidents and malware threats.

Top