SECURITY FREEWARE

Anti Malware Scanner  Superantispyware PortableSUPERAntiSpyware is an anti-spyware/anti-malware product that is well known amongst computer technicians. SAS just got even better by officially releasing a portable version of their product. The portable version is almost identical to the installed version in the way that it deals with malware, except that it downloads as a single, portable file. When you download the portable version from the official website, you will probably notice it has a strange file name like “SAS-4325.COM”. The reason for this is because the last 4 numbers of the file name are random. This helps prevent some of the nastier infections from closing SAS Portable when it runs. SAS Portable also comes as a .COM file instead of a .EXE file because many infections will try to prevent .EXE files from running, so it has those bases covered. SUPERAntiSpyware Portable is free, updates easily and is definitely a tool you will want to keep on your USB drive to deal with malware infections. This is a manual scanner, no real time protection. Size: 9.4mb. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Anti Malware Scanner  MalwarebytesMalwarebytes has developed a variety of tools that can identify and remove malicious software from your computer. When your computer becomes infected, Malwarebytes can provide the needed assistance to remove the infection and restore the machine back to optimum performance. The free trial version (blue download button) is free and will remain free according to Dustin Cook, Malwarebytes malware researcher. This is a manual scanner, no real time protection. Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
AntiMalware Scanner  Dr.Web CureIt!Curing utility scans and removes malware. Download, scan and repair your system. The next time you scan, you should download the new Dr.Web CureIt! as it does not update. Highly recommended. Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.  Bearpaw DemoA short demonstration of the program created with Screen2exe.
AntiMalware Scanner  A-SquaredManual scanner with the highest Trojan Scanner/Remover. Win 2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Anti Spyware  ThreatfireProtection against all types of internet threats - both known and unknown - spyware, adware, keyloggers, viruses, worms, Trojans, rootkits, buffer overflows, and other malware. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Anti Virus/Spyware  Microsoft Security EssentialsMicrosoft Security Essentials is by far the best choice for average users because of the minimal user interaction required and clean interface. The detection rates are very good, in particular the detection of zero-day threats and rootkits. Even more impressive, it has very few false positives and is light on resources. Personally recommended. Size 11MB. Win XP/Vista/7.
Anti Virus-Cloud  Immunet ProtectI've tested most of the cloud antivirus products and find Immunet to be the best of the lot. What makes it stand out the most is the fact it can be run on top of your existing AV (or stand alone) so you get the best of both, only takes 8mb disk space and scans are blazing fast (1 minute). You should register to get all of the community options though it does not affect the level of cloud-based and community-based protections that Immunet Protect offers by design if you do not register. I'm running Microsoft Security Essentials along with Immunet with no problems. Personally recommended. Size: 8mb. Win All.
Anti Virus  AntiVirExcellent antivirus that now has some HIPS incorportated. Adware so remove the nag screen with the tools listed below in news and info. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Backup/Recovery  Paragon Backup and RecoveryParagon Backup and Recovery Free Edition has many new features, including support for Windows 7, cyclic backup - complete infrastructure for establishing a self-acting data protection system, support for the latest hardware and back up and restore of GPT entire disks. Win 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7.
EULA  EULAlyzerQuickly analyze End User License Agreements (EULAs). Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Folder/File Lock  PreventPrevent is a freeware application which runs on all Windows. If you don’t want anyone deleting or renaming or messing around with your data, maybe your younger sibling, then Prevent may be able to help you. Run the Prevent installer setup. The installer only places the Prevent folder in the system Program Files folder. A desktop shortcut will also be created. To run the program, click on Prevent. Set your Hot key to stop Prevent. Portable. Size: 353KB. Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Firewall  ComodoFirewallProOne of the best firewalls for XP and Vista/2008/7. Win XP/Vista/2008/7.
Firewall  Online-ArmorOne of the best firewalls for XP and Vista/2008/7. Win XP/Vista/2008/7.
Hidden Messages  Bon Kyu BonWrite hidden messages in such a way that no one apart from the intended recipient knows of the existence of the message. Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Key Scrambler  KeyScramblerKeyScrambler Personal protects your login credentials, credit card numbers, passwords, search terms, Java, Flash, PDF Forms, web email and more in IE, Firefox, and Flock against known and unknown keyloggers. KeyScrambler encrypts your keystrokes in the kernel, giving keyloggers only scrambled, meaningless keys to record. It defeats known and unknown keyloggers. It works even on security compromised computers. Size: 1.2MB. Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Network  Plax Network SuiteCollection of network tools which give you full control over the internet activity of your computer. Instant internet lockdown, turn off-on Windows XP firewall, block outbound connections, cloak your computer IP address, quickly identify unknown open ports, and active reconnaissance tool: the port scanner. Win XP/Vista/2008/7.
Packet Viewer  WireSharkEnables you to capture and examine data/packets from a live network. Portable. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Packet Viewer  SmartSniffEasy program to sniff and view IP packets. Shows outbound and inbound calls. Win 98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7. (use with currports)
Password Crack  ophcrackOphcrack is a free Windows password cracker based on rainbow tables. It is a very efficient implementation of rainbow tables done by the inventors of the method. It comes with a Graphical User Interface and runs on multiple platforms. See below for tips of use. Win 2000/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Password and Form Filler  LastPassI recommend this solution for automated password management, and form filler. The LastPass password is the last password you will ever have to remember, and you can start using very secure passwords without worrying about forgetting or managing them. Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Password Recovery  Cain&AblePowerful password recovery tool. Win NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Password Recovery  FireMasterFireMaster is the first ever built tool to recover the lost master password in Firefox. Master password is used by Firefox to protect the stored sign-on information for all visited websites. If the master password is forgotten, then there is no way to recover the master password and user will lose all the sign-on information stored in it. However user can now use FireMaster to get back all their stored credentials. FireMaster uses combination of techniques such as dictionary, hybrid and brute force to recover the master password from the Firefox key database file. Now it also supports patten based password recovery mechanism which significantly reduces the time taken to recover the password. Win 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7.
Password Viewer  Asterisk LoggerAsterisk Logger can reveal the passwords stored behind the asterisks in standard password text-boxes. Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP.
Password Viewer  AsteriskKeyReveals passwords hidden under asterisks and works with dialog boxes and web page login forms. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Ports Viewer  CurrPortsView or manage a list of ports that are currently in use, and the application that is using it. Use with SmartSniff and see everything going out or into your computer. Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Process Define  ProcessQuickLinkAdds an information button next to running processes in the Task Manager and when clicked takes you to the process library page which defines that process. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Process Viewer  ProcessMonitorShows real time file system, Registry and process thread activity. Win 2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Process Viewer  ProcessExplorerShows you information about which handles and DLLs processes have opened or loaded. Win 2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Process Terminator  KillProcessCreate kill lists that can terminate multiple running processes at the same time. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Rootkits  Sophos Anti-RootkitSophos Anti-Rootkit has a small but easy to use interface with no options other than choosing where you want to scan. As it scans it opens up to a slightly larger interface where it lists the results of the scan and gives you information about each result as well as a recommendation for them. Additionally, a small help file is available that explains the program in a little more detail and gives directions on how to use the command line anti-rootkit tool which is also included. Requires free registration. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Security Manager  AToolAdvanced security management tool which can detect and deal with all kinds of harmful programs. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
System Hardening  VispaAllows you to easily tweak your Windows Vista for better privacy and security, even system performance. Win Vista/2008/7.
System Hardening  xpyDisables the default threats of a Windows XP installation and improves privacy settings and your systems security. Win XP.
System Lock  PredatorPREDATOR locks your PC when you are away, even if your Windows session is still opened. It uses a regular USB flash drive as an access control device, and works as follows: you insert the USB drive, you run PREDATOR (autostart with Windows is possible), you do your work. When you leave your PC, you simply remove the USB drive: once it is removed, the keyboard and mouse are disabled and the screen darkens. When you return back to your PC, you put the USB flash drive in place: keyboard and mouse are immediately released, and the display is restored. It's easier and faster than closing your Windows session, since you do not have to retype your password when you return. Size: 700kb. Win XP/Vista/2008/7.
System Protection  SystemProtectProtect important programs, documents and files from deletion caused by viruses, other users on your computer, or even by your own mistake. Win XP/Vista/2008/7.
Svchost Process Analyzer  Svchost Process AnalyzerSvchost.exe is the most mysterious process in Windows XP/Vista/2008/7. Svchost.exe is a generic host process name for services that run from dynamic-link libraries (DLLs). The authentic svchost.exe file is located in C:\Windows\System32, but numerous viruses and trojans use the same file and process name to hide their activities. The free Svchost Process Analyzer lists all svchost instances and checks the services they contain. This makes it easy to uncover Svchost worms like the infamous Conficker worm. Svchost Process Analyzer is a 100% freeware program from www.neuber.com. There is absolutely no installation required. Simply download and run the software. Size: 372kb. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Virtual Surfing  ReturnilCreates a Virtual Partition in which you can surf safely. Erase all traces on reboot. Win 2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
Virtual Surfing  SandboxiePrevents malware loading on hardrive by surfing in a virtual sandbox. 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
WiFi Shield  Hotspot ShieldHide your IP while you're on-line, access all content without censorship, bypass firewalls, Protect yourself from snoopers at Wi-Fi hotspots, hotels, airports, corporate offices and ISP hubs. Also has an IPhone version. This nifty tool can also be used to watch U.S. only websites when abroad, like Hulu. Win 2000/XP/Vista/2008/7.
WiFi Shield  KittyLitterKitty Litter is the Anti-Sniffer that prevents hackers from capturing logins and passwords and viewing traffic on your wireless network by spamming thousands of false-leads per second that are unidentifiable from your regular browsing habits. Hopefully you secure you home wireless network, but this is very good to confuse hackers at wireless hotspots like cafes, airports and hotels etc. Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.

WEB SERVICES

File Upload Virus Scan  JottiUpload a file and scan for virus using many different scanners.
Phone Number Protection  numbr.comThe web service provides you with a telephone number you can use instead of giving out your real telephone number. In the upper right hand corner of the page, click on GET YOUR FREE NUMBER which auto expires in one month which can be cancelled earlier or even extended longer. Click on MANAGE YOUR NUMBER and you are able to enter the number given to you by the site, and the number you wish it to ring.
System Virus Scan  ESETAllows to remove detected infections (Requires Internet Explorer with an ActiveX download).
Website Security Scan  Dr.Web Site ScanScan web sites for security issues before surfing to them. Check the bottom of the page for the right option, file or website.

Security

I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials antivirus coupled with Immunet Protect. Immunet is a cloud antivirus designed to work with many real time antivirus programs and provides an extra layer of immediate cloud protection when viruses are discovered, rather than wait for virus updates. Those two programs along with the Windows firewall give you very good protection while being the lightest suite on resources and least intrusive. Load them and forget them. If you practice safe-hex, this is adequate protection.

If you want more control though much noisier, use  Comodo Firewall (without the antivirus) or  Online Armor's Firewall instead of Windows firewall.

Threatfire adds additional behavioral based detection and runs from the box without the need for additional configuration. Automatic updates are not provided with the free version if you elect to opt out of the ThreatFire Community.

For occasional manual scans and removal of malware use  Superantispyware PortableMalwarebytesDr.Web CureIt and  A-Squared (highest as a Trojan Scanner/Remover).

Paragon Backup and Recovery has many new features, including support for Windows 7, cyclic backup - complete infrastructure for establishing a self-acting data protection system, support for the latest hardware and back up and restore of GPT entire disks. Restore an entire disk, separate partitions or only files you need from the previously created backup image.

News and Information

Probably the Best Free Security List in the World...This outstanding list has been compiled by one of Gizmo's senior security editors, Antti Koponen. The products are listed with the best free products first (non-free products are always at the bottom of each category).

Alt.comp.virus information pages...Topics on this site range from anti-virus software, viruses, virus removal and virus myths to spyware, firewalls and general computer security..

How to crack a Windows password with Ophcrack Live CD

Virus test files are available from EICAR and are harmless but provide a means to test your security suites' effectiveness.

Trojan test files For years you have been able to test your virus scanner with the harmless Eicar test file. Using the just released Trojan Simulator you can now test your trojan scanner in the same manner, using a harmless demonstration trojan. This is a risk-free way to see how your security software behaves in a real-world situation.

Safe Hex

Wireless Home Network Security

Advanced Malware Cleaning Tips

Up to date security tips.

Blackviper Tips

Disable the nag screen on AntiVir

Other tips for AntiVir

Dr.Web CureIt! should be re-downloaded each time you wish to scan as the downloaded file doesn't update, though the new download will be updated. It is a very good deep system scan for malware and repairs what it finds. It starts it's scan in quick mode, therefore, I recommend stopping that scan and selecting a complete system scan. It takes a while but very effective.

Dr.Web LiveCD is an anti-virus emergency aid disk that would restore a system that became non-operational due to activities of malware. If a workstation or a server running Windows\Unix will not boot from a hard drive, Dr.Web LiveCD will clean a system of suspicious and malicious files and will also try to cure infected objects.



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