Advice Request Which security software to use for a a mid level user?

[Buns]

Hello,

Thank you for such a wonderful community.

I am somewhere in between a beginner and a mid-level computer user? I use my computer extensively for data analysis, research etc.

Just looking for good protection. Do you all think Windows defender configured using the tool @Andy Ful has developed to max settings and Comodo FW configured to @cruelsister settings is enough?

I look forward to any advise.

Thank you

 

[Brahman]

Hello,

Thank you for such a wonderful community.

I am somewhere in between a beginner and a mid-level computer user? I use my computer extensively for data analysis, research etc.

Just looking for good protection. Do you all think Windows defender configured using the tool @Andy Ful has developed to max settings and Comodo FW configured to @cruelsister settings is enough?

I look forward to any advise.

Thank you

Very good choice, both of them. Just add a Doh to your mix either on system level or on browser level and be done with it.

 

[ForgottenSeer 85179]

Andy's tool(s) are more then enough.
You can check the threads about infection (sorry I'm on mobile).

Hard_Configurafor is strongest one of his tools

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

I would use Windows Defender at high settings configured by ConfigureDefender from @Andy Ful
3 options for an even stronger config:

1. add Simple Windows Hardening or Hard_Configurator, read about them first in their threads at this forum.
2. add VoodooShield, has some threads here and is tested at the moment by @harlan4096 in the malware hub.
3. add Comodo Firewall at @cruelsister settings.

Post your config here to get better advice on the whole configuration:

PC Setup Configuration Help & Showcase

Share your PC security set-up with the community.

malwaretips.com

 

[Lenny_Fox]

Agree wiith @security123 and @Gandalf_The_Grey , just add ConfigureDefender and SimpleWindowsHardening and you are good to go.

Assuming you don't deliberately shoot yourself in the foot when installing software (ignore warnings), you could ask for a free VT-api key (explained here) and add an extension which checks downloaded programs automatically (don't know which browser you are using, but there are a few).

 

[enaph]

Windows Defender + VoodooShield combo will also keep you secure

 

[Back3]

I had WD + Configure Defender (High) and Comodo firewall at CS settings for 2 years. I'm now with F-Secure Safe and Comodo. My PC is a little more responsive. But both setups are fine.
I use 2 second opinion scanners to check some downloads. It's easy to learn how to make ignore rules in the sandbox and export your settings to a folder. I get maybe one notification from Comodo every week or so. That's all. Not very chatty. When I have to reinstall Comodo I just import my settings. It's fast and efficient.

 

[mkoundo]

Hi,
In addition to the great advice already given, no security is 100% guaranteed, so it's worth considering a back-up strategy for your system and files. Macrium reflect and AOMEI backupper are both free and come highly recommended.

 

[ForgottenSeer 89360]

In addition to that, I would add an extension that blocks malicious websites. Bitdefender TrafficLight is very unobtrusive, without any background processes (unlike McAfee Web Advisor), and is very effective. Adding up to your browser’s built-in security greatly reduces your risks.

So to summarise: Windows Defender + ASR rules provides anti-malware protection.
Bitdefender TrafficLight blocks malicious downloads and phising/scam. It can be downloaded here: Bitdefender TrafficLight - Free Add-on for Secure Web Browsing
Backup software will help you retrieve data in the event of successful attack or hardware failure.

 

[SeriousHoax]

Trend Micro extension for Edge

I'm not seeing it in Edge store. Maybe it requires Trend Micro AV to be installed.

 

[toto]

I would go with something that feels light for your system and doesn't cause problems, because if you are not downloading shady software and frequent well known sites there is a very small chance of infection if you just have one internet security software, such as ESET, F-Secure, Norton, Kaspersky (for free and very powerful security) etc. add an ad blocker for your browser and you'll most probably be fine. Don't forget to backup the important stuff (Always)

 

[Deletedmessiah]

I'm not seeing it in Edge store. Maybe it requires Trend Micro AV to be installed.

I found it from their website: Trend Micro Security - Microsoft Edge Addons

 

[ForgottenSeer 89360]

I have edited the post to remove Trend Micro Security for Edge, as it requires activation key. Bitdefender TrafficLight is free.

 

[SeriousHoax]

I found it from their website: Trend Micro Security - Microsoft Edge Addons

Weird. If I search it on Edge store it doesn't appear but installed fine from your link.
Edit: Looks like it doesn't work. Asking to sign in to Trend Micro account.
Bitdefender TrafficLight is your best bet.

 

[Vitali Ortzi]

Hello,

Thank you for such a wonderful community.

I am somewhere in between a beginner and a mid-level computer user? I use my computer extensively for data analysis, research etc.

Just looking for good protection. Do you all think Windows defender configured using the tool @Andy Ful has developed to max settings and Comodo FW configured to @cruelsister settings is enough?

I look forward to any advise.

Thank you

comodo is very powerful but i have a feeling it might isolate some data analysis scripts so just use built in WD + Configure Defender (High-Max)

 

[FireHammer]

Hi, I am a mid-level PC user, and my security is Bitdefender Total Security+Voodoo-Shield Free+Syshardener & Adguard(Adguard DNS Filtering)Default settings.
Second opinion Malware Scanners: HitmanPro(paid) & Malwarebytes Free+Norton Power Eraser.

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

Hi, I am a mid-level PC user, and my security is Bitdefender Total Security+Voodoo-Shield Free+Syshardener & Adguard(Adguard DNS Filtering)Default settings.
Second opinion Malware Scanners: HitmanPro(paid) & Malwarebytes Free+Norton Power Eraser.

Maybe not the right place/discussion here, but I find what you use too much.

Bitdefender Total Security is a full suite and while of course any configuration can benefit from Syshardener, I would go for Simple Windows hardening from @Andy Ful
With that combination of a full suite and Syshardener there is IMO no real need for VoodooShield.
Second opinion scanners are great but Malwarebytes is the lesser of those 3 nowadays and your missing the most important one that come highly recommended by @cruelsister : Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.

 

[ForgottenSeer 89360]

Maybe not the right place/discussion here, but I find what you use too much.

Bitdefender Total Security is a full suite and while of course any configuration can benefit from Syshardener, I would go for Simple Windows hardening from @Andy Ful
With that combination of a full suite and Syshardener there is IMO no real need for VoodooShield.
Second opinion scanners are great but Malwarebytes is the lesser of those 3 nowadays and your missing the most important one that come highly recommended by @cruelsister : Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.

I was gonna say the same, but it’s not the right place.

 

[Freud2004]

Hello, I recommend Kaspersky Internet Security plus Hitman Pro, this combo his bulletproof, almost....

Kaspersky Internet Security - Set and forget

Hitman pro- Fast scan, 1 minute, regular scans when suspect something.

 

[oldschool]

comodo is very powerful but i have a feeling it might isolate some data analysis scripts so just use built in WD + Configure Defender (High-Max)

I agree. Comodo may block sytem files, while OP says he is at beginner or mid-level user and may have problems identifying blocked/auto-contained system files. I used it when I was new and ran into this problem often enough that I quit using it. What good is strong protection when it poses these kind of challenges to the user? Stick with WD and something like Simple Windows Hardening, VS, etc.