// rec

Security Recommendations

Last Updated: 2023-06-28

The following suggestions and recommendations are my personal recommendations to protect yourself.

Web Browser

The way we interact with the internet and the web continues to evolve. More apps run in a browser than ever before and more privacy concerns to go along with it. Here is my browser and add-ons recommendations.

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox This browser is provided from a foundation that is seeking to promote privacy throughout the web. Their innovation and speed is unmatched these days.

Firefox Add-Ons

  • uBlock – The premiere ad-blocker.
  • Privacy Badger – Some say its redundant with uBlock but it still catches a few elements and it’s an EFF offering.
  • Cookie AutoDelete – If you are new to clearing cookies this will take some time to adjust but its critical. When you leave a webpage it will clear the cookie in 15 seconds. For sites you want to stay logged into add them to the whitelist. Turn off the annoying little pop-up notification in settings. Also if you are using containers make sure to enable container support.
  • Containers/Facebook Container – Containers allow you to separate your work life from personal, and social for news. Again this will take some time to get used to. Use the Facebook Container regardless to tame the beast that is FB tracking on the web. You can set certain sites to always open in a container. I have NYT always load in News and gMail always load in Google.
  • DecentralEyes – Loads some files locally instead of having to call them from a CDN.

Security Software

Antivirus / Endpoint Security

If you are running Windows 10 or 11 the built-in security solution known as Windows Defender is quite good. It is likely all you need and you don’t need to go out and buy anything.

However, If you are looking for more features like advanced ransomware protection, web filtering, and more I recommend Sophos Home ($69 a year). You can protect up to 5 computers and that includes Windows, Mac, and Linux. Sophos heavily invests in R&D and they have earned my trust for many years.

Backup Software – Backblaze

"The only thing you can’t recover from is data loss".

Having a full backup of your files and photos offsite is absolutely critical. I recommend BackBlaze. For $6 a month you get a full computer backup with file versioning. Set it and forget it.

Password Manager – LastPass

Password Managers are crucial. Use them. I recommend LastPass for passwords and Authy for multi-factor authentication app.

Alternatives to LastPass: 1Password or BitWarden

Do not save your passwords in your browser or any app that you see in an Ad.

Application Updates – PatchMyPC

PatchmyPC Home Updater is an excellent free utility that finds software packages installed on your computer that need updating and automatically downloads and installs the latest versions.

Misc. Software

Security Tips

Some general security tips.

  • Register with HaveIbeenPWNED to be notified if your email address is part of a data breach.
  • Don’t use a 4 digit PIN on your mobile phone. Use alphanumeric password.
  • When possible use a 6 digit PIN on cards and entry codes.