Advanced Plus Security JasonUK's Security Config 2022

Thread starter JasonUK
Start date Jan 16, 2022

Last updated: Jan 16, 2022

How it's used?: For home and private use

Operating system: Windows 10

On-device encryption: N/A

Log-in security

- Basic account password (insecure)

Security updates: Allow security updates

User Access Control: Always notify

Network firewall: N/A

Real-time security: Avast Free (4 Core + Ransomware Shields)
VoodooShield Pro v7.x

Firewall security: Microsoft Defender Firewall

About custom security: Portable security / privacy applications:
- Simple Windows Hardening (Basic Recommended settings) **Disabled while VS installed**
- FirewallHardening tool (LOLBins Rules)
- RunBySmartScreen
- O&O Shutup 10++ (Recommended settings)

Periodic malware scanners: KVRT, EEK, NPE, MBAM Premium, & AdwCleaner

Malware sample testing: I do not participate in malware testing

Browser(s) and extensions: 1. Brave ('Aggressive' shield level | Search Engine - Startpage) *Primary Browser*
- AdGuard AdBlocker v4
- Bitwarden
- ImTranslator (access to site on manual click only)
- Click & Clean
2. Edge ('Strict' tracking protection & 'Balanced' security mitigation settings | Search Engine - Startpage)
- AdGuard AdBlocker v4
- Bitwarden
3. Tor Browser (No extensions | Search Engine - DuckDuckGo)

Secure DNS: Quad9 over DoH (Using YogaDNS client)

Desktop VPN: Windscribe (rarely used)

Password manager: KeePass XC
Bitwarden

Maintenance tools: Wise Care 365
Autoruns
SUMo
Revo & HiBit Uninstallers
Eraser
Windows Repair All-In-One (Tweaking.com)

File and Photo backup: Allway Sync to second internal HD
Copies on external HDs
Ransomware Protection personal folders (currently Avast Free previously WVSX v3.x)

System recovery: Macrium Home v8 (Paid Licence) - Full backups every second day to secondary HD (Image Guardian protection), weekly to external HD
Wise Data Recovery

Risk factors

- Browsing to popular websites
- 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: Asus Desktop
i5-4460S @ 2.90GHz
16GB RAM
Twin 2TB HDs

Notable changes: 18Jan22 - Replaced AdGuard AdBlocker extension with AdGuard for Windows. Secure DNS still Quad9 but through AdGuard for Windows rather than YogaDNS.
13Feb22 - Replaced WD+ConfigureDefender & WSVX with Avast Free (Core & Ransomware shields) & MBAM Premium. WVSX retained as a periodic scanner.
10Mar22 - Replaced Avast Free & MBAM with WD+ConfigureDefender ('High') & WSVX 3.05. MBAM & Avast Free (in 'Passive' mode) retained as periodic scanners.
20Mar22 - Replaced WD+ConfigureDefender & WSVX with Avast Free (Core & Ransomware shields) & VoodooShield Free v7. WVSX retained as a periodic scanner.
22Mar22 - Replaced AdGuard for Windows with AdGuard Adblocker v4 extension now it's a final release. Secure DNS-Quad9 now via YogaDNS rather than AdGuard.
04May22 - Removed VoodooShield Free v7.06. Enabled Avast's Hardened Mode.
06May22 - Reversed last change as I was one of the lucky recipients of a free VS Pro licence from Dan!
17Feb23 - Deleted WVSX as periodic scanner.

What I'm looking for?: Looking for medium feedback.

JasonUK

Level 5

Thread author

May 6, 2022

Reversed last changes as I was fortunate to be one of the lucky 20 recipients of a free VoodooShield Pro licence from Dan so can try all the features of the full product

I remembered to disable Simple Windows Hardening this time round.

Reactions: M4RT1NE2, Gandalf_The_Grey, plat and 1 other person