Advanced Security M4RT1NE2 Security Configuration 2024

Last updated
Feb 20, 2023
How it's used?
For home and private use
Operating system
Windows 11
On-device encryption
BitLocker Device Encryption for Windows
Log-in security
    • Biometrics (Windows Hello PIN, TouchID, Face, Iris, Fingerprint)
Security updates
Allow security updates
Update channels
Allow stable updates only
User Access Control
Always notify
Smart App Control
On
Network firewall
Enabled
Real-time security
Microsoft Defender + WHHL
Firewall security
Microsoft Defender Firewall
About custom security
Auto playback - disabled
O&O shut up 11 (recommended settings)
O&O App Buster ((system slimmed down)
Periodic malware scanners
Scan once a month using the following scanners:
  • EMSISOFT
  • Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
  • NPE
  • KVRT
Malware sample testing
I do not participate in malware testing
Environment for malware testing
None
Browser(s) and extensions
Google Chrome with
  • Ublock Origin
  • AVG Online Security
Secure DNS
Quad9 DNS
Desktop VPN
Windscribe VPN
Password manager
KeePass 2.x
Maintenance tools
HiBit Uninstaller
BleachBit
CCleaner
File and Photo backup
Hasleo Backup Suite
AOMEI Backupper Standard
Active subscriptions
    • None
System recovery
Once every fortnight, the entire system partition is copied to an external drive.
Risk factors
    • Browsing to popular websites
    • Browsing to unknown / untrusted / shady sites
    • Working from home
    • Opening email attachments
    • Buying from online stores, entering banks card details
    • Logging into my bank account
    • Downloading software and files from reputable sites
    • Streaming audio/video content from trusted sites or paid subscriptions
Computer specs
ACER AN515-54-551F
What I'm looking for?

Looking for medium feedback.

Freki123

Level 15
Verified
Top Poster
Aug 10, 2013
737
@Asterixpl Do you have an idea how your Trojan.Win32.Qhosts (A) got past Bitdefender and VS? Or was it a fp (or another system)?
Because this setup seems really solid for me.
Edit:
Thanks for your detailed answer :)
 
Last edited:

M4RT1NE2

Level 14
Thread author
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Mar 19, 2022
650
@Asterixpl Do you have an idea how your Trojan.Win32.Qhosts (A) got past Bitdefender and VS? Or was it a fp (or another system)?
Because this setup seems really solid for me.
I have no idea how this happened. The best part is that the laptop did not give any signs of being compromised. Everything was running normally (system updates, browsing the internet, etc) I scanned the computer with BD TS and nothing was detected. I decided to install EEK (portable version) and it detected the threat and removed it nicely.
Scanning with other scanners later detected nothing.
My mistake - I could have saved that file for analysis.
Thanks to this, I learned a new thing today. To do a Farbar Recovery Scan Tool scan once in a while - review the logs or here on the forum cosmetically give it a check.
Thanks to EEK I learned that I had an infection (I guess that's what you can call it)
 

M4RT1NE2

Level 14
Thread author
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Mar 19, 2022
650
As of today, I no longer use Opera. My main browser is MS EDGE.

Reason ? - I found that there is no sense in using third party browsers like Opera, FF, Chrome.

I added BD Anti-Tracker, AdGuard as addons.

One thing puzzles me: I have this message:

Managed by organization

Is it normal ? Do you also have this ?

Screenshot_11.jpg

Screenshot_12.jpg
 

L0ckJaw

Level 19
Verified
Content Creator
Well-known
Feb 17, 2018
870
As of today, I no longer use Opera. My main browser is MS EDGE.

Reason ? - I found that there is no sense in using third party browsers like Opera, FF, Chrome.

I added BD Anti-Tracker, AdGuard as addons.

One thing puzzles me: I have this message:

Managed by organization

Is it normal ? Do you also have this ?

View attachment 267184

View attachment 267185
Are you logged in with Microsoft account ?
 

silversurfer

Level 85
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Content Creator
Malware Hunter
Well-known
Aug 17, 2014
10,057
As of today, I no longer use Opera. My main browser is MS EDGE.

Reason ? - I found that there is no sense in using third party browsers like Opera, FF, Chrome.

I added BD Anti-Tracker, AdGuard as addons.

One thing puzzles me: I have this message:

Managed by organization

Is it normal ? Do you also have this ?

View attachment 267184

View attachment 267185

I had same "issue" once in the past, for me was the solution this guide below:
 

Gandalf_The_Grey

Level 76
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Content Creator
Well-known
Apr 24, 2016
6,506
Is it better to turn it off or leave it as it is ?
If it doesn't cause any issues it is preferred to leave it as it is.
But if you don't want to see "Managed by organization" you can turn it off and change those settings in Edge yourself.
I did that and also turned the location and windows update options off, but it is up to personal preference.
 

M4RT1NE2

Level 14
Thread author
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Mar 19, 2022
650
If it doesn't cause any issues it is preferred to leave it as it is.
But if you don't want to see "Managed by organization" you can turn it off and change those settings in Edge yourself.
I did that and also turned the location and windows update options off, but it is up to personal preference.
Ok. No problems so far. But I will turn it off
 

M4RT1NE2

Level 14
Thread author
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Mar 19, 2022
650

I pity such a licence. Overall, ARCABIT is not so bad.
Recently, they even improved detection (new scanning functions were introduced). The program is developing on the plus side, it is of Polish production.

Second point.

I am not going to buy AV software anymore.
 
Last edited:
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L0ckJaw

Level 19
Verified
Content Creator
Well-known
Feb 17, 2018
870
I pity such a licence. Overall, ARCABIT is not so bad.
Recently, they even improved detection (new scanning functions were introduced). The program is developing on the plus side, it is of Polish production.

Second point.

I am not going to buy AV software anymore.
Then go to Bitdefender Free
 
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Reactions: Nevi and M4RT1NE2

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