Prudent Use of AV's

[jo]

I've been reading this series of posts, and I do wonder why people
choose to go the route of loading their systems up with various kinds
of security underfootware. What in the world are you doing that makes
you think you need all that stuff?

I agree with this post.

 

[Ben Cooper]

I agree with this post.

I think having a "secure" and "locked down" computer becomes a hobby for
many people.
We all know how hobbies can turn into obsessions.

 

[Chaos Master]

screams:

I've been reading this series of posts, and I do wonder why people
choose to go the route of loading their systems up with various kinds
of security underfootware. What in the world are you doing that makes
you think you need all that stuff?

I have a firewall (Kerio), mainly because of "script kiddies" (I am user of
IRC/file sharing programs), and an AV (AntiVir Personal) because I like to test
lots of programs.


[]s
--
Chaos Master®, posting from Brazil. REPLY TO GROUP!
"People told me I can't dress like a fairy.
I say, I'm in a rock band and I can do what the hell I want!"
-- Amy Lee

Note: this e-mail address goes to /dev/null.

 

[dszady]

I think having a "secure" and "locked down" computer becomes a hobby for
many people.
We all know how hobbies can turn into obsessions.

Exactly.
'There is a fine line between a hobby and mental illness.' Dave Barry

 

[Bob Adkins]

I think having a "secure" and "locked down" computer becomes a hobby for
many people.
We all know how hobbies can turn into obsessions.

Yep, too much security can ruin the experience. Just like other fun things I
can think of.

 

[null]

I have a firewall (Kerio), mainly because of "script kiddies" (I am user of
IRC/file sharing programs)

On Win 9X/ME it's not all that difficult for users not on a LAN to
unbind and close all 64K ports making the use of a firewall to block
incoming redundant:

http://home.epix.net/~artnpeg/internet.html

Even those who use a software firewall should do this. We see users
complaining that they just disable their firewall briefly (for various
reasons) and they take hits. Hardening your OS as much as possible is
always the first step. And that includes the installation of all
critical security patches for your OS.


Art
http://www.epix.net/~artnpeg

 

[Bob Adkins]

I agree with this post.

Me too... if I were the only user on my machine. Someone (who shall remain
nameless) found a pretty screen saver the other day, and got whacked with
spyware. And of course it was *me* that got stuck with the chore of getting
rid of it. :\

-- Bob

 

[dszady]

I've been reading this series of posts, and I do wonder why people
choose to go the route of loading their systems up with various kinds
of security underfootware. What in the world are you doing that makes
you think you need all that stuff?

[...]

My wife is addicted to porn.

 

[Aaron]

Me too... if I were the only user on my machine. Someone (who shall
remain nameless) found a pretty screen saver the other day, and got
whacked with spyware. And of course it was *me* that got stuck with
the chore of getting rid of it. :\

Should force other users to use firefox Bob.

 

[Khaled]

Should force other users to use firefox Bob.

In postings on the grc news server they have found that a
system connected to the net without protection is compromised
in less than 20 min.

 

[Aaron]

In postings on the grc news server they have found that a
system connected to the net without protection is compromised
in less than 20 min.

By protection they probably mean firewall right? An unpatched system
would be hit by various worms before they have the chance to download the
patches.

 

[Dick Hazeleger]

By protection they probably mean firewall right? An unpatched system
would be hit by various worms before they have the chance to download
the patches.

Perhaps a little example from the past? XP Home, the firewall not
active, and an extra firewall uninstalled by a local computer shop here
was observed to attract MBLASTER *within* 30 seconds after the system
went on-line _on a dial up connection_ (Thank the cyber spirits there
was an well updated AV-program active, but still!)

The posting on GRC News is probably quoting a security report that was
published some time ago; I noticed in the SANS publications a comment
frokm one of their editors that it is probably less... looking at the
above experience I would say: Defenitely!

Dick