Security Tool Bag

seag33k said:

Thanks for all the suggestions!! Thus far I've put together a list of needed protection methods:

-Anti-Virus
-Anti-Malware/Spyware/rootkits/.....
-Anti-Keylogger
-Sandbox solution
-Firewall - Or is the built in Win7 Firewall fine?

Thanks for the help getting back in the Windows game!

Has your router a firewall?
If so, this coupled with Window's inbuilt firewall should provide adequate protection.

I use an Untangle server as my home firewall which offers much more protection than a simple NAT or SPI firewall.

Multi-functional Firewall Software - Open Source Content Filter & Spam Filter | Untangle.com

I am more concerned when I have my laptop offsite or coffee shops. I've looked at the av comparatives reports. I wonder if any of these products offer effective maleware protection as well?

seag33k said:

I use an Untangle server as my home firewall which offers much more protection than a simple NAT or SPI firewall.

Multi-functional Firewall Software - Open Source Content Filter & Spam Filter | Untangle.com

I am more concerned when I have my laptop offsite or coffee shops. I've looked at the av comparatives reports. I wonder if any of these products offer effective maleware protection as well?

Are you considering a paid or free product?
Re your question. You will find the information you receive will usually be an opinion only. It may require more examination / reading on your part to evaluate as to what will suit you specifically.

I don't mind paying for a good product, especially if that helps the company continue producing superior technology.

That kind of make sense. Its hard to be an expert in all areas (AV, Spyware/maleware, rootkits, key loggers) when you try to be a jack of all trades.

How do AV Comparatives test results measure in the real world? Have people found their highest rated products to perform similarly when venturing out in the wild?

What firewalls are people using? Comodo? Zone Alarm? Last I used ZA, it sucked all my resources!

Thanks for the great feedback! Hopefully others find this useful as well.

Seag33k

seag33k said:

I wonder if any of these products offer effective maleware protection as well?

AV-Comparatives - Independent Tests of Anti-Virus Software - Potentially Unwanted Applications
MRG Archive Malware Research Group

seag33k said:

real world?

AV-Comparatives - Independent Tests of Anti-Virus Software - Dynamic Test
AV-Test.Org Releases Real-World Malware Protection Report - Security Watch

si8mon said:

To stop AV from bogging down your comp i would choose an AV that is light on system resources

Best Performing (Speed and Memory Usage) Antivirus and Internet Security for 2010 Raymond.CC Blog

seag33k said:

What firewalls are people using? Comodo? Zone Alarm? Last I used ZA, it sucked all my resources!

When I tried ZA on XP years ago I had a problem with one of its processes taking up 100% CPU. It appeared to be a common problem but I know people that currently use it without any issues.

I only know of one pure firewall, excluding Windows Firewall. Look 'n' Stop. Apparently, it is excellent. Most firewalls have extra components such as HIPS. Comodo, Defense Wall, Outpost Firewall Pro, Malware Defender, etc.

Like JMH, I would recommend just using Windows 7 Firewall along with Untangle.

kucing13 said:

nevertheless, try to minimize the additional tools/software in your pc. Moderately I'd say. Avoid "Too many" let it be AV,AM,AS etc.

I was just looking at this thread: My Security Setup, Can Anything Bypass It? - Wilders Security Forums

Study the first post...then read the second post.