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- Last updated
- Jan 1, 2025
- How it's used?
- For work or educational use
- Operating system
- Windows 11
- Other operating system
- Arch Linux | MacOS
- On-device encryption
- N/A
- Log-in security
- Basic account password (insecure)
- Security updates
- Check for updates and Notify
- Update channels
- Allow stable updates only
- User Access Control
- Notify me only when programs try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop)
- Smart App Control
- Off
- Network firewall
- Enabled
- About WiFi router
Fritzbox (as DSL / Fiber Modem)
- Real-time security
| Service / Tool | Functionality |
|---|
| ESET Smart Security (Hardened) | Signature and behavior-based protection, sample submission disabled, firewall enabled |
- Firewall security
- Other - Next-generation Firewall (NGFW)
- About custom security
| Service / Tool | Functionality |
|---|
| ESET Smart Security (Hardened) | Signature and behavior-based protection, sample submission disabled, firewall enabled |
| AdGuard Home + Unbound DNS | Local DNS filtering combined with privacy-focused DNS (DNSSEC, DNS-over-TLS/DoH optional) |
| SearXNG (Docker Instance) | Private, self-hosted meta search engine – anonymous, no telemetry, no tracking |
| TailScale | VLAN-isolated remote access with ACLs and detailed audit logging |
| Sample Testing VLAN | Isolated network segment with virtual machines for malware, phishing, and exploit simulations |
| IP / DNS Blocklists (Threat Feeds) | Includes ThreatFox, AbuseIPDB, FireHOL, MalwareDomains, AdGuard lists, and custom feeds |
- Periodic malware scanners
Nothing right now
- Malware sample testing
- I do participate in malware testing. See details about my testing environment below.
- Environment for malware testing
Virtualization Environment: Malware test VMs are deployed in dedicated, air-gapped VLANs to ensure complete network isolation.
- Browser(s) and extensions
Brave / Firefox: Bitwarden, AdGuard Assistant, Imagus
- Secure DNS
AdGuard Home + Unbound DNS
- Desktop VPN
ProtonVPN
- Password manager
Bitwarden / Vaultwarden
- File and Photo backup
Nextcloud
Immich
UrBackup
Macrium Reflect
- Subscriptions
- System recovery
Macrium Reflect Backups on Home Server + External Server
UrBackup Home Server + External Server
- Risk factors
- Opening email attachments
- Buying from online stores, entering banks card details
- Downloading software and files from reputable sites
- Downloading software and files from unknown / untrusted / shady sites
- Gaming with third-party mods
- Streaming audio/video content from trusted sites or paid subscriptions
- Downloading malware samples
- Computer specs
Workstation
| Component | Specification |
|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i9-14900K (planned upgrade: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D) |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti (planned upgrade: AMD RX 9070 XT) |
| RAM | 128 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 4 × 2 TB Samsung 990 Pro (NVMe) 1 × 4 TB Transcend SSD |
🖴 Server (Storage & Docker)
| Component | Specification |
|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-14500K |
| GPU | Integrated GPU (iGPU ) |
| RAM | 128 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 16 × 16 TB Toshiba MG08ATA (HDDs) 2 × 2 TB Samsung 970 Evo (NVMe) 2 × 2 TB WD RED NVMe SSDs |
Firewall – OPNsense Appliance
| Component | Specification |
|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5 (11th Gen) |
| GPU | Integrated GPU (iGPU) |
| RAM | 32 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 2 × 1 TB Samsung 980 Pro (redundant setup ) |
- What I'm looking for?
Looking for maximum feedback.
Level 2
Thread author
Verified
Core System & Endpoint Setup
Firewall
- OPNsense (current stable version) with full VLAN segmentation
Endpoints
| Device Type | Usage |
|---|
| Windows | Gaming – hardened ESET Smart Security Premium |
| Arch Linux | Development & system administration |
| Mac Mini M1 | Productivity & software testing |
Virtualization Environment
- Malware testing VMs are hosted in dedicated, air-gapped VLANs, fully isolated from production networks for safe phishing/malware/exploit simulations.
Firewall Components & Protection Layers
| Component | Description |
|---|
| ZenArmor (NGFW) | Layer-7 policy enforcement, app detection, activated per VLAN |
| Suricata IDS/IPS (inline) | Real-time traffic analysis using Emerging Threats and custom local rules |
| GeoIP Filtering | Blocks all incoming traffic from outside the EU, VLAN-specific |
| Firewall Aliases & Segmentation | Fine-grained control over traffic for workstations, IoT, guest devices, test labs, etc. |
Extended Security Services & Features
| Service / Tool | Functionality |
|---|
| ESET Smart Security (hardened) | Signature + behavior-based protection, sample submission disabled, local firewall active |
| AdGuard Home + Unbound DNS | Local DNS filtering with privacy-focused DNS (DNSSEC, DoT/DoH optional) |
| SearXNG (Docker) | Private, self-hosted meta search engine – fully anonymous, no telemetry or tracking |
| TailScale | VLAN-isolated remote access with ACLs and audit logging |
| Sample Testing VLAN | Malware/phishing/exploit simulation VMs in a fully isolated network segment |
| Threat Feeds / IP & DNS Blocklists | Includes ThreatFox, AbuseIPDB, FireHOL, MalwareDomains, AdGuard lists, and custom feeds |
Operating Systems & Per-System Security Strategy
| System | Measures |
|---|
| Windows (Gaming) | Hardened ESET, SmartScreen disabled, telemetry reduced |
| Arch Linux | AppArmor, hardened kernel, firewalld, DNS via DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) |
| macOS (M1 Mini) | Local firewall, DNS via Unbound, no iCloud, tracker blocking active |
Network Security Goals
- Maximum segmentation & visibility – each device only sees what it’s supposed to
- No third-party cloud analysis (e.g., Microsoft Defender Cloud, Google DNS)
- Isolated, real-world malware testing environment with minimal risk to the rest of the network
- Zero Trust DNS & application enforcement
Protection Focus
- Phishing / Malware / Command & Control (C2) communications
- Telemetry & tracking prevention (both DNS- and IP-based)
- Ransomware & exploit protection (behavioral + signature-based)
Super Moderator
Verified
Staff Member
Malware Hunter
Well-known
Forum Veteran
Even having ESET (Hardened), I would set up UAC to Always Notify.
About Periodic malware scanners, I'm sure You know the different ones You could use: NPE, EEK, KVRT...
Thanks for sharing
