Re: ****** What SP2 does not solve ******

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From: Bruce Chambers (bruce_a_chambers_at_h0tmail.com)
Date: 08/11/04 

Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2004 20:44:05 -0600

Greetings --

    So, you're wanting Microsoft to dictate to every computer user
exactly what programs they can or cannot install upon their own
computers? You see, neither adware nor spyware, collectively known as
scumware, magically install themselves on anyone's computer. These
programs are almost always deliberately installed by the computer's
user.

    While there are many unscrupulous malware distributors out there,
who do attempt to install and exploit malware without consent, the
majority of them simply rely upon the intellectual laziness and
gullibility of the average consumer, counting on them to quickly click
past the EULA in his/her haste to get the latest in "free" cutesy
cursors, screensavers, "utilities," and/or wallpapers.

   If you were to read the EULAs that accompany, and to which the
computer user must agree before the download/installation of the
"screensaver" continues, most adware and spyware, you'll find that
they _do_ have the consumer's permission to do exactly what they're
doing. In the overwhelming majority of cases, computer users have no
one to blame but themselves.

    Remember, this specific issue really has nothing to do with
Windows security; it's OS-independent - although admittedly most
exploits are aimed at Windows users, to get the "biggest bang for the
buck." It has everything to do with careless, uninformed computer
users mindlessly downloading and installing every "freebie" they
encounter on the Internet, or not taking the most basic precautions to
secure their own PCs. Neither Microsoft nor any other OS manufacturer
can be expected to protect people from themselves, or to dictate what
specific software a computer user may or may not choose to download
and install. Microsoft, at least, has done pretty much all they can
reasonably be expected to do in this area and provided information and
resources to help computer users secure their own systems, if they so
desire.

    There are several essential components to computer security: a
knowledgeable and pro-active user, a properly configured firewall,
reliable and up-to-date antivirus software, and the prompt repair (via
patches, hotfixes, or service packs) of any known vulnerabilities.
The weak link in this "equation" is, of course, the computer user.
All too many people have bought into the various PC/software
manufacturers marketing claims of easy computing. They believe that
their computer should be no harder to use than a toaster oven; they
have neither the inclination or desire to learn how to safely use
their computer. All too few people keep their antivirus software
current, install patches in a timely manner, or stop to really think
about that cutesy link they're about to click.

    Firewalls and anti-virus applications, which should always be used
and should always be running, are important components of "safe hex,"
but they cannot, and should not be expected to, protect the computer
user from him/herself. Ultimately, it is incumbent upon each and
every computer user to learn how to secure his/her own computer.

    To learn more about practicing "safe hex," start with these links:

Protect Your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp

Home Computer Security
http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/

 List of Antivirus Software Vendors
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;49500

Home PC Firewall Guide
http://www.firewallguide.com/

Scumware.com
http://www.scumware.com/

Bruce Chambers 

-- 
Help us help you:
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You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on 
having both at once. - RAH
"Microsoft Sceptic" <Microsoft.Sceptic@Linux.com> wrote in message 
news:73E1A59E.FBA5F178@Linux.com...
>
>
> After two and a half years of broken and un-kept promises we have 
> SP2
> finally on our systems.  It has fixed all the problems for which we
> already had solutions for such as viruses and Trojans.  For example, 
> for
> months we had anew security patch from Microsoft and other Windows
> updates.  Also, third party solution providers gave us daily updates 
> for
> viruses and Trojans;  Microsoft had to keep us waiting for their new
> offering which we may not all need it! What SP2 does not solve is 
> our
> current and most lethal security threats we face namely Spyware :(.
>
> Spyware is more malicious, more dangerous and ultimately more
> threatening than any other hazard facing us online.  Spyware is 
> written
> by paid professionals to meet their needs while viruses and Trojan
> writers are misfit loners, engaged in online contests with their 
> peers.
> Professionals are very difficult to track (like their programs which
> remains hidden to naked eye) while loners will do everything 
> possible in
> their power to be known!
>
> So what has Microsoft done to catch and stop the professional 
> spyware writers?
> Nothing at all.  We need to wait another three years perhaps for SP3 
> to
> come out and fix this problem by which time we would all have moved 
> on and talking of
> some other problems.  Typical of Microsoft to solve the problem when 
> it
> no longer exist!!!
>
>
>
>

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Spyware and Adware
    ... Neither adware nor spyware, collectively known as scumware, ... >> magically install themselves on anyone's computer. ... >> reliable and up-to-date antivirus software, ... >> to -- protect the computer user from him/herself. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers)
  • Re: Spyware and Adware
    ... I have just run spybot search and destroy to clean up my comp of all the ... > PC Hell Spyware and Adware Removal Help ... > magically install themselves on anyone's computer. ... > every computer user to learn how to secure his/her own computer. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers)
  • Re: spyware is installed on my system
    ... I suspect the message itself is a spyware. ... Messenger Service of Windows ... Alternatively, you can upgrade your WinXP to SP2, to install IE's pop-up blocker. ... No software manufacturer can -- nor should they be expected to -- protect the computer user from him/herself. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: viruses, bugs, spywares, what ever.. I want to reformat
    ... Formatting the hard drive to solve a virus or spyware problem is rather like using an axe to trim one's fingernails. ... HOW TO Install Windows XP ... No software manufacturer can -- nor should they be expected to -- protect the computer user from him/herself. ... All too few people keep their antivirus software current, install patches in a timely manner, or stop to really think about that cutesy link they're about to click. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • RE: Anti-spyware Beta from Microsoft available
    ... I just installed the MS Antispyware tool with the default install, ... The point I am trying to make here is that there is so much spyware out ... Anti-spyware Beta from Microsoft available ...
    (Focus-Microsoft)