What is the minimum number of security software before you feel safe?

[Fernando Villegas]

I think you need about 6 security software plus hardware firewall before you can start to feel safe. Not 100% safe of course but quite safe.

Anything less then 3-4 is just asking for trouble.

I'm talking only about programs run all the time in real time, not on demand of course. Otherwise I think 10+ is the category most people will end up in.

Also I don't mean necessarily all the software you are running in real time, but the minimum number you are willing to run and still play safe.

How do you test this?

Say you normally run NOD32 + Regdefend + Appdefend + Online Armor + Look n stop.

Turn off Say Online Armor for 15 minutes. See how uncomfortable you feel.
If you feel very uneasy, and can't wait for the 15 minutes to be up so you can turn it back on, it shows you feel safe only with the full set above.

Alternatively imagine if you turned say Regdefend off, and forgot to turn it back on. How do you think you will feel when you discover this? Anxious? Paranoid? Run a full security check because your registry was left unprotected (except for OA of course)?

[beetlejuice69]

I use 4...Online Armor, PG, ZA, and NOD.

[SpikeyB]

I feel happy with Deep Freeze and a router. The rest is covered by XP's software restriction policy.

[MaB69]

Hi ,

I use 4 : OA, GSS, LnS and NOD

[Capp]

I use a few

Software: NOD32(primary), Ad-Aware, Spybot S&D, MSAS, Ewido, HijackThis, BitDefender & F-Prot (both on-demand), SpywareBlaster, ZA.

Hardware: Linksys DSL Switch w/ firewall, 2-Wire DSL modem with Firewall, all ports on stealth.

The main reason I use so much is just because my clients want to know that I know what I'm doing and I need to have a broad range of experience with various protection tools.

[nod32.9]

ZA and e-mail AV scanner.

[se7engreen]

I currently use GSS, BoClean, and NOD32 in realtime. Also use a number of analysis tools like Process Explorer, Port Explorer, Autoruns, etc. and I'm sitting behind an IOS firewall. I feel pretty good about that.

[Nick Rhodes]

Router with spi firewall + nat and NOD32 at home and in the office + Common sense (eg running limited user accounts, testing software, patches, on a test machine before rolling out to our live server, or rolling out across the teams work stations, also not running beta and waiting a week or 2 before trying the latest softwares to see if any massive bugs appear).

[Notok]

I'd say minimum 3.. AV, FW, & generic protection of some sort. Whether I actually run more or less all really depends on which way the wind is blowing ;D I can't really count a router in there since we have more than one computer here, so it's necessary for them all to have access (besides, there's a NAT built into the modem.

[snowbound]

Real time i run 4.


snowbound

[ErikAlbert]

In the future : Router, ZoneAlarm Free and ShadowUser

[Triple Helix]

I have 5 running and many more for On Demand!!

[Antarctica]

I am using 6, LNS + PG + RegDefend + Online Armour + Ewido and Nod 32. When OA will release Version 2.0, I plan to reduce it to maybe 3.

[bigc73542]

Counting Opera I have eight.

[Tassie_Devils]

-{ Quote: "I think you need about 6 security software plus hardware firewall before you can start to feel safe. Not 100% safe of course but quite safe.

Anything less then 3-4 is just asking for trouble.

I'm talking only about programs run all the time in real time, not on demand of course. Otherwise I think 10+ is the category most people will end up in.

Also I don't mean necessarily all the software you are running in real time, but the minimum number you are willing to run and still play safe.

How do you test this?

Say you normally run NOD32 + Regdefend + Appdefend + Online Armor + Look n stop.

Turn off Say Online Armor for 15 minutes. See how uncomfortable you feel.
If you feel very uneasy, and can't wait for the 15 minutes to be up so you can turn it back on, it shows you feel safe only with the full set above.

Alternatively imagine if you turned say Regdefend off, and forgot to turn it back on. How do you think you will feel when you discover this? Anxious? Paranoid? Run a full security check because your registry was left unprotected (except for OA of course)?" }-


well put, agree with this 100%.. I run 4-5 in RT [6 if you count SpywareBlaster in background with killbits set for when I *have* to use IE]

I count Firefox with NoScript~Adblock~etc as a further deterrent.

TAS :)

[wildman]

;D I currently have six security related programs on my machine, all "free". (1) Zone Alarm. (2) AVG. (3) Spyware Blaster. (4) SpyBot. (5) Ewido. (6) Adaware. After trying a bunch, I have whittled it down to these, and thus far have had no problems. Remember I am also on dial-up, and do the necessary updating manually, none of these listed have present any major problems in that area either. Occasionally one will have a big down load, but even then it has not presented any big problems, only time consuming.

Thanks
Wildman
:) ;) :o :D :P

[YeOldeStonecat]

-{ Quote: "Router with spi firewall + nat and NOD32 at home and in the office + Common sense (eg running limited user accounts, testing software, patches, on a test machine before rolling out to our live server, or rolling out across the teams work stations, also not running beta and waiting a week or 2 before trying the latest softwares to see if any massive bugs appear)." }-


Pretty much same here. I put "2" in the poll.

1) Router..I want a hardware firewall, I'm only concerned about outside==>in.

2) Antivirus...NOD32

The rest...my head..my noggin, my brain...in other words..common sense. I don't deal with those warez P2P apps, I only install legitimate licensed software on my PC, I only surf a few tech forums and a handful of well known sites, I just do web based e-mail (such as OWA at the office), my PC is kept up to date with Windows updates, local admin account does not have a blank password....stuff like that = no worries for me, no need for tin foil hats.

[WSFuser]

i have two computers. one with each parent. since i dont want to bother my dads web surfing, i usually stick to an AV and FW. however with my main computer, i will also install an anti-spyware and maybe a HIPS.

[tuatara]

1 FreeBSD ;D

or XP > 10:
with Shadowuser, Ghost Security Suiten (RD + AD), NOD32 + KAV2006 (on-demand) ,RegRun Gold,Tiny Personal Firewall Pro, A2, Ewido, Acronis True Image 8, Hardware (Cisco router)
with access-lists , Hardware Firewall for the network,Spybot S & D,
Ad-Aware, xp-AntiSpy, Firefox and/or Opera, most winternal tools, to see what is happening, Port Explorer, Toolbarcop, Wintasks, XP tools,
most resplendence tools, CryptoSuite, Total Net Shield,RootKit Hook Analyzer,etc. etc.

But this XP system, is designed to test and tackle SW on malware,
and to see how these Security products perform.

[mercurie]

Hmmm... Forget the various on demand scanners for this one.

I have two machines behind a router firewall with different brands of protection on each except for one common App. (BoClean). ;)

On both machines generically speaking. A good common name brand AV. A good name brand software firewall. Boclean to catch all the other stuff the others might miss. Also, the one firewall has a realtime Spyware sniffer embedded within. And for the record no matter which software firewall "suite" you might pick. I think a good frequently updated antispyware product embedded with in it makes a lot of since. A slight break from my past opinion.

Which means for those less willing to visit the Wilders and other places to keep up on this security stuff, what they have to deal with as, a minimum now, is the Software Firewall and a good AV for there real time stuff, but I highly recommend a real time trojan killer too as an extra measure. For SURE!

[rdsu]

I use as active protection:
Firewall (only packet filter), Anti Virus, Intrusion Detection System, Anti Ads-Popups and Hosts File (Protector and HTTP Server).

[DraGoNsLaYaZ22]

I feel safe with these three: Outpost, NOD32, Microsoft AntiSpyware.

[ErikAlbert]

When I'm tipsy, I feel safe with these two :
Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
Kephyr Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner

[stalker]

I voted for the 3-4 option ...


I use AntiVir (http://www.free-av.com) program as my anti-virus program, XP SP2's in-built firewall (since I feel confident enough, and outbound traffic-filtering is just plain stupid IMO), then DNSKong (http://www.pyrenean.com/?page_value=-1) and eDexter (http://www.pyrenean.com/?page_value=-2) programs from Pyrenean, K9 (http://www.keir.net/k9.html) anti-spam program, then I also use Proxomitron (http://castlecops.com/Proxomitron.html) proxy-program with one of my Firefox' profiles, and finally the most secure web-browser Off By One (http://offbyone.com) program. And well, I also use a CacheSentry (http://www.enigmaticsoftware.com/cachesentry/index.html) program from EnigmaticSoftware, however, this one is not directly security-related. Oh and btw., all the programs except AntiVir are available also in "non-setup" variant, i.e. only a .zip archive and no installation required ...


If anyone wants to, see these topics that I opened some of the mentioned programs. First the threads on CastleCops forums (my nick is "satyr"): DNSKong - a personal caching/filtering psuedo-DNS server (http://castlecops.com/postp529007.html), Keir's K9 program; an only 81 KB in-size anti-spam program (http://castlecops.com/p684991-Keirs_K9_program_an_only_81_KB_in_size_anti_spam_program.html), The most secure browser - Off By One web browser ... (http://castlecops.com/p546692-The_most_secure_browser_Off_By_One_web_browser.html), and as second the Review: DNSKong program (https://www.readyresponse.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1815) and Review: AntiVir (https://www.readyresponse.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1816) review-threads that I wrote for ReadyResponse site (my nick is "shirker"), while additionally also see two articles on Wikipedia that I've created (my nick is "Wayfarer"): DNSKong (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNSKong), OffByOne (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OffByOne)


P.S., If you want to, also see the software.html (http://users.volja.net/tayiper/software.html) and security.html (http://users.volja.net/tayiper/security.html) pages on my home-site for more programs I use ...


cheers, stalker

[Osaban]

I'd say 3: ShadowUser + LNS + NOD32

But I'm also happy to have PG + RD + AdMuncher, and browse with Opera.

I'm more and more convinced that with this set-up I don't need any dedicated Antitrojan and Antispyware applications. Time will tell.

[Brian N]

AV + Firewall is good enough for me.

[10+]

I'm in the 10+ catagory but I don't run everything realtime. I use most of the programs for scanning downloaded files and other uses not related to running the apps resident. ;)

[Larry38]

Here are the ones I use, and still don't feel 100% safe.
AVG Pro Home, Zone Alarm Free, Ewido Plus, a-squared, AdAware SE, Spybot S&D, SpywareBlaster, SpywareGuard, CW Shredder, Stinger, MSAS, HouseCall, CCleaner, Reg Cleaner, Firefox and Opera Browsers.
All are latest versions, and updated.
Default Browser is WXP Home SP2 fully updated.

[Sonap]

With 3-4. But i dont feel safe.
Before one year i was install in my pc 2 AV and 6 anti-spyware programms.

[Alphalutra1]

Packet filter(CHX-I) + Great Antivirus(NOD32) = Happy computer user, fast computer, malware free computer, and a good life :P

Alphalutra1

[chrisretusn]

Two - Firewall and AV

[hitbit]

I like to build my own security suite,
McAfee Anti Virus + Firewall, TrojanGuard, WormGuard, CyberScrub Privacy Suite, Crap Cleaner, MailWasher, SiteHound, SpyBot, SpySweeper, CounterSpy, EULAlyzer and the NAT Firewall in my Router. All paid versions with the exception of SpyBot and Crap Cleaner.
This combination costs a bomb but so far it has worked great.

hitbit

[majorgeek]

I’ve been telling people for years that software firewalls suck. I run a IPCop box at my house. I know tons of people who run BlackIce and other software firewalls. There is now a worm that is exploiting a hole in BlackIce. W32.Witty.Worm writes random bits to the hard drive, usually rendering it unsuable until it has been formated. Maybe now all thoughs people I have been telling not to use software firewalls will listen.

[dog [away]]

-{ Quote: "I’ve been telling people for years that software firewalls suck. I run a IPCop box at my house. I know tons of people who run BlackIce and other software firewalls. There is now a worm that is exploiting a hole in BlackIce. W32.Witty.Worm writes random bits to the hard drive, usually rendering it unsuable until it has been formated. Maybe now all thoughs people I have been telling not to use software firewalls will listen." }-More stolen content ::) -> http://inyourgrill.org/2004/03/22//

[squash]

Windows Firewall and avast! for me

[sweater]

For me...::) I think the minimum is 9. :dry: ;)

Active:

Windows XP Pro SP2 Firewall- set to no exceptions
Avast Home Anti-virus
WinPatrol
ProcessGuard free

Scanner and Hardening:

Spybot S & D
Ewido
Windows Worm Doors Cleaners
SafeXP
Harden-IT

[Fernando Villegas]

-{ Quote: "']More stolen content ::) -> http://inyourgrill.org/2004/03/22//" }-

Wow, i better be careful with attributions. It's a bannable offense!

[squash]

2.

Windows XP Home SP2 Limited Account (Hardened with Harden-it, Secure-it, SafeXP, WWDC)
AntiVir | Windows Firewall
Mozilla Firefox
All personal files encrypted with TrueCrypt (Blowfish/Whirlpool) and drive is imaged to another hard drive

No need for the useless antispyware, antitrojan paranoid things that never catch anything anyway. Security is nothing if it it useless

[EASTER.2010]

For me, about 5.

[herbalist]

If I count the AV as a single process, I have 8 continously running processes directly related to security/privacy. Depending on what I'm doing, this can go as high as 12. 3 others run at bootup, then terminate. 2 more work by association. Several others are either scheduled or cycle when certain applications are launched or are in use.
Rick

[ErikAlbert]

I'm working on it, but if I still have more than 4 softwares, I won't be happy.

[FastGame]

AV and Firewall has proven safe on my systems 8)

[the Tester]

Generically speaking, four programs;
Firewall,Antivirus,Antitrojan/Antispyware/Alternative browser.

That's a start or the minumum running, real-time programs.

[marcromero]

Windows Firewall and KAV 5.0 do it for me.

[Rivalen]

I use 4 on realtime, but MSAntispy mainly because its free and runs smooth - I could do without it and be down to 3.

Best Regards

[TOMxEU]

1 - Outpost Firewall Pro - is more than enough for me with hardened IE an WinXP settings.

[EASTER.2010]

Just to enhance my earlier figure directly. 8)

System Safety Monitor (Tops All Others On My Lists)
CyberHawk (Beta but FORMIDABLE! no issues on XP Pro)
Ewido (On-Demand Only but wouldn't be without it)
FileChangeAlarm (Left over abandoned freeware that still serves a worthy purpose)
InfoProcess's Launch Monitor (Probably overkill but adds additional confidence when you regularly do malware analysis like i enjoy)
Kerio (2.15) (Solid Network Intrusion Shield)

Those been my basic 6 for many months now and serve's my units very well.

[stalker]

-{ Quote: "No need for the useless antispyware, antitrojan paranoid things that never catch anything anyway. Security is nothing if it it useless" }-

Precisely, nicely said squash I totally agree ...


stalker

[The Hammer]

For a long time now I've only had two. NOD2.50.25 and Ewido 3.5 along with a router.

[xincentre]

kis, spybot s&d, windows defender and icesword

[progress]

I was running many popular antispyware/antimalware tools (Spybot, MBAM, SAS, A2) for months/years but they never found any threat on my laptop - only some false positives! Sometimes I think it's a waste of time to run all these scanners, so I voted 1: AVG 8.5 with LinkScanner and hardware router seems to be enough?! :)

[Beavenburt]

I feel safe with just a router to be honest. Providing I can use an alternative browser, which isn't classed as a security app. Therefore I voted 0.

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "I feel safe with just a router to be honest. Providing I can use an alternative browser, which isn't classed as a security app. Therefore I voted 0." }-
Same, except that I prefer software to hardware firewalls (easier to control), and I feel pretty safe with IE8, perhaps more so than any other browser.

[iSole]

Right now ZA free firewall, Avast free, LUA and common sense.

[suliman]

I voted 0 but then it hit me that this poll probably is for Windows users only.
In my vista (UAC and SRP enabled) the only external security software is Vista Firewall Control.

[icr]

I have just 2 installed for now (sometimes use FirstDefense ISR or Shadow Defender for beta testing)

KIS 2010
FF with AdBlock+,No Script,Flash Block

That is quite enough for me:thumb:

[Joeythedude]

I said 2 :

Windows XP Firewall
Anti-Executable v2

The Rest is up to me !

[Rmus]

TWo: Firewall and Opera

I consider Opera to be a security product because it neutralizes the web-based malware attacks.

----
rich

[tipstir]

Hardware Router with: NAT, SPI, PoD, DoS an etc..
Software Firewall listed below sign.. That's about it for protection.

[raven211]

You should probably add the option "Doesn't matter... what matters is how much the software I use delivers." ;) ;D

[demonon]

A hardware firewall and an up-to-date OS and a browser.

[benton4]

Router, Prevx, Key Scrambler and an up to date OS.

[AKAJohnDoe]

Any prime number with at least two digits.

Seriously, this is a strange poll.

[tipstir]

Not a strange poll. Everyone here has their own favorite protection method.

[AKAJohnDoe]

But that was not the question, was it?

[yashau]

0 for me ;)

2 if it counts Privoxy and ATI2009

[nomarjr3]

I use 2 in realtime: Avira and OA.

[ThE WiZ]

-{ Quote: "I use 2 in realtime: Avira and OA." }-

Same here but I also use sandboxie .

[Windchild]

0. All the software I use for security comes built-in in Windows XP Pro.

[Saint Satin Stain]

I chose 3-4. I do not include the WRT54G2 V1 Linksys with SPI firewall that I have. I have what I feel is the perfect custom suite that I call SPONS, although one is not really real time so does not count: SpywareBlaster, PGP Desktop, Online Armor, NOD32, and Sandboxie. SpywareBlaster is not real time.

I use multiple browsers. SeaMonkey is the default and has NoScript, AdBlock Plus and CS Lite, plus some built in defenses; Firefox, the same; K-Meleon has built in privacy and security; KM Lite has built in privacy, AdBlock Plus, and NoScript. Do I count these?

SPONS run on a harden system, XP Pro SP3 suffices, I dare say. These layers

router
Online Armor
Sandboxie
browsers and email (PGP)
NOD32
SpywareBlaster
hardened XP Pro SP3 and
my paranoid brain. So maybe I should have said eight layers, not just 3-4 programs.