Security Options & Recommendations

Hi

Ive recently brought a new XP pro based PC and i was wondering if i could get a little feedback on options for security for my pc.

I have 1yrs subscription to Ez Antivirus 2005
Zonealarm Free
Trial Trojanhunter 4.0
Firefox browser
Broadband through Voyager modem believe has basic firewall

I have no problem buying trojanhunter as i am quite happy with it so far.

What else should I beware of? Do i need anti spyware products like spybot or ad-aware or am i covered?

The products I use need to be low of system resources as i use PC for music production and intensive media production.

Thanks

 

If you practice safe hex, you should be allright. Most problems because of the use of unsafe software (IE/OE) or using uncontrolled p2p networks.

If you plan to do a lot of surfing, I would add AdAware and an anti trojan tool. But it all depends on your computing habits.

 

I would second Meneer's statement about the important of safe hex. Once you have a firewall and anti-virus running and alternatives to unsafe software like IE/OE, there is far less to worry about.

Program files on P2P can be dangerous, as can those from other unverified sources like IRC or Usenet so an anti-trojan is advisable if you intend to access these sources. Web filtering, either using a firewall or a standalone filter like Proxomitron (powerful, but requires some study to use) or WebWasher Classic (easier to use), is another important part of security as it can protect your browser/email software from HTML compromises and protect your privacy with regard to online advertisers/marketers.

Process control software like Process Guard or System Safety Monitor would be worth investigating also once you have everything else configured to your satisfaction.

Ultimately the ideal situation comes down to your personal pain threshold - having several security applications running can give you a great deal of insight and control over your system's internals but can also keep you busy resolving conflicts. Having said that, the more time you spend here reading about new threats, the more paranoid you are likely to get and the more software you may end up installing!

 

Yes, agreed. Installing more and more and more software is definitely going to get the computer user even more confused than ever. But then, its always best to install the security programs that you really need, don't install those that are really not necessary. Example, you already have 1 antivirus program, but you see so many more new security threats everyday, you get so anxious and paranoid that you start installing nearly every single antivirus program that you can find available! That's gonna get the computer extremely jam-packed.
Remember that its the quality of the security programs thats important, the quantity is not important, one firewall is already good protection, and if the firewall is of good quality and is able to defend against the latest threats. Adding 2 more firewalls in won't make you more secure, it will take up more system resources instead.
In general, just make sure that you have the necessary and correct security programs and take safety precautions against malware and spyware while you're surfing on the internet.

 

You may want to take a look here for further discussion on security and how to make your system that much stronger and here for more.

This is what works really well for me, very simple to use and maintain.

Let us know how you go…

Cheers

 

Thx for replies.

I do understand the unfortunate problems with IE so i do no longer use this. So I can assume that would cut out alot of malware that exploits IE?

This is a new pc and a big investment for me financially, so I dont mind paying more or using freeware to help secure it. But being fairly a novice im not to sure of some of the options, I dont want to go full on with unnecessary software, but I suppose help choosing the right few bits is what i need.

So im looking at

EZ AV
Zonealarm
Spybot to run every now and again (used on old Pc occasionly)

And as prevention is better than cure from what ive read these are good (but do they clash or duplicate?)

Process guard
Startup Monitor http://www.mlin.net/StartupMonitor.shtml
Prevx Home

Now would Trojanhunter fit into this setup? Aswell as other software talked of highly here?

HijackThis
SpywareBlaster
Ad-Aware
DiamondCS RegistryProt

Thx

 

Sorry if didnt make clear.

What needed to prevent stuff coming/happening rather than just cleaning up

spyware, trojans, worms, adware and all other rubbish, keyoggin, registry changes, unnecessary startup items. Thx for ANY input

 

Hi FJJ, if you read through what I use, you will see the greater majority are "Prevention" programs or have a "Prevention" function, such as Spybot Search and Destroys "Tea Timer", and "Immune" features. Spyware Guard and Spyware Blaster are also Prevention, as is the "Hosts File". In fact everything is used as prevention, with I think 4 products used for scanning, Nod32, Spybot, Ad-Aware and Ewido.

Hope this helps...

Cheers

 

Sorry mate lol

But isnty having two or more programes that search for spyware running ok? I do want to minimise sys resources
looking at what youve got then the problem i have is not with AV and firewalls, but all the other bits of stuff

So is using:

Spyware --> Prevx or Spybot with Teatimer
Trojans --> Trojanhunter or Ewido
Others --> Process Guard or DiamondCS RegistryProt and Startup Monitor

Then im completely safe to post on hacker and warez sites my email addy

 

Hi FJJ,

As far as prevention goes ... The Ultimate would include both Process Guard & System Safety Montior P2K mentioned above. They give you the control to allow/deny anything before it is actioned. For the absolute in control ... both are recommended. I use both.

Other mentionables would include WormGuard (also from DCS) or a similar freeware program called Script Defender (from Analog X). And DCS freeware proggy RegProt (Registry Monitor) is another must have.

Javacool's tools are also very useful ... in regards to prevention. IE-Spyad is also recommended ... for IE users.

The biggest step in Browsing Safety is really ditching IE/OE ... which you mentioned you had already ... FireFox & Opera would be the 2 preferred browsers. Along with a Host file ... such as the MVP Host File.

Yes, anti-spy apps are very useful ... If you are not using IE ... running them resident is debatable ... but they are must haves as Scanners.

All of the proggies mention use no /or minimal resources ...

I guess I could go on and on ... but PG, SSM, WG or SD ... and RegProt, cover the major bases, besides a Hardware Firewall, Software FW, and a solid AV/AT running resident ... another Program worth mentioning would be RegRun Security Suite Gold.

HTH,

dog -

 

No worries

These aren't searching, they lock your system (certain registry keys). Tea Timer is active (running) as is Spyware Guard, Prevx and Process Guard 3.

Nor do I, anything that slows my machine down gets the flick, quick smart

It is there as a guide, each has its function. I have a young male in the household that when we go out surfs anywhere and everywhere, and doesn’t think we know about it, without my system being set up as it is I get problems galore, how it is currently set up, no problems. And the guy is “Click Happy”

Spyware --> Prevx or Spybot with Teatimer = BOTH
Trojans --> Trojanhunter or Ewido = Your choice
Others --> Process Guard or DiamondCS RegistryProt and Startup Monitor = Process Guard

If you want to go 4WDriving across the internet then you will need a 4WD, as in, your system must be very secure, or you will 100% come into problems, it is just a matter of time

Hope this helps…

Cheers

 

These really are the quickest and most helpful replies ive ever had.

Excellant i think im well set to go now.

Ill get these tools and set them up and report back as to how i got on

Take it easy all

 

That won't do anything aside from getting you on spam lists - you need to post your IP address to get some "t3nd4r l0v3 and car3"...

 

Good advise, except this line. Regprot is worthless. You need more heavy duty protection for handling registry changes.

 

Reporting back!

system setup now.

Was bit anxious not too long ago because cpu activity which was goiing to 2 briefly then back was going to 7 then o then 13 then 0 in a cycle which is too high for me.

But i uninstalled trojanhunter and everything has settled down. I think it conflicted with prevx.

This is what ive got installed on my pc now.

EZ Antivirus
Zonealarm
Startup monitor
Spybot inc teatimer
Spywareblaster
Prevx home

plus MRU blaster and JV16 to clear problems

Not sure if trojanhunter or ewido is really needed because prevx does claim to cover these.

Overall system idles at 0 with occasionly peaks to 2 - 4 so minimal system impact so far.

Thanx all for replies

FJJ