Do you take computer security seriously?

[pericles]

Hi,

Just wanted to see what the general consensus on computer security is among the serious TE surfers.

I personally use a firewall (Zone Alarm or Kerio), Antivirus (AVG Free Edition) and Anti-Spyware or Malware (Spyware Terminator). For my web browser, I use Firefox and the NoScript add-on. I also use Windows Vista which adds an extra layer of protection when installing software or running certain processes.

What do you use?

[inge]

Since I have three firewalls in series I only use Windows XP's built-in FW in the computer. I use Avira Personal Edition Premium (paid version) with adequate adware protection. I use IE7 and AMbrowser for surfing, because it's practical and relatively trouble-free.

[revjoybunny]

I use Kerio firewall the older version because it allows me to block who I choose

avg antivirus and avast on my other pc

I also use lavasoft anti spyware malware and avg antoroot kit

I have no script enabled and use only a limited account on xp

pretty strict I feel

pf course all these things are very well but it you dont make it routine to run them its a waste of time having them

[nsant46]

I use firefox, AVG and Lavasoft.
What is NoScript and where can I find it? And, over all, how does work NoScript?
Thanks
Noemi

[xxclixxx]

Avast Antivirus/Windows Firewall + FF w/Noscript.

Avast is great as it scans all HTTP traffic and essentially works as a firewall also.

Noscript: http://noscript.com - I have it installed and set to globally allow scripts, but Forbid Java/Flash/etc. This gives you adiquate protection without sacrificing surfability.

[msbeejay]

Most everybody who does in surfing on the Net
takes computer security very seriously which is
an unfortunate necessity because of all the
dangers that we end up being faced with...

I have used AVG and Norton but am using
Trend Micro PC-Cillian Internet Security 2007
for firewall and anti-virus protection...

Keep on surfing...

[soph142]

Windows XP firewall
AVG (paid for)
XoftSpySE (paid for) - though I may not renew
SpywareDoctor (paid for) - Its now added antivirus but too recently for me to comment on that part of it - the spyware bit is really good now they got over last year's glitch

Not to forget the freebies lol!
SpywareBlaster
Spybot
-- and my best all time favourite
CCleaner - always use immediately after any internet access for whatever reason!

Tried the Noscript on FF several times, I think it needs a lot of patience to set up :eek: thats not me! but AdBlock+ is great

[dehawkinz]

I use Firefox with No-scripts (set to per-session approval)
Avast anti-virus
Kerio Firewall
SpySweeper, Lavasoft and spybot S&D
NEVER surf using an admin account - my 'main' account is a limited user account with FUS switched off, I also edited what services run when I set windows up.

I do additional AV and AS sweeps monthly using 3rd party software in case of anything sneaking in unannounced.

Paranoid?? You bet I am!!!

DeHawkinz

[pericles]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm learning something new everyday! ;)

[drkelp]

Firefox, No Script, AVG, MS Firewall

[charitylinks]

Almost all of the above except for disabling ActiveX :)

[creterent]

Nod32, winXP firewall and Firefox with No-scripts.

Manolis

[inge]

Almost all of the above except for disabling ActiveX :)

You should be aware that ActiveX can be activated without JavaScript, by the html statements <object, <embed, and possibly more.

With ActiveX executable programs can be started in your computer and you won't have much control over whatever is happening with it.

IMHO ActiveX can be more "dangerous" than a computer virus. Same with Java, of course, because they allow the browser to carry and execute executable programs outside of your control.

[pericles]

Maybe it's more troublesome to some to actually adjust the settings in IE. Also many people are using FF and it's add-ons, but I'm coming to agree with you inge.

[inge]

I don't think it's too troublesome, but it does require some understanding and knowledge of terminology. If I was unsure about something I just experimented and found the setting that worked best.
I also save my standard internet settings in a registry backup file, so if I ever need to set everything back to default I do that, execute whatever program that didn't like my settings, and then restore them.

[cloud9]

I just ave the 1 firewall fir vista but also use AVG free, super anti spyware, a square free, a square anti dialer and spybot SD

[biz2001]

I simply use FF ,Windows XP, and Norton with Anti Spy. No Problems...!

[bformhals]

I use Norton anti-virus and firewall. Pop-ups always blocked, cant stand them.
New to Fire-Fox, how do you change your script permissions?

[dehawkinz]

I use the no-scripts (http://noscript.net/) add-on - it allows you to control script access on a permanent or per-session basis site by site, you can control by top level domain and full address domain level allowing fine control over sites permissions.

DeHawkinz

[bformhals]

I use the no-scripts (http://noscript.net/) add-on - it allows you to control script access on a permanent or per-session basis site by site, you can control by top level domain and full address domain level allowing fine control over sites permissions.

DeHawkinz

Thanks, its now installed and being used.

[nujams]

I have 2 hard drives, windows XP Pro on one and Linux system on the other. I use the Linux system for the web. It is more stable and secure.

I use windows for designing my sites and general computer work.

I use FireFox for everything.The built in security is unmatched!

I have 3 firewalls, use Avenquest anti-virus, malware and adware. it also scans links so you know if the link is secure. I also use a hidden iFrame detector to watch for hidden attacks that won't be detected by most scanners.

[lottomagicz1212]

Went to check out the TOS for http://housecall65.trendmicro.com/ but it froze.

ChipAwayVirus or something like that says it has detetcted a boot virus.

Computer is very very slow. Wife downloaded a new anti viral and it found 74 viruses that the one recommended to us didn't previously find. It did say they were all low risk. And some of these "viruses" are just cookies I think.

StartXchange seems to surf better then other TEs under these conditions.

But mainly I head to the library or comunity college and surf away when I can.

Why did I have to try and read the TOS? Often I just plunge in with out doing that.

[traffichitsinfo]

i use norton antivirus, norton firewall, adaware, and another antivirus that i downloaded free from the net, its not the full version, but helps as a back up.

[inge]

i use norton antivirus, norton firewall, adaware, and another antivirus that i downloaded free from the net, its not the full version, but helps as a back up.

I use Linux and have very little need for all of that. :)

[msbeejay]

I use Linux and have very little need for all of that. :)

For those of us who DO NOT use Linux, it is a good idea to protect your computers with a Firewall and Anti-Virus/Spyware...
Otherwise, you are leaving yourself wide open to those people who have nothing better to do than mess with our computers...

It is too bad they (hackers of the world) cannot put their talents to better use?

God Bless and Keep on surfing everyday!

[inge]

For those of us who DO NOT use Linux, it is a good idea to protect your computers with a Firewall and Anti-Virus/Spyware...


Actually, for those who don't use Linux it would be much better to get it as soon as possible, and get rid of most of the hassles and security risks with Windows.

It requires some doing, but after you have sharpened your axe, chopping trees is so much faster and easier.

NO ONE needs to use Windows any more. There are better solutions. Cheaper too. Very much cheaper.

[chaos]

I browse using Firefox + NoScript.
I don't use any firewall, antivirus or antispyware monitoring software. I do give my PC a monthly antivirus scan with free antivirus software like Avira AntiVir. I just dislike bulky and overpriced security software that causes problems and slows your PC down.

I used to have a firewall running, which I think is more essential than antivirus software, but now that I'm behind a router, I don't use one anymore.

P.S. there's an excellent tiny free tool called hijackthis that is excellent for finding spyware and such :)