Advice Request What are some great apps for protecting the information on a laptop computer?

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AtlBo

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Hello everyone. Want to get serious protecting the work I have on my laptop. For now it has:

Kaspersky Security Cloud Free
NVT OSArmor

I tried adding Comodo firewall, but it and Kaspersky cannot stand each other. It's possible to get Comodo installed if KSC is removed first, but then KSC brings alerts about certificates until it isn't worth the trouble to have Comodo. I am ready to move on now, but not sure about how to approach laptop security. What about MITM attacks and other internet dangers? I take the laptop with me when I travel and sometimes when I am moving about. Any special apps for that or a special browser to use? I wish someone made a very serious version of their security suite software designed especially for a laptop.

I know I will need a firewall. In that light I have been dissatisfied with most of the ones I have used. I think FortKnox is on the right track, but the devs seem to be sleeping on that project, and it is buggy and in need of work. Some I don't like much for a laptop:

Glasswire -too heavy
Binisoft (formerly) Windows Firewall Control-too busy for a small screen
Comodo firewall-can't run with KSC
Tiny Wall-underfeatured, for a laptop but maybe it's the best I could do
Zone Alarm-not sure on this but tried it a year ago and not what I am seeking
Private Firewall-just too old

I think the peerfect app for a laptop might be SpyShelter. Think I will be hard pressed to match that kind of protection for free, but maybe it's time to pay. Anyone used AVS firewall? Appreciate any input on this program. Thanks for any nuggets or jewels of knowledge for protecting a laptop...
 

Soulbound

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kaspersky free + comodo firewall combo is viable, but you need to ensure you exclude both from each other.

Pretty sure some users here will explain how to set it up.

As for firewalls, looks like you are not pleased with any you listed, aside from Comodo.

SpyShelter you will notice some relative slow downs and for that, I would rather use windows 10 firewall and pair it with Tiny Wall or SimpleFirewall.
 

HarborFront

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I would suggest you keep your data on external ssd or thumb drives and leave all the programs on the laptop. Then you don't need to have additional software to secure your data. If you want to secure your external devices you can

After that secure the followings

1) your OS
2) your system
3) your browser(s)
 
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bayasdev

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If you manage highly sensitive information (which I don't think so) I can't recommend anything else than using full disk encryption + BIOS password on a Linux based OS. Otherwise KSC free + a backup strategy should do fine as long as you don't have documents that are from national interest for the russian govt 😄
 

shmu26

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I think the peerfect app for a laptop might be SpyShelter. Think I will be hard pressed to match that kind of protection for free, but maybe it's time to pay. Anyone used AVS firewall? Appreciate any input on this program. Thanks for any nuggets or jewels of knowledge for protecting a laptop...
Download Spyshelter and try it out. You get 2 weeks trial. SpyShelter lets you make most of the decisions, it is the opposite of set-and-forget.
SpyShelter Firewall version, run in proactive mode, is the ultimate.
 

ichito

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I think the peerfect app for a laptop might be SpyShelter. Think I will be hard pressed to match that kind of protection for free, but maybe it's time to pay.
It's true especialy due to new 12.3 version realised yesterday. I think "firewall" version is more usefull - it has "application controll" module in which you manage parent/child processes.
 

Freud2004

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Hello everyone. Want to get serious protecting the work I have on my laptop. For now it has:

Kaspersky Security Cloud Free
NVT OSArmor

I tried adding Comodo firewall, but it and Kaspersky cannot stand each other. It's possible to get Comodo installed if KSC is removed first, but then KSC brings alerts about certificates until it isn't worth the trouble to have Comodo. I am ready to move on now, but not sure about how to approach laptop security. What about MITM attacks and other internet dangers? I take the laptop with me when I travel and sometimes when I am moving about. Any special apps for that or a special browser to use? I wish someone made a very serious version of their security suite software designed especially for a laptop.

If you are concerned with your work, I advise you to invest in KIS ( Kaspersky Internet security), i both a license two days ago for 17€ is not so expensive and its reliable solution.
Encryption of sensitive information is a good practice, some members of the forum already advanced with some options for that.
 

Ink

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Encryption.

Full Disk Encryption is your friend, combined with cloud encryption apps for cloud platforms.

Unfortunately, BitLocker requires Win10Pro or higher and compatible hardware.

Edit: Spend less on RTP, more on securing your data. RTP can be easily manipulated.
 
Last edited:
F

ForgottenSeer 85179

Unfortunately, BitLocker requires Win10Pro or higher and compatible hardware.
Special hardware isn't needed for normal usage. Only if you want using hardware side keys which are less secure then software version anyway.

Windows Home works too with Bitlocker, but only manageable over command line while Pro and higher provide the GUI.
 

Ink

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Special hardware isn't needed for normal usage. Only if you want using hardware side keys which are less secure then software version anyway.

Windows Home works too with Bitlocker, but only manageable over command line while Pro and higher provide the GUI.
I cannot use BitLocker on Windows 10 Pro, and I'm sure many others with older hardware cannot either.

Command line to use BitLocker, if the year were 1990.
 

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