The computer and software security thread

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laser
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Re: The computer and software security thread

Post by laser »

Steve's utility is a convenient alternative to a PowerShell script given by Microsoft earlier to the IT crowd.. It is looking for the subkey "FeatureSettingsOverride" under the Registry key
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management].
That key is created by a successful Win update. One also can check its presence 'manually' in Regedit, without any utility and running scripts. If it's not there then the OS is not patched.

The utility provides easy button clicks to enable/disable the 'protections' by changing flag values in that subkey. But only can and will do that if the update was installed, else sensibly disables/greyes the buttons.

Now, why would be an update ineffective? MS made this announcement:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/hel ... s-software
Antimalware tend to mess with the kernel, hence any OS update can result in BSOD errors on millions of boxes. To prevent problems, users can try hard but MS only will update Win if found the specific Registry key shown in the article. That key shall be created by antimalware vendors (using an update) confirming that their software can handle the changes. Users also can create the key manually but then should uninstall the antimalware before installing the MS update.

Installing the MS updates only deals with the OS - Windows. The processor microcode fixes will be done via BIOS/UEFI flashing, if and when vendors provide patches.
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Re: The computer and software security thread

Post by Homer »

At times like this, it's good to know this guy is on the job: https://www.askwoody.com/
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Re: The Digital Surgery

Post by Homer »

Are you running Win7 64-bit? Updated Windows since Jan 1? Well, Microsoft just said 'Oops'. Several of the updates released since Jan 1 introduced a bug making in-memory objects wide open to exploits. Not exploits written by rocket scientists, but ones written by people who barely know how to write an exploit.

Two ways to fix this. First is uninstall everything from Jan 1 til now. Second is install KB4100480. But don't do either until you've verified you've installed anything listed on the top of this page: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/hel ... -2018-1038 At the bottom of that page below 'How to get this update' are instructions for installing KB4100480

The explanation https://www.askwoody.com/2018/patch-lad ... -to-patch/

The Oops https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US ... -2018-1038
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Need to Replace Kaspersky

Post by RCer »

I've been using Kaspersky for years but now need to replace it due not having a US address any longer.

So, what's a recommended replacement? I don't mind paying for a decent anti-virus that can be used on multiple devices; PC, iPad, and 2 Android phones.
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Re: The computer and software security thread

Post by buksida »

Have been using Avast on Windows based machines for years with no issues and Malwarebytes for Android. Of course you need both AV and AM software for Windoze.
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Re: The computer and software security thread

Post by Big Boy »

The Thai Software installers all seem to use ESET NOD 32 - it works fine.
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Re: The computer and software security thread

Post by Chazz14 »

I'm happy with ESET Internet Security - and it doesn't slow Windows 10 down...
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Bitdefender Thailand offer

Post by usual suspect »

I have used Bitdefender internet security for a few years now, and all-in-all quite pleased so far.
Anyway, just to let folk know (if any of you are contemplating using this package)...Bitdefender Thailand are doing their 'Total Security 2019' package at the mo for 699b (1 yr, and 5 units)...This is direct from them, not Lazada etc.
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Re: The computer and software security thread

Post by Spitfire »

Tor browser is useful, it's pretty cool now, and is basically a very modified version of Firefox. Tor is good (better now than ever) but out of the mainstream browsers then I'm beginning to believe that Opera is the best one as it's very fast and offers a reasonable vpn option, even though it's not a true vpn but does basically give proxy service benefits which hide your IP location even if no encryption.

As for Tor, make sure you read the "dos and don'ts" section (like don't maximize the screen as you can be tracked from screen resolution apparently).

Avast do a good fast browser too...but not enough privacy on it otherwise would be fine.

Also found an anonymous email that lets you sigh up with just a user name and password in Switzerland (which has good privacy laws) so that you can sign up to sights that want an email with giving your whole identity away.

https://mail.protonmail.com/login
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Re: The computer and software security thread

Post by buksida »

Computer getting slow? Taking time to open programs? Web browsing slowing down but you provider says 'mai mee banha' ...

The most prominent malware this year has been crypto miners which will do all of the above.

Researchers at Kaspersky Labs have released a report stating that 2018 has been the year of the crypto-miners.

Previous years were noted for ransomware or browser hijackers but this year has seen the biggest rise in mining malware designed to commandeer unsuspecting computers for their processing power. Most malware infects a computer when it is downloaded alongside compromised software and websites such as games, gambling or porn. High profile cases have involved compromised Facebook Messenger code and Chrome extensions, so even the big boys are not immune.

https://www.newsbtc.com/2018/11/29/rese ... -for-2018/
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Re: The computer and software security thread

Post by buksida »

What are people's choice for Antivirus software these days? Avast is becoming more hassle than its worth and I have little faith in the NOD32 that the Thais use.

Lets have some suggestions for alternatives, free and paid.
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Re: The computer and software security thread

Post by Big Boy »

NOD32 (paid version) has kept me going for a few years now. Always seems to catch stuff if on 'dodgy' sites. I don't think I'll be changing any time soon. Is there any reasoning for the 'little faith' remark?
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buksida
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Re: The computer and software security thread

Post by buksida »

Big Boy wrote: Wed Jan 16, 2019 3:56 pm Is there any reasoning for the 'little faith' remark?
Only because I've had to uninstall it from a number of people's computers that had viruses!

To answer my own question Kaspersky looks pretty solid by this review (Tom's is a reputable site): https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-free- ... -6003.html

NOD32 isnt even included.
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Re: The computer and software security thread

Post by Big Boy »

buksida wrote: Wed Jan 16, 2019 3:58 pm
Big Boy wrote: Wed Jan 16, 2019 3:56 pm Is there any reasoning for the 'little faith' remark?
Only because I've had to uninstall it from a number of people's computers that had viruses!
That surprises me. Had they been using the free version, which stops updating after a while?
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Re: The computer and software security thread

Post by buksida »

Yes, the Thais always bundle it on with their software setups. Back in the day we used Norton for everything until it became an epic resource hog, then there was AVG, and more recently Avast which has also become a royal pain for various reasons. Giving Kaspersky a go anyway.
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