Security Tool Bag

[seag33k]

I've primarily used either OS X or Linux at home while using Windows primarily at work. I just purchased a new laptop with Windows 7 and have read that the attack vector for the OS has shrunk for Windows 7, and that the increase in vulnerabilities has focused on applications. As I prepare to secure and protect my new investments, I am planning on keep all my apps up to date, running an effective AV solution, and utilizing some sort of malware utility. I've used the combo av/firewall/malware/spyware solution in the past but they bogged down the system. What approaches are people finding the most successful? So far I am really liking Windows 7 and would hate to have to shell out all that cash for other Mac

Seag33k

 

[joel406]

Hello seag33k and welcome.

If I get your post right you want suggestions for security software.

Well your not in Apple ville surrounded by Penguins anymore.(Thats just a joke)

If you want good security in windows the best way to go is layered.

I use...

ESET Smart security. You pay but you rest with the best.
Malwarebytes.
Superantispyware.
A squared.
IOBIT 360
Most all except ESET are free.

But with these your very safe.

 

[seag33k]

Thanks for the great suggestions. I've heard of Eset and Malwarebytes. Is Superantispyware better than spybot S&D? I'll look up the other software as well.

Seag33k

 

[joel406]

I don't have anything bad to say about Spybot S&D. But I don't see a need for it anymore and quite useing it about 4 years ago. The rest make up for it.

 

[malexous]

http://www.sevenforums.com/system-security/72070-whats-best-anti-virus.html

"What approaches are people finding the most successful?"

Everyone finds a different approach more successful than others. It's up to you to decide. The best one for you depends on whether you want control over what is allowed on your system or whether you want a program to do that for you, your knowledge of computers, etc.

I feel that Norton 2010 is enough for me but for that extra peace of mind, I use Sandboxie. Sandboxie along with an anti-virus and anti-malware (on-demand) is something I would recommend. However, there are many, many, many more solutions you can look into.

You can get ideas from: What is your security setup these days? - Wilders Security Forums

For example: GeSWall, Defense Wall, Returnil, Shadow Defender, Mamutu, Online Armor, etc.

 

[JMH]

Thanks for the great suggestions. I've heard of Eset and Malwarebytes. Is Superantispyware better than spybot S&D? I'll look up the other software as well.

Seag33k

http://www.sevenforums.com/system-security/72070-whats-best-anti-virus.html

"What approaches are people finding the most successful?"

Everyone finds a different approach more successful than others. It's up to you to decide. The best one for you depends on whether you want control over what is allowed on your system or whether you want a program to do that for you, your knowledge of computers, etc.

I feel that Norton 2010 is enough for me but for that extra peace of mind, I use Sandboxie. Sandboxie along with an anti-virus and anti-malware (on-demand) is something I would recommend. However, there are many, many, many more solutions you can look into.

You can get ideas from: What is your security setup these days? - Wilders Security Forums

For example: GeSWall, Defense Wall, Returnil, Shadow Defender, Mamutu, Online Armor, etc.

Hi seag33k,
As well as the advice malexous has given you, I suggest you do have a look at SuperAntiSpyware. It is a well respected program, is available in both free & paid versions, has a helpful & well supervised Forum & online support. I recommend giving it a try.


Another program for you to consider is SpywareBlaster. [ free & paid versions available]


Both programs listed above run happily with an Anti Virus program & Windows 7.

Should you have futher questions please let us know.

SUPERAntiSpyware.com | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware!

Javacool Software

 

[seag33k]

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?

Am I missing something? I like the idea of using one product that can do 70% to 80% of the tasks and add the other individually. I am sure you may have a few tools you double up on like anti-malware/spyware/rootkit scanners when you might suspect somethings got a hold of your system.

So far I like what I've read from:
Emsisoft Anti-Malware 5.0
Peerblock
Sandboxie - But I am not sure how confident I am in the software. If I were venturing into untrusted territory, I may use vmware player with a read-only live linux distro

Thanks for the help getting back in the Windows game!

 

[Tepid]

Please note that ESET, while it is a good software at stopping and killing viruses etc. It will also (I have only noticed this at this specific time) cripple your system by not allowing you to download certain items from the internet, such as pictures, when the license as lapsed.
This to me is a big no no. I do not know if they still do that, but they have in the past.
I do not respect a software company that cripples a personal system in any way to force you to uninstall or pay for a license. I do recommend the free online scanner when needed though.

Just an FYI.

 

[AussieGuy92]

this is what i use and i have not had a virus infection or infact nothing has got pass this lineup:

- Avast anti virus (free version)
-Malwarebytes anti-malware (paid)
- superantispyware (free version)

 

[si8mon]

AV-Comparatives is an independent organisation that tests the anti-virus products. There is no perfect Anti-Virus software, different AVs suit different people.

Here is a graph from their February Report



Take into consideration that Av comparatives only test AVs virus detecting abilities not the whole product.

To stop AV from bogging down your comp i would choose an AV that is light on system resources like Avast (right now avast is using less then 4MB of ram ) or MSE.

I use Avast 5, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware free and Windows firewall (plus my router's firewall). All of this is completely Free.

 

[JMH]

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.

 

[seag33k]

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?

 

[JMH]

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.

 

[Tepid]

I've looked at the av comparatives reports. I wonder if any of these products offer effective maleware protection as well?

For what ever the reason,, and it does elude me, no, not really, some a little better than others, but honestly, Malwarebytes and Spybot both are vastly superior. Maybe it is because the others do not have a dedicated team to integrating only that into the software. But this is just as Malwarebytes and Spybot do not focus on viruses. You would think that some of the Antivirus suites out there would do a much better job at development of AntiMalware in their suites, they just don't. They make a half hearted attempt, but fail.

 

[seag33k]

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

 

[malexous]

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

real world?

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

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

 

[malexous]

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]

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.

 

[malexous]

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.

 

[kucing13]

thanx for the thread. that what i've said, avoid "too many" mate