ZoneAlarm Free Firewall is set to ask you “out of the box.” Over time, you will train the firewall to allow trusted programs and the number of notifications will fall to just new (and possibly unknown) programs. * Use a software firewall that will explicitly ask your permission when new programs try to access the Internet for any reason. Learn how to block websites and URLs at the router. * Keep your router firmware updated, if possible, and consider increasing the router’s hardware firewall settings (it may come set to a medium level that’s less hassle, but offers lower protection). * Use a Web traffic-filtering browser extension such as Norton Safe Web or Bitdefender TrafficLight, and/or a security-oriented public DNS resolver such as Quad9, for your Web browsing. (Once again, there are others, free and paid.) At least occasionally, run the rootkit scanning feature, if available (usually requires a reboot). I cycle a variety of free scanners including Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free (MBAM), Sophos Virus Removal Tool, F-Secure Online Scanner, Norton Power Eraser, and ESET Online Scanner. * On-demand scanners to catch any baddies that might have gotten past the main defenders. Several choices are available, such as Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit (MBAE) and Microsoft’s own EMET, but I use HitmanPro.Alert as it also offers keystroke encryption. My main Windows 7 machine is currently on BitDefender Free, but there are many other good free and paid AV solutions out there. The defensive layers include, in no particular order: In my case, I have decided to implement a multi-layered defense strategy which, I am confident, will make it possible to use Windows 7 without worries while I continue the slow transition to Linux (Kubuntu). As Windows 7 approaches the expected end of monthly security patching next January, Windows 7 users who have hesitated to switch to Windows 10 face the critical choice of whether to accept Microsoft’s newest operating system to switch to an altogether different platform such as Linux, Mac, or Chrome OS or to look for a way to protect their favorite OS into 2020 and beyond.
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