Advanced Security (From forum thread)Jackknif3's PC Security Config

[Jackknif3]

Hey all,

here's my current config, might've forgotten to add something, it's been a while since I've done much to my config.
Looking for suggestions since I decided to drop VoodooShield a while back.
As I said, I used to use VoodooShield but decided to drop it recently after the update (7.10 or something like that...). Should I consider replacing it with something?

I am mostly using freeware security solutions currently, but please do recommend paid options as well if you think they would be more beneficial in any way.

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

You could harden your system further with Simple Windows Hardening also from @Andy Ful like ConfigureDefender:

Hard_Configurator/Simple Windows Hardening at master · AndyFul/Hard_Configurator

GUI to Manage Software Restriction Policies and harden Windows Home OS - AndyFul/Hard_Configurator

github.com

I would use MS Edge as browser security wise when you rely on Windows Defender:

Best Browser Security: Edge vs Firefox vs Chrome | The PC Security Channel | MalwareTips

malwaretips.com

For periodic security scanners there are other more preferred options:

Best Second opinion scanners | Page 2 | MalwareTips

Problem is that HitmanPro doesn’t detect any malicious scripts. It also uses Bitdefender engine like EEK, so I would pick only one of the two and use...

malwaretips.com

Why the use of 2 adblockers, AdGuard and uBlock Origin ?

 

[Jackknif3]

You could harden your system further with Simple Windows Hardening also from @Andy Ful like ConfigureDefender:

Hard_Configurator/Simple Windows Hardening at master · AndyFul/Hard_Configurator

GUI to Manage Software Restriction Policies and harden Windows Home OS - AndyFul/Hard_Configurator

github.com

I would use MS Edge as browser security wise when you rely on Windows Defender:

Best Browser Security: Edge vs Firefox vs Chrome | The PC Security Channel | MalwareTips

malwaretips.com

For periodic security scanners there are other more preferred options:

Best Second opinion scanners | Page 2 | MalwareTips

Problem is that HitmanPro doesn’t detect any malicious scripts. It also uses Bitdefender engine like EEK, so I would pick only one of the two and use...

malwaretips.com

Why the use of 2 adblockers, AdGuard and uBlock Origin ?

Thanks for the suggestions!

I'll have to look more into the hardening, probably will implement it shortly.

Also will have to see about Edge, really like Firefox and have gotten used to it, so it's probably going to be a lot of work to switch, but we'll see.

Adding KVRT as a periodic security scanner.

Ummmm, to be honest, I don't even remember anymore, probably saw people recommending those here/somewhere and decided to get both.
Is it recommended to only use one or are there some adverse effects when using both?

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

It is not recommended to use two the same kind of adblockers by Raymond Hill the maker of uBlock Origin:

Seriously: Do NOT use similar-purposed blocker(s) along with uBlock Origin: this will cripple uBO's ability to defuse anti-blocker mechanisms and its ability to minimize likelihood of site breakage. ("similar-purposed" = any other blocker making use of EasyList).

Plus it can slow down browsing.

 

[Jackknif3]

It is not recommended to use two the same kind of adblockers by Raymond Hill the maker of uBlock Origin:


Plus it can slow down browsing.

Oh, thanks a lot! I'll remove AdGuard asap.

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

Oh, thanks a lot! I'll remove AdGuard asap.

Or uBlock Origin... both are great adblockers, use the one you like best.

 

[Back3]

Also will have to see about Edge, really like Firefox and have gotten used to it, so it's probably going to be a lot of work to switch, but we'll see.

I use 2 browsers: Edge and Chrome. If you still want to use Firefox and enhance your security, you could keep one adblocker and use DNS protection on Firefox. I have NextDNS set for Chrome.

Nice thread to configure NextDNS

What's the best way to configure NextDNS? | MalwareTips

Hi I've had NextDNS installed for several days. In fact, I didn't change anything about it. But when I enter the settings, it can be configured in...

malwaretips.com

 

[Jackknif3]

Nice thread to configure NextDNS

What's the best way to configure NextDNS? | MalwareTips

Hi I've had NextDNS installed for several days. In fact, I didn't change anything about it. But when I enter the settings, it can be configured in...

malwaretips.com

Thanks for the tip!

I'll look into DNS protection and especially NextDNS since you mentioned it.

 

[Back3]

Just click on the search icon in MalwareTips ,type NextDNS, and you'll find a lot of threads about it. Very informative.

 

[oldschool]

I used to use VoodooShield but decided to drop it recently after the update (7.10 or something like that...). Should I consider replacing it with something?

If you have good browsing habits I wouldn't bother. I'm no longer a fan of hardening, locking-down, layered defenses and all the rest of the nonsense that makes users jump though hoops. I prefer usability. Simply keeping your OS and apps updated goes a long way in keeping you safe.

And if you spend a great deal of time on the computer I recommend this app Mindfulness at the computer.

 

[harlan4096]

Personal Files & Photos backup -> You may use here also a cloud service.

Device recovery & backup -> Windows Recovery Drive on USB, You should use here preferably a full image system back solution, there is no backup process in Windows Recovery Drive on USB, only recovery