Basic Security byronbytes's Computer Security Configuration 2022

[byronbytes]

Pretty sure I did this correctly, I only have one computer at the moment, and it's the one I use the most.

 

[Kongo]

Pretty sure I did this correctly, I only have one computer at the moment, and it's the one I use the most.

May I know what you have to fix about your real-time protection and firewall? Microsoft Defender is built in and offers solid protection if configured correctly. If you really don't have the chance to use an antivirus at the moment, then at least check your PC for malware with second opinion scanners like:

1. Download and run Norton Power Eraser - Free virus and malware removal tool for Windows

or

2. HitmanPro and HitmanPro.Alert. Advanced Malware Scanning, Detection and Removal Tools.

Using a DNS provider that blocks malware wouldn't be a bad move either. Here are two options I'd recommend.

1. Quad9 | A public and free DNS service for a better security and privacy (free)

2. NextDNS (paid)

 

[byronbytes]

May I know what you have to fix about your real-time protection and firewall? Microsoft Defender is built in and offers solid protection if configured correctly. If you really don't have the chance to use an antivirus at the moment, then at least check your PC for malware with second opinion scanners like:

1. Download and run Norton Power Eraser - Free virus and malware removal tool for Windows

or

2. HitmanPro and HitmanPro.Alert. Advanced Malware Scanning, Detection and Removal Tools.

Using a DNS provider that blocks malware wouldn't be a bad move either. Here are two options I'd recommend.

1. Quad9 | A public and free DNS service for a better security and privacy (free)

2. NextDNS (paid)

Oh, I just checked and found out that I only have firewall disabled, not real time protection. I'm currently only using Windows Defender, and I'm planning on getting an antivirus soon.

 

[Kongo]

Oh, I just checked and found out that I only have firewall disabled, not real time protection. I'm currently only using Windows Defender, and I'm planning on getting an antivirus soon.

In my opinion it's not necessary to buy a third-party antivirus. Microsoft Defender nowadays provides sufficient protection and can be improved with this open-source tool from @Andy Ful :

ConfigureDefender utility for Windows 10

ConfigureDefender utility for Windows 10/11. New version 4.0.0.0 is available on the developer website (updated in January 2024): https://github.com/AndyFul/ConfigureDefender Softpedia: https://www.softpedia.com/get/PORTABLE-SOFTWARE/System/System-Enhancements/ConfigureDefender.shtml...

malwaretips.com

Worth checking out. It basically enables settings that normally can only be accessed via Group Policy.

 

[SeriousHoax]

Oh, I just checked and found out that I only have firewall disabled

But why disable the Windows Firewall?

 

[byronbytes]

But why disable the Windows Firewall?

I forgot, I think I was having compatibility issues with an application at the time and I forgot to turn it back on. I'll update this again with new changes. I was looking at other threads and noticed the mention of important tweaks (which I have) that I forgot to add onto here.

I updated it to reflect more accurate changes, and I've turned on my firewall again. My goal is to improve my overall security from Danger to something higher.

 

[byronbytes]

Just tweaked around with more security settings, should be better than before.

 

[blackice]

Do you have a router for your internet service, or do you just use public wifi?

 

[byronbytes]

Do you have a router for your internet service, or do you just use public wifi?

I have a router for my internet but I am unsure if it has a firewall (Spectrum router, tweaked it to have good wifi speeds.)

 

[blackice]

I have a router for my internet but I am unsure if it has a firewall (Spectrum router, tweaked it to have good wifi speeds.)

I would hazard a guess that the ISP does not disable the firewall on the router.

 

[byronbytes]

I would hazard a guess that the ISP does not disable the firewall on the router.

So it does have a firewall?

 

[blackice]

Most likely. Basically it'll drop unsolicited incoming packets. You could put 192.168.0.1 in your browser and lookup the default login credentials to see if the firewall is on.