debunking windows update virus rumor?

[Rob]

I heard about some windows update thing but it was just a friend of a friend
type thing. Anyone know anything about this?

 

[=?iso-8859-1?B?RGFuaWVsIEP0dOk=?=]

Just stick with the MS software site and you'll be fine. I know MS NEVER
sends out emails telling people to upgrade -- VISTA does that automatically
instead.

Dan

 

[Zim Babwe]

Some friend told me about another windows update thing. He was a cousin of
a friend of my ex-wife. Is that what you are talking about?

 

[Alexander Suhovey]

There's a known kind of "social engineering" attack in form of an e-mail
message that pretends to originate from Microsoft. Usually it has an
executable as an attachment and suggest running it ASAP to fix some
"critical vulnerability". It is quite easy to tell malicious message from
actual Microsoft correspondence since:

1. Microsoft doesn't send unsolicited notifications. You need to subscribe
to get mails from MS.
2. Microsoft doesn't send unsolicited updates/fixes via e-mails.

See also:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/email/ms_genuine_mail.mspx

 

[Richard Urban]

And this Windows Update thing is specifically what?

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Richard Urban]

My cousin, four times removed, on my deceased aunts side of the family, by
adoption, told me the same thing.

Is that what you are referring to?

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Reggie Dunbar]

I personally don't like not having the options of which updates get
installed. As an IT guy I know very well there have been MS updates that
have hosed systems.

Besides, why the secrecy? Sure, I could get the info from the security list,
but still...

 

[Donald McDaniel]

I personally don't like not having the options of which updates get
installed. As an IT guy I know very well there have been MS updates that have
hosed systems.

Besides, why the secrecy? Sure, I could get the info from the security list,
but still...

It is not necessary to install ANY updates, if one wishes.

Automatic Updates can easily be configured to
1) automatically download and install all updates without your permission
2) automatically download all updates, but wait for your permission to install
any one or all
3) never download/install any updates

So PLEASE start reading a little? As is usually said in your case, "RTFM!!!"

 

[Rob]

Thanks to all who seriously answered this question. The question was from an
employee who had a concern so I am following up on it. The "thing" as some
of you mocked, is unknown to me which is why I am asking if anyone has heard
anything and could be more specific.

Alexander, I think that could have been it. so I'll remind them again the
usual dont' open attachments from anyone especially when the claim to be
from reputable sources such as ms because it is easy to spoof emails.

Thanks for the genuine email link.

 

[Lang Murphy]

How could anyone "seriously" answer a question about "this thing" or "that
thing?" Maybe some of these folks parsed your vague question, and answered,
in a manner that suited you. Personally, I have no clue wtf you're talking
about...

Yeah... my thing ain't woikin'... can u fix it? I stand by awaiting your
answer... to my thing not working, that is...

Lang

 

[Rob]

Well I'm sorry if subject+body doesn't equal any kind of comprehensive for
you.

 

[Lang Murphy]

Still obtuse. But hey, no biggie. Just commenting...

Lang