scifi's sorta safety system

Windows Edition
Pro
User Access Control
Always notify
Real-time security
AVG
AVG firewall
Sandboxie Lifetime
Firewall security
Periodic malware scanners
Malwarebytes Anti-malware Premium
Malwarebytes Anti-exploit Premium
Winpatrol Free
Malware sample testing
I do not participate in malware testing
Browser(s) and extensions
Firefox, Adblock Plus, Privacy Setting
Chrome, uBlock Origin
Opera
Maintenance tools
erase caches weekly
File and Photo backup
Reinstall Windows every 6 monts or so

scifi

Level 1
Thread author
Verified
Oct 28, 2014
25
Yep. I'm odd. I like to reinstall Windows every so often. I install so much crap (giveaways) that eventually I need to just start fresh. Not from a back up. Or image. The hard way. I'm a retired RN so I have plenty of time, usually. I'm wondering which anti-ransomware proggie is recommended?

Thanks!
 

scifi

Level 1
Thread author
Verified
Oct 28, 2014
25
Captain Awesome. I thank you kindly sir. I was running Zemana AntiMalware back when they kept giving free new licenses for it. Nothing recommended for ransomware? I'll probably toss on Zemana again and see what happens.
 

shmu26

Level 85
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Content Creator
Well-known
Jul 3, 2015
8,153
for anti-ransom, you might want to look into an anti-executable such as AppGuard, NoVirusThanks Exe Radar Pro, or Voodooshield (voodoo is the easiest to use, and AG is the hardest but perhaps the best).

The problem with ransomware is they are always coming out with new kinds, so specific programs are by definition limited in their effectiveness.
The best way to fight it is to create a default-deny environment, and that will protect you against most everything else, too.

the above-mentioned anti-executables run very light on the system but are pretty powerful.
 

scifi

Level 1
Thread author
Verified
Oct 28, 2014
25
You can pick up WinAntiRansom if you're paranoid about ransomware. Also, check out the ZAM giveaway if you haven't already.

Paranoid? Maybe. I was infected several years ago. In the 90's? It was way back, so experienced is how I look at it. I delete any email that is from an unknown source, I don't do torrents at all, I stay away from warez, cracks, porn, etc sites. All in all nowadays I'm pretty boring I'd say. On the giveaway, that's more of a contest. Of chance. Not in my wheelhouse from past experience. I'm not aching for a ransomware program. Just curious as yo what you experts use.
 

scifi

Level 1
Thread author
Verified
Oct 28, 2014
25
for anti-ransom, you might want to look into an anti-executable such as AppGuard, NoVirusThanks Exe Radar Pro, or Voodooshield (voodoo is the easiest to use, and AG is the hardest but perhaps the best).

The problem with ransomware is they are always coming out with new kinds, so specific programs are by definition limited in their effectiveness.
The best way to fight it is to create a default-deny environment, and that will protect you against most everything else, too.

the above-mentioned anti-executables run very light on the system but are pretty powerful.

Thank you! Now that's the kind of info I was looking for. If effectiveness is limited, this is a newish exploit and it might take the programmers a bit of time to figure out the best method(s) of stopping such crapware, after all, I'll pass on yet another layer of security.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cats-4_Owners-2

scifi

Level 1
Thread author
Verified
Oct 28, 2014
25
If you are reinstalling windows from built in recovery, i would suggest at least a system back up, as one never knows when their hardware may suddenly decide to not cooperate ;) Other then this, config looks very good.
Ohhh no! Not a built in recovery. I reformat and start from 0. At that point I know I've no nonsense lurking for a specific date to pounce, or whatever. I like that new car smell? Anyhoo, I do like starting over. I pick the best of the programs that I installed prior to the new format and off I go! Life is good! My 'puter is for fun. I don't do taxes, pay bills, anything like work on it. I've got several, several terebytes of 'stuff' (I've started retiring the older usb drives). I collect old TV shows Yank and Brit and some translated goodies.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cats-4_Owners-2
L

Lucent Warrior

Ohhh no! Not a built in recovery. I reformat and start from 0. At that point I know I've no nonsense lurking for a specific date to pounce, or whatever. I like that new car smell? Anyhoo, I do like starting over. I pick the best of the programs that I installed prior to the new format and off I go! Life is good! My 'puter is for fun. I don't do taxes, pay bills, anything like work on it. I've got several, several terebytes of 'stuff' (I've started retiring the older usb drives). I collect old TV shows Yank and Brit and some translated goodies.
I had a feeling that was the case, as those of us that like to perform a clean slate every once in awhile do so with a full reformat. You could change your system image, or recover field to custom then, as that is basically what it is.
 
N

Noxx

Paranoid? Maybe. I was infected several years ago. In the 90's? It was way back, so experienced is how I look at it. I delete any email that is from an unknown source, I don't do torrents at all, I stay away from warez, cracks, porn, etc sites. All in all nowadays I'm pretty boring I'd say. On the giveaway, that's more of a contest. Of chance. Not in my wheelhouse from past experience. I'm not aching for a ransomware program. Just curious as yo what you experts use.

I don't mean you're paranoid, I just don't think you need WinAntiRansom, or programs like it, so long as you have common sense and use an anti-executable (as per shmu26). In regards to your giveaway comment, it's a contest of chance, but you have heck of a lot better odds at winning than at a casino, and you don't lose anything except 15 seconds entering the contest. It also helps support the forum, which is nice. ;)
 

shmu26

Level 85
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Content Creator
Well-known
Jul 3, 2015
8,153
Thank you! Now that's the kind of info I was looking for. If effectiveness is limited, this is a newish exploit and it might take the programmers a bit of time to figure out the best method(s) of stopping such crapware, after all, I'll pass on yet another layer of security.
yes, voodooshield is newish. also SecureAPlus is a newish anti-executable.
But NVT ERP and Appguard have been around a long time. They are pretty solid. The heavyweights over here at MT like them a lot. There is a beta program that is reputed to be even better: ReHips. But it's real new, and although it works (quite well), it is not a finished product yet.

A good anti-executable is not just "another" security soft. It is a game-changer.

EDIT: I use voodooshield. It is pretty good, and I don't have the patience to master the big league softwares.
I am a low-risk user in normal circumstances, and if I do actually get infected (it happened once), it is only because I turned off all my security softs and stubbornly insisted on installing an infected program. There is no protection against oneself.
 
Last edited:

scifi

Level 1
Thread author
Verified
Oct 28, 2014
25
I don't mean you're paranoid, I just don't think you need WinAntiRansom, or programs like it, so long as you have common sense and use an anti-executable (as per shmu26). In regards to your giveaway comment, it's a contest of chance, but you have heck of a lot better odds at winning than at a casino, and you don't lose anything except 15 seconds entering the contest. It also helps support the forum, which is nice. ;)
Hey no biggie, no offense taken, even if you did mean I'm paranoid. Heck we've all got a touch o' paranoia, or we wouldn't be spending time on a site called "MalwareTips".:rolleyes:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cats-4_Owners-2

scifi

Level 1
Thread author
Verified
Oct 28, 2014
25
that's just security software talk. No negative connotations in this context. It means "concerned" or "want to be careful".
It's so'K. I've a thick skin from 20 years of workin' with the public. And many many women.:D
 

scifi

Level 1
Thread author
Verified
Oct 28, 2014
25
yes, voodooshield is newish. also SecureAPlus is a newish anti-executable.
But NVT ERP and Appguard have been around a long time. They are pretty solid. The heavyweights over here at MT like them a lot. There is a beta program that is reputed to be even better: ReHips. But it's real new, and although it works (quite well), it is not a finished product yet.

A good anti-executable is not just "another" security soft. It is a game-changer.

EDIT: I use voodooshield. It is pretty good, and I don't have the patience to master the big league softwares.
I am a low-risk user in normal circumstances, and if I do actually get infected (it happened once), it is only because I turned off all my security softs and stubbornly insisted on installing an infected program. There is no protection against oneself.
Now THAT is hardcore heavyweight stuff! I'm hoping you got what you wanted out of that program install before sweating your way through the removal.
 

About us

  • MalwareTips is a community-driven platform providing the latest information and resources on malware and cyber threats. Our team of experienced professionals and passionate volunteers work to keep the internet safe and secure. We provide accurate, up-to-date information and strive to build a strong and supportive community dedicated to cybersecurity.

User Menu

Follow us

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to know first about the latest cybersecurity incidents and malware threats.

Top