Internet security

m00nie

ive reformatted a few times and gone back online to get updates, service pack etc without protection,also many times ive switched off zone alarm to do something and forgot to put it back on and been on the net for hours with no problems.

i do agree its best to have protection but just because you havent dosent mean you WILL get infected in minutes.

Fran

Rex_Mundi wrote:

I can't find the article, but I read a report that stated that a brand new out of the box computer if connected to the net with no security. Would on average last 20 minutes before it picked up its first virus/trojan/malware.

We had this thread about it on here (found it under FAQ's/Internet Security).

sra

Rex_Mundi wrote:

I can't find the article, but I read a report that stated that a brand new out of the box computer if connected to the net with no security. Would on average last 20 minutes before it picked up its first virus/trojan/malware.

The net is getting worse as time goes on and it would be a fool that ignored all security advice and chanced their luck on the net with no protection.

Have a look at this weeks Click online programme (Watch it here) Hopefully the one I saw is the new one or it might have been replaced by time people read this.

11 minutes into the program they test putting a computer on the internet without protection.

Infected in 8 seconds!!!!

criminal_smile

Rex_Mundi wrote:

I can't find the article, but I read a report that stated that a brand new out of the box computer if connected to the net with no security. Would on average last 20 minutes before it picked up its first virus/trojan/malware.

The net is getting worse as time goes on and it would be a fool that ignored all security advice and chanced their luck on the net with no protection.

Pc out of box - installed BB from disc - within 3 SECONDS of connecting for the first time - POP-UP HELL!
I would strongly advise anyone who is just about to connect to the net for the first time to get some sort of defence set up first. Absolutely no point in taking risks these days. As soon as you are up and running, get yourself some decent protection (I've also got Sygate Personal and AVG free with Adaware and Hijack This).It might seem like a pain running an AV as soon as you connect for the first time, but better to make sure you are starting with a clean slate. It could save a lot of slow connection problems and head scratching in the first few days.

Browntoa

almost forgot this as well seeing the pop-up remark !!

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your computer can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow computer performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding more than 50 ways spyware can enter your computer. The worldwide SpyNet™ community plays a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, and updates are automatically downloaded to your computer so you stay up to date

Rex_Mundi

Thanks Fran. Reading that sticky reminded me where I read the original article.

Find it HERE

For an up to date (up to last month) look at how long your computer will last. Have a look HERE
I see the infected time has risen to 25 minutes (whoopee..lol)

Toxteth_OGrady

If faced with the prospect of a drive format and Windows fresh install, you can be at risk during the considerable time it takes to download the plethora of Critical Updates required, not to mention downloads of chipset drivers, graphics drivers and virus scanner update files.

You can take measures to minimise this risk.

Firstly, slipstream SP2 onto an installation CD. This will reduce the time getting Critical Updates by about 90%.

Secondly, keep a copy of your latest chipset and graphics drivers on CD. Same applies to anti-virus definition files and also, if used, soft firewall installer.

Again it's all about risk management against the potetial threat. Take the time to follow this advice and your PC can be pretty well secured after a fresh OS install, before you even need to go online.

:cool:

TOG

Doublespresso

...but... if connecting behind a router which also act as a firewall, as in many WiFi set ups now days, are you "more" protected?

Can any one comment at how adequate is a physical firewall/router is against a software one such as ZoneAlarm?

Toxteth_OGrady

Doublespresso wrote:

...but... if connecting behind a router which also act as a firewall, as in many WiFi set ups now days, are you "more" protected?

Can any one comment at how adequate is a physical firewall/router is against a software one such as ZoneAlarm?

More a case of being 'differently' rather than 'more' protected.

Advantages of a hard firewall is that one instance can protect many machines at the same time. Plus it doesn't tie up CPU and memory resources on the PC.

The advantage of a soft fw is that it can alert you to applications attempting to make outbound connections. A SoHo h/w fw won't do this.

For this reason some people choose to use both.

:cool:

TOG