Is Bitdefender Firewall and Total Protection Configured Properly?
Hi,
I recently started using Bitdefender Total Security to protect my two main computers - a W10 Pro desktop and a Windows 10 Home laptop. I wanted to make sure the firewall on the laptop is set up properly before I start doing some online banking work. I am currently visiting my daughter and using her private Wifi from her apartment.
Q1. Currently, there are 15 apps connected via Wifi that are given access. Some of them like my browser I know. Should any of the following apps be denied access? Seems like they all have full access - any network, any protocol and port any IP in both directions
system (no other info given)
Adobe Creative Cloud node.exe
System32 svchost.exe
System 32 taskhostw.exe
System 32 backgroundTaskHost.exe
WinStore.App.exe
Creative Cloud Helper.exe
HP TouchpointANalyticsClient.exe
System32 wermgr.exe
Microsoft OfficeClickToRun.exe
Q2. There are a lot of apps that have rules granting access. Some appear to have duplicate rules. For example, searchapp.exe has three identical rules underneath it: Any Network, protocol, proters and IP with traffic both ways. Should the two duplicate rules be deleted? Is there some way I can export this list so that someone can tell me if any rules need to be changed/deleted?
Ransomeware Remediation is currently off. Should I turn it on?
Thanks!!
- Suppose you are shopping on sites like eBay or Amazon. Paying by card gives you extra protection if the stuff turns out to be fake or never arrives. PayPal is also a safe alternative to card payment. Set up alerts so that if your card details are used, you will receive a text message or notification of the activity.
- Avoid shared or public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks. If you need quick, secure access, tether your smartphone’s net connection or use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
- Adjusting your browser settings is a quick and easy way to stay safe online. Depending on your needs and the browser you use, there are different settings you can change. Here are a few things you can do: 1) Disable auto-fill in web forms. 2) Regularly delete your browser history and any information you have entered. 3) Block suspicious websites.
- Do not simply assume the website is safe! The green padlock means the website you are browsing has obtained what is known as a security certificate. In the past, obtaining a security certificate meant a rigorous validation process and paying a fee. This is no longer the case. Security certificates can now be obtained in seconds, for free, which means many malicious websites now display green padlocks in their URL bars.
- Ensure you have enabled MFA is a powerful tool to prevent criminals from accessing your most precious online accounts. It means that even if your password is stolen, criminals will still need access to your MFA device (often your mobile phone) to access your accounts.
ASKER
Thanks for all of the tips. I already use/practice many of them - but you gave me a few very good tips to implement.
I usually use StrongVPN whenever I connect to a public Wifi - I need to make my use consistent
I use MFA on most of my key accounts - I need to do a check of all sensitive accounts to make sure it is enabled on all
Your 4th bullet point was a real eye-opener - I once tried to get a trusted certificate for my website years ago and put it off due to the cost, time, and effort involved. What is the best way to block suspicious websites?
In terms of browsers, I have primarily used Firefox for many years. I was told some months ago that problems getting some websites to display or work were caused by my using an "old technology" browser and I should use Chrome. I have been hesitant to use Chrome as I think Google already knows too much about me. Any suggestions on which browser(s) are best to use?
