Security and privacy software that you use (long)

[JayK]

This took me a long time to compile, but here are a list of privacy and security functions that most people use. Obviously, there will be a lot of overlap since many software do a lot of functions, so feel free to list more than 1 in each category, or just list the main software that carries out the function if you desire.

I'm also curious how many of such privacy,security software are memory resident. I've follow up this post with my answers later.


1)Antivirus
2)Anitrojan
3)Spyware/Adware control
4)Registry Monitor
5)Startup Monitor
6)Application/processes Monitor
7)Script control
8)Web-browsing sandbox
9)Popup killer
10)Banner replacement
11)Homepage Guard
12)IE clean
13)MRU and tracks cleaning
14)Secure eraser
15)Browser and refferer blocking
16)Web-bugs filter (prefix)
17)Cookie Manager
18)Ip Hiding
19)Firewall
20)Outward bounds protection
21)Encrpyion file
22)Email encrpytion
23)Password Manager
24)Spam filtering

1)Antivirus

I'll be very suprised if there are people who don't use this. I'm more curious about whether there are people who only run this on demand.
Eg AVG,Norton,KAV


2)Anitrojan

How many people run a dedicated Antitrojan? I read some like KAV outperform most Anti-trojans. Include TDS's wormguard but excludes programs that just monitor registry.

Eg TDS,BOclean,Trojanhunter,Ants

3)Spyware/Adware control

Since Adaware, this has come into the limelight. Includes detection of keyloggers,Homepage hijacker,dialers etc. Probably applications that list BHOs and Hijackthis! are also included here.

Since I wrote this, vendors began to tout specialised anti-keylogger programs (like spycop), and claim that genric scanners like Ad-aware and spybot detect more adware type products than spyware (eg keyloggers)

Eg Adaware,Spybot,Pest Patrol,Xcleaner,Spywareblaster,Aluria Spyware Eliminator

4)Registry Monitor

Applications that actively monitor changes to registry. Probably overlaps a little with
antiviruses and anti-trojans that monitor suspicious behaviour to registry and/or application monitors (see 6). Probably excludes startup managers that monitor only some registry keys.

Eg Registryprot by DiamondCS

5)Startup Monitor

Programs that actively monitor (or make it easy to control) programs that try to make themselves autorun. The best ones look at not only registry but startup folders, services and various system files like win.ini,autoexec.bat etc...These might tip you off to a trojan, but I suppose you can live without this.

Eg Mikelin's Startup Monitor, StartupCop, Winpatrol,PCForrest's StartMan


6)Application/processes Monitor/controls

Programs that actively warn the user when a process is run on the computer. User is able to set permissions and the more sophiscated ones can even control the things allowed by each process (eg registry modification,accesses to specific files,shutdown). Very comphrensive but rare, if you use this you are pretty much covered in several other categories

Eg Abtrusion protection, Fredrick, Tiny Trojan Trap,Sysafe Monitor, some firewalls??

7)Script control

Most common are programs that associate themselves with known dangerous scripts like JS,VBS,JSE,SHS,WSH etc and warns users when they are being excuted on your computer. They usually can tell you what actions such scripts will do. Also include simple toggle on/off programs for such files. As usual antiviruses or anti-trojans might cover this too.

Eg Script Sentry, Scriptrap, Script defender

8)Web-browsing sandbox

Those in the above category generally cannot protect you from Java,javascript and activex run through a browser. But those in this category can, though not with 100% success.

Besides sandboxing/filtering,Some people may use IE spyad, that puts known "bad guy" sites into restricted zones. Or spywareblaster that kills evil activex..from even downloading stuff. Or various HTTP proxies that allow you to set rules to look out for certain "bad" scripts.(Example spawn a infinite popups)

Eg. Finjian surfing guard, Tiny Trojan Trap, Esafe Pcilian Webtrap

9)Popup killer

Intellgent popups can tell the difference between user initated popups and forced popups. Some allow blacklists and whitelists to be maintained. Advertisers have fought back against popup killers and Ad replacement software using various methods, and recently Messanger Spam has become popular.

Eg POW,Zeropopups,Surf in peace

10)Banner replacement/killing/content filtering

Lots of ways to do this, anything from host files to pac files. But generally this is done through a HTTP proxy that recognises and replaces images of a given size with a transparent gif .Others use various rules (thirdparty images,various image maps) to decide if an image is a ad or not.Like for popup killers , you can use a white/black list for some.

Eg Adsubstract, Webwasher, Internet Junkbuster,Adshield

11)Homepage Guard

Just thought I'll stick this in.Prevents your homepage will being hijacked/

Eg Startpage guard,Guard IE

12)IE clean

This overlaps with the secure eraser category, but there are a lot of programs designed just to remove browser tracks. The index.dat is particularly hard to kill.

Eg Windows washer,Internet Sweeper, IEwiper,Spider,IEclean,

13)MRU and tracks cleaning

Windows and some applications (eg Microsoft word) keep a list of the files accessed.
There are now many programs that clear most recent used lists. IDblaster - randomises ID numbers placed by Microsoft products.

Eg MRUblaster,spybot,Xcleaner,IDblaster

14)Secure eraser

Prevents programs from recovering erased files. Some can clear swap files (altough Win2k can do this on startup) , others can clean unused space for greater security.

Eg Eraser,Bcwipe, Scorch

15)Browser and refferer blocking

Blocks the reffer and useragent header to prevent sites from gaining info on you.
Might also stop other headers that might compromise your security.

Eg Proxomitron and various HTTP filters

16)Web-bugs,counters filter (prefix)

Small usually 1x1 pixel images that are used to track you. Also found in HTML mail. Some email clients like pocomail,The Bat! have builtin html viewers that prevent this, or do not download remote images. Some sites also track the links you click on usually you can tell when there's a ? in front of the link.

Eg Most HTTP filters

17)Cookie Manager

The more I learn about the cookies the less threatening they seem to me. Moreover with the built in cookie management tools which can filter on a per site basis and block third party cookies/ persistant cookies in IE 6 and other browsers, probably you don't need a third party software to do this. Still if you like advanced features like force converting a cookie into a session cookie (or changing the expiry date), block JS from targetting cookies , or stop cookies from being altered, you might want to try them.

Eg Cookiewall,Cookiepal,Cookiecop


18)Ip and annymous tools

Anything you use to prevent your real IP from showing in web-browsing or for anything else for matter.Some manage a database of annymous IP for websurfing (a4proxy,Multiproxy) others might use socksproxies for use with other applications other than internet browsers. Similar tools exist for annoymous newsgroup posting and emailing.

Eg A4proxy,Mproxy

19)Firewall

Firewalls are used generally to prevent hackers from getting in, or
malware from phoning out (outwards bounds protection) IDS are even more sophiscated software that not only stop unwanted incoming connections but also have a list of rules
that can detect systematic hacking attempts. The debate rages on , on whether
"Stealth" is useful or desirable to have.

Eg Zone alarm, Kerio,Outpost ,Sysgate


20)Outward bounds protection

Sometimes despite the efforts of software in the above categories, malware still gets in. If they trick you into running (despite application controls) they may "phone home". Firewalls are the first line of defence to preventing unauthorised processes from getting out. Other methods are Host files. And recently I've learnt of DNSKong.

Eg Hosts files, DNSKong.

21)Encrpyion file


The last line of defence. A hacker has somehow broke through your firewall (or a spyware has phoned out or maybe one of those viruses that randomly sends files) and has his hands on your senstive files. If it's encrpyed, it's still safe.

Eg Scramdisk,Drivecrypt

22)Email encryption


Eg PGP

23)Password Manager

[Krusty]

Hi Jay K

About your posting....hhmmm, no offence but I have to say....the people might answer for exact questions....,.sentences, better than these all together. But nice list you got here for sure !! Keep up your good work, is okay :)

welcome aboard Jay K

[microwiz3]

:DHi Jay K!
Here is my list for now:

1)Antivirus - NOD32 by Eset (love it!)
2)Anitrojan - none special, SpyBot S&D
3)Spyware/Adware control - Spyblocker 5.4 (used to use AdAware/AdWatch also)
4)Registry Monitor - none
5)Startup Monitor - Mike Lin's Startup Monitor, Startup Cop
6)Application/processes Monitor - WinTop
7)Script control - just controls in browsers
8)Web-browsing sandbox - none
9)Popup killer - SpyBlocker 5.4 and Mozilla
10)Banner replacement - SpyBlocker 5.4
11)Homepage Guard - Spybot S&D
12)IE clean - Spybot S&D
13)MRU and tracks cleaning - SpyBot S&D
14)Secure eraser - SpyBot S&D
15)Browser and refferer blocking- SpyBot S&D
16)Web-bugs filter (prefix) - SpyBlocker 5.4
17)Cookie Manager- Mozilla
18)Ip Hiding- Linksys Router
19)Firewall- NAT in router and Spygate PF Pro 5.0
20)Outward bounds protection - Sygate PF Pro 5.0
21)Encrpyion file- none
22)Email encrpytion- none
23)Password Manager - none
24)Spam filtering - just started w/SpamPal (freebie), tried PopFilter3 also but prefer SpamPal so far. Will probably try MailWasher also soon

I don't (and have not had) a lot of problems. So far this combo seems to work for me. I do use Wall Watcher to monitor the router logs and send them to myNetWatchman and DShield.org (mostly entertainment value!). See some interesting? scans in the logs. Both "puters networked and on DSL, one is on 24/7 as I have a weather station that reports every 30 mins. , so I get hit with scans a lot.

[Uguel707]

Hello!

This is what I have added:

1. Norton Antivirus
2. Trojan Remover
3. Ad-aware
4. None
5. "
6. "
7. "
8. "
9. Tweak XP Pro which blocks Pop ups
10. None
11. "
12. "
13. "
14. "
15. "
16. Bugnosis
17. None
18. "
19. Zone Alarm
20. None
21. "
22. "Pop Peeper"
23. None
24. "

And I go to Norton updates every Wednesday. Go to Microsoft once in a month otherwise they come to me. ;) I never use Peer to Peer programs b'cause I read on the Web that they open the gate to trojans and back orifices and all every bitsy-crawlies you do imagine. Anyway, I have so much to learn with the material I have here on my computer I'm not interested at all to get anymore softwares. ;) :D :D See You! Uguel707

* *I forgot to say that I have Crazy Browser which works along with IE. It contains a pop-up filter and many useful options as a translation device and more tools to improve your browsing.

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QwDgAnMUc7vbv3SAMhOIDMFvDdmwzH2Z54FlAyPtk1QvcLRVM9OjJZUO8utbShdHva5JGCi7tqkbKJVFw1L!LulFRwGtwoQcGbfBdW6ITY0/alien.gif?dc=4675402434997064672
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RwDiArYV3BNuX*ONJ948wYDLj8nzqsswvJh*qQr7UO17TP2mDpJHNzH9D6RS1!7PiqXtDPOZmPcQnp!P3j2k*1f1YilBWF99UTkP6ySvl48/0guitar_1.gif?dc=4675397477150183974

[JayK]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Krusty link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=0#38837 date=1041460423]
Hi Jay K

About your posting....hhmmm, no offence but I have to say....the people might answer for exact questions....,.sentences, better than these all together. But nice list you got here for sure !! Keep up your good work, is okay :)

welcome aboard Jay K
" }-

No problem. It very long, and I expect most of the experts here are too bored to read such a long list from a newbie who knows nothing.The categories probably mean nothing anyway. Heck, even I didn't post my own privacy/security software! ;D

Still when I first started getting interested in security, I was bewilded by the list of software (freeware and payware)
available. After some time I realised many of them covered the same areas, so it was possible to reduce the number of software running resident unless you want double protection..

For example, I see that many people are beginning to abandon software that merely handle cookies. In fact, I think a good browser can cover cookie management,referrer/user agent blocking/changing,popup blocking (some already do) and perhaps even Banner replacements.

[JayK]

-{ Quote: " quoting: JayK link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=0#38834 date=1041458047]

1)Antivirus

AVG, F prot-DOS, Mcafee DOS, Pcillian (payware),


2)Anitrojan

TDS (payware)

3)Spyware/Adware control

Spybot,Adaware,X-cleaner,Spywareblaster,Hijackthis.

Many overlap. but for detection, it's good to have many software that duplicate functions.Spy


4)Registry Monitor

TDS regprot is good.

5)Startup Monitor

Generally don't use this. I generally change this manually. Software like TDS,JVtools and now Spybot can help with this.

6)Application/processes Monitor

I have tried Frederick and Tiny Trojan trap. TTT seems very good, but very advanced. I don't usually turn this on.

7)Script control

ScriptSentry. IE spyad

8)Web-browsing sandbox

I havent found this to be very effective. I have tried several activex and java test pages but surfing guard failed. TTT seems to be effective though

9)Popup killer

I have found Mozilla's built in popup killer to be very good though they only handle javascript popups, so a few can slip past. Those that do are handled by my custom Proxo filters. It would be nice if you could maintain a blacklist/whitelist of sites allowed popups though in Mozilla. Host files as backup. I've also tried a PAC file but they tend to be very restrictive.


10)Banner replacement

Proxo., though it's hard to use for customising banner removal.I have tried Web-washer (not bad ,user friendly) and Adshield too. Adshield is very good right click on any image, and bye bye image..

11)Homepage Guard

Not used I think specifically.

12)IE clean

Spider,internet sweeper and a few others I havent evaluted properly yet. Manually seems to work best though.

13)MRU and tracks cleaning

Spybot seems to be very good at this.Xcleaner less so. Mrublaster as backup.IDblaster for fun...

14)Secure eraser

Eraser, PGP wipe, Spybot shredder

15)Browser and refferer blocking

Proxomitron. Clearly I'm a fan.

16)Web-bugs filter (prefix)

Proxomitron.

17)Cookie Manager

Brower built in functions plus Proxo for more control.

18)Ip Hiding

............

19)Firewall

Kerio. Evaluting Sygate firewall. A list of known spyware ips are blocked.


20)Outward bounds protection

Host files
DNS Kong
Ipsec policies

21)Encrpyion file

E4M

22)Email encrpytion

PGP

23)Password Manager

Evaluting password safe

24)Spam filtering

Tried mailwasher. I'm current using popfile which is now outperforming my very long and complicated filter rules.
Not many false postivies (non spam mails marked as spam) but sometimes false negatives.


If you read to the end, you can see that Proxomitron is a linchpin in my security and privacy needs for browsing.

Firewall is running of course. But host files and ipsec add a secondary layer of outwards bound protection.

Regprot monitors the registry and that's all. Script sentry if I understand correctly doesnt run in memory but is just assoicated to certain files and is called when you try to execute them...

The rest I use on demand. Spybot covers a lot ,together with spywareblaster.

Unless I'm paranoid in which case antiviruses come on line, and TTT." }-

[sk]

-{ Quote: " quoting: JayK link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=0#38916 date=1041491777]
[No problem. It very long, and I expect most of the experts here are too bored to read such a long list from a newbie who knows nothing.The categories probably mean nothing anyway. Heck, even I didn't post my own privacy/security software! ;D

Still when I first started getting interested in security, I was bewilded by the list of software (freeware and payware)
available. After some time I realised many of them covered the same areas, so it was possible to reduce the number of software running resident unless you want double protection..

For example, I see that many people are beginning to abandon software that merely handle cookies. In fact, I think a good browser can cover cookie management,referrer/user agent blocking/changing,popup blocking (some already do) and perhaps even Banner replacements.
" }-I think it's a very interesting post, JayK; maybe even more so because it is long and detailed; there's something about it that really drives home the point quite graphically of not only how much is involved in terms of time, but also potential expense just to try to keep our systems safe and secure.

Maybe it takes something of this magnitude to make us stop and appreciate the value of great freeware programs like AdAware and SpyBot and Cookie Wall and Proxomitron and Eraser and RegCleaner and SIP, and I'm sure a lot of other programs as well. Even when you factor in the freeware products, the time alone involved in getting to learn the programs and what they can and can't do can be overwhelming for newbies and experienced folks alike. I for one would like to thank you for taking the time and making the effort to write your initial and subsequent posts. I also hope others can see the value in what you've chosen to share. Happy New Year, JayK!

sk

[sk]

1. Trend Micro's On-line Housecall Virus Scanner (Yup. I'm the one you were talking about. lol. I got sick and tired of McAffee a LONG time ago; used the free version of Innoculate It and liked that; used E-Trust for a year or so after Innoculate It stopped being free; and now I use Trend Micro's free on line scan. Ooooooh...he's gonna get in trouble :o!! lol)
2. Same as #1
3. AdAware, Spybot S&D, and AdShield
4. None
5. RegCleaner's 'Startup' utility
6. None currently, although I've used TaskInfo shareware in the past and really liked that program.
7. None
8. None
9. AdShield
10. Proxomitron, sometimes
11. Same as #11
12. None
13. None
14. Eraser 5.6
15. Proxomitron, sometimes
16. Same as #15
17. Cookie Wall
18. Proxomitron, sometimes
19. None, aside from NAT 'firewall' in NetGear router
20. None
21. None
22. None
23. None
24. Mail Washer

NOTE: I should point out that my main 'ace in the hole' is a retail/shareware program I absolutely could not live without: Power Quest's DRIVE IMAGE 2002! That program has literally saved not only my butt, but my sanity AND all of my programs and data. Even when I have to do a 'total' reinstall, it's never a TOTAL total reinstall - it's 'only' a reinstall of the OS and some core things. But that's getting much more rare these days. I know some people like/prefer Norton Ghost, and I have no fault to find with that program either. I just started with Drive Image and it really does an awesome job. (It can be a bit quirky, but I think it's because hard drives and backing up is part art, part science. But with only a few exceptions, it's worked flawlessly for me. One word of advice: Don't put too much stock in being able to make backups to CD's; that's the one area where it pretty much bombs. I did learn that one the hard way. It completed the whole b/u with no errors. The errors didn't come until I tried to re-install what I'd backed up. It got to about 85%; and died. And kept dying no matter what I did. That time, I ended up having to do a TOTAL total backup. But then I got a 120 GB HD on sale at Best Buy for $149; I reconfigured the HD array inside my box, and I haven't looked back since. Just wanted to mention this piece of vital software to help put it all in perspective.)

Thanks for the post, JayK. It really lays it out there.

sk

[JayK]

Hi

-{ Quote: " quoting: sk link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=0#38923 date=1041495167]


Even when you factor in the freeware products, the time alone involved in getting to learn the programs and what they can and can't do can be overwhelming for newbies and experienced folks alike.

sk
" }-

Yes, freeware products are fine, except there's always a cost in terms of energy, time on the part of the user to install a new program, run it, play around and see if it does what you want.

ANd if it does not do what you want, it's a pain to uninstall, since most uninstallers don't uninstall cleanly, add ltems to your right click context menus, autorun without your permission and your registry is all messed up.(You can always install software to fix this but that's one more piece of junk on your computer :D)

Ideally,I always thought that there should be a website comparing the pros and cons of various similar software.

For popup killers there is http://bout..www.popup-killer-review.com/test.htm for example.

A HTTP proxy comparison of Proxo,Internet Junkbuster/Prixy , webwasher etc would be another nice area to explore, but who has the time to run so many similar products side by side?

[sk]

-{ Quote: " quoting: JayK link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=0#38946 date=1041501090] A HTTP proxy comparison of Proxo,Internet Junkbuster/Prixy , webwasher etc would be another nice area to explore, but who has the time to run so many similar products side by side? " }- Hmmmmm....Paul? ??? ??? :o 8) :D :D ;D ;D

[Paul Wilders]

-{ Quote: "Hmmmmm....Paul?" }-

:o :P

regards.

paul

[sk]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Forum Admin link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=0#38963 date=1041507038]
-{ Quote: "Hmmmmm....Paul?" }-

:o :P

regards.

paul
" }-Touche.

sk

[Krusty]

-{ Quote: " quoting: JayK link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=0#38916 date=1041491777]
-{ Quote: " quoting: Krusty link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=0#38837 date=1041460423]
Still when I first started getting interested in security, I was bewilded by the list of software (freeware and payware)
available. After some time I realised many of them covered the same areas, so it was possible to reduce the number of software running resident unless you want double protection.." }-
" }-
I know exactly what are you bringing up ;) Still approximately 90 % of net users are "newbies". Proceed ;D

*Ari*

[Acadia]

1)NOD
2)BoClean
3)SpyBot
4)None
5)None
6)None
7)Browser, Firewall, Adshield
8)None
9)AdShield
10)None
11)I’ll just use GoBack if anything ever nails me
12)Manually
13)None
14)Incinerator
15)Firewall
16)None
17)IE6
18)None
19)Norton Internet Security 2.56
20)Firewall
21)None
22)None
23)CounterPane
24)None

[Straight Shooter]

My God...
This is probably the longest, most comprehensive list I've ever seen.. Here is my stuff...

1)Antivirus-NOD32
2)Anitrojan-TDS-3
3)Spyware/Adware control-SpyBot
4)Registry Monitor-RegProt
5)Startup Monitor-Nothing
6)Application/processes Monitor-Nothing
7)Script control-Wormguard
8)Web-browsing sandbox-Privacy control features of ZAPRO 3.5169
9)Popup killer-Privacy control features of ZAPRO 3.5169
10)Banner replacement-Privacy control features of ZAPRO 3.5169
11)Homepage Guard-Nothing
12)IE clean-Evidence Washer
13)MRU and tracks cleaning-Evidence Washer/System Cleaner
14)Secure eraser-Evidence Washer/System Cleaner
15)Browser and refferer blocking-Privacy control features of ZAPRO 3.5169
16)Web-bugs filter (prefix)-Privacy control features of ZAPRO 3.5169
17)Cookie Manager-Privacy control features of ZAPRO 3.5169, or and Evidence Washer
18)Ip Hiding-DLINK Router (Hardware)
19)Firewall-DLINK ROUTER AND ZAPRO
20)Outward bounds protection-ZAPRO
21)Encrpyion file-Nothing
22)Email encrpytion-Nothing
23)Password Manager-System Cleaner
24)Spam filtering-MailWasher
:o That's a spicy meatball!!!

[JayK]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Straight Shooter link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=0#39516 date=1041709020]
My God...
This is probably the longest, most comprehensive list I've ever seen.. Here is my stuff...

" }-

It could be longer. For example, I've being thinking of a small app to handle the clipboard. :D

[sk]

-{ Quote: " quoting: JayK link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=15#40101 date=1041946863]
-{ Quote: " quoting: Straight Shooter link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=0#39516 date=1041709020]
My God...
This is probably the longest, most comprehensive list I've ever seen.. Here is my stuff...
" }-
It could be longer. For example, I've being thinking of a small app to handle the clipboard. :D
" }-Clear the Clipboard. I know I posted this in another thread, but I don't think it would be considered cross posting to list it here in this context as well:
http://www.sover.net/~whoi/WinUtils1.html
(NOTE: That link is for Son of Spy freeware, since: 1. I can't find the link to the developer's site right now, and 2. As I recall the developer's site is on virtual ave and I hate the popups there.)

sk

(BTW - I guess it's about time I learned how to insert a hyperlink properly here. I always just used to cut and paste but some links would get broken or something. I guess I needed to click the 'Insert Hyperlink' button on the "Add YABBC tags", huh? lol)

[JayK]

SK

Thanks. But i've found that among the doens of paid and freeware I have, two can do it too..

[aneta737]

1)VShield
2)"
3)SpyBot
4)none
5)"
6)"
7)Wormguard
8)none
9)Proxomitron
10)"
11)none
12)Evidence Washer
13)"
14)"
15)none
16)"
17)Evidence Washer
18)Proxomitron
19)ZAPRO
20)"
21)CryptoHeaven
22)CryptoHeaven
23)none
24)"

[WYBaugh]

1. I'm the solo running Solo Antivirus. Am looking at NOD, Avast!, RAV, DrWeb
2. BOClean, TH
3. None yet
4. RegProt
5. None yet
6. None yet
7. PopUpCop
8. None
9. PopUpCop
10. PopUpCop
11. None
12. Windows Washer 4.8
13. Windows Washer 4.8
14. None yet
15. PopUpCop (I think)
16. None
17. None
18. None
19. Norton Personal Firewall 2003
20. Norton PF 2003
21. None
22. None
23. None (If anyone is interested, I have my own shareware password creator called Password Construction Kit v1.2 plug plug :)
24. None

[puff-m-d]

Hello all,

Here is my current list:

1)Antivirus-NOD32(backups-F-Prot for DOS and Gladiator)
2)Anitrojan-TDS (Backups-TrojanHunter and Gladiator)
3)Spyware/Adware control-SpyBot, AdAware6, ie-spyad, spywareblaster, and spywareguard
4)Registry Monitor-RegRun Suite Gold
5)Startup Monitor-RegRun Suite Gold
6)Application/processes Monitor-SysSafe Monitor
7)Script control-WormGuard and Script Sentry
8)Web-browsing sandbox-none
9)Popup killer-Proxomitron
10)Banner replacement-Proxomitron
11)Homepage Guard-Tracks Eraser Pro
12)IE clean-Tracks Eraser Pro
13)MRU and tracks cleaning-MRUBlaster and Tracks eraser Pro
14)Secure eraser-Eraser
15)Browser and refferer blocking-Proxomitron
16)Web-bugs filter (prefix)-Proxomitron
17)Cookie Manager-Cookie Pal
18)Ip Hiding-JAP
19)Firewall-Look'n'Stop
20)Outward bounds protection-Look'n'Stop
21)Encrpyion file-PGP658ckt09b3
22)Email encrpytion-PGP658ckt09b3
23)Password Manager-none
24)Spam filtering-MailWasher

I also use a continuously updated Hosts file (with FastNet99) using both smartins and hpguru's Hosts lists......

Regards,
Kent

[JayK]

Hmm an update.

[guessed]

19)Firewall -------FwSetup-v2.2.1120.zip

20)Outward bounds protection---Banlist + Ruleset
2)Anitrojan -------------------Deep Freeze / Banlist + Ruleset
1)Antivirus -------------------Deep Freeze
4)Registry Monitor ------------Deep Freeze
5)Startup Monitor ------------Deep Freeze

3)Spyware/Adware control---IERadicator
11)Homepage Guard ---------IERadicator
12)IE clean ---------------IERadicator

Web-browsing sandbox ---------------Naoko 4
7)Script control -------------------Browser+Naoko 4
16)Web-bugs filter (prefix) --------Browser+Naoko 4
15)Browser and refferer blocking ---Browser+Naoko 4
17)Cookie Manager ------------------Browser
9)Popup killer ---------------------Browser
10)Banner replacement --------------Naoko 4

6)Application/processes Monitor ---ATM

21)Encrpyion file -----------WinRAR
23)Password Manager ---------WinRAR

14)Secure eraser ------------Eraser / DBAN / bench vice+grinder
13)MRU and tracks cleaning --Deep Freeze

22)Email encrpytion ---lol.

24)Spam filtering ---Net based e-mail+filters

18)Ip Hiding ---disconnect/redial ISP

[srfox]

you can see my recomendations with links at: www.geocities.com/srfox32/security (http://www.geocities.com/srfox32/security) including this board. Or click on my web icon. Like JayK it is quite long and I think I included a link to Clipboard manager YankeeClipper. It is not only a list of software, but there are links to explaining all these security issues with advise from experts for anyone who wants to become more knowledgable in the subject.

[BlackSwan]

1) Antivirus - AVG Free Edition
2) Antitrojan - None for now
3) Spyware/Adware control - Spybot S&D, Ad-Aware, X-Cleaner Free, Keylogger Hunter
4) Registry Monitor - None for now
5) Startup Monitor - CodeStuff Starter, Spybot S&D
6) Application/processes Monitor - CodeStuff Starter
7) Script control - Script Sentry, HTAstop
8) Web-browsing sandbox - SpywareBlaster, SpywareGuard
9) Popup killer - None (Opera as an alternative browser with the popup blocking feature enabled)
10) Banner replacement - None for now
11) Homepage Guard - SpywareGuard, Spybot S&D (the Immunise feature)
12) IE clean - System Security Suite, Spider116
13) MRU and tracks cleaning - MRU-Blaster, CleanUp!, System Security Suite, Doc Scrubber (does it fit the bill here?)
14) Secure eraser - CleanUp!, X-Cleaner (the Shredder feature), Spybot S&D (the Secure Shredder feature)
15) Browser and refferer blocking - None (Opera's referrer blocking & cookie managing features)
16) Web-bugs filter (prefix) - None for now
17) Cookie Manager - See #15
18) Ip Hiding - None for now
19) Firewall - The in-built XP firewall (for now - don't laugh! LOL)
20) Outward bounds protection - None for now
21) Encryption file - None for now
22) Email encryption - None for now
23) Password Manager - None for now
24) Spam filtering - Mailwasher Free

[JayK]

-{ Quote: " quoting: srfox link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=15#msg138889 date=1078278728]
you can see my recomendations with links at: www.geocities.com/srfox32/security (http://www.geocities.com/srfox32/security) including this board.
" }-

One comment you recommend
http://camtech2000.net/Pages/SpySites_Program.html#SpySitesFree

Any reason why you don't recommend Ie spyad?

http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm

[JayK]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Black Swan link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=15#msg138907 date=1078280758]
8) Web-browsing sandbox - SpywareBlaster, SpywareGuard

" }-

No these are not sandboxes.

-{ Quote: "
11) Homepage Guard - SpywareGuard, Spybot S&D (the Immunise feature)
" }-

No the immunise option in spybot is the same as spywareblaster and does not guard your homepage.

-{ Quote: "
13) MRU and tracks cleaning - MRU-Blaster, CleanUp!, System Security Suite, Doc Scrubber (does it fit the bill here?)

" }-

Yes

You seem to be using mainly freeware stuff?

[dangitall]

For guarding your homepage, try 12 Ghosts' Pop-up blocker. (I just love free software that works!)

[BlackSwan]

-{ Quote: "No these are not sandboxes." }-

Yes, you're right. I guess I didn't read your definition carefully enough. :-[ :P

-{ Quote: "No the immunise option in spybot is the same as spywareblaster and does not guard your homepage." }-

Yeah, just read about that too @ SWI. Hmm. I guess SpywareGuard does fit the bill then?

-{ Quote: "You seem to be using mainly freeware stuff?" }-

Yes, mostly. :) And I can't say I'm unhappy with it - it's been doing its job fine to this day. 8)

Thanks for the clarifications. They were quite illuminating. I guess I could use some more reading and research... :)

BS

[BlackSwan]

-{ Quote: " quoting: dangitall link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=15#msg139095 date=1078322576]
For guarding your homepage, try 12 Ghosts' Pop-up blocker. (I just love free software that works!)
" }-
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give it a try. I love free software that works too. :P

BS :)

[JayK]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Black Swan link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=15#msg139096 date=1078322670]

-{ Quote: "No the immunise option in spybot is the same as spywareblaster and does not guard your homepage." }-

Yeah, just read about that too @ SWI. Hmm. I guess SpywareGuard does fit the bill then?

" }-

Yes, I believe it checks your default homepage for any changes and warns you.

[BlackSwan]

Yes, that's exactly what it does (and aggressively so, from what I've noticed - which I guess is the point, actually). :)

BS

[gerardwil]

1)Antivirus: AVK12 Pro (on acces), Panda Platinum (on demand), Bitdefender Free (on demand)
2)Antitrojan: Ewido Security Suite
3)Spyware/Adware control: S-S&D, Adaware, SB, SG
4)Registry Monitor: Regprot
5)Startup Monitor: Taskman
6)Application/processes Monitor: Windows
7)Script control: Browser
9)Popup killer: MyIE2 integrated
10) Banner replacements: Hosts
11)Homepage Guard: none
12)IE clean: Browser settings
13)MRU and tracks cleaning: MRU Blaster
14)Secure eraser: none
15)Browser and refferer blocking:
16)Web-bugs,counters filter (prefix): none
17)Cookie Manager: Settings in IE
18)Ip and annymous tools: NAT
19)Firewall: Router
20)Outward bounds protection: Hosts files
21)Encrpyion file: none
22)Email encryption: none
23)Password Manager: none

Regards,

Gerard

[srfox]

-{ Quote: " quoting: JayK link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=15#msg139084 date=1078321332]
-{ Quote: " quoting: srfox link=board=20;threadid=5882;start=15#msg138889 date=1078278728]
you can see my recomendations with links at: www.geocities.com/srfox32/security (http://www.geocities.com/srfox32/security) including this board.
" }-

One comment you recommend
http://camtech2000.net/Pages/SpySites_Program.html#SpySitesFree

Any reason why you don't recommend Ie spyad?

http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm
" }-Yes, I need to update it, although if you go further down you will see, I said "A better one is: IESpyAd. I don't use the other one anymore, so I need to remove it. Also, I now Have the paid version of X-cleaner which is great when traveling or using someone else's computer which I am doing now. Also, I need to add info about www.fronture.com (http://www.fronture.com) which I am using now as it is a remote access password manager called Aha Password Manager. On my regular computer I use and highly recommend RoboForms.

[John Debyshire]

Any comments? Is this system fairly secure? I run <b>almost</b> 100% freeware.

On access programs

Jetico firewall
Panda (or AVAST)
MS antispyware
Snoopfree privacyguard
SSM
Prevx
Processguard 2.0
MJ registry watcher
Proxomitron+sockscap+TOR
Javacool filewatcher
Firefox

By category

1)Antivirus

Active : Panda or AVAST depending on mood

On demand : Escan free, Etrust free, Bit defender free, Antivir, AVG , Winclam, F prot-dos,

2)Anitrojan

Active : Nil :(

On demand : A2 squared , Ewido free, Rkdetector, Extroyan

3a)Spyware/Adware control

Active : MS antispyware (will switch to tea-timer later , also spywareguard)

Also spywareblaster ,IE spyad, Hpguru hosts

On demand : Ad-aware, Spybot,Pest Patrol, Bazooka, Cwshredder,aboutbuster,HJT

3b) Spyware/Keylogger

Active : Snoopfree privacyguard

On demand: Those in 3a plus Xcleaner, elbtech scan


4)Registry Monitor

Active : MJ registry watcher, PrevX /SSM (backup)

On demand: Nil

5)Startup Monitor

Active : MJ registry watcher

On demand : Starter, a2hijackfree, autoruns, autostartup viewer, autostart explorer.

6)Application/processes/file area Monitor

Active : SSM (will switch to Processguard or Winsonar) , Process Guard free 2.0 (to block drive and services from running etc), Prevx (to watch file accesses)

7)Script control

Active : Script defender, Prevx

8)Web-browsing sandbox

Active: IE runs on restricted accounts via dropmyrights, maybe AVAST's new webshield,

9)Popup killer

Firefox (built in)

Adshield for IE.

Maxthon (built in)

10)Banner replacement

Adblock for firefox

Adshield/proxomitron for IE

Adhunter for Maxthon

11)Homepage Guard

MJ registry watcher, PrevX, MS antispyware all watch IE settings.

12)IE clean

MRUBLASTER, Eraser + bat file. Will switch to Cleancache once problem with secure deletion is fixed.

13)MRU and tracks cleaning

MRUblaster, Spybot S&D , Crapcleaner + eraser and bat file.

14)Secure eraser

Eraser.

15)Browser and refferer blocking

Builtin in firefox
Proxomitron

16)Web-bugs filter (prefix)

Proxomitron.

17)Cookie Manager

Built in.

18)Ip Hiding

JAR or TOR

19)Firewall

Linksys WRT54G,Jetico firewall ,

20)Outward bounds protection

Jetico firewall

21)Encrpyion file

PGP, Truecrypt

22)Email encrpytion

PGP

23)Password Manager

Passwordsafe, Firefox master password.

24)Spam filtering

POPFILE, Spamgourmet

25) Intergrity tool checkers

On access : Javacool's file checker
On demand : Fingerprint

OTHERS

Portmappers : Activeports, TCPview
System tools: Processexplorer,packmon,regmon,dependency walker,processviewer,killbox, Advanced process terminator
Hardening tools : Secureit, Qwifix (not used), xpliter, xpantispy, safexp, bugoff, Windows worm door cleaner, DSOstop2

It's a bitch to configure, but they all play nicely together.

[rv003]

Looks like about one of the best setups I've seen around here so far. Now you're not Paranoid ;D............or are you? ;)

[rv004]

-{ Quote: "Looks like about one of the best setups I've seen around here so far. Now you're not Paranoid ;D............or are you? ;)" }-

Not so good AV resident program. No good Trojan memory scanner. Untested personal firewall. The setup is adequate but not as good as one running NOD32/KAV/TDS/BOCLEAN/Outpostpro .

[Infinity]

it is all freeware and one of the best freewares available!! nice