Advanced Plus Security Penguin Security Config 2019

Last updated
Apr 29, 2019
Windows Edition
Pro
Security updates
Allow security updates and latest features
User Access Control
Always notify
Real-time security
Windows Defender
Comodo DNS
Firewall security
Microsoft Defender Firewall
About custom security
ConfigureDefender at HIGH SETTINGS
Periodic malware scanners
ESET Online Scanner
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
Malware sample testing
I do not participate in malware testing
Browser(s) and extensions
Google Chrome
Firefox
AdGuard
HTTPS Everywhere
Canvas Defender
Maintenance tools
Bleachbit
CCleaner
File and Photo backup
Google Drive
System recovery
AOMEI Backupper
Risk factors
    • Gaming
    • Browsing to popular websites
    • Downloading software and files from reputable sites
    • Streaming audio/video content from shady sites
    • Browsing to unknown / untrusted / shady sites
    • Working from home
Computer specs
GTX 1060 6GB
16GB RAM
Intel Core i5 8th gen

Penguin

Level 1
Thread author
Apr 23, 2019
13
Hello everybody! It's Jake again :) This is my current configuration thread. I know it's ordinary and probably weak, I am open to all kind of suggestions since I don't know much about security but I want to learn!!

My PC is used mainly for gaming and Netflix, also social networking. And I tend to install programs a lot. Also it is used often by my parents, although it's in my room. I also do homework and projects for school on it.

Thank you for reading!! Best regards!!
 

Moonhorse

Level 37
Verified
Top Poster
Content Creator
Well-known
May 29, 2018
2,602
Administrator - User has complete control over the device
you should run standard user account instead, so you dont run everything as administrator because its risky bisky unless you know what you are doing


Data Backup
None
Frequency of Data backupsNoneSystem Backup
None
Frequency of System backupsNone
you probably want to have some kind of backup if you have files you keep on your pc, like pictures, videos, family /personal content

I use aomei backupper free myself


Virus and Malware Removal Tools
Theres plenty of these...some as example:
- malwarebytes antimalware
- zemana antimalware
- roguekiller
- emsisoft emergency kit
- norton power eraser
- hitmanpro

You could try out some of them, every of them are free. Just for on-demand scan once a month atleast

Password Management
Bitwarden is free one, its quality of life to have password manager . You can easily keep track of your passwords and have much stronger ones ( you can even use bitwarden to generate passwords for you ) and harder to bruteforce by bots


And lastly i want to ask, why are you using comodo DNS....is there some specific reason for it?
Anyways other members will guide you into right way, but i think youre fine with ublock origin + windows defender, there are many ways to harden your config ...but i dont want to start telling whats right and whats not, so lets wait for more answers from others
 

oldschool

Level 81
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Mar 29, 2018
7,044
You might add ConfigureDefender to make the most of Windows Defender. You may find it here: AndyFul/ConfigureDefender

You could also add VoodooShield as an extra layer of protection. It is easy to use and there is a free version. You may find it here: VoodooShield™ - The User-Friendly Toggling Computer Lock.

I see you use BleachBit, which is a nice utility - especially since you use Chrome. BB has lots of cleaning options but not for some newer browsers like Brave and Edge. FYI: There is a new Chromium version of Edge that is really nice and worth checking out. You may find it here: Microsoft Edge Insider It has advantages over Chrome even its evolving state of development, like Smartscreen protection and more.
 

Ink

Administrator
Verified
Staff Member
Well-known
Jan 8, 2011
22,361
As Windows Defender Antivirus is your Real-time Virus and Malware protection, it does not need to be listed under Virus and Malware Removal Tools.

Recommendations
Use a 3rd party security app for on-demand scanning, and as a second opinion to make sure your PC files remain malware-free.
  • Malwarebytes for Windows - FREE License (Scan and Removal)
  • HitmanPro Scanner - FREE License (No Removal)
  • ESET Online Scanner - FREE License (Scan and Removal)
  • Emsisoft Emergency Kit - FREE License (Scan and Removal)
Use a trusted Password Manager to securely store credentials and other sensitive log in information; ie. WiFi passphrase.
  • LastPass
  • Bitwarden
While it may seen using Chrome to save passwords, forms, payment and addresses is easy, it may not be as secure if you lose access to your Google account; compromised device, hacked password.
  • Make sure to have enabled 2 Factor Authentication for all your Web, Social and Gaming accounts.
Consider making backups of your data to a portable hard drive or encrypted cloud storage.
 

Penguin

Level 1
Thread author
Apr 23, 2019
13
Hello, I would want to suggest Macrium Reflect Free or AOMEI Backupper for system backup solution and for reliable data backup I would want to suggest you to use Google Drive.

Thanks for sharing.
Thank you sir! I am checking AOMEI right now, but I don't understand what's the use for it if I hire Google Drive for backing up files, because the free version of AOMEI cannot clone the disk as far as I checked, so I would be only backing up data? Better hire Drive?

As well, I am intrigued by your title! "From Zemana". Where's that? I never heard of it. I'm from New York. It doesn't sound like a city I've visited!!
 

Penguin

Level 1
Thread author
Apr 23, 2019
13
And thanks everybody for your comments! You're very kind. I have checked Google Drive plans and I liked a 100GB plan where I can store my info, pictures and documents and have them syncrhonized in real time, for 20 bucks a year. Sounds nice.

I am also checking AOMEI Backupper! As for the password manangers... I will take a little while to investigate how they work because I am a bit lost here hehe!!

I added ESET Scanner as a secondary opinion scanner too!

How can I turn my account into a standard account?

Oh and @Moonhorse I use Comodo DNS because I saw in an article it was good against malware? Should I remove?

I also installed ConfigureDefender!! And I think I enabled it? I just hit HIGH SETTINGS and rebooted :)

Thanks everyone again!!
 

JM Safe

Level 39
Verified
Top Poster
Apr 12, 2015
2,882
Thank you sir! I am checking AOMEI right now, but I don't understand what's the use for it if I hire Google Drive for backing up files, because the free version of AOMEI cannot clone the disk as far as I checked, so I would be only backing up data? Better hire Drive?

As well, I am intrigued by your title! "From Zemana". Where's that? I never heard of it. I'm from New York. It doesn't sound like a city I've visited!!
I am a Jr. Malware Analyst from Zemana: Zemana - AntiMalware and AntiLogger Protection
About data backup it is highly recommended to backup important data also to cloud backup services for reliable backups. Google Drive is one of the most secure and you have 15 GB for free.
 

Moonhorse

Level 37
Verified
Top Poster
Content Creator
Well-known
May 29, 2018
2,602
Oh and @Moonhorse I use Comodo DNS because I saw in an article it was good against malware? Should I remove?
Protection against malware is probably next to zero, i would use either cloudflare dns for speed or just neustar (usa) or cleanbrowsing (eu) for malware/phishing protection , dependent where youre living at
 

Penguin

Level 1
Thread author
Apr 23, 2019
13
I've spent these days wondering through others' security configurations, seeing what I could adapt, so I've managed to bring these changes to mine:
  • UAC: set to maximum (always notify)
  • Second Opinion Scanner: added Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
  • Browser&Extensions: added Firefox as a secondary backup browser, and added HTTPS Everywhere and Canvas Defender as extensions.
  • Privacy and content blocker: Replaced uBlock with system-wide AdGuard (still on trial, I'm seeing if it's worth it!)
  • Password Management: added Bitwarden and trying to make it work, still a bit hard to understand but we'll make it through!
  • System Utilities: added CCleaner as a secondary system utility tool and blocked all incoming and outcoming connections through Windows Firewall
  • Data Backup: decided and bought Google Drive 100GB to store in the cloud all my precious data
  • System Image: Bought a secondary HDD and cloned my system for the very first time (hopefully I did it alright!), will do every month
 

LDogg

Level 33
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
May 4, 2018
2,261
Looks like you've applied the right changs to your system!

My advice:
  • Add ZAM Free 3.0
  • Add Tinywall or MWFC as a compliment for Window Firewall for more advanced control
Everything else looks set. Thanks for sharing.

~LDogg
 

Penguin

Level 1
Thread author
Apr 23, 2019
13
Looks like you've applied the right changs to your system!

My advice:
  • Add ZAM Free 3.0
  • Add Tinywall or MWFC as a compliment for Window Firewall for more advanced control
Everything else looks set. Thanks for sharing.

~LDogg
Thank you very much sir for these recommendations!

Question: MWFC adds anything to WF despite notifications? I mean, doesn't WF know which connections to allow/block? Or is it a necessary complement? :)
 
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Reactions: oldschool

oldschool

Level 81
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Mar 29, 2018
7,044
Question: MWFC adds anything to WF despite notifications? I mean, doesn't WF know which connections to allow/block? Or is it a necessary complement? :)

WF allows all outbound connections by default. MS's default configuration is meant for average users. If you wish to have more (and more easily) control over outbound connections then use a 3rd party GUI like WFC or Tinywall. I prefer the latter because of its simplicity and lack of pop-ups. Others prefer to have alerts regrading any connection. You may read more about Tinywall here: Discuss - TinyWall 2.1.7
 

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