Unpatched PCs compromised in 20 minutes

[CZ]

FYI:

Interesting article.
Note that in reviewing logs, I have seen the first WAN port hit occur in as
little as two seconds

http://news.com.com/Study:+Unpatche...minutes/2100-7349_3-5313402.html?tag=nefd.top

Study: Unpatched PCs compromised in 20 minutes
Published: August 17, 2004, 12:22 PM PDT
By Matt Loney and Robert Lemos
Special to CNET News.com


Don't connect that new PC to the Internet before taking security
precautions, researchers at the Internet Storm Center warned Tuesday.

According to the researchers, an unpatched Windows PC connected to the
Internet will last for only about 20 minutes before it's compromised by
malware, on average. That figure is down from around 40 minutes, the group's
estimate in 2003.

 

[Dick Kistler]

FYI:

Interesting article.
Note that in reviewing logs, I have seen the first WAN port hit occur in
as little as two seconds

http://news.com.com/Study:+Unpatche...minutes/2100-7349_3-5313402.html?tag=nefd.top

Study: Unpatched PCs compromised in 20 minutes
Published: August 17, 2004, 12:22 PM PDT
By Matt Loney and Robert Lemos
Special to CNET News.com


Don't connect that new PC to the Internet before taking security
precautions, researchers at the Internet Storm Center warned Tuesday.

According to the researchers, an unpatched Windows PC connected to the
Internet will last for only about 20 minutes before it's compromised by
malware, on average. That figure is down from around 40 minutes, the
group's estimate in 2003.

Possibly has some overall relevance. Not really a scientific study.
A real study would have a larger number of computers and a large
number of locations and situations. Doesn't address broadband vs dialup.
etc.

Still disquieting. Keep backups. Download free firewall, anti-virus,
anti-malware programs from
other computers or previous OS. Install newest version of OS possible.
Install above first or similar commercial programs,
before internet connection. Update signatures and OS as soon as you connect.
Scan system early.
Keep slipstreamed copy of OS, if possible, with latest hotfixes.

Dick Kistler

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

I'm surprised it took that long.

Bruce Chambers
--
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