PC Tools Firewall gone -- what others are good?

[SafeSurf]

Prevx gave me a pop-up alert to the attempt...which failed.  But I was able to get their IP address and do a reverse look up.    I also re-checked my system to make sure I was clean, and I am, so they didn't far...nice try though.

[YoKenny]

@ SafeSurf

Are you using XP Home or Pro as your signature does not indicate which.

Windows XP Home Edition vs. Professional Edition: What's the difference?
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp

[SafeSurf]

I had it in there, but because of the forum format change, I was forced to change my Signature for everything to fit...uhmmmmmm.  I did suggest, along with others that the fonts be smaller for the Signature, but instead you have to scroll on one of the "tweak" days."  So for now, I have an abbreviated version of XP-H.  Knowing how often there will be tweaks, I'll end up changing my Sig. daily.

Edit:  New tweak just done.  Now you can see my new Sig....second time today. 

[Vladimyr]

"...the report of my death was an exaggeration" http://www.pctools.com/firewall/ (Friday 3rd September, 12.26PM AEST)

[MikeBCda]

Now that I've been using Outlook for a week or two, I'm generally happy with it.  Only one minor complaint, it doesn't have one specific and very useful feature that other firewalls usually do, the ability to "flag" applications rules for which the application no longer exists on my system (typically installers) so the applicable rule can be deleted.

[DavidR]

The actual firewall is called Outpost, not Outlook which is a MS email program

I don't know much about the free version or its interface, but in the Pro version it is in Settings, Anti-Leak, Known components, View List... button, see image. Presumably there will be something similar in the free version.

[MikeBCda]

Thanks for the correction, David, I'd even put "Outlook" into my profile in error. 

[DavidR]

You're welcome, did you manage to find those settings ?

[MikeBCda]

No - in the free version, the closest equivalent appears to be the Application Rules.  I make a point of scanning that list when doing my weekend cleanup to see if I can spot anything I know is gone.

This seems to be one of those rare cases where the paid version looks quite a bit more useful than the free version.  However, from your screenshot it doesn't look like the paid version flags uninstalled things either.

[DavidR]

Well Application Rules are in the Pro version also (in my image). So presumably you don't have the Proactive Protection section shown in my image ?

[MikeBCda]

No I don't -- free version settings menu is a little shorter:

[DavidR]

Yes much smaller, not as comprehensive, there obviously has to be a difference to the paid option, but it is still a good free firewall.

[ardvark]

Prevx gave me a pop-up alert to the attempt...which failed.  But I was able to get their IP address and do a reverse look up.    I also re-checked my system to make sure I was clean, and I am, so they didn't far...nice try though.

So, this individual was able to hack their way into the banking site in question for this to be possible?

Regards...

[SafeSurf]

So, this individual was able to hack their way into the banking site in question for this to be possible?

No...past PCT FW (which I was testing) onto my machine.  They tried to do a screenshot.  I was on a banking site, but PrevX w/SO prevented them from doing anything...keylogging, redirecting, screenshot, url grabbing, browser modifications, etc., and immediately knocked me off-line for my protection and told me why.  When I called the bank, nothing had happened, but to play it safe we both agreed to change acct. #'s and PW's. 

I keep everything up to date with software all the time.  I was able to get the IP and actual address, but as you know...hackers change it.  But I'm sure after failing to succeed with me, he just went on to hack into someone else's account without security software to protect them.

Since changing to the new FW, I've been fine and stealth by testing.

[ardvark]

No...past PCT FW (which I was testing) onto my machine.  They tried to do a screenshot.  I was on a banking site, but PrevX w/SO prevented them from doing anything...keylogging, redirecting, screenshot, url grabbing, browser modifications, etc., and immediately knocked me off-line for my protection and told me why.  When I called the bank, nothing had happened, but to play it safe we both agreed to change acct. #'s and PW's. 

I keep everything up to date with software all the time.  I was able to get the IP and actual address, but as you know...hackers change it.  But I'm sure after failing to succeed with me, he just went on to hack into someone else's account without security software to protect them.

Since changing to the new FW, I've been fine and stealth by testing.

Hi SafeSurf...

Wow, I'm glad Prevx was on the job.

Regards...