sandboxie?

joe134

Hi Guys, read so much about sandboxie, just wondered if it is as goodasit claims, and is it worth installing, especially in light of latest hacking events, ans online banking etc??
use chrome mostly.

A.Penny.Saved

I have used it for many years and although it takes some thought to using it well, it does provide very good protection IMO.

You can use the free version with only one sandbox so it is worth trying. It will take some getting used to because you have to remember that files are not written to where you think they should be. You have to remember that they are stored in the sandbox unless you use the quick recovery feature. Any program that the browser invokes such as download managers, java etc will also be in the sandbox so files will not be saved where you expect them.

You also have to deal with browser updates, extensions, flash updates and all that. They often need updating outside the sandbox because otherwise they do not get installed. It's the same with viruses and malware.

tyllwyd

We've got Sandboxie on our pcs, and it was recommended by my OH's colleague (they are both software engineers).


As the previous poster said, you need to think about how you manage files that you save from a program running inside the sandbox (such as email attachments) or else you can end up losing them.


We've stopped using it so much because apart from the automatic updates to software which were that bit more of a fuss to get installed, we found that all cookies etc when browsing got deleted when the sandbox was cleared out - that gets to be a real pain if you have to re-enter your password or accept cookies every single time.

joe134

tyllwyd wrote: »

We've got Sandboxie on our pcs, and it was recommended by my OH's colleague (they are both software engineers).


As the previous poster said, you need to think about how you manage files that you save from a program running inside the sandbox (such as email attachments) or else you can end up losing them.


We've stopped using it so much because apart from the automatic updates to software which were that bit more of a fuss to get installed, we found that all cookies etc when browsing got deleted when the sandbox was cleared out - that gets to be a real pain if you have to re-enter your password or accept cookies every single time.

thanks guys, sounds like it's a bit fiddly, but, may give it a whirl.nothing to lose, (but Files) which I don't keep many of.updates I use secunia for most;
suppose it's getting into a habit of using it, or not;
thanks for advice, been reading up on it.:beer:

SailorSam

It sounds like a good idea, i was hoping someone who has used it would come and asnswer the OPs question.
It's got pretty good reviews.....
http://download.cnet.com/Sandboxie/3000-2144_4-10371434.html#rateit

A.Penny.Saved

The cookie problem is not really a problem, just a configuration issue. Cookies & favourites/bookmarks can have direct access to the regular cookies, favourites/bookmarks, passwords, settings, profiles etc etc. Google Chrome is supported very highly but only fully in the registered version. Many other browsers have some support too.

However if security is important, having everything outside the sandbox does add to the risks. Passwords are far easier to find outside the sandbox and I never allow that. Cookies as well can add to the risk which I do not take by having them outside the sandbox because it can allow easier access to a persons accounts by copying the cookies.

It can be as easy or difficult/secure as you want it to be but still provide protection from encrypting malware. Setting it up as you want it to work is a strength IMO.

If you install it and take a look in the settings you will see what is possible and what is supported.

The window title bar displays an indicator showing that the program is sandboxed to remind you. The window boarder can show a wider coloured outline as well.

It's so much more secure that I would not browse without it. Think about the drive by Malware ads that have happened on eBay, social networking and various ad networks. Using a sandboxed web browser means I am not at risk

A.Penny.Saved

Browsers can be forced Sandboxed so you do not have to think about using it, it just happens. If you always save any downloads to a folder which has auto recovery, it will automatically be recovered out of the sandbox. You can setup any folders that you want to auto recover. Want to stop programs accessing the internet? Set the restrictions to no internet access and it's done. Want to stop certain programs running in a sandbox? That can be done, limiting to known programs can prevent some types of attack such as not allowing java to execute.

SailorSam

I've downloaded this after reading this thread earlier, but now when i try to open it i'm getting a WOT warning to say it's an unsafe site.

A.Penny.Saved

What site is claimed to be unsafe?

I do not understand where the problem lies. Can you give all the details that you can?