Advanced Plus Security oldschool's config 2021

Last updated
Dec 5, 2021
How it's used?
For home and private use
Operating system
Windows 10
On-device encryption
Log-in security
Security updates
Allow security updates and latest features
User Access Control
Always notify
Smart App Control
Network firewall
Real-time security
Microsoft Defender
Firewall security
About custom security
ConfigureDefender @ modified Max
TinyWall v. 3.2.3 + Windows Firewall
Periodic malware scanners
EEK
HitmanPro Free
Malware sample testing
I do not participate in malware testing
Browser(s) and extensions
Edge
strict tracking prevention
Privacy Badger
Brave search

Firefox
strict tracking | total cookie protection
µBO hard mode
Brave search
Privacy features enabled via internal settings only for usability Firefox Privacy or: How I Learned to Stop Hardening and Love Strict Tracking Protection

Brave
Brave shields @ aggressive + per-site switches
Brave search
All internal privacy settings enabled
Secure DNS
Quad9 DOH
Desktop VPN
None
Password manager
Brain.exe
Little Black Book
Maintenance tools
Windows built-in
File and Photo backup
External - Free Agent drive
System recovery
Aoemi Backupper
Restore points - weekly scheduled task
Risk factors
    • Browsing to popular websites
    • Opening email attachments
    • Buying from online stores, entering banks card details
    • Downloading software and files from reputable sites
    • Streaming audio/video content from trusted sites or paid subscriptions
    • Streaming audio/video content from shady sites
Computer specs
Lenovo l340 i3 8145U CPU @ 2.10 GHz 2.300 GHz 8GB DDR4 RAM 1 TB HDD
Notable changes
7-1-21 Updated config as above
7-10-21 Switched out µBO & ClearURLs for Trace
7-13-21 Switched ClearURLs for Trace in Brave
7-16-21 Updated config as above - Edge as main browser
7-18-21 Brave uninstalled
7-21-21 Reverted to µBO as sole extension in browsers.
Updated Firefox search engines
Replaced Adguard DNS with Cloudfare DNS
8-24-21 Replaced µBO with Privacy Badger
8-28-21 Configured three browsers for compartmentalization
8.30.21 Back to µBO hard mode all three browsers
9.29.21 Back to Microsoft Defender and NextDNS
10.1.21 Added VoodooShield Pro
11.11.21 Removed VoodooShield & added TinyWall. Switched to Trace from µBO in Edge.
12.5.21 Replaced Trace with Privacy Badger
12.20.21 Reverted to Firefox internal settings only.
What I'm looking for?

Looking for medium feedback.

CyberTech

Level 44
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Nov 10, 2017
3,247

EVhotrodder

New Member
Aug 2, 2021
1
Cloudflare is leaps and bounds faster than anyone, but they occasionally are having issues, especially resolving my work IPs for our corporate VPN. May go back to Quad9 which is slower.
Cloudflare is marginally faster for some people in some places, Quad9 marginally faster for other people in other places, both have very large networks, Quad9's somewhat larger. But the big difference, as I think you're seeing, is in uptime... Quad9 hasn't had any system-wide downtime yet, in five years of operation. Cloudflare has been at this three or four years now, and hasn't been able to maintain even three nines of uptime:

 

Kongo

Level 35
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Feb 25, 2017
2,480
Default at the moment. I'm on the fence about learning mode. What's your advice? 🤔 :unsure:
I just asked out of curiosity. But if you ask me then you should just delete it again and stick with your basic but effective non-extension approach (apart from uBlock Origin) :)

Thats why I recommended NextDNS before, because you can achieve extra ad, tracking, malware and phishing blocking without the need of another extension that has an negative impact on your privacy.
 

oldschool

Level 81
Thread author
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Mar 29, 2018
7,044
µBO hard mode is really very easy to use with a bit of trial and error because you start to identify the key 3rd party players on the sites you visit. Impressive blocking ability and page loading! (y) (y) :cool:
 

ErzCrz

Level 21
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Aug 19, 2019
1,004
µBO hard mode is really very easy to use with a bit of trial and error because you start to identify the key 3rd party players on the sites you visit. Impressive blocking ability and page loading! (y) (y) :cool:
Much like learning to use NoScript though I wish uBo had sie reputation lookup so you and easily identify web services / data sources.

I'm currently using this setup with uBO: Browser Add-on - uBlock0rigin in Medium mode for Lighter and Stronger Protection, with Less websites breakage and hassle
 

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