BCHatesMalware New Laptop Security Config

[BCHatesMalware]

There is my new config, which covers my 2016 laptop. Unfortunately, my previous laptop finally gave up the ghost.

I have various other software that I simply could not list above that fits into the various categories, listed above. In other words, I've managed to obtain a vast arsenal of various types of system tools, covering pretty much every possible category.

Obviously, it is not wise to install and run all of the security software, so I am in the process of figuring out what will and will not work on my new system. So far, what I have seems to be working well together.

I also run other software that replaces the default Windows security services, as these software are more complete in their protection. That is why the Windows Defaults are listed as "Disabled". And I do not overly care for the Windows Default security software, to boot.

I also have some on-demand security software that I have not installed yet, as well as, data backup options that are not activated.

 

[Alkajak]

Windows software, including the security, actually proves to be quite good. You can keep things simple by using Windows Backup and Windows System Image Backup. A good ad block extension for Firefox is uBlock Origin if you're interested. You can optionally enable UAC and SmartScreen as well.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[BCHatesMalware]

Windows software, including the security, actually proves to be quite good. You can keep things simple by using Windows Backup and Windows System Image Backup. A good ad block extension for Firefox is uBlock Origin if you're interested. You can optionally enable UAC and SmartScreen as well.

Thanks for sharing.

No problem.

I kind of messed the original config up, so I thought I'd better just start from scratch.

 

[Alkajak]

In your original post, you can go to Thread Tools and Edit Thread Fields if you want to change your entries,

 

[BCHatesMalware]

In your original post, you can go to Thread Tools and Edit Thread Fields if you want to change your entries,

I did try that. Thanks for the suggestion!! Is it possible to delete the old thread, as that is no longer applicable in my situation?

 

[Deleted member 178]

A good ad block extension for Firefox is uBlock Origin if you're interested. You can optionally enable UAC and SmartScreen as well.

+1

 

[BCHatesMalware]

+1

Could you elaborate a little more on the security rating? Thanks!!

 

[enaph]

Oh boy! We've got a little overkill here
If I was you I would get rid of AVG, Outpost, Sandboxie and NVT ERP and just stick to built-in Windows WD and firewall with the companion of VS.
Why you are using 2 adblockers at the same time?
Is SOB really an on-demand scanner?
Why is SmartScreen and UAC disabled?

 

[Deleted member 178]

Could you elaborate a little more on the security rating? Thanks!!

Yep ,

- UAC is disabled: so you just disabled the only feature that prevent unwanted elevation.
- Smartscreen is also disabled, it is not absolutely required but it is system wide, preventing downloading and executing unknown process.

Basically you disabled 2 built-in features that are important, while stockpiling 3 anti-exe and an AV. isn't outpost firewall having an HIPS?

Smart Object Blocker = ERP but better , now having both is useless; not saying SOB isn't made to work on-demand.
AVG is totally useless when you have those anti-exe. just use Win10 defender.

Voodoo or ERP or SOB or Outpost + sandboxie would be far enough if you tweak them properly.

 

[BCHatesMalware]

Oh boy! We've got a little overkill here
If I was you I would get rid of AVG, Outpost, Sandboxie and NVT ERP and just stick to built-in Windows WD and firewall with the companion of VS.
Why you are using 2 adblockers at the same time?
Is SOB really an on-demand scanner?
Why is SmartScreen and UAC disabled?

First of all, as I stated above I do not like the default Windows security software, therefore I use replacement software.
Secondly, I just felt like using two adblockers. One is browser-based, the other is system-based.
Thirdly, Sandboxie is running on-demand, and ERP provides an additional layer of protection.

Maybe you think this is overkill, but sorry I don't, and my laptop is finely protected.

And for anyone else, I will answer you the same way. If you have helpful suggestions, please leave them, otherwise please don't. I am not sold on using default Windows security software and have never been, so don't try to sell me on them.

Thanks and have a nice day!!

 

[enaph]

@BCHatesMalware they are all helpful suggestions but of course in the end it's all up to you

 

[Deleted member 178]

First of all, as I stated above I do not like the default Windows security software, therefore I use replacement software.

fair enough, but for you information Windows defender, UAC work at kernel level, no 3rd party softs does it. Windows defender is system aware.

Secondly, I just felt like using two adblockers. One is browser-based, the other is system-based.

adguard for desktop also cover the browser, and use the same filters as adblock plus... so basically ABP is redundant and recheck what adguard checked already.

Thirdly, Sandboxie is running on-demand,

free version?

and ERP provides an additional layer of protection.

not needed when you have Voodoo , not saying the development is halted since months.

Maybe you think this is overkill, but sorry I don't, and my laptop is finely protected.

but by removing 2-3 softs you will have same result.

 

[BCHatesMalware]

Yep ,

- UAC is disabled: so you just disabled the only feature that prevent unwanted elevation.
- Smartscreen is also disabled, it is not absolutely required but it is system wide, preventing downloading and executing unknown process.

Basically you disabled 2 built-in features that are important, while stockpiling 3 anti-exe and an AV. isn't outpost firewall having an HIPS?

Smart Object Blocker = ERP but better , now having both is useless; not saying SOB isn't made to work on-demand.
AVG is totally useless when you have those anti-exe. just use Win10 defender.

Voodoo or ERP or SOB or Outpost + sandboxie would be far enough if you tweak them properly.

Thanks!!

I have SOB, but it is not running. Neither is Sandboxie running actively, I intend to use it on-demand. ERP and Voodoo are running as tests, because I am going to be doing some reviews on them. And as I have stated before, I extremely dislike Windows security software, that is why I do not run them. Anyway, it is your right to give me whatever security rating you want. I do appreciate the suggestions, and will strongly consider them.

 

[BCHatesMalware]

fair enough, but for you information Windows defender, UAC work at kernel level, no 3rd party softs does it. Windows defender is system aware.



adguard for desktop also coadguard checked already.ver the browser, and use the same filters as adblock plus... so basically ABP is redundant and recheck what
** I guess that I felt like running both of them, to see which one works better.


free version?
** No, Lifetime License.

not needed when you have Voodoo , not saying the development is halted since months.
** Testing, especially ERP, for the intent of writing some reviews!! **


but by removing 2-3 softs you will have same result.

 

[Deleted member 178]

Thanks!!

I have SOB, but it is not running.

i guess you test it as i do.

Neither is Sandboxie running actively, I intend to use it on-demand.

if it is the paid version , it would be a waste , if you have the free version, indeed you can only use it on-demand

ERP and Voodoo are running as tests, because I am going to be doing some reviews on them.

you should mention it, would be clearer for the audience, and will avoid you some critics

 

[Duotone]

• Enable UAC as stated it works on Kernel level;
• Choose between Voodooshield(prefer Voodooshield as it has locked-down) and AVG;
• Outpost is a matter of preference...
• If you chose VoodoShield don't think NVTERP is needed;
• Lastly a backup software Macrium or AOMEI will do...

Sandboxie Paid or Free?!

Thanks for sharing!

 

[BCHatesMalware]

i guess you test it as i do.



if it is the paid version , it would be a waste , if you have the free version, indeed you can only use it on-demand

** I suppose I will be primarily using it to test software. **

you should mention it, would be clearer for the audience, and will avoid you some critics

** That is a great idea, thanks!! Didn't think of that!! **

 

[Deleted member 178]

** I suppose I will be primarily using it to test software. **

That is pity, you have one of the greatest isolation software available , which can secure the whole system tightly and you use it just for testing...

anyway , i respect your decisions even if im not agreeing on some

 

[Cats-4_Owners-2]

Congratulations @BCHatesMalware on your new lap top!
Reading your updated configuration was a joy!
I like the way you'd shared:
"I've managed to obtain a vast arsenal of various types of system tools, covering pretty much every possible category. ...so I am in the process of figuring out what will and will not work on my new system.". Your user name is among those that are unique and recognized.
..then it dawned on me how we had both become members here during the same month and year (only 2 days apart!).

CCleaner is also one of my favorite tools. As one of the latest to have recently migrated to Windows 10, I'll share how my trepidation which also served to keep me from much of the incompatibility with drivers, has completely melted away to be replaced with unexpected Surprise! In fact, the Acer Aspire lap top that I'm typing from is now quicker and more responsive now than when it was new with 8.1!

If you do consider upgrading to 10, here's an excerpt from the article that helped me a great deal:

• "Microsoft doesn't offer an option to do a clean install if you're upgrading using Windows Update. The only way to perform a clean install is by manually downloading the Windows 10 installation files.
  
  Using the Windows 10 Setup tool, you can choose to "Upgrade this PC now" or "Create installation media for another PC". Choosing the "Upgrade this PC now" will give you the choice to keep all of your files and apps. If you choose to keep your files and apps, you will be doing an in-place upgrade. Choosing not to keep your files and apps can be considered as the option to do a clean install." source - What's better: Clean install or upgrade to Windows 10?

Downloading Windows 10 Setup tool was a much smoother experience upgrading from 8.1 than it was without downloading the upgrade tool for my wife's 7; but she decided to go back to Windows 7 which now works better than before. Going back was as quick as it usually is waiting on Microsoft updates! We're going to try 10 for her again, before the free upgrade expires, and instead will choose not to keep her files & apps installing manually, and not as a "Windows update/upgrade".

Whether you upgrade or not, enjoy your new set up!

 

[enaph]

Outpost is a matter of preference...

Not exactly. Outpost will not receive any updates, bug fixes and technical support after December 31st so it is rather a dead product.