Protect your computer with Sandbox

If viruses and malware are common problems or merely users are concerned that their antivirus program is not enough, you can add a few layers of protection to your computer by installing the sandbox application. . A proper collection of sandboxed Windows applications will help protect you from the malware that the antivirus engine doesn't detect. In addition, it keeps computers and personal data secure every time you shop online or visit dangerous websites.

Sandbox is a form of software virtualization, allowing software and processes to run in its quarantined virtual environment. Basically, software running inside the sandbox is restricted access to files and systems and it cannot create permanent changes. This means that all that happens in the sandbox will only be in the sandbox.

Users can search for sandbox-specific software, but some antivirus software also supports sandbox. We will explore both in this article. The actual sandbox function will change between software, but here are some common uses:

Run automatically or manually some unclear software in sandbox in case they contain viruses, spyware or other malware samples.

Run the web browser in the sandbox to avoid the infection damage that occurs while surfing the web, one of the most common sources of malware.

Run the browser in the sandbox to prevent existing malware patterns on your computer from capturing important login information or billing information when shopping online.

Most sandbox tools, such as the ones below, can run software inside the sandbox along with other software in Windows. In general, software running inside the sandbox does not look different. However, there are still some tools that run in a separate environment and have a different interface. They even require users to restart the computer whenever they exit the sandbox.

Sandbox in Comodo Internet Security

Comodo Internet Security is a free security tool kit for personal and business users to use. In addition to tools to kill viruses and firewalls, it also supports automatic or manual sandboxes.

CIS will automatically detect untrusted executable files and software and run them in a virtual environment. Users can also run any software in the sandbox manually; Just choose a software to run through the CIS main application window (under Defense + tab).

Sandbox in Comodo Internet Security application.

In addition, users can also click on certain software in Windows and select Run in COMODO Sandbox . However, this option does not appear when you right-click the icon; You will have to right click on its executable file.

The sandbox function in CIS is great for automatic protection or when we run suspicious downloads. If you want to sandbox to surf the web, consider other tools like Avast or Sandboxie , both mentioned below.

Sandbox with Avast Antivirus

Avast provides free antivirus software for personal use, as well as the premium version with additional features or commercial use. Avast Free Antivirus features automatic sandboxing while Avast Pro Antivirus and Avast Internet Security have both automatic and manual sandboxes.

Like CIS, every Avast product automatically runs suspicious software in a virtual environment; By default this tool will ask you before making. Inside Avast's settings, you can determine which software you want to remove without being sandboxed automatically.

Manually running the software inside the sandbox with the Avast premium product is similar when using CIS. You can choose the software to run through the main window of the Avast software (under the Additional Protection tab , Sandbox ).

Avast Internet Security offers highly customizable sandbox features.

If you want, you may have to click on a software in Windows and select Run in Sandbox or Always Run in Sandbox . Unlike CIS, Avast provides users with sandbox options even if you click on a shortcut instead of just clicking the executable file of the software. In addition, users can determine which software always runs in the sandbox even when you open it as usual. Avast also provides more sandbox settings for customization, such as restricting certain applications that are sandboxed to not access the Internet.

Avast Free Antivirus proved useful when automatically sandboxing. However, if you want to manually sandbox or protect your surfing, consider upgrading to Avast's paid product or using another tool. Avast's premium version also works well in manual sandboxing, but you can still try other apps, such as Sandboxie, to get a higher customization.

Use Sandboxie

Sandboxie is a sharing tool, provided free for personal use. It allows users to open web browsers, email applications and other software within the sandbox.

Sandboxie lets you create highly customizable sandboxes, each running in its own virtual environment and containing its own data. For example, users can use a sandbox to run suspicious software and surf the web to access potentially harmful sites and another sandbox to perform sensitive actions like transactions and shopping. online.

Sandboxie will create a default sandbox for you. Add other sandboxes, open Sandbox Control , click Sandbox , and select Create New Sandbox .

Unlike sandbox features of some antivirus software, Sandboxie does not automatically sandbox unknown software. However, it offers many ways to open the software in sandbox mode.

1. Open the web browser : Click the Sandboxed Web Browser shortcut on the desktop or Start menu to open the default browser in sandbox mode.
2. Open any software via Sandboxie : Click Start → All Programs → Sandboxie → Run any program Sandboxed . Select the sandbox to boot and then browse to the software to run.
3. Open any software via Windows : Anywhere in Windows, right click on a software and select Run Sandboxed .
4. Open items from the Start menu : Click Start → All Programs → Sandboxie → Sandboxie Start Menu , then select the sandbox to launch it. Select a software from Sandboxie's list of Start menu shortcuts.

The registered version of Sandboxie also allows users to determine which software needs to be sandboxed automatically, even if you open them as usual: To set this up, open Sandboxie Control , right-click on a sandbox, select Sandbox Settings → Program Start → Forced Programs .

By default, each sandbox contains all the data related to the software you run in it. For example, if you run a web browser, it will save the web record and temporary Internet files. However, users can completely delete the content in the sandbox at any time: open Sandboxie Control , right-click the sandbox you want and select Delete Contents.

When you download files with a sandboxed browser or save files from any sandboxed software, Sandboxie will ask if you want to restore them. This action will save the items out of the sandbox to a certain drive. If you choose not to restore files, users can still view and restore them later: Open Sandboxie Control , right-click the sandbox you want and select Quick Recovery .

Sandboxie is great if you use it to sandbox everyday, or even occasionally when you surf the web. However, if you want to automatically protect against malware patterns, consider using antivirus software that includes the sandbox feature, such as Comodo Internet Security or Avast.