Advice Request 1903 update: Is Windows security enough yet?

[Dave Russo]

Hi Friends of MalwareTips,I have decided after this latest windows version 1903 to go with windows security,What {bare minumum} else do I need as a home user, if anything? Thanks

 

[blackice]

Hi Friends of MalwareTips,I have decided after this latest windows version 1903 to go with windows security,What {bare minumum} else do I need as a home user, if anything? Thanks

I like to use NVT OSArmor with WD to help with exploits. You can use Configure Defender from @Andy Ful to improve Defender’s capabilities. Maybe some OS hardening with NVT Syshardener or use Andy’s full Hard_Configurator.

 

[Ink]

Most importantly: Windows Defender Antivirus is only a piece of software, don't expect 100% detection and prevention.

Find a suitable way to keep regular backups
Look at SysHardener and optionally OSArmor, both of which are freeware.
And the links below..

1. Q&A - ConfigureDefender utility for Windows 10
   • AndyFul/ConfigureDefender
2. NVT SysHardener: Harden Windows Settings
   • Q&A - OSArmor and Syshardener Together
   • Harden Windows Settings with SysHardener | NoVirusThanks
   • Prevent Malware and Ransomware with OSArmor | NoVirusThanks
3. Discuss - Hard_Configurator - Windows Hardening Configurator
   • Hard_Configurator

You can also beef up your PC by utilising extensions available for your default web browser (ie. Ad-Blocker, Site Blocker etc)

 

[blackice]

Seems @Spawn beet me to a more thorough explanation.

 

[oldschool]

The less 3rd party apps you use, the less potential compatibility issues you will encounter. OS hardening enables you to to use less, or no, 3rd party apps. While you may get an annoying bug from configuration tools like SysHardener or Hard_Configurator, there is a lot less downside from these and Windows built-in security features will still (usually) be set as intended. Once set there is nothing to "bug out".

 

[Back3]

I have 3 friends who have a bare minimum Windows. But they don't go to shady sites and never take risks. In the last five years, one of them was hacked really hard.
Most of the people I know have a paid suite mostly Kaspersky, Avast or Eset. In the last 5 years, none was hacked. They don't have anything else.
My two brothers are computer science engineers, Both of them have security suites.And a lot more. Each year they have to format their systems and restore several images: they take risks, tweak a lot, experiment....
So I would say you can run a bare Windows if you have the right profile....

 

[shmu26]

If you want to get the most out of native Windows security, I most highly recommend Andy Ful's configuration tools. You will be amazed how strong the security is, without need for any 3rd party apps. Any tweaks you make that you are not happy with can be easily reverted with no damage done.
RunBySmartScreen
ConfigureDefender
Hard_Configurator
DocumentsAntiExploit
FirewallHardener

And if you just go with default security of Windows 10 1903, you will be sufficiently secure, as long as you do not run cracks and pirated software and you do not click wildly on malicious email links. Default security is sufficient for "normal" computer use.

 

[stefanos]

Only with RunBySmartScreen and ConfigureDefender you should try hard to be your system infected

 

[Deletedmessiah]

For home users, it is more than enough especially with Andy's excellent tools which makes your device security very strong. Windows built in tools are also less likely to cause issues compared to third party security tools. But it depends more on your security habits, don't fall for easy tricks online. Avoid unsafe piracy cracks and keygens.

 

[Dave Russo]

Thanks,used Andy Ful Configure Defender,and also added Voodoshield.Is it normal that once used{Configure Defender
disappears,and if changes are wanted has to be reinstalled?} I do not see the screen for it anywhere, saved on my computer.

 

[shmu26]

Thanks,used Andy Ful Configure Defender,and also added Voodoshield.Is it normal that once used{Configure Defender
disappears,and if changes are wanted has to be reinstalled?} I do not see the screen for it anywhere, saved on my computer.

Apparently you did not make a shortcut for it.
It's there, you just don't have it in the list of installed programs
On my system it is here: C:\Windows\Hard_Configurator\ConfigureDefender_x64.exe
If you installed it without Hard_configurator, I am guessing that the path would be: C:\Windows\ConfigureDefender_x64.exe
@Andy Ful can tell you for sure.

 

[oldschool]

Thanks,used Andy Ful Configure Defender,and also added Voodoshield.Is it normal that once used{Configure Defender
disappears,and if changes are wanted has to be reinstalled?} I do not see the screen for it anywhere, saved on my computer.

If you installed it without Hard_configurator, I am guessing that the path would be: C:\Windows\ConfigureDefender_x64.exe
@Andy Ful can tell you for sure.

It did not disappear. You simply closed it. If you downloaded CD but did not copy it to C:Windows you must run it from downloads folder, where it should still be. I believe it's more secure in Windows folder, but you can create a shortcut, pin it to Start or to Task Bar from either location. I like it pinned to Task Bar, which I keep hidden for an uncluttered window.

 

[ForgottenSeer 77591]

Finally .Windows Defender Achieves 'Best Antivirus' Status There really is no best but you guys/gals get it.