Security In Windows 7

[BluePeter]

Hi Forum,

This is probably a silly question but I have read a few articles about the matter
recently and am a little puzzled.
I have Microsoft Security Essentials, Malwarebytes (free) and the obligatory attached Windows Firewall. I feel this should be more than adequate.
Recently I have seen people advocating putting another Firewall (Zone Alarm etc.) on to systems to replace the Windows one, which they question. Some have run into terrible trouble with their systems (slowing down,BSODs etc) when they did this. Others say it is worthwhile. I am inclined to leave matters as they are. But is there any likelihood of junk getting on to the system by doing so. Googling the matter only brings more confusion and I should prefer the help of experts on the forum for this. Thanks.

 

[richc46]

Peter
Others may disagree, but trust me on this one, you have the same protection that I use; leave it.
You may want to add secunia PSI. It tells you when security on any software needs to be updated.
In addition winpatrol, will tell you when something has changed on your computer. If it is something that you know about and want, great, if not investigate and remove.
http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/
http://www.winpatrol.com/
Win Patol is a favorite of our own Corrine.
http://www.techsupportalert.com/how-to-secure-your-pc.php

 

[Bill2]

You are adequately and sufficiently protected, no need to do anything else. Just update the free MBAM regularly and dont bring disaster upon yourself by clicking randomly on popups.

 

[unifex]

I should add that for home users the hardware firewall (NAT) integrated in most routers provides more than adequate protection. In this case the software firewall is needed mainly to keep track of which programs already on the computer want to access the internet. To this end I use the ESET security suite, but others may have other preferences.

I also recommend disabling the pop-ups and using web-based email. This will protect you from almost everything. Just don't go purposefully to malicious sites

 

[Golden]

Hi BluePeter,

I couldn't agree more with Rich and Bill : what you already have is completely adequate.

Something we tend to forget is to regularly update our Adobe Flash Player, a major component of many web pages but also a major target for carrying malware. Keep that updated regularly if you aren't already doing that:

Adobe - Flash Player : Help - About Updating Adobe Flash Player

Regards,
Golden

 

[richc46]

Thank you for that point, Golden
It is so important that I suggested secunia, it warns whenever your software has a security update. I would not be without it.

 

[Golden]

Quite correct Rich - Secunia will inspect and let you know what is out of date.

 

[JMH]

Hi Forum,

This is probably a silly question but I have read a few articles about the matter
recently and am a little puzzled.
I have Microsoft Security Essentials, Malwarebytes (free) and the obligatory attached Windows Firewall. I feel this should be more than adequate.
Recently I have seen people advocating putting another Firewall (Zone Alarm etc.) on to systems to replace the Windows one, which they question. Some have run into terrible trouble with their systems (slowing down,BSODs etc) when they did this. Others say it is worthwhile. I am inclined to leave matters as they are. But is there any likelihood of junk getting on to the system by doing so. Googling the matter only brings more confusion and I should prefer the help of experts on the forum for this. Thanks.

Good advice has been offered to you thus far...
Forget the Zone Alarm Firewall. The inbuilt Windows Firewall is considered adequate - even better when used with a Modem / Router Firewall.

Re "junk" on your system -
At risk of being ever so repetitive.......

The best FREE AntiVirus & Malware software / protection is the mind / eye / hand co ordination
& the quality of decisions
made by the the operator
who clicks the mouse etc etc.

In other words think before clicking.

 

[mjm6783]

My Grandpa always said..

..if it ain't broke, it don't need fixin'.

 

[Corrine]

In addition winpatrol, will tell you when something has changed on your computer. If it is something that you know about and want, great, if not investigate and remove.
BillP Studios - WinPatrol
Win Patol is a favorite of our own Corrine.

It most certainly is a favorite. In fact, the developer/owner, Bill Pytlovany recently gave his stamp of approval for a WinPatrol forum at LandzDown Forum. I've added a few "How to's" and will add more as time permits.

Something we tend to forget is to regularly update our Adobe Flash Player, a major component of many web pages but also a major target for carrying malware. Keep that updated regularly if you aren't already doing that:

Adobe - Flash Player : Help - About Updating Adobe Flash Player

Adding to Golden's recommendation regarding Adobe, that includes Adobe Reader. Also, don't forget about Java. (Then again, Do You Need Java?)

So, even if you don't follow the advice of richc46 to use Secunia, it is very important to take the time to keep third party software updated along with the Microsoft Security updates.

Good advice has been offered to you thus far...
Forget the Zone Alarm Firewall. The inbuilt Windows Firewall is considered adequate - even better when used with a Modem / Router Firewall.

In other words think before clicking.

Well said!

 

[unifex]

Something we tend to forget is to regularly update our Adobe Flash Player, a major component of many web pages but also a major target for carrying malware. Keep that updated regularly if you aren't already doing that:

Adobe - Flash Player : Help - About Updating Adobe Flash Player

Regards,
Golden

To be honest, I have had Flash disabled for a long time. I have long ago switched to 64-bit browsers and for a long time Flash for 64-bit was not available. While lots of people cited that as a reason to stick to the 32-bit browsers, I went ahead with 64-bit and it turned out that there is no real need in Flash. The only things I ever need Flash for is an occasional YouTube (or sometimes CNET) video. I used to keep a 32-bit browser for that purpose, but now I don't need that at all. I just keep Flash disabled and if my son wants to see a cartoon on YouTube, I enable it. That's it, no Flash-related security risks at all.

That said, I do of course agree that if one does use Flash (as of course most people do) then it should be regularly updated.