Windows Hardening

Making

XP

Last up till

2011

Contributions, click flag to see details

The Anti Virus page

Consider these recommendations by US-Cert

Task 1 - Install and Use an Anti Virus Program

Task 2 - Keep Your System Patched

Task 3 - Use Care When Reading Email with Attachments

Task 4 - Install and Use a Firewall Program

Task 5 - Make Backups of Important Files and Folders

Task 6 - Use Strong Passwords including your Hotmail password

Task 7 - Use Care When Downloading and Installing Programs

Task 8 - Install and Use a Hardware Firewall

Task 9 - Install and Use a File Encryption Program and Access Controls

Advantages of the Internet Security 2008-2009 Suites

The above Tasks 1 and 4 are included in these programs along with anti spam, parental controls, Phishing and email checker. All are integrated into one package that works seamlessly with each component.  

Kaspersky IS 2009 available from Amazon UK £17.23 for 3 users with free postage, no additional programs required as this is an all in one scanner for viruses, Trojans, root kits, Spyware and other Mal ware. One of the  major British banks is supplying this free to all their online customers. Can be set  to a higher security level than the default if required.  

Zone Alarm   includes Kaspersky’s anti virus engine

AVG 8 Full version not the Free includes Root kit and Spyware detection and will remove infections from the Virus Vault.

McAfee IS 2009  has it’s Hacker Watch to check out programs on your system, with a guide to how many people allow limited out going or full connections to the Internet. Has it’s own Site Advisor although this is not as comprehensive as the Web Of Trust plug in available on the Browser page.  

Norton IS 2009 and 360 V2 better detection than most but leaves a number of open ports on the firewall also needs PC Tools Spyware Doctor and Registry Mechanic to bring it up a top performer. Has online threat detection on your PC so Norton updates are tailored to the needs of your PC.  Response times are from 5 minutes upwards. Should your system become infected Norton do offer to clean your PC for an additional fee of £69.99.