Embedded Files
Information: Folder Guard is a powerful security tool that controls access to your files and folders. It can make them read-only, hidden, or appear empty to unauthorized users and programs. It is highly effective in protecting browser data from info stealers—malicious software that targets personal details like usernames, passwords, and credit card information. Folder Guard allows exclusive access to sensitive browser data, preventing external access attempts. It also offers ransomware protection, keeping your files safe from encryption, modification, or deletion.
Installation Of Folder Guard
Information: Folder Guard is not free, but a 30-day trial is available to explore its features.
1. Download Folder Guard
2. Run Folder Guard Setup As Admin
3. A System Restore Point Is Not Necessary
4. Launch Folder Guard
5. Select "Set Up The Folder Protection"
6. Set a password
Block Info Stealers (Part 1)
Information: In this guide, we will be creating a secure, controlled environment for the most widely used browser, Chrome. Since most browsers operate in a similar way, you can follow the steps outlined here to apply them to your own browser.
1. Go To Trusted
Information: "Trusted" encompasses all the programs exempt from Folder Guard's policies and regulations. Because we aim to exclusively grant the browser access to sensitive data, it's vital to classify it as trusted. This entails the removal of all other applications from the trusted list.
2. Select Remove All
3. Select "Add A Trusted Program File"
4. Add Browser
Important: Ensure to append the asterisk (*) after the path to the browser folder.
Information: As the browser is now trusted, we can proceed to block access to its data. Folder Guard will prevent external entry to the browser's data while still enabling the browser itself to access it.
5. Go To Restricted
6. Select "Restrict A File Or Folder"
7. Set The Browser Data Folder And Select Next
8. Set The Visibility As Hidden
9. Set The Access Restrictions To "No Access"
10. Your Browser Is Now Protected
Information: Your browser is now the sole application with access to its own data. External software and malicious programs won't have the capability to pilfer any sensitive information.
Block Ransomware (Part 2)
Important: It's not advisable to skip part 1, as part 2 may lack coherence without the foundation provided by part 1.
Information: In the effort to block ransomware, our aim is to block any alterations to our files. Yet, it's important to maintain our ability to make changes to our own files. File Explorer stands out as the widely used tool for file navigation and manipulation. This necessitates designating File Explorer as a trusted.
1. Go To Trusted
2. Select "Add A Trusted Program File"
3. Set Explorer.exe As Trusted
Information: Having established explorer.exe as trusted, the next step involves restricting write access to the files.
4. Go To Restricted
5. Select "Restrict A File Or Folder"
6. Set The Downloads Folder And Select Next
7. Set Visibility As Default
8. Set Access As Read-Only
10. Repeat The Same Procedure For Each User Folder As We Did For The Downloads Folder.
11. Your Files Are Now Protected From Ransomware
Information: By establishing File Explorer as a trusted application and configuring each user folder as read-only, ransomware will be prevented from altering your folders or files. Simultaneously, you'll retain the capability to enact changes using File Explorer.
Demonstration
Attempting To Access Browser Data Through Command Prompt
Attempting To Modify User Folders Through Command Prompt
Information: Command Prompt is not marked as trusted, so it can't access or change browser data or your files. Only the applications you've marked as trusted, like your browser or File Explorer, can work with protected folders and files. This way, harmful software can't change your files or steal information from your browser. If needed, you can pause Folder Guard or add more applications to your trusted list. For keeping your login and card information safe, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password. Once you have a password manager, remember to remove any saved login and card details from your web browser.