What free security software would you recommend for Vista?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Chris
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Chris

What free security software would you recommend for Vista?
Avast?
AVG?
HOSTS file?
SpywareBlaster?
etc.?
 
I am using Trend PC-Cillin. Before that I was using CA's EZ security
suite.

I prefer PC-Cillin, though.
 
Avast is working fine for me


What free security software would you recommend for Vista?
Avast?
AVG?
HOSTS file?
SpywareBlaster?
etc.?
 
I have EZ antivirus, but I would advise against it, because you have to okay
it running each time the computer starts or disable UAC.

Just my two cents.

Robert
 
I'd also download Lavasoft Adaware SE Personal.
Mr. Newt said:
I have EZ antivirus, but I would advise against it, because you have to
okay it running each time the computer starts or disable UAC.

Just my two cents.

Robert
Click to expand...
 
I don't like Adaware. Prefers AVG. Avast takes too long for me to wait
for it to finish scanning
Click to expand...

Programs don't provide security; Concepts do.

A properly configured operating system kept up-to-date in combination with
safe/responsible browsing will go a long way.

For Vista the most dependable defenses are:
1. Do not work in elevated level; Day-to-day work should be performed
while the User Account Control (UAC) is enabled.
User Account Control Step-by-Step Guide.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc709691.aspx

Understanding and Configuring User Account Control in Windows Vista.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc709628.aspx

2. Familiarize yourself with "Services Hardening in Windows Vista".
Services Hardening in Windows Vista
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetmag/issues/2007/01/SecurityWatch/
Educational reading:
10 Immutable Laws of Security
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc722487.aspx

3. Don't expose services to public networks.
Windows Vista Service Configurations Introduction
http://www.blackviper.com/WinVista/servicecfg.htm

4. Keep your operating (OS) system (and all software on it)
updated/patched. (Got SP1 yet?).
Windows update.
http://www.update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us
Secunia Personal Software Inspector
http://secunia.com/software_inspector
https://psi.secunia.com/
--And--
M/S Security Baseline Analyzer 2.0
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...06-B5F9-4DAD-BE9D-7B51EC2E5AC9&displaylang=en
can assist also.

Why Service Packs are Better Than Patches.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/archive/community/columns/security/essays/srvpatch.mspx?mfr=true

5. Consider using Opera or FireFox instead of IE.

6. Review your installed 3rd party software applications/utilities;
Remove clutter, *including* 3rd party software personal firewall
application (PFW) - the one which claims:
"It can stop/control malicious outbound traffic".

7. Activate the build-in firewall and tack together its advanced
configuration settings.
Tap into the Vista firewall's advanced configuration features
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877-6098592.html
"...once you discover the secret of accessing its advanced configuration
settings via the MMC snap-in, you'll find it to be far more configurable
and functional. At last, Windows comes with a sophisticated personal
firewall that can be used to set up outbound rules as well as inbound, with
the ability to customize rules to fit your precise needs."
--Or--
Configure Vista Firewall to support outbound packet filtering
http://searchwindowssecurity.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid45_gci1247138,00.html
--Or--
Vista Firewall Control (Free versions available)
http://sphinx-soft.com/Vista/

7a.If on high-speed Internet connection use a router.

7b.Implement countermeasures against DNSChanger.
http://extremesecurity.blogspot.com/2008/06/use-default-password-get-hijacked.html

7c.Just in case, Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) has been
superseded by Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA).

8. Utilize one (1) each 'real-time' anti-virus and anti-spy
application.

9. Employ vital operating system monitoring utilities/applications.
Consider: Process Explorer, AutoRuns, TCPView, WALLWATCHER,
Wireshark, Port Reporter etc.

10.Routinely practice Safe-Hex.
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html
Hundreds Click on 'Click Here to Get Infected' Ad
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2132447,00.asp

The least preferred defenses are:
Myriads of popular anti-whatever applications and staying ignorant.

Good luck :)
 
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