Advanced Plus Security silversurfer Laptop Config 2022/2023

Last updated
Jan 27, 2023
How it's used?
For home and private use
Operating system
Windows 11
On-device encryption
N/A
Log-in security
    • Biometrics (Windows Hello PIN, TouchID, Face, Iris, Fingerprint)
Security updates
Allow security updates and latest features
User Access Control
Always notify
Smart App Control
Off
Network firewall
Enabled
Real-time security
  • Bitdefender Antivirus Free
  • Windows Firewall Control
Firewall security
Microsoft Defender Firewall
About custom security
Bitdefender Antivirus Free: "Encrypted web scan" disabled.
Windows Firewall Control: Secure Profile/Rules enabled.
Periodic malware scanners
KVRT, EEK, NPE.
Malware sample testing
I do participate in malware testing. See details about my testing environment below.
Browser(s) and extensions
Edge: AdGuard, Dark Reader, KeePassXC.
Firefox: uBlock Origin, Dark Reader, KeePassXC.
Secure DNS
Either Quad9 DNS or Cloudflare 1.1.1.2
Desktop VPN
Proton VPN Free
Password manager
KeePassXC for Windows.
KeePass Portable (Backup).
Maintenance tools
Revo Uninstaller, PatchMyPC, Autoruns, Process Explorer, Sumatra PDF, O&O ShutUp10++
File and Photo backup
iCloud for Windows as app from Microsoft Store.
System recovery
Macrium Reflect 8 Home (full system backup stored on external drive)
Risk factors
    • Browsing to popular websites
    • Opening email attachments
    • 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
Device: ASUS VivoBook 17
CPU: IntelCore i5-8250U
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620
RAM: DDR4 SDRAM 8GB
Storage: SSD 256GB
Notable changes
Apr 15, 2022
  • Removed: Kaspersky Free
  • Added: F-Secure Safe (Giveaway License)
Jul 13, 2022
  • Removed: F-Secure Safe
  • Addeed: Bitdefender Free
Aug 8, 2022
  • Removed: Bitdefender Free
  • Added: Kaspersky Free v21.7
Sep 20, 2022
  • OS updated to Windows 11 22H2
Sep 26, 2022
  • Added: Proton VPN
  • Removed: Windscribe
Nov 22, 2022
  • Added: Macrium Reflect 8 Home
Dec 14, 2022
  • Removed: Kaspersky Free v21.8
  • Added: Bitdefender Free
  • Removed: Simple Windows Hardening
What I'm looking for?

Looking for medium feedback.

Ink

Administrator
Verified
Staff Member
Well-known
Jan 8, 2011
22,361
Updated my config, according to latest changes: By Staff - Get started with Your Computer Security Configuration (2022)

Note: Windows 11 - Smart App Control: Off by default (Decision by Microsoft: "we determined that you weren't a good candidate for Smart App Control.")
Must have missed that in the support page, I have added an extra Off option;
  • Off by Microsoft
  • Off by choice
 

silversurfer

Level 85
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Content Creator
Malware Hunter
Well-known
Aug 17, 2014
10,057
I got boring again, no serious reason to remove Kaspersky Free (English version) ;)
Let's see how long I can stay with Bitdefender Free, there on settings, I feel more comfortable with disabled "Encrypted web scan"
I decided to remove also Simple Windows Hardening due to SRP doesn't work anymore on Windows 11.
 

Ink

Administrator
Verified
Staff Member
Well-known
Jan 8, 2011
22,361
You'll need to include N/A for those who have not clean installed or reset Windows.
According to the support page, Microsoft has already pre-determined that non-clean installations are not eligible for Smart App Control, so it makes more sense that ‘Off by Microsoft’ applies under the mentioned circumstances.

The forms remains optional and can be skipped.
 
F

ForgottenSeer 97327

I would call this more of an Advanced Plus usage than Advanced Plus security setup. The usage is Advanced Plus because @silversurfer uses his other PC for serious task. That is containment on hardware level (software can't beat that). This is his play PC with a decent recovery plan in case his AV+FW security fail. ;)(y)
 

silversurfer

Level 85
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Content Creator
Malware Hunter
Well-known
Aug 17, 2014
10,057
I would call this more of an Advanced Plus usage than Advanced Plus security setup. The usage is Advanced Plus because @silversurfer uses his other PC for serious task. That is containment on hardware level (software can't beat that). This is his play PC with a decent recovery plan in case his AV+FW security fail. ;)(y)
Well, you can call it whatever you want, but for me it's nonsense talking about "Advanced Plus usage" that sounds more like this setup would be unable to protect users from infections by malware, although you mentioned my AV and FW. In short, the word Security should be included even in my config ;)
Of course, we can always debate about the difference between Advanced Security and Advanced Plus Security, but about that the final decision is up to MT Staff.
 
F

ForgottenSeer 97327

It was not intended as critique, just a compliment (hence the wink and the thumbs up) on your dual device PC usage :confused:
 

silversurfer

Level 85
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Content Creator
Malware Hunter
Well-known
Aug 17, 2014
10,057
@silversurfer How do you like BD, now that you've been using it for awhile?🤔
I’m satisfied with BD free, no slowdown at all on the system even though that my laptop has only average hardware…
Note: I have disabled "Encrypted Web Scan" that does help a lot for faster speed while browsing.
 

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