Advanced Security pytroman86's PC Security Config

[pytroman86]

Hello


This is my setup configuration security

 

[Parkinsond]

Fort firewall is lighter than Portmaster but the downside it has to install its driver which will force you to turn off core isolation as it is not signed nor allowed by MS.

 

[lokamoka820]

Fort firewall is lighter than Portmaster but the downside it has to install its driver which will force you to turn off core isolation as it is not signed nor allowed by MS.

Based on his configuration, it seems he prioritizes privacy over lightweight performance; in that case, Portmaster would be a better fit.

 

[harlan4096]

System Recovery: a full image system backup solution would be welcome. You can't trust only in Restore Point.

 

[Parkinsond]

Based on his configuration, it seems he prioritizes privacy over lightweight performance; in that case, Portmaster would be a better fit.

Is fort firewall conflicting with privacy?

 

[lokamoka820]

Is fort firewall conflicting with privacy?

No, I didn't mean that there was a privacy issue with the Fort firewall, but Portmaster is more of a privacy tool than a regular firewall. It has a secure DNS and built-in ad/tracker filters, so for example, it will block Microsoft Edge tracking data without affecting the update process and without any manual configuration from the user. That's what I meant.

 

[pytroman86]

I mainly use Portmaster because it's easy to switch from one DNS resolver to another

I'm adding Cloudflare Family and my personal NextDNS profile...

 

[pytroman86]

What storage medium should I use to back up a system image?



My system SSD is 1 TB. How much storage space do I need to back up the system?

Thanks for the tip...

 

[Victor M]

I think the popular size now is 2TB for external SSD's. Use that for image backups. And Hashleo has a free imaging app.

 

[Divine_Barakah]

I think the popular size now is 2TB for external SSD's. Use that for image backups.

For data storage I prefer the old HDDs. The only downside is data transfer speed. External SSDs prices are insane.

How is your experience in using external SSDs to store backups?

 

[Victor M]

I use external HDD's too. Because it is a little cheaper and should last longer too. But I am contemplating SSD's because I bring the external HDD's with me (as off site backup ) and it gets banged and tossed about.

 

[Victor M]

I would recommend adding CyberLock to your arsenal. It is a default deny layer. Everything that runs that is new is scrutinized and the AI then makes a security recommendation whether to keep or block. So you will be made aware that someone is attempting to run something and can take action.

 

[Divine_Barakah]

I use external HDD's too. Because it is a little cheaper and should last longer too. But I am contemplating SSD's because I bring the external HDD's with me (as off site backup ) and it gets banged and tossed about.

Thankfully I managed get a shockproof silicone case for my external HDD and I dropped it many times. It is working without any issues.

In the past few month, the prices of SSDs in Egypt skyrocketed. Very unreasonable prices. I am not sure if other markets are the same.

 

[lokamoka820]

I mainly use Portmaster because it's easy to switch from one DNS resolver to another

If you only use Portmaster for this purpose, lighter alternatives like DNS Jumper can help you achieve the same result. DNS Jumper is portable, easy to use, and includes features like speed testing.

 

[pytroman86]

Windows Defender without anti-ransomware + WHHLight (without WDAC) + Safing Portmaster (free)... Will this break Windows 11?

Home use only...

Is this enough?

I often use a personal NextDNS profile in Portmaster...

And that's more than enough for me...

Since my Windows 11 is experiencing app and process crashes (Pano scrobbler, Spotify, Rainmeter, Calibre, AIDA64, Portmaster, Explorer.exe, LightBulb...), I'm wondering what to install during my next clean install...

Already posted here: Serious Discussion - WHHLight - simplified application control for Windows Home and Pro.

abrupt shutdowns and restarts without blue screens...
I can't figure out exactly what's causing my problems...!

Thanks!

 

[lokamoka820]

Check this using the Windows Reliability Monitor tool, and if you are more experienced, check the Windows Event Viewer.

 

[pytroman86]

pytroman86's PC Security Config · Setup v5
Updated Oct 4, 2026

What changed

• Periodic malware scanners: Malwarebytes (free) → Malwarebytes (free) / SIriusLLM
• Feedback preference: Older selection — review required → Detailed suggestions and alternatives welcome
• OS version and support details: Not specified → 25H2 26200.9550
• On-device encryption: Older selection — review required → Not sure
• Usage and exposure: Older selection — review required → Visiting familiar websites, Downloading files from unknown or untrusted sources

Spoiler: Full setup snapshot

My current setup

• Operating system: Windows 11
• OS version and support details: 25H2 26200.9550
• Real-time protection: WD without antiransomware (too many false positive) + WHHLight
• File and photo backups: Amazon Photos, Filen.io, Proton, Google Drive
• Device firewall: Microsoft Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
• Browsers and extensions: Firefox ( AutoTabDiscard, BetterRYM, CheckerPlus for Gmail, Dark Reader, Bitwarden, Grammalecte, IDM Module, Keepa, Notesnook, NX Enhanced, uBlock Origin, Violentmonkey )
  
  Helium ( AutoTabDiscard, Bitwarden, IDM Module, Notesnook, uBlock Origin)
• Main use of this computer: For home and private use
• On-device encryption: Not sure
• Security updates: Allow security updates and latest features
• Update channels: Allow stable updates only
• User Account Control (UAC): Always notify
• Smart App Control: On
• Network firewall: Enabled
• Custom security settings: + Safing Portmaster (free)
• Periodic malware scanners: Malwarebytes (free) / SIriusLLM
• Malware sample testing: I do not participate in malware testing
• Environment for malware testing: N/A
• Secure DNS: NextDNS profile
• Desktop VPN: N/A
• Password and passkey manager: Bitwarden
• Subscriptions: None
• System recovery: Restore Point
• Usage and exposure: Visiting familiar websites, Downloading files from unknown or untrusted sources
• Computer specs: CPU : AMD Ryzen 5 5600G 3.9 GHz 6-Core,
  CM : MSI B550M PRO VDH WiFi,
  RAM : G.Skill 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200,
  SSD (system) : 1 To M.2 NVMe Samsung 990 EVO Plus,
  SSD (secondary) : 1 To M.2 NVMe Crucial P3 Plus,
  HDD (storage): 1 To WD 2,5',
  AIO : be quiet! Pure Base 500 ATX,
  PSU : SeaSonic FOCUS GX 650 W 80+ Gold -
  Cooler : Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 (juil. 2026)
• Feedback preference: Detailed suggestions and alternatives welcome

Feedback on this setup is welcome.

 

[harlan4096]

System recovery -> Restore Point

I would not trust at all for my System Recovery in only Windows Restore Point. A full image system backup solution would be welcome.