Advanced Plus Security DJPanda's 2020 Security Configuration

Last updated
Mar 18, 2020
Operating system
Windows 10
Log-in security
Security updates
Allow security updates and latest features
User Access Control
Always notify
Real-time security
Windows Defender
Firewall security
Microsoft Defender Firewall
About custom security
Windows Defender PUP Protection Enabled, Block with Smartscreen and Browser
Periodic malware scanners
Malwarebytes AM Premium +Adware Cleaner
Zemana Anti Malware Premium
Emsisoft Emergency Kit
HitmanPro
Malware sample testing
I do not participate in malware testing
Browser(s) and extensions
Firefox (Primary)
UBlock Origin
Privacy Possum
HTTPS Everywhere

Google, Brave, Edge (Secondary)
UBlock Origin
Privacy Possum
HTTPS Everywhere
DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials
Maintenance tools
Bleachbit
File and Photo backup
PCloud
Dropbox
Google Drive
MEGA
Degoo
1TB Portable Hard Drive
System recovery
Windows System Restore
Risk factors
    • Gaming
    • Browsing to popular websites
    • Streaming audio/video content from shady sites
    • Working from home
Computer specs
Acer
8.00GB Single-Channel DDR3 @ 800MHz (11-11-11-28)

Storage
Intel Core i5 4460S
Cores 4
Threads 4
Name Intel Core i5 4460S
Code Name Haswell
Package Socket 1150 LGA
Technology 22nm
Specification Intel Core i5-4460S CPU @ 2.90GHz
Family 6
Extended Family 6
Model C
Extended Model 3C
Stepping 3
Revision C0
Instructions MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, Intel 64, NX, VMX, AES, AVX, AVX2, FMA3
Virtualization Supported, Enabled
Hyperthreading Not supported

Samsung SSD 850 EVO 500GB (SSD)
Manufacturer SAMSUNG
Heads 16
Cylinders 60,801
Tracks 15,504,255
Sectors 976,768,065
SATA type SATA-III 6.0Gb/s
Device type Fixed
ATA Standard ACS2
Serial Number S3PTNF0J944073H
Firmware Version Number EMT03B6Q
LBA Size 48-bit LBA
Power On Count 502 times
Power On Time 147.9 days
Speed Not used (SSD Drive)
Features S.M.A.R.T., NCQ, TRIM, SSD
Max. Transfer Mode SATA III 6.0Gb/s
Used Transfer Mode SATA III 6.0Gb/s
Interface SATA
Capacity 465 GB
Real size 500,107,862,016 bytes
RAID Type None

WDC WD10EZEX-08M2NA0
Manufacturer Western Digital
Heads 16
Cylinders 121,601
Tracks 31,008,255
Sectors 1,953,520,065
SATA type SATA-III 6.0Gb/s
Device type Fixed
ATA Standard ACS2
Serial Number WD-WCC3F5PPLRJL
Firmware Version Number 01.01A01
LBA Size 48-bit LBA
Power On Count 852 times
Power On Time 221.9 days
Speed 7200 RPM
Features S.M.A.R.T., NCQ
Max. Transfer Mode SATA III 6.0Gb/s
Used Transfer Mode SATA III 6.0Gb/s
Interface SATA
Capacity 931 GB
Real size 1,000,204,886,016 bytes
RAID Type None
Notable changes
Went back to HTTPS Everywhere, HTTPZ and Firefox Containers messed up with some common sites I use. (2-1-2020)

Doing basic use testing with Malwarebytes Browser Guard. (3-12-2020)

Added LastPass as a password manager. (Finally) (3-18-2020)

DJ Panda

Level 30
Thread author
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Aug 30, 2015
1,928
Here is my security config for 2020. Not much has changed. Any recommendations would be welcome. Wondering if there should be any changes for extensions. Also not entirely sure how to get a decent info on my specs. I heard Speecy might do that?
 

Protomartyr

Level 7
Sep 23, 2019
314
If you have the time to troubleshoot any false positives that Max level (or Controlled Folder Access which is enabled at Max) can produce, then go for Max.
If you don't then, High is just fine. High already provides a significant improvement over Defender's default configuration.

That's my general rule of thumb. I run CD at Max on my personal laptop. On my desktop that is also used by other family members, I have it set to High.
 

oldschool

Level 82
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Mar 29, 2018
7,100
So I'm not a super worried nor reckless user. Do you think Max level in Config Defender is worth it? I for sure still use PUA protection and Smartscreen and Edge blocking instead of warn.

@Protomartyr nailed it. I use it without issues but I have very little 3rd party software on my machine. High is fine so it just depends on your preference.
 

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