Advanced Security Thales' Config 2024

[Thales]

I just tried Windows 11. Let's wait for windows 12

Quick notes
AOMEI backupper during the restore makes double hidden system drives.
Paragon backupper requires to disable bitlocker protection before the restore.

 

[Thales]

Changed F-Secure to Avast Free
File Shield + Behavior Shield only
High Sensitivity everywhere + hardened mode.

Backup Program is Ashampoo Backup Pro 16. (So far so good)

 

[Thales]

Cloud
I switched from OneDrive (100GB) to Google Drive because it's cheap and offers me 200GB of storage.
I changed my version markings from 'file 2023-04-17' to 'file 230417.'

Sync
I still have three months left with GoodSync, and I tried searching for another sync app with cloud syncing options, but I only found one: SyncBackPro. However, it's very expensive.
I need to sync apple cloud, dropbox, box, and mega but I'm not gonna install their sync app.

AV
Avast and OSA works well.
I could use WD with Defender control. I like that I have options.

Apps
Portable apps also works and there is no error at all.
I'm not sure but probably 3rd party uninstaller is useless but I don't like the native windows uninstaller.
I still don't like windows 11, so I'm gonna skip it wait for windows 12

Probably the best windows setup I've ever made.

 

[Ink]

I switched from OneDrive (100GB) to Google Drive because it's cheap and offers me 200GB of storage.

That's good switch.

Both Google One's 100GB and 200GB tier are by default superior to what Microsoft offer with 365 Basic (aka OneDrive Standalone).

 

[Thales]

I've been using ControlD for one week. I love it so far.

 

[blackice]

I've been using ControlD for one week. I love it so far.

View attachment 279374

It’s pretty good. I had a pretty annoying couple of days when they started blocking Apple services out of the blue and my phone became difficult to use a few months ago.

 

[Thales]

It’s pretty good. I had a pretty annoying couple of days when they started blocking Apple services out of the blue and my phone became difficult to use a few months ago.

Interesting. I have an Ipad but I had no problem with it when I started using the service.

 

[Thales]

I wanted to install Linux again, but I couldn't solve the communication problem between my laptop and my monitor (DP to USB-C).
So, I gave Windows 11 another shot. I initially wanted to skip this OS; however, I found it fast and beautiful.

Just a few interesting things:

Currently, I use Avast because WD requires modifications in Group policy, but I'm lazy right now, and I still have 5 months left from OSA, so Smart App Control is off.
Windows Outlook is a pain in the ***. I can minimize it to the tray, but there is no option to start with Windows. eM Client is still superior, so I stick to it.
Sometimes, Google Drive shows outdated structures when I sync, and I figured out the solution. In the sync program, I have to use the "mirror" option and not the "update" sync option. Problem solved
ControlD is fantastic; I will be a subscriber.
Currently, I use Firefox instead of Edge, but there is no specific reason.

 

[Thales]

I'm just trying Adguard because I got a lifetime license. Still new to me but I wanna figure out how it works and what is the best setup for security and ad blocking without enabling adblocker list. Just with simple notrack options.
Custom notrack list

GitHub - notracking/hosts-blocklists: Automatically updated, moderated and optimized lists for blocking ads, trackers, malware and other garbage

Automatically updated, moderated and optimized lists for blocking ads, trackers, malware and other garbage - notracking/hosts-blocklists

github.com

Quids / notrack-blocklists · GitLab

Anti-Tracker and Anti-Malware blocklists for NoTrack

gitlab.com

I have to use google kmaps and etc, so I whitelisted them.

 

[oldschool]

I'm just trying Adguard because I got a lifetime license. Still new to me but I wanna figure out how it works and what is the best setup for security and ad blocking without enabling adblocker list. Just with simple notrack options.
Custom notrack list

GitHub - notracking/hosts-blocklists: Automatically updated, moderated and optimized lists for blocking ads, trackers, malware and other garbage

Automatically updated, moderated and optimized lists for blocking ads, trackers, malware and other garbage - notracking/hosts-blocklists

github.com

Quids / notrack-blocklists · GitLab

Anti-Tracker and Anti-Malware blocklists for NoTrack

gitlab.com

Be aware that he longer does full maintenance of this list. I believe it's done automatically. Check 2nd link at GitLab.

NoTrack Blocklist is Closing
Unfortunately, I no longer have time to keep maintaining the NoTrack blocklist.
It will be closed for new submissions from 5th May 2023 and move to support only for the next few months.
New domains will only be added from what my automation scripts find, or what I personally add.
I have enjoyed disrupting the data collection of so many trackers, and hopefully others will continue the same cause for years to come.
Quids

 

[Thales]

Be aware that he longer does full maintenance of this list. I believe it's done automatically. Check 2nd link at GitLab.

Yes, I saw it. unforaunatelly I couldn’t find anither list yet.

 

[oldschool]

Yes, I saw it. unforaunatelly I couldn’t find anither list yet.

It's a good, compact list. I use it NextDNS and sometimes in uBO. I wouldn't consider it abandonware. He just won't add domains or fix breakage. I wonder how long he'll keep it automated ...

 

[Thales]

I've changed from Avast to Symantec Endpoint Protection (unmanaged).
I will use the default protection and try this program for a couple of weeks.

 

[Thales]

I've switched to portable apps again. Some apps don't have a portable version, but it is easy to make them portable. Even Steam works if you just copy and paste the folder.
My system has always been faster this way.

About passwords:
I tried to change my passwords, but it's a shame that PayPal limits the password length to 20 characters because they think password complexity is the key. However, length is better because the cracker has to try every character.

 

[Thales]

I've been thinking about migrating from KeePass to ProtonPass or Bitwarden. I used Bitwarden for years and loved it.
The main reason I want to switch is that I need to open KeePass with third-party apps on my phone, and I don't like that.

 

[TairikuOkami]

I've been thinking about migrating from KeePass to ProtonPass or Bitwarden.

I think that it is safer to use a standalone account for a password manager, so in case you already have a proton email, create another one just for passwords.
Putting all eggs in one basket can be dangerous, the account can be hacked or blocked without notice, it is much easier to recover if services are separate.

 

[lokamoka820]

I've been thinking about migrating from KeePass to ProtonPass or Bitwarden. I used Bitwarden for years and loved it.
The main reason I want to switch is that I need to open KeePass with third-party apps on my phone, and I don't like that.

I use Bitwarden as my main password manager on all my devices, but I started to use KeePass too recently as a backup solution.

 

[Thales]

I finally migrated from Keepass to BitWarden premium.
No browser extension.
Because not important passwords stored in my firefox database too (check below).
2 steps login activated.
I use email verification with a separated email that I use only for backups.

Side note
I'm considering using two BitWarden accounts or a Protonpass database for a few passwords on my phone because sometimes I need to unlock the database to check something, and there are people or cameras around me. It's better to use Face ID instead of typing and revealing my super-secret master password.

Probably I should use Protonpass with browser extension as a secondary database instead of the firefox account. In this case BitWarden should only contain important passwords.
I need to test it first

 

[Thales]

I finally organized my password manager and I'm very happy with this solution.

Bitwarden (Paid)
I could use the free version, but they deserve the support, so I went with the paid plan.
It contains only important passwords like bank accounts, credit card details, encryption passwords, etc.
I rarely need to enter it.

ProtonPass (Paid)
I don’t know the master password because I store it in Bitwarden.
It is open in my browser because of the extension and I can access it with biometrics on my phone and tablet.
I use the browser extension, and it contains a lot of passwords.

Of course there are encrypted backups

 

[Thales]

I completely uninstalled AdGuard because it was slowing down page loading in my browsers. I tried multiple browsers, and others have also reported this issue.
I switched back to Avast Free with high sensitivity settings. My only issue with Avast is that it slows down the unpacking process when extracting files.

A little side note:
I reinstalled my system and the process is this. Login to backup email > login to Bitwarden > login to Protonpass.
Only 2 memorable passwords.