Comprehensive Security Plan
A security plan that first covers recovery, and data protection is key.
Have a current image of your operating system and files stored on an external hard drive.
Backup your data on an external hard drive or off-site regularly preferably in real-time.
Use a Anti-Keylogger.
Have a Identity Theft Plan.
Have a financial transaction plan such as PayPal or MyProtect (especially with Credit/Debit cards.) Anything truly sensitive, keep it encrypted and off of any computer that is connected to the net.
Use anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall tools to help reduce events requiring recovery from malware. Just about any of the top free tools are good enough. Just remember, the bad guys are always one step ahead and there are no silver bullets for 100% protection.
Your computer being hosed beyond use or a critical hardware failure is not the most important issue. An image of your system or a hardware component replacement easily remedies that. The issue is protecting yourself from financial harm, sensitive data being compromised, or data loss.
A complete detailed presentation with additional information is contained in:
1. The Most Important Thing Every Computer User Should Do
2. BearWare's Comprehensive Security Plan.
SECURITY TOOLS
- *AntiKeylogger SpyShelter is an anti-keylogger that will proactively scan when any virus, spy program, keylogger or trojan attempts to store your private information. Protect your passwords, chat, credit card numbers. Fast algorithm process does not slow down your computer when scanning for dangerous items. Doesn't need to check a signature database. System protection (HIPS), Anti keylogger, AntiScreenCapture, and AntiClipboardCapture. Size: 5.5MB. Win XP/Vista/7/8. 32/64bit.
- *AntiSpyware ThreatFire works by continuously analyzing the behavior of processes and programs on your system and immediately alerts you if it detects any suspicious actions - you can then decide whether to allow or block the activity. It should be used along with your regular anti-virus program or firewall, adding an additional level of security to your system. Size: 8.8MB. Win 2000/XP/Vista/7. 32/64bit.
- AntiSpyware WinPatrol takes snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without your knowledge. WinPatrol was the pioneer in using a heuristic behavioral approach to detecting Zero-Day attacks and violations of your computing environment. Size: 834KB. Win XP/Vista/7/8. 32/64bit.
- *AntiVirus Comodo Internet Security is a multi-layered security application that keeps hackers out with powerful Antivirus protection, an enterprise class packet filtering firewall, advanced host intrusion prevention and automatic sandboxing of unknown files. Prevents malware from being installed, Free to both business and home users, Detects and eliminates viruses and Auto Sandbox Technology. Size: 88MB. Win XP/Vista/7/8. 32/64bit.
- *AntiVirus avast! contains an on-demand scanner with two interfaces (simple for novices and advanced for experienced users), an on-access scanner with Standard Shield (which protects against execution and opening malware programs) and an embedded e-mail scanner which scans incoming and outgoing email messages. It integrates with the Windows Explorer right click menu and also includes a special screen saver which is able to scan your system while your computer is not in use. Updates are incremental and frequently made available for manual or scheduled download. Size: 73MB. Win XP/Vista/7/8. 32/64bit.
- Application Monitor Kiwi application monitor is a small program which lets you monitor your applications/processes, Windows and User activity. All you need to do is select an application or processes from the build-in process viewer or enter an application's exe name. The program can be set to start with Windows and run in background with small system resources usage. Kiwi can inform you of certain events and take defined steps so you can automate almost everything imaginable on your computer! Size: 3.4 MB. Win XP/Vista/7.
- *Backup Image Macrium Reflect is my recommended imaging tool due to its reliability, speed and default compression depth. Clone your hard dlsk and create disk Images in the safe knowledge that everything is securely saved in an easlly recovered backup file. Access images in Windows Explorer. Schedule backups. Linux Rescue CD. Windows PE 3 Rescue Media (RAID support).
- Backup Image Paragon Backup and Recovery is an imaging program with 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.
- Backup Image DriveImageXML creates thorough hard disk images, copies them from disk to disk, and offers browsing of backed-up disk images just like regular directories. That means if there are just a few files to grab from a previous image, there's no need for whole-cloth restorations, just a quick point-and-grab operation. Like Macrium Reflect Free, DriveImageXML support Volume Shadow Copy. Easy to use and reliable program for disk imaging and backing up partitions and logical drives. Win 2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Backup System Clone CloneZilla Live allows you to do bare metal backup and recovery. Clonezilla live is suitable for single machine backup and restore. It is an operating system that you run from a bootable LiveCD (or USB drive). It then makes a disk image of your entire hard drive for back up, or you can use the existing image for restoration. Clonezilla server edition is for massive deployment, it can clone many computers simultaneously in a very short period of time. Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Backup Sharing Buddy Backup Unlimited free online backup to your buddies computers (Easily make secure, off-site backups so you're safe in the event of fire, flood or theft.) Don't pay a penny for data backup! The new version now also backs up to external devices such as a hard drive, for when your buddies aren't online. Completely free backup software. Simple, easy to use interface. Backup to USB drive. Encrypted backup means no one can read your files - not even your buddies. Your files are efficiently backed up the moment they are saved. Never lose a moment's work. Win XP/Vista/7.
- Boot UltimateBootCD Create a boot CD with recovery tools. Win NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Boot WinToFlash Making a bootable USB flash drive for Windows Vista and Windows 7 isn't all that tricky, but it's always nice to find an app that simplifies things. Not only does WinToFlash make the process about as easy as it can get, but it can also create Windows XP, Server 2003, and Server 2008 installers. The default options make it easy to roll a silent Windows install, or you can flip the custom switch and specify the exact setup parameters you want to use. The handy app also has one more trick up its sleeve: moving Windows Preinstall environments. PE discs can be extremely handy for troubleshooting and repairs, and being able to painlessly zap them over to a USB flash drive means not having to burn a new copy every time someone's haggard old optical drive decides to chew up your CD. Portable. Win 2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Directory Monitor Directory Monitor surveils selected directories and notifies of any file changes, deletions, modifications, and new files in real-time. You can choose as many directories to monitor as you like. You can optionally execute an application when a change occurs. This program helps on understand what is happening to these folders when in use or not. Portable version which downloads as a single executable. Runs in the system tray. One quirk of the program is when you minimize it, it goes to the taskbar, "X" it and it goes to the tray. To exit the program you must right click > exit the tray icon. Size: 924KB. Requires .NET 3.5. Win XP/Vista/7. 32/64bit.
- *DNS Server Norton ConnectSafe is a free DNS service that provides a first layer of defense by blocking unsafe sites automatically. It automatically blocks known unsafe, fraudulent, phishing and infected Web sites from entering your home network and causing harm to your devices. Choose from three levels of protection. No complicated rules or settings. It does not take up disk space or memory. It is a cloud-based service and does not require any software or hardware installation.
- *Encryption TrueCrypt can create an encrypted container in a file or encrypt an entire hard disk partition or storage device such as USB flash drive. Win XP/Vista/2008/7. DemoA short demonstration of the program.
- *Encryption File AxCrypt is an open source file encryption software. It integrates seamlessly with Windows to compress, encrypt, decrypt, store, send and work with individual files. AxCrypt is a great complement to services such as Dropbox, Live Mesh, SkyDrive and Box.net . Password Protect any number of files using strong encryption. Right-click integration with Windows Explorer makes AxCrypt the easiest way to encrypt individual files in Windows. Double-click integration makes it as easy to open, edit and save protected files as it is to work with unprotected files. AES encryption with 128-bit keys. Send the files to friends, who won't need AxCrypt as long as you give them the password for access. Portable version. Size: 3.21MB. Win 2003/XP/Vista/2008/7. 32/64bit.
- Encryption Cloudfogger encrypts all your files easily, quick and secure using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), which has even been approved by the NSA for top secret information. Without your password and key nobody will be able to access your protected documents. Cloudfogger uses transparent encryption, which makes daily use quick and simple. You save your files to the new Cloudfogger drive X: that is created when you install Cloudfogger. In the background, all files stored on X will be written fully encrypted to a selectable directory on your system - for example your Dropbox. All the same this works with any other cloud storage provider or even your local network/disk storage.Cloudfogger-protected files can also be shared with others. You just need the automatically created Cloudfogger ID your partner uses and you are on your way to use your files together. Also, distributing files via e-mail or USB sticks is easy due to the portable Cloudfogger file format. Size: 9.4MB. Win 2000/XP/Vista/7. 32/64bit.
- Encryption FreeOTFE On-the-fly transparent disk encryption program for PCs, USB sticks and PDAs. Create one or more virtual encrypted disks. Anything written to them will be encrypted. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/7.
- Encryption Gizmo Drive Mount ISO, BIN, CUE, NRG files to a virtual CD-ROM drive, Mount VHD files used with Microsoft Virtual PC, Mount password protected images to a virtual hard drive, Encrypt HD images using a passphrase, Protect vital files from hackers using encrypted HD images, Mount IMG files to a virtual drive, Mount and un-mount files from the Windows Shell, Mount and un-mount files from the command line, and Support for compression and sparse HD images. Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Encryption GnuPG allows to encrypt and sign your data and communication, features a versatile key management system as well as access modules for all kind of public key directories. GnuPG, also known as GPG, is a command line tool with features for easy integration with other applications. Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP.
- Encryption gpg4usb is a very easy to use and small portable editor to encrypt and decrypt any text message or file you want. Our aim is to give anyone the possibility to send and receive secure encrypted messages anywhere - on any computer out there, no matter if Microsoft Windows or Linux is running on it. Therefore its usage is self-describing, and the user interface as simple as possible. Portable. Size: 12.5MB. Win All.
- EULA EULAlyzer Quickly analyze End User License Agreements (EULAs). Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- File Activity Monitor Moo0 FileMonitor lets you easily monitor the file access activities on your system. Have you ever wondered what's going on with your disk system behind your watch? Moo0 FileMonitor will show you what is causing your disk activity with details. Tip: You can open the containing folder by double-clicking the item. Portable version. Size: 1.82MB. Win XP/2003/Vista/7.
- Firewall - Windows Windows Firewall Notifier is a small portable tool that works in tandem with the Vista or Win7 firewall and sets it to block outgoing traffic. It will set the rules in the firewall simply by clicking to allow or not when it displays it's notification of a program attempting to call out. It doesn’t always run in the background, instead, it hooks into the existing Windows Firewall infrastructure. Double-click "Console.exe" to run and enable Windows Firewall Notifier which enables the Windows Firewall (if its disabled) and sets it to block outgoing traffic by default. Then it enables the outbound connection logging feature in the WIndows Firewall and creates a scheduled task linked to the Windows Firewall events. When the Windows Firewall blocks an application from connecting, the firewall logs the event to the event log, which causes Windows Firewall Notifier to launch and display a notification, requesting your input. Windows Firewall Notifier also comes with a console (which you can use without enabling the features) which allows you to see network connections, rules, exceptions and the log. Before you delete the program folders to "uninstall," click the "Notif. Settings" button in the console window and it will give you options to revert to default settings as before you used the program or keep them. Portable. Size: 146KB. Win Vista/7. Details
- *Firewall Comodo Firewall incorporates Default Deny Protection which references a list of over two million known PC-friendly applications. If a file that is not on this safe-list knocks on your PC's door, the Firewall immediately alerts you to the possibility of attacking malware. All this occurs before the malware infects your computer. It's prevention-based security, the only way to keep PCs totally safe. Easily understood and informative alerts. No complex configuration issues—perfect for amateur users Lots of configuration options let techies configure things just as they like. Quickly learns user behavior to deliver personalized protection. Size: 88MB. Win XP/Vista/7/8. 32/64bit.
- Firewall Online-Armor One of the best firewalls for XP and Vista/2008/7. Win XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Folder/File Lock Prevent 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.
- Hidden Messages Bon Kyu Bon Write 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.
- HiJack Detection RunScanner is a freeware windows system utility which scans your system for all running programs, autostart locations, drivers, services and hijack points. You can use Runscanner to detect changes and misconfigurations in your system caused by spyware, virusses or human errors. Warning: Runscanner requires advanced knowledge about Windows. If you delete an item, without knowing what it is, it can lead to major Windows problems. If you are not sure what to delete, post your Run file to a helper forum. It has a beginner and expert mode. Size: 2.14MB. Portable version. Win XP/Vista/7. 32/64bit.
- Hosts File HostsMan is a freeware application that lets you manage your Hosts file with ease. Built-in hosts file updater. Enable/Disable hosts file. Built-in hosts editor, Scan hosts for errors, duplicates and possible hijacks. Portable version. Size: 2.01MB. Win XP/2003/Vista/2008/7. 32/64bit.
- Hosts File Host Mechanic allows you to edit, delete or restore default Hosts file in Windows. The hosts file has been around a long time and was initially used to resolve hosts names before DNS. If you make an entry with the actual IP address for a site, navigation to the site will be a bit faster as you would not need to go through your DNS service to resolve the IP address. (your ISP automatically provides one or you can choose a filtered DNS service like Norton ConnectSafe). With the help of this tool, you can add new website IP address, URL easily and quickly to Hosts file. The tool also allows you to delete or restore default Hosts file using a single click in case it becomes corrupt due to malware or other reasons. You can also block sites with the hosts file by using a dummy address such as 127.0.0.1 as the IP address instead of the actual IP address [127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com]. The hosts file can also be edited manually using Notepad and the path to the file is C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc. Size: 201KB. Portable. Win XP/Vista/7/8. 32/64bit.
- Hosts File Compilation MVPS Hosts MVPS HOSTS provides a hosts file (the best rated HOSTS file on the Internet) that can be used to block ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and even most hijackers. In many cases using a well designed HOSTS file can speed the loading of web pages by not having to wait for these ads, annoying banners, hit counters, etc. to load. This also helps to protect your Privacy and Security by blocking sites that may track your viewing habits, also known as "click-thru tracking" or Data Miners. Simply using a HOSTS file is not a cure-all against all the dangers on the Internet, but it does provide another very effective "Layer of Protection". Most Windows hosts file are empty now days. If an IP address and URL are listed in the hosts file, Windows will use that to navigate to the site without using the DNS service to lookup the IP address.
- KeyLogger RamHook is free and completely open source keystroke logging application. It allows you to capture and record all keyboard input to a file. The program is extremely small and lightweight, can run in a hidden mode, upload log file to specified web server. Due to open source nature, software is secure and transparent. Captures all keyboard input. Caching and low level hooks uses minimal amount of CPU cycles. Highly customizable. Hidden mode. Windows integration. Log file uploading to remote servers. Portable. Size: 1.15MB. Win XP/Vista/7.
- KeyLogger Test AKLT (AntiKeyLoggerTester) is a portable single executable program file that will allow you to test your computers protection from key logging malware. There are 12 tests you can perform including the ability to block screenshot tests. When you click on the first 10 tests, if you can type on your keyboard and the symbols appear in the Captured keys screen then you are not protected from that test. If you are protected, a green checkmark will appear and it will display "Nothing Intercepted Until Now" which means the test was blocked. Your anti-keylogger program should also give you an alert to allow or deny the attempt. The two screenshot tests should not be able to capture an image of your screen. The attempted screenshot capture by the program will put the jpg image on your desktop. The Firewall Leak Tester website is currently down, therefore BearWare is hosting the 169KB file.
- *Link Scanner AVG Link Scanner checks every web page before you even click on a link with detection of suspicious sites, Protection from faulty or rogue messages and works with any anti-virus product. Unique, preventative, real-time protection. As soon as you complete a search or type a web address into your browser, AVG LinkScanner interrogates the page before it loads in your browser. If it discovers suspect code it stops you opening it. It also will scan any search results and security rate each link. You immediately know which site to trust and which to avoid.
- Key Scrambler KeyScrambler 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.
- Malware Analyzer X-Ray automates submission of files that you think are suspicious to 31 (Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, ClamAV, Comodo, Dr.Web, Emsisoft, ESET, CA, Fortinet, F-Prot, F-Secure, Ikarus, K7Antivirus, Kaspersky, McAfee, Microsoft, Norman, nProtect, Panda, PC Tools, Prevx, Rising, SUPERAntiSpyware, Symantec, TheHacker, VBA32, Vipre, ViRobot, VirusBuster) antivirus companies for manual analysis by virus analyst professionals with a click of a button. Able to change submission method for a particular antivirus from Settings, Test email settings, Send file to VirusTotal for scanning, Retrieve latest scan report from VirusTotal, Two methods of sending files to VirusTotal (Email and API), Automatic failover when chosen method for sending suspicious files to VirusTotal fails, Copying MD5 hash and results to clipboard via right click context menu. History (VirusTotal detection report and Analysis Submission date & time). It is recommended to use your VirusTotal API key because every public API key has a limit of 20 requests per 5 minutes. A few users simultaneously using X-Ray will easily reach the request limit for the built-in API key and you will receive the error message “Submission via API failed. Reason: exceeded API request rate“. Register a free account at VT Community. Portable. Size: 1.9MB. Win XP/Vista/7. 32/64bit. Download
- *Malware Scanner Comodo Cleaning Essentials is a set of powerful security tools designed to help users identify and remove malware and unsafe processes from Windows computers. Designed as a portable application, the software requires no installation and can be run directly from removable media such as a USB key. CCE consists of three core technologies: KillSwitch - an advanced system monitoring tool that allows users to identify, monitor and stop potentially unsafe processes that are running on endpoint systems, Autoruns - makes a thorough check on the Start-up items that are loaded during system start-up and shows them as a list with their threat rating and Malware scanner – fully featured malware scanner capable of unearthing and removing viruses, rootkits, hidden files and malicious registry keys hidden deep within a system. Portable. Size: 178MB. Win All. 32/64bit.
- *Malware Scanner Emsisoft Emergency Kit contains a collection of programs that can be used without a software installation to scan and clean infected computers for malware. Emsisoft Emergency Kit Scanner is the powerful Emsisoft Scanner including graphical user interface. Search the infected PC for Viruses, Trojans, Spyware, Adware, Worms, Dialers, Keyloggers and other malign programs. Emsisoft HiJackFree helps advanced users to detect and remove Malware manually. With HiJackFree you can manage all active processes, services, drivers, autoruns, open ports, hosts file entries and many more. For your full control over your system. Emsisoft BlitzBlank is a tool for experienced users and all those who must deal with Malware on a daily basis. Malware infections are not always easy to clean up. These days the software pests use clever techniques to protect themselves from being deleted. In more and more cases it is almost impossible to delete a Malware file while Windows is running. BlitzBlank deletes files, registry entries and drivers at boot time before Windows and all other programs are loaded. It picks up the most false positives, but also detects the most malware. Portable. Size: 148MB. Win XP/Vista/7/8. 32/64bit.
- *Malware Scanner Malwarebytes utilizes Malwarebytes powerful technology to detect and remove all traces of malware including worms, trojans, rootkits, rogues, dialers, spyware and more. Advanced Malware Detection and Removal. Industry Proven Clean-up Technologies Eradicate Existing Malware Infections. Rapid Response Malware Database and Heuristics Updates. Access to our Expert Community and Knowledgeable Support Team (Email/Forums). Chameleon Technology Gets Malwarebytes Running on Infected Systems. Size: 8.7MB. Win XP/Vista/7/8. 32/64bit.
- *Malware Scanner TDSS Killer will remove malware belonging to the family Rootkit.Win32.TDSS (aka Tidserv, TDSServ, Alureon). The utility can be run in Normal Mode and Safe Mode. The utility can detect two object types: malicious (the malware has been identified) and suspicious (the malware cannot be identified). When the scan is over, the utility outputs a list of detected objects with description and automatically selects an action (Cure or Delete) for malicious objects. The utility prompts the user to select an action to apply to suspicious objects (Skip, by default). If you want to quarantine detected objects select the action Copy to quarantine and the file will not be removed! Portable. Size: 2MB. Win XP/Vista/7/8. 32/64bit.
- Malware Scanner Ultra Virus Killer (UVK) is a powerful free tool for manual virus removal and system repair. With simple and intuitive interface, UVK allows users to detect and delete Trojans, rootkits, malware and spyware from infected systems. It also includes lots of tools to repair windows after the disinfection. Process manager, Startup Entries and services and Drivers/Tasks, Delete file or folder, Scan & create log, Run UVK Scripts, Repair system and UVK Fixes, System Info, and Automatic anti-malware scans. The application can be set to scan with MalwareBytes, SUPERAntiSpyware, and Hitman Pro (these applications will be automatically downloaded and installed, if not already on your system). Additionally, you may choose to run Kaspersky TDSS Killer and ComboFix. The real strength of the application, in my view, lies in the repair tools which have been designed to repair Windows (if necessary), after the disinfection. On top of that - users may create and run scripts that perform complete system repair and maintenance. Portable version. Size: Win XP/Server 2003/Vista/2008/7. 32/64bit.
- Malware Scanner SUPERAntiSpyware Portable 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.
- Malware Scanner QuickScan Whenever you need a quick check or a second opinion, such as before logging into your favorite game, when using your bank account or buying something online, use QuickScan, directly from your browser. You'll need to download a browser extension (Firefox or Chrome only) or Web widget to us this. BitDefender QuickScan takes full advantage of the "in-the-cloud" scanning service and is capable to detect active malware in less than a minute, taking just a fraction of the system resources needed by a regular virus scan. Please note that Quickscan does not provide a virus cleaning service. You can use the likes of Malwarebytes to clean. This is for a very quick check.
- Malware Scanner Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free downloadable security tool that provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It works with your existing antivirus software. Note: The Microsoft Safety Scanner expires 10 days after being downloaded. To rerun a scan with the latest anti-malware definitions, download and run the Microsoft Safety Scanner again. Portable. The download detects your operating system or you can choose which operating system you wish to download.
- Malware Scanner Vipre is a partnership between Sunbelt Software and Malwarebytes in a dedicated effort to assist users in cleaning an infected PC. A very powerful combined effort with great tools. All the tools you need to scrub your PC clean are free!
- Malware Scanner VirusTotal Uploader enables you to directly send files from your system using the 'send to' context menu and scan it with 40 leading Anti-Virus products. You can quickly upload files that you have already downloaded, or you can submit the download URL of a file and pass it on to the service without storing the file on your computer. Manual Scanner. Size: 140KB Win All.
- Network Plax Network Suite Collection 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.
- *Onscreen Keyboard SafeKeys is another of the great ones. A very well planned and laid out on screen keyboard with the best features. 100% Key logger protection, the keyboard is not used in the creation or transfer of your passwords…ever. Great Screenlogger protection. Injection Mode. With this, you can use NSK with programs that do not usually accept drag-drop which means that you can now be protected when entering master passwords for KeePass and Roboform, and when using Opera, Excel and even World of Warcraft. Transparency and Auto-hiding when dragging dropping passwords make NSK a breeze to use. Adjustable hover entry delay just adjust how long you need to hover over a key, before it registers as a keypress, from 0.5 secs to 2.5 secs. and NSK remembers your settings from the last time you ran it. Portable. Size: 1.9 MB. Win 2k/XP/Vista/7.
- Optimizer True System Security Tweaker is a freeware security utility for tweaking and optimizing Windows operating system. It can simply be used as a portable application to customize and secure your PC to meet your safety requirements. You can define access level to lots of Control Panel applet functions including Desktop, Network, Passwords, Printers, System, Add/Remove Programs, etc. Use it to disable system features for certain user profiles; hide Start menu items and Open-Save dialogs options. True System Security Tweaker has got a simple but nicely designed interface for selecting over 470 security options for your system. Also the Delphi source code is available too. Portable. Size: 2.6MB. Win 2000/2003/2008/XP/Vista/7. 32/64bit.
- Packet Viewer WireShark Enables you to capture and examine data/packets from a live network. Portable. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Packet Viewer SmartSniff Easy program to sniff and view IP packets. Shows outbound and inbound calls. Win 98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Password CMOS PC CMOS Cleaner is an easy-to-use tool to recover, delete, decode and display the superior passwords stored in BIOS whatever the brand is. Most types of BIOS are supported. It's an bootable CD that runs on x86 and x86_64 computers. Copy the image to a CD and boot your computer to it. Display the superior passwords of the BIOS, Remove BIOS password (will set the BIOS to default status, need reset date), or Set the BIOS to default state. It's a useful tool for users to get their lost BIOS password back, or clean passwords from an old computer bought from others. Support all x86, x86_64 Personal Computers. Support most BIOS, such as: AWARD, AMI, Compaq, Phoenix, Samsung, IBM, Compaq, DTK, Thinkpad, Sony, Toshiba and so on. Downloads as an ISO. Size: 59MB.
- Password Crack ophcrack 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 Manager LastPass I 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 Manager KeePass is a free open source password manager, which helps you to manage your passwords in a secure way. You can put all your passwords in one database, which is locked with one master key or a key file. So you only have to remember one single master password or select the key file to unlock the whole database. The databases are encrypted using the best and most secure encryption algorithms currently known (AES and Twofish). Portable Apps has a portable mode. Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Password Protect EXE Empathy is a special utility allowing you to password-protect any executable file. Empathy can modify an EXE file so that it will require a password to run. Only a person knowing the password will be allowed to run the protected program. Protected files stay protected if you copy them to another location or even to another computer, no matter which operating system do they use. It is postcardware and unless registered by sending a postcard, you can only use one letter for your password. That may be good enough. If not and you want it, you can send a free postcard using Hippopost.com. Win 2000/XP/Vista/7.
- Password Recovery Cain&Able Powerful password recovery tool. Win NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Password Recovery FireMaster 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 Reset PCLoginNow allows you to gain access to a Windows computer where you have lost or forgotten the administrator password, without having to reinstall Windows. It can reset Windows local account login passwords for Win NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista/7, as well as lock/disable accounts, change accounts to administrator level, and even set passwords to never expire. (It can even bypass the Window’s SysKey mechanism, which was designed to prevent such password resetting activity). This software bypasses Windows altogether. To use it, download the ISO file from this location then burn it to CD (say for example using ImGBurn); next, boot into your system using the PCLoginNow CD and you should be able to do what is needed. Size: 58.5MB.
- Password Viewer Asterisk Logger can reveal the passwords stored behind the asterisks in standard password text-boxes. Win 95/98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP.
- Password Viewer AsteriskKey Reveals passwords hidden under asterisks and works with dialog boxes and web page login forms. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Ports Viewer TCPEye is a free program that lists open TCP/IP and UDP ports. TCPEye is similar to TCPView and CurrPorts but has some unique features, such as country name display and IP location lookup. You can see what programs have opened and/or using ports for Internet communication. Size: 1.39 MB. Win XP/Vista/7.
- Private Network RetroShare is a Open Source cross-platform, private and secure decentralized communication platform. It lets you to securely chat and share files with your friends and family, using a web-of-trust to authenticate peers and OpenSSL to encrypt all communication. RetroShare provides file sharing, chat, messages, forums and channels. Serverless, encrypted Chat & Filetransfer. Multiple simultaneous downloads / uploads. Search Friends. Messages. Forums. UPnP / NAT-PMP port forwarding support. GnuPG Authentication. OpenSSL Encryption. Plug-in support. User Interface written with Qt4 toolkit. System tray integration. RetroShare only allows people into your network who you exchange GnuPG certificates with (a certificate is created for you when you set up the server). Portable. Size: 14.4MB. Win XP/Vista/7.
- Process Explorer What's Running is a product that gives you an inside look into your Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/Windows 7 system. Lots of great features including hierarchical process view, usability improvements, more in-depth information, smart information navigation and much more! Explore processes, services, modules, IP-connections, drivers and much more through a simple to use application. Find out important information such as what modules are involved in a specific process. Control your system by starting and stopping services and processes. Configure your startup programs easily. Win 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7.
- Process Define ProcessQuickLink Adds 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 Monitor Glint shows system activity as flash-lights or small graphs by using system performance counters in local or remote computer. It also displays the most active processes in system in descending CPU activity order. I like it because I can see what the most active program is, or quickly see what program or process is causing activity. Portable. Size: 212KB. Win 2000/XP/Vista/7.
- Process Viewer ProcessMonitor Shows real time file system, Registry and process thread activity. Win 2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Process Viewer ProcessExplorer Shows you information about which handles and DLLs processes have opened or loaded. Win 2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Process Terminator KillProcess Create kill lists that can terminate multiple running processes at the same time. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Ransom Malware Remover Kaspersky WindowsUnlocker If a banner appears on the screen and requests sending sms to a specified phone number, it means that your computer is infected with ransom malware. Such malware are created to block access to a computer or restrict access to some functions and request a ransom to restore computer functionality. This utility downloads as an ISO which you burn to a USB or CD/DVD to boot with in order to defeat this malware.
- *Remove Cnet Adware Wrapper NoBadware NoBadware" changes Download.com's download links to point to the direct developer’s download, and skips C|net’s bad installer. Script Summary: Skip CNET's ad-ware downloader/installer and download the actual application that you want with only the developers installer! When you click the Install link, it installs an extension to Chrome or FireFox. NoBadware and its author are not associated with or endorsed by CNET, CBS, or Download.com.
- Security Font Security Font provides users with all the necessary security features while at the same time an excellent control over the look of the documents. The free package includes the security fonts based on the SANS SERIF font style. Hard to alter check amounts in dollars, pounds sterling, euros, or the yen can be printed easily. Payee names in both upper and lower case characters are supported. Security Fonts are used to print text and amounts on secure documents e.g. a bank check. These documents require capabilities to prevent forgery and easy alteration. By providing a unique background pattern of lines, start/stop characters and human readable text that appears below the actual printed text, security fonts provide capabilities to deliver a highly secure document quickly and easily. The installer installs CCodeSecuritySANS_S.ttf. To use the font, the user can simply select the font in their favorite text editor like Word or Wordpad. Win 98/ME/NT 4.0/2000/XP/2003/2008/Vista/7.
- Security Manager ATool Advanced security management tool which can detect and deal with all kinds of harmful programs. Win 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- *Software Updates SecuniaPSI designed to detect vulnerable and out-dated programs and plug-ins which expose your PC to attacks. Attacks exploiting vulnerable programs and plug-ins are rarely blocked by traditional anti-virus and are therefore increasingly "popular" among criminals. The only solution to block these kind of attacks is to apply security updates, commonly referred to as patches. Patches are offered free-of-charge by most software vendors, however, finding all these patches is a tedious and time consuming task. Secunia PSI automates this and alerts you when your programs and plug-ins require updating to stay secure. Size: 1.7MB. Win XP/Vista/7 32&64 bit.
- Steganography/Watermark Puff is Advanced Steganography & Watermarking - Image/Audio/Video (codec independent)/Flash support - Multiple carriers chains (up to 512MB hidden stream) - Random per-chain-512bit-cryptography-algorhythms - Data whitening - Adaptive LSB + Bits selection level. It's an evolution for advanced users of traditional steganography tools. Steganography is a smart way to hide data into other files, called carriers. Modified carriers will look like the original ones, without perceptible changes. Best carriers are videos, images and audio files, since everybody can send/receive/download them without suspects. Watermarking is here stated as the action of signing a file with your copyright mark. This program does it in a steganographic way, applied to videos, images and audio files. Your copyright mark will be invisible. Portable. Size: 226 KB. Win All.
- System Hardening Vispa Allows you to easily tweak your Windows Vista for better privacy and security, even system performance. Win Vista/2008/7.
- System Hardening xpy Disables the default threats of a Windows XP installation and improves privacy settings and your systems security. Win XP.
- System Information and repair Tweaking.com A collection of programs by Tweaking.com to repair/restore various important functions of Windows. Programs are: Windows Repair (All In One), System Information Tool, Reset Registry Permissions, Reset File Permissions, Register System Files, Repair WMI, Repair Windows Firewall, Repair Internet Explorer, Repair MDAC & MS Jet, Repair Hosts File, Remove Policies Set By Infections, Repair Icons, Repair Winsock & DNS Cache, Remove Temp Files, Repair Proxy Settings, Unhide Non System Files, Repair Windows Updates, Auto Assign Drive Letters, Disable or Enable Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Disk Error Checking at Next Boot, Kill Frozen Programs, Simple Performance Boost, Repair CD/DVD Missing/Not Working, and Repair Volume Shadow Copy Service.
- *System Lock Predator 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 (auto-start 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 SystemProtect Protect 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.
- System Rescue SARDU (Shardana Antivirus Rescue Disk Utility) can build one multi-boot support CD, DVD or a USB device. The disk or USB device may include comprehensive collections of "antivirus rescue CD", collections of utilities, popular distributions of Linux Live, the best known Windows PE , recovery disks and Install of Windows XP , Windows Vista and Windows Seven. All you need for troubleshooting. SARDU does include a few utilities, but is primarily a tool for managing the software (ISO image files) that you download from other companies and developers, which can be also downloaded with this tool.
- Svchost Process Analyzer Svchost Process Analyzer Svchost.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.
- Task Manager SystemExplorer Information on Processes, Performance, History, Windows, Startup, Explorer, IE add-ons, Uninstallers, Services, Drivers, Connections, Opened files, registry and file before and after snapshots, suspicious file checks, online process databases, and easy access to System Utilities. Portable version. Win XP/Vista/7.
- *Theft Management Prey lets you keep track of your phone or laptop at all times, and will help you find it if it ever gets lost or stolen. It's lightweight, open source software, and free for anyone to use. And it just works.
- Theft Management LAlarm is a clever anti-theft alarm software for your laptop that provides different security features to prevent your laptop from being stolen, as well as data recovery and destruction options to protect your sensitive data. The program can sound an audible alarm if someone is trying to steal your laptop, and also lock down your system if someone is trying to hack your password. Once the system has been locked down due to password tempering, the program can try to upload data from selected folders to your Gmail account and/or securely delete the content of selected folders or drives. LAlarm assumes that someone is trying to steal your computer if the power cord is unplugged or if a USB drive is removed while the system is armed. You can lock down your laptop with any USB drive by fastening a strap to the USB stick and then securing it to a table, chair, luggage or other object - if someone wants to steal your laptop, he will need to unplug the USB drive, which will activate the alarm. Other features include battery alerts, perimeter alarms (based on IP address range), email and SMS notifications, command-line executions, and more. LAlarm if free for personal use, business use requires a license. Size: 968 KB. Win XP/2003/Vista/7.
- Transaction Monitor Internet Security Monitor will make sure that your private and sensitive information, such as website logins, passwords, Credit Card numbers and Social Security Numbers, etc. are sent to the Internet only over encrypted, secure channels. It monitors all outgoing information from your computer and if it detects an attempt to send your sensitive information over unencrypted channel it will immediately block the transaction and notify you. Size: 595KB. Win XP/2003/Vista/7. 32/64 bit.
- Virtualization Toolwiz Time Freeze makes virtualization very easy to use. When you run the program, it virtualizes your system and you have two exit options after your session: reject all changes, which requires a reboot, or accept all changes, which can take a few minutes. It's an effective Instant system restores software to keep your system safe and protect your computer from unwanted changes.It can also protect your files and folders from changes and provide password protection.It makes virtualization very easy to use. It clones your system, creating fully working copies that you can use normally (or abnormally) without risking your "real" system.It puts the actual system under protection and creates a virtual environment for system partition, on which you run applications and surf the internet. It provides higher-level security to computer protection, and greatly improves the efficiency of virtual system. Size: 1MB. Win XP/Vista/7. 32/64bit.
- Virtualization BufferZone creates an isolated environment called the Virtual Zone. You will see a thin red border around any window that is currently run from the Virtual Zone. The Virtual Zone "buffers" your PC from all forms of known or unknown attacks that originate from the Internet and external devices. All of your private information is secured in a trusted and separated virtual environment. It allows you to do anything on the Internet threat free. Safely download anything, open email attachments, e-Bank, e-Shop, browse, utilize USB devices, P2P downloads or sharing, or chat, etc. in an isolated (virtualized) zone. Schedule periodic flushes of the Virtual Zone. Lock your personal files in confidential folder inside a trusted zone. Important software upgrades pass automatically into the trusted zone. Take a snapshot of the Virtual Zone for one-step restore. The entire process is seamless and fully automated. With BufferZone, all programs or files that enter your computer through downloading, browsing or uploading with external media devices are redirected to a Virtual Zone (C:\Virtual). C:\Virtual is a special directory in your computer's registry that keeps external programs and files in an isolated environment, separated from your trusted personal files and your PC's operating system. If your favorite programs are not protected by default, you can easily add them to the list. You can also run any previously downloaded file or program inside the Virtual Zone by choosing the option from the Explorer right-click menu. Size: 15MB. Win XP/Vista/7.
- Virtualization Returnil Creates a Virtual Partition in which you can surf safely. Erase all traces on reboot. Win 2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- Virtualization Sandboxie Prevents malware loading on hard drive by surfing in a virtual sandbox. The free version has a nag screen and only allows one sandboxed session at a time. 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008/7.
- WiFi Management Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector is a powerful tool for managing and troubleshooting the Wi-Fi on your network. Built in tests enable you to characterize the integrity and performance of your Wi-Fi connection. Applications include: Searching for Wi-Fi networks, Managing and troubleshooting Wi-Fi connections, Verifying Wi-Fi coverage, Locating Wi-Fi devices, and Detecting rogue APs. Win XP/Vista/7. 32/64bit.
- WiFi Security Zamzom is a Wireless network tool which will find out the people who are using your wireless connection very quickly. After installation, when you will run it, its main window displays your computer name, MAC address, IP address and wireless ip range. If something is wrong, you can edit it using the option edit. Requires .NET. Win 2000/XP/Vista/7.
- WiFi Shield Hotspot Shield Hide 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 KittyLitter 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.