How I stay safe online

Archive
1

A few things I do to protect my system

 

1- I run NIS Live Update as soon as I log on

 

2- I use Norton's DNS servers   https://dns.norton.com/dnsweb/faq.do

 

3- I have SpywareBlaster on my machines  https://www.brightfort.com/spywareblaster.html#Browsers

 

4-I use MalwareBytes as a secondary scanner  https://www.malwarebytes.org/

 

5- I use WOT in all my browers, and if either Norton or WOT red flag a site, I don't go there. https://www.mywot.com/

 

6- I try to only load software from the developers' website rather than 3rd party sites, and I always check for unwanted bundled software.

 

7-Finally, I use CCleaner to keep my system clean but I don't use the registry clean option,  http://www.piriform.com/

and I never EVER click on unsolicited emails.

 

So far, these tips have helped me avoid malware, and kept my system running well. I hope they help you. :smileyhappy:

 

2

Here's how I do it.

 

  • I have a good backup program  -  In my case Symantec System Recovery 2013
  • Use the latest version of Norton, in my case N360.
  • Use strong passwords and use different ones for each site.  I also change them from time to time.
  • Use Secunia PSI to help keep all third party programs patched.
  • Install all important security patches for your operating system.
  • Uninstall any third party software that isn't used  -  this includes bloatware often included with your machine.
  • I am now using Microsoft's EMET and can't see a reason NOT to use it.
  • I also use SpywareBlaster.
  • NoScript extension for Firefox.
  • Against popular opinion here, I am using MBAM Pro in realtime.
  • I have the free version of HitmanPro scheduled to do a quick scan once a day
  • I use HitmanPro Alert to protect my files being encryted by Cryptolocker.
  • Don't use cracked / illegal copies of software.
  • Be careful where you go and what you click on while surfing the net.
  • Don't click links on suspicious emails, or emails you are not expecting.
  • Use a strong password for WIFI and use the strongest encryption available.  Also, change the default password for your modem/router.

These steps work for me on my two Windows 7 x64 SP1 machines, but your results may vary.

 

There may be other steps, but they are the ones I can think of for now.

 

Cheers!

 

 

3

This is my suggestion of keeping systems from malwares and attacks:

 

  • Genuine OS upto date with all updates.
  • NIS as my first line of defence - upto date
  • MBAM as Second line of defence - uptodate
  • Default browser as Google Chrome with restricted script execution
  • Samsung recovery solution for backup and recovery
  • Adblock plugin in chrome and FF
  • Use Noscript addon/plugin
  • DiskCryptor/Truecrypt For drive encryption with non ACSII characters and keyfiles
  • 3rd party updater to check for updates, but not for dpwnloading those updates.
  • Direct download of patches and new versions from vendors
  • Sandboxie to test programs under quesion or to try programs.
  • Norotn ID Safe and vault to manage passwords which contains minimum of 16 alpha numeric and symbolic characters
  • Boot time protection and bios passwords
  • No toolbars and addons even if comming as by product of a legit software
  • Daily Quick scans and Biweekly full system scan
  • Use Norton DNS servers rather than public DNS servers to secure network or system, each network adapter or Router.
  • Use best of security options for Wifi connections like WPA2 Personel for connection
  • Use TFA (Two factor Authentication) for online accounts
  • Use CCleaner to wipeout browser caches and junk files. (If expert in handling registry then you may use Registry cleaner also)
  • Keep all driver softwares upto date
  • Revise all your Security settings atleast once in a month
  • Keep up to date on security, following news feeds on THN, Kerbsonsecurity, infosec etc.
4
Nikhil_CV wrote:
  • No toolbars and addons even if comming as by product of a legit software

 

Hi, Nikhil_CV.

 

I take it you have Norton Toolbar disabled in your browser(s)? :smileysurprised:

5

Thanks for the tips everyone, I intend to start using some of them. I actually have the Norton toobar disabled as I don't use safe share or safe search. In addition I will never use the online vault so the toolbar just sits there taking up screen real estate. I have it enabled in my add ons though as I rely on the safe web icons when they work.

6

Hi all,

 

Everything described above is great, really great, I use many of the methods described, but keep in mind that the "bad guys" are and will always be a step ahead, all the patches, IPS signatures, vulnerabilities, security updates etc, are released AFTER the vulnerabilities are discovered and not before.

If you are at the wrong place at the wrong time then.....

So please, keep attention while surfing.!!

 

Best regards,

7

All these tips range from the simple, to the more involved. Something for everyone.

 

If you cherry pick from each post fine, but whatever tips you use, BACK UP, BACK UP, BACK UP.

 

Whatever system you use, have something you can boot from, if you ever do lose your system.

 

Then at least, you're up and running. 

 

Also, there is always the Norton Bootable Recovery Tool.   http://security.symantec.com/nbrt/nbrt.aspx

8
Inquirer wrote:
Nikhil_CV wrote:
  • No toolbars and addons even if comming as by product of a legit software

 

Hi, Nikhil_CV.

 

I take it you have Norton Toolbar disabled in your browser(s)? :smileysurprised:

Hi Inquirer,

Nice point to be noted. I didn't mean a trustable security software like Norton anyway. :-o

 

9

I see. :smileyhappy:

10

Bumping this thread, again.You're all welcome to add your own ideas............:smileyhappy:

11

This article might be helpful in keeping you safe.

 

http://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-People-from-Tracking-You-on-the-Internet

12

Hi all,
Are we starving in providing ideas to make our systems and our data safe from disasters that may occur in anyway?
(i wish everyone who visits this thread bed their own steps. Together we can make safer our approaches :))
Visit the below link( As the date of posting, the link is not dead) :
http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/how-harden-your-browser-against-malware-and-privacy-concerns.htm
.
And why most experienced users suggest you to download software from vendors link & why free aren’t free always:
http://community.norton.com/t5/Norton-Protection-Blog/What-s-The-REAL-Cost-of-Free/ba-p/1140908
.
I hope it is helpful…

13

Great thread, really useful tips in here!

14

The below described, is my main Machine used for Testing. 

 

1. Clean install OS "with every major iteration of Windows 10"

2. Update system, manually remove/install proper drivers

3. Install desired Applications

4. Adjust/tweak settings of OS & Applications

5. Place Norton Security & Norton Wifi Privacy on, adjust settings. 

6. Place Appguard on last, locking the system down

7. Perform maintenance "clean up and defrag"

- Always keep a copy of windows 10 "MS media creation tool" on a flashdrive for bootable repair/recovery/wipe. 

- Regular back ups are performed for personal files. I do not store personal files on the system, they are uploaded to the system, a copy placed on a external storage, then the originals on the system are used for what ever purpose such as uploading photos to a imagining site ect, then they are deleted off the main system, keeps it clean, light, organized, and removes the chance of losing anything to either infection or OS corruption. 

- Testing of products/updates/upgrades all take place in VMware "Virtual Machine" before ever being deployed onto main system. 

 

Norton Security provides me with an outstanding Smart Firewall and excellent Network protection. The other modules of course are very good as well. Norton Wifi Privacy provides me with a way to spoof my identity while testing in the VM, and encrypting my traffic.  Appguard provides the extra protection required when I'm in the Virtual Machine testing malware/products. It allows me to run the Virtual Machine as a Guarded app, meaning it will be placed with memory read/write protection against possible exploits from the VM itself. It allows me to literally "Lock Down" the system when I need too while testing.  The combination of the two products literally covers the network, the system, possible exploits.

I do not use Nortons toolbar in Chrome, nor do I use Safe search "at least not until proper extensions are developed, the toolbar removed, and Ask removed as the Base of Safe Search. I utilize Ublock Origin and custom filters. 

Last but not least,  safe surfing habits, these I utilize always. Even running the software equivalent of Fort Knox I have above, will not be enough if you are a happy clicker with no safe habits. 

 

 

15

Cyber Security Guide
https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/cyber-security-mega-guide

16

Thanks for all your help guys.

It has certainly given me something to look through.

Paul