Need Advice Creating Free Security Configuration

Discussion in 'other anti-malware software' started by mhl6493, Apr 26, 2010.

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  1. mhl6493

    mhl6493 Registered Member

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    I've been running Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 for a while, and I've about decided to try the totally free internet security route. Nothing wrong with KIS, just something I want to try.

    So, here's what I'm currently testing to see how it all works together. I just need your input to make sure I have all my bases covered. I don't, however, want a buch of layers of stuff on my computer slowing things down. And it all has to be completely free. And by the way, I am NOT a techie, so my level of knowledge isn't all that high.

    REAL TIME:
    Avast 5 free antivirus
    Threatfire
    Privatefirewall
    Sandboxie free
    Secunia PSI
    Winpatrol free

    ON DEMAND SCANNERS:
    Malwarebytes
    A-Squared
    Superantispyware

    So what am I missing? Are there any better choices than the ones I've picked? I almost picked PC Tools Firewall Plus instead of Privatefirewall -- and I may eventually go that route. Any opinions about that either way?

    Thanks for your input!
     
  2. dja2k

    dja2k Registered Member

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    You can get rid of Threatfire and PrivateFirewall by installing Online Armor Free. You don't need SUPERAntiSpyware if you are installing Malwarebytes and A-Squared.

    REAL TIME:
    Avast 5 free antivirus
    Online Armor Free
    Sandboxie free
    Secunia PSI
    Winpatrol free

    ON DEMAND SCANNERS:
    Malwarebytes
    A-Squared

    Go visit What is your security setup these days? to see what others are running.

    dja2k
     
  3. mhl6493

    mhl6493 Registered Member

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    Thanks for your input. I'm running my setup on two different computers. My laptop has Vista 32-bit, but my desktop has Vista 64-bit. It's my understanding that OA Free isn't available yet for the desktop. I'd kinda like to run the same thing on both of them. But, if I did try OA free on the laptop, what would you suggest for the desktop?
     
  4. Kees1958

    Kees1958 Registered Member

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    Want a simple setup, with some aps you are familiar with?

    Vista
    a) Use UAC with Norton's UAC Tool (has 32 and 64 bit version)
    b) Run Avast free
    c) Windows FW with Windows 7 FireWall control free of Sphinx (runs also on Vista, has 32 and 64 bit version)
    d) Sandboxie (has 32 and 64 bit version)

    Your well secured with that plus you use the power of the OS

    On demand
    MBAM, Hitman Pro

    regards Kees
     
  5. whitedragon551

    whitedragon551 Registered Member

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    See my sig. Instead of using LnS use the Windows FW and instead of Avira premium use the free version and of course the Sandboxie free version as well.
     
  6. wtsinnc

    wtsinnc Registered Member

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    Hello mhl6493;

    You might want to consider adding Keyscrambler.
    I believe there is a free version which is 64 bit compatible.

    I'm using the free version on my 32 bit XP Pro and Home installs plus Vista Ultimate 32 bit and I love it.
    No system slowdown as far as I can tell.
     
  7. Woody777

    Woody777 Registered Member

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    Yes what you want to do is just Fine. You will have good security. But it is still not as good as Kaspersky!
     
  8. mhl6493

    mhl6493 Registered Member

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    Thanks for all the input so far. I appreciate your suggestions.

    I'm guessing that you all don't think too highly of Privatefirewall? So far it seems to be doing OK, although the Process Monitor doesn't seem to work on the 64-bit system.
     
  9. raven211

    raven211 Registered Member

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    COMODO sandbox only with no notifications eventually - BAM! I'm outta here
     
  10. Kees1958

    Kees1958 Registered Member

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    Mhl,

    No private firewall had some quircks in the past. It shared some of the HIPS elements of DSA. It was quite good with a wider protection than the settings would suggest at first hand.

    Key element when setting up a best of breed layered defense, is that you feel comfortable with it. After all you have to answer the pop-ups. The quality of those answers have a 1-to-1 equation with the effectiveness of the overall protection. As allways Effecitveness = Quality x Acceptation. For security the acceptation is the degree to which you are famliar with the user interaction of that application. Bottem line: you can ask us for suggestions, but only when you are comfortable with it, you should use it.

    That is why I suggested some application you allready use. The suggestion of Wtsinnc to add keyscrambler Free is also a valid one, since it requires no user interaction, everyone can use it to its full potential.

    Also a lot of people are forgetting that Vista's UAC (full level is one setting higher than the default setting of Windows7) is also a protection mechanism. With Norton's UAC tool it remembers your choices and acts as an intrusion protection mechanism. When you use the HIPS capabilities of the OS, you do not need a second (Private FireWall) or third (ThreatFire) form or intrusion protection. This opens the option to settle for a real simple outbound fire wall which uses Windows FW filtering platform (see FAQ's). Besides making thing simpler this also saves on CPU and I/O overhead.

    To resume

    Windows FW + WIndows & FW control free = Simple inbound FW + outbound application monitoring

    Vista''s UAC + Norton UAC tool = policy based intrusion protection

    Avast (you allready know) = AV (the most complete free AV available)

    Keyscrambler Free for IE8 or FF is you anti-keylogger protection (it will never ask you to allow or block something, so real easy with x32 and x64 version).

    Sandboxie Free adds an additional layer for dodgy browsing. With UAC only side by side intrusions are allowed (UAC prevents lower rights object to modify higher rights objects). SBIE will take care of side by side intrusions and persistent changes of the user space (registry and files). Sbie on x64 is a little less restrictive than x32. On the other hand the x64 OS is more resilliant against malware than the x32 version.

    Regards Kees
     
  11. arran

    arran Registered Member

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    eh? But we all know that sandboxie 32 is more secure against malware than sandboxie 64.
     
  12. raven211

    raven211 Registered Member

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    That's what is said just before - you're going in circles, get the heck outta there! :D
     
  13. arran

    arran Registered Member

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    Yea my bad I mis read it. I think Ive drunkin too much now.
     
  14. raven211

    raven211 Registered Member

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    Naaah, drinking is a good thing, as long as you think right when it counts. This place doesn't matter - when it comes to girls, it REALLY does. ^^
     
  15. mhl6493

    mhl6493 Registered Member

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    Kees, you sould like a very wise person. I think I'll give what you suggested a try.

    I must admit that I've never even heard of Norton's UAC Tool or Windows Firewall control free. Is there anything I would need to do to configure either after they're downloaded/installed?
     
  16. Kees1958

    Kees1958 Registered Member

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  17. mhl6493

    mhl6493 Registered Member

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    Kees, is it safe with the applications I use to simply select "Enable All" when prompted by Windows Firewall Control?
     
    Last edited: Apr 27, 2010
  18. Kees1958

    Kees1958 Registered Member

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    Yes when you recognise the application (give it in and outbound access)
     
  19. galileo

    galileo Registered Member

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    @Kees

    Is there an option such as this for XP...? I have used Threatfire's rules to establish outbound controls in the past, but it has somewhat higher resource demands and appears currently to be starting its descent into oblivion over at PCTools.

    Thanks,

    galileo
     
  20. Kees1958

    Kees1958 Registered Member

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    No not a freeware version that I know of
     
  21. mhl6493

    mhl6493 Registered Member

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    Well, I've set things up just as you suggested, Kees. The only thing I kept that was different was WinPatrol free. What can I say, I like Scottie... ;-) It seems to be pretty light, and so it hopefully shouldn't hurt anything to keep it. So far everything seems to be going well with the setup.

    One other question, and I think I'm good to go. Would you recommend under the main "Windows Firewall Settings" panel to "Block All Incoming Connections"? Seems like a good idea to me, but I wanted to make sure I wouldn't be creating any problems for myself.

    Thanks again for your help!
     
  22. Kees1958

    Kees1958 Registered Member

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    Yes, is okay.

    In regard to scotty
    a) When you use IE8, let it control your IE settings
    b) Startup monitor is also usefull
    c) lock file association settings (unlock when you are going to install something) + home page

    Skipp the rest (will be tackled by UAC)
     
  23. mhl6493

    mhl6493 Registered Member

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    OK, I have one more question for Kees, or whoever might want to respond.

    I'm still running the setup as Kees suggested (Vista UAC on, Avast free, Windows Firewall Control free, Sanboxie, Keyscrambler, Secunia PSI, WinPatrol free). I even added the Prevx/Safeonline free tool from Facebook, and I've noticed no noticable slowdown in browsing (even though it doesn't seem to integrate with Sandboxie, unfortunately).

    Here's my question. I travel a lot, and so I'm frequently having to hook my laptop up to the internet with very insecure hotel internet connections. That concerns me a little bit. Is my setup adequate for that? Or do I need to add something else (even if I have to pay a little bit for it, my peace of mind might just be worth it)? I just want to know that I'm protected, no matter my environment.

    Thanks!
     
  24. CogitoTesting

    CogitoTesting Registered Member

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    Wow, where to? :D

    Thanks.
     
  25. sbwhiteman

    sbwhiteman Registered Member

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    You might consider Anchorfree Hotspot Shield:

    http://www.hotspotshield.com/

    "Hotspot Shield creates a virtual private network (VPN) between your laptop or iPhone and our Internet gateway. This impenetrable tunnel prevents snoopers, hackers, ISP’s, from viewing your web browsing activities, instant messages, downloads, credit card information or anything else you send over the network. Hotspot Shield security application is free to download, employs the latest VPN technology, and is easy to install and use."

    But be advised, it puts an advertising bar at the top of each web page.
     
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