Advanced Plus Security silversurfer Laptop Config 2022

Last updated
Jan 27, 2023
Windows Edition
Home
How it's used?
For home and private use
Operating system
Windows 11
On-device encryption
BitLocker Device Encryption for Windows
Log-in security
    • Biometrics (Windows Hello PIN, TouchID, Face, Iris, Fingerprint)
Security updates
Allow security updates and latest features
Update channels
Allow stable updates only
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.
Environment for malware testing
VMware Workstation Pro v17
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.
Subscriptions
    • None
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.

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
 
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.
 
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.
 
@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.