Internet Security
Oct 5, 2019 04:11:48 #
There is no getting around the fact that Internet security is extremely important for everyone. I sent some of this information maybe a year ago, so it might be pertinent to repeat it now for those who may not have seen it.
A virtual private network (VPN) is programming which creates a safe and encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the public internet. A VPN works by using the shared public infrastructure while maintaining privacy through security procedures and tunneling protocols. It also can make possible connections into countries where they may not otherwise be available – I use that feature quite frequently.
I have for a year been using Windscribe (FREE), which has servers in over 60 countries and 110 cities and uses strongest encryption. Their generous data allowance, commitment to protecting your privacy and speed make it the best around in my opinion. You get 10GB bandwidth per month as standard and can choose from ten remote server location countries. You only need to create a username and password to sign up (an email address is optional). And Windscribe doesn’t store connection logs, IP stamps, or visited sites.
Disclosure: I have no financial interest in Windscribe, but if someone decides to sign up with them using this link, I will receive an extra GB per month, as will they!
Go to: https://windscribe.com/?friend=o0jyh769
Also - There are a few good programs which can be used for virus and malware protection, and for disk cleanup. I have settled on Avast Free Antivirus, Malwarebytes and CCleaner, all of which are free and have served me well for quite some time. In addition to performing the purpose for which they were intended, all are fast, easy on resources and unobtrusive, and I can recommend them highly.
Loren – in Beautiful Baguio City
A virtual private network (VPN) is programming which creates a safe and encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the public internet. A VPN works by using the shared public infrastructure while maintaining privacy through security procedures and tunneling protocols. It also can make possible connections into countries where they may not otherwise be available – I use that feature quite frequently.
I have for a year been using Windscribe (FREE), which has servers in over 60 countries and 110 cities and uses strongest encryption. Their generous data allowance, commitment to protecting your privacy and speed make it the best around in my opinion. You get 10GB bandwidth per month as standard and can choose from ten remote server location countries. You only need to create a username and password to sign up (an email address is optional). And Windscribe doesn’t store connection logs, IP stamps, or visited sites.
Disclosure: I have no financial interest in Windscribe, but if someone decides to sign up with them using this link, I will receive an extra GB per month, as will they!
Go to: https://windscribe.com/?friend=o0jyh769
Also - There are a few good programs which can be used for virus and malware protection, and for disk cleanup. I have settled on Avast Free Antivirus, Malwarebytes and CCleaner, all of which are free and have served me well for quite some time. In addition to performing the purpose for which they were intended, all are fast, easy on resources and unobtrusive, and I can recommend them highly.
Loren – in Beautiful Baguio City
Oct 5, 2019 06:51:14 #
Oct 5, 2019 12:30:47 #
rlv567 wrote:
There is no getting around the fact that Internet ... (show quote)
One thing that will work for a VPN is a hotspot on your phone. I have one from Verizon. It uses the data source from my cell phone, is encrypted and it is private. My plan has unlimited data in the US and the mobile hotspot is included in the package. Since I travel a lot, it helps tremendously when I’m at a hotel whose data rate is so slow that it takes 10 minutes to download my mail. Plus all my actions on the web are secure.
Oct 5, 2019 13:12:03 #
rlv567 wrote:
There is no getting around the fact that Internet ... (show quote)
Loren, If they can hack into the Pentagon with their level of security, your hardware is a piece of cake
Oct 6, 2019 06:36:39 #
Mine isn't free, but costs me under 40 bucks a year. I have used BitDefender Total Security for quite a few years and haven't had a hickup since I switched from McAfee (what a disaster!!).
Oct 6, 2019 07:24:02 #
bellgamin
Loc: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
For nearly bullet-proof security, I do the following:
1- Image the system drive 2-3 times/week to an external hard drive with 3 terabyte capacity.
2- Retain images 2-3 months FIFO
3- Full AV scan at least 1/day with Emsisoft Emergency Kit & Hitman Pro. (Both are on-demand, non-patrolling, free AVs.)
If an infection occurs, I restore a clean image & it's fixed.
In short, my most important security app is the imager app.
1- Image the system drive 2-3 times/week to an external hard drive with 3 terabyte capacity.
2- Retain images 2-3 months FIFO
3- Full AV scan at least 1/day with Emsisoft Emergency Kit & Hitman Pro. (Both are on-demand, non-patrolling, free AVs.)
If an infection occurs, I restore a clean image & it's fixed.
In short, my most important security app is the imager app.
Oct 6, 2019 08:32:37 #
bellgamin wrote:
For nearly bullet-proof security, I do the following:
1- Image the system drive 2-3 times/week to an external hard drive with 3 terabyte capacity.
2- Retain images 2-3 months FIFO
3- Full AV scan at least 1/day with Emsisoft Emergency Kit & Hitman Pro. (Both are on-demand, non-patrolling, free AVs.)
If an infection occurs, I restore a clean image & it's fixed.
In short, my most important security app is the imager app.
1- Image the system drive 2-3 times/week to an external hard drive with 3 terabyte capacity.
2- Retain images 2-3 months FIFO
3- Full AV scan at least 1/day with Emsisoft Emergency Kit & Hitman Pro. (Both are on-demand, non-patrolling, free AVs.)
If an infection occurs, I restore a clean image & it's fixed.
In short, my most important security app is the imager app.
What system do you use? I had Acronis at one time and to tell you the truth I couldn't understand the manual. When I did try a restore from Acronis the directories were not restored as they originally had been. I finally decided it was easier just to copy files manually.
Oct 6, 2019 12:44:49 #
bellgamin wrote:
For nearly bullet-proof security, I do the following:
1- Image the system drive 2-3 times/week to an external hard drive with 3 terabyte capacity.
2- Retain images 2-3 months FIFO
3- Full AV scan at least 1/day with Emsisoft Emergency Kit & Hitman Pro. (Both are on-demand, non-patrolling, free AVs.)
If an infection occurs, I restore a clean image & it's fixed.
In short, my most important security app is the imager app.
1- Image the system drive 2-3 times/week to an external hard drive with 3 terabyte capacity.
2- Retain images 2-3 months FIFO
3- Full AV scan at least 1/day with Emsisoft Emergency Kit & Hitman Pro. (Both are on-demand, non-patrolling, free AVs.)
If an infection occurs, I restore a clean image & it's fixed.
In short, my most important security app is the imager app.
What happens if a root kit is installed and is undetected for a few weeks? Exfil traffic can/does go undetected by AV/Malware software and typically requires the combined usage of firewalls with IPS/IDS systems.
Oct 6, 2019 17:36:24 #
bellgamin
Loc: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
@ SteveR - I use R-Drive Image, a paid app and relatively user-friendly. However, most of the security gurus in my favorite security forum use the free version of Macrium Reflect (MR). MR offers excellent online tutorials, plus they have an active forum devoted to discussions of MR.
@ johngault007 - Since I retain images for 2-3 months, I can revert to a clean image even if a root kit or other type of infection isn't immediately discovered. Generally, detection of a root kit is best done by scans OUTSIDE of Windows. I use a free, on-demand, non-patrolling scanner that exits Windows in order to scan for root kits. It is Norton Power Eraser (NPE). NOTE: NPE is very aggressive & sometimes yields FPs (False Positives). NPE offers to establish a Restore file before you act on its findings -- it is prudent to let NPE do so. A less aggressive option is Comodo Cleaning Essentials (CCE). Although its engine is vintage 2017, its malware signatures are meticulously updated so it's a good choice and it's free.
@ johngault007 - Since I retain images for 2-3 months, I can revert to a clean image even if a root kit or other type of infection isn't immediately discovered. Generally, detection of a root kit is best done by scans OUTSIDE of Windows. I use a free, on-demand, non-patrolling scanner that exits Windows in order to scan for root kits. It is Norton Power Eraser (NPE). NOTE: NPE is very aggressive & sometimes yields FPs (False Positives). NPE offers to establish a Restore file before you act on its findings -- it is prudent to let NPE do so. A less aggressive option is Comodo Cleaning Essentials (CCE). Although its engine is vintage 2017, its malware signatures are meticulously updated so it's a good choice and it's free.
Oct 6, 2019 17:47:29 #
bellgamin wrote:
@ SteveR - I use url=https://www.drive-image.com ... (show quote)
That's some great info...thanks for responding back!
Oct 6, 2019 18:19:34 #
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