Logon screen security question

[Michael Seidner]

While viewing the XP Home logon screen (and also during screensaver of same)
is there firewall protection at this time? I have firewall enabled after I
log on but am I vulnerable to hackers until I "sign-in"? I know that my
antivirus program doesn't start until I log on.

 

[Ramesh [MVP]]

Hi Michael,

Yes. But, in pre-XP SP2, there was a little delay between when the network
stack was running and when ICF provides protection. In SP2, this is fixed;
the column "Boot Time Security" in the following article should explain it
clearly:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/security/productinfo/XPSP2/networkprotection/firewall.aspx

This information applies to Windows Firewall in XP SP2. If you're using a
third-party firewall & anti-virus program, they also load as system Service
and your system should be protected even before you login. Ofcourse, the
User interface for the Firewall / Anti-virus is seen only after you logon to
your account.

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Window XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k


While viewing the XP Home logon screen (and also during screensaver of same)
is there firewall protection at this time? I have firewall enabled after I
log on but am I vulnerable to hackers until I "sign-in"? I know that my
antivirus program doesn't start until I log on.