PC Security arrangements

[pbg2770]

I've had a search to no avail, so forgive me if this thread is a duplicate.

My arrangements for Home PC security go as far as:

1) Have Ant-Virus, Anti-Malware and Personal Firewall software Installed.

2) Ensure all software, including the above + apps + windows are regularly updated.

3) Perform regular scans.

4) Back up data elsewhere.

5) Educate all family members using the machine about sensible usage.

I have two questions - 1) Is anything missing from the above? 2) Which security software would you recommend? AVG, Malwarebytes & Zonealarm? I have always received advice from those "in the industry" that Norton and the like are resource hungry and not to be relied on.

[Dromedary66]

If you are not already doing so use chrome (or firefox) as your browser and install an adblocker (ublokc origin or adblock plus)

One of the most common ways of being infected by malware is through compromised ad networks - plus it makes browsing more enjoyable anyway!

[mikef]

Some other things you could consider
- RAID 1 (mirror) your internal disks
- RAID 1 (mirror) your backup disks
- keep hourly file histories with Windows File History / Apple Time Machine
- image your system disks weekly (for instance with Adronis True Image)
- add a cloud backup if you have the network upload speed

[dudleybloke]

I use Avast, Malwarebytes, spybot search and destroy and I'm running ubock origin in my browser.
Avast, Malwarebytes and Unlock origin on my phone too. Never had a problem.

[grumbledoak]

The most important thing is simply to never click Yes on anything you don't understand. Especially if it is offering you free prawn or games.

You could switch your logins to not be an Administrator. You can only destroy your own data then.

[DS197]

You can install AVG and malwarebytes together, as long as its the free version of malwarebytes(the non-realtime version). Most antivirus programs also have built in malware protection so you don't want two realtime versions running at the same time.

[pbg2770]

Thank you all very much - really appreciate it.

[SystemParanoia]

You could always install virtualbox > https://www.virtualbox.org/

Within that install your OS of choice and do all your risky browsing through that.
If it gets compromised, just delete it and re-install.

I get my mum to browse like this when she's "couponing" and looking for "discount codes" etc
the virtual machine is crawling with malware and infection, but the machine as a whole remains just fine for normal use

[Kudos]

mikef said:

Some other things you could consider
- RAID 1 (mirror) your internal disks
- RAID 1 (mirror) your backup disks
- keep hourly file histories with Windows File History / Apple Time Machine
- image your system disks weekly (for instance with Adronis True Image)
- add a cloud backup if you have the network upload speed

Seriously??

Why not add UPS, whole disk encryption, lock down ports, BIOS password etc?

[pbg2770]

SystemParanoia said:

You could always install virtualbox > https://www.virtualbox.org/

Within that install your OS of choice and do all your risky browsing through that.
If it gets compromised, just delete it and re-install.

I get my mum to browse like this when she's "couponing" and looking for "discount codes" etc
the virtual machine is crawling with malware and infection, but the machine as a whole remains just fine for normal use

Love that idea. I have a separate laptop which I use for Internet Banking etc., but it's the family PC which worries me and this may be just the ticket.

[pbg2770]

SystemParanoia said:

You could always install virtualbox > https://www.virtualbox.org/

Within that install your OS of choice and do all your risky browsing through that.
If it gets compromised, just delete it and re-install.

I get my mum to browse like this when she's "couponing" and looking for "discount codes" etc
the virtual machine is crawling with malware and infection, but the machine as a whole remains just fine for normal use

Apt username too!