Ty's security config

[Ty2017]

Hi guys,

these are my specs.
Core i7, RAM 6GB, HP Elitebook Pro Laptop

I also run Virtual Machines, using Virtual Box.
Here I run Server 2008 and Server 2012.
I also run Win 7 in Virtual Box, which is my testing environ.
I utilize CentOS for LAMP in Virtual Box too.

Ty

 

[frogboy]

Why have you disabled updates, not a good idea.

 

[Ink]

Recommendations:

• Enable Windows Updates for security updates only
• Turn on Windows SmartScreen
• If you use ZA Firewall, consider downgrading to Bitdefender Antivirus Plus or uninstall ZoneAlarm.

Question(s):

• Why do you use both Bitdefender Internet Security and ZoneAlarm Firewall?

Misc:

• It's Malwarebytes, not Malware Bytes.
• ESET Online Scanner does not provide Real-time protection, therefore can only be listed under On-demand scanners.
  

 

[mekelek]

why is your profile saying you use F-Secure but this thread says you use BD ?

 

[Ty2017]

Why have you disabled updates, not a good idea.

Hi Frogboy,

I prefer controlling my own PC. Not allowing MS to do so.

 

[Ty2017]

why is your profile saying you use F-Secure but this thread says you use BD ?

Hi Mekelek,
I must update my profile, I see.
I was using F-Secure, but recently changed to BD

Got the free 12 month one with German IP

 

[Parsh]

Please follow the recommendations mentioned above.
You don't need Zonealarm or rather any FW, since you have BIS installed. The default settings are usually effective.
What do you mean by Heimdal - Manual? Is it only for s/w updating?
Consider adding "HTTPS Everywhere" addon to your browser.

Hi Frogboy,
I prefer controlling my own PC. Not allowing MS to do so.

That's not a good idea in a security perspective. If you do not like Windows updating on its own, you can either set your connections as "metered" or try a manual Windows updater like "PortUp". With PortUp, you can manually select the important updates to install including security updates Do not defer these updates for long!

 

[Ty2017]

Recommendations:

• Enable Windows Updates for security updates only
• Turn on Windows SmartScreen
• If you use ZA Firewall, consider downgrading to Bitdefender Antivirus Plus or uninstall ZoneAlarm.

Question(s):

• Why do you use both Bitdefender Internet Security and ZoneAlarm Firewall?

Misc:

• It's Malwarebytes, not Malware Bytes.
• ESET Online Scanner does not provide Real-time protection, therefore can only be listed under On-demand scanners.

Hi Spawn,
thanks for tips

I have updates set to "notify me". Not auto downloads.
Smartscreen? Will loook into
I was using F-Secure AV, till recently. I just installed BD a few days back.
I trust ZA, as I have been using it for years already.
I do see BD also has a firewall. Will still test it properly first.

Thanks for Misc tips

 

[mekelek]

Hi Spawn,
thanks for tips

I have updates set to "notify me". Not auto downloads.
Smartscreen? Will loook into
I was using F-Secure AV, till recently. I just installed BD a few days back.
I trust ZA, as I have been using it for years already.
I do see BD also has a firewall. Will still test it properly first.

Thanks for Misc tips

you can always just disable BD's Firewall, i'm sure ZoneAlarm's is more sophisticated.

 

[Parsh]

you can always just disable BD's Firewall, i'm sure ZoneAlarm's is more sophisticated.

If it's Zonealarm FW free, BD FW and ZA FW aren't comparable. BIS has an advanced 2-way firewall that such paid security suites implement while it's only ZA FW paid version that has similar provisions.

 

[hd35]

Thank you for sharing our configuration with us.
Two safety walls (bis-za) may cause conflicts.!!!

 

[JM Safe]

Why SmartScreen disabled? It is fundamental to prevent infections.

Add HTTPS Everywhere

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Exterminator]

Have you considered migrating to Windows 10?
Consider eliminating ZA or disabling Bitdefender's Firewall.
Consider downloading OS updates and installing the important security updates.
Thanks for sharing your config

 

[hirudora56]

I would only suggest turning on Windows updates. I get it that you do not like the forced updates, but most of those updates (atleast the security ones) are for consumer benefits. I second Parsh's suggestion about PortUp.

 

[S3cur1ty 3nthu5145t]

Recommendations:

• Enable Windows Updates for security updates only
• Turn on Windows SmartScreen
• If you use ZA Firewall, consider downgrading to Bitdefender Antivirus Plus or uninstall ZoneAlarm.

Question(s):

• Why do you use both Bitdefender Internet Security and ZoneAlarm Firewall?

Misc:

• It's Malwarebytes, not Malware Bytes.
• ESET Online Scanner does not provide Real-time protection, therefore can only be listed under On-demand scanners.

I recommend following this very sound advice. I could not have stated it any better.

 

[JHomes]

Nova? Gosh I haven't see that in ages. When I tested it I had many unbootable images and support was abysmal. Don't know if that's changed but you might want to do some tests if you haven't already.

Also what exactly are your goals with backing up? Save money? Solid protection? Speed? There's way better solutions out there. If you want free: Rollback Rx Home or Macrium Reflect. You want flawless protection? Acronis True Image. You want speed? Rollback.

Basically I'm saying I don't think Nova is a good choice