Re: Microsoft to Offer Anti-Spyware Software

Tech-Archive recommends: Fix windows errors by optimizing your registry

From: Bruce Chambers (bruce_a_chambers_at_h0tmail.com)
Date: 12/18/04 

Date: Fri, 17 Dec 2004 18:27:07 -0700

Kenny S wrote:
> Bruce there are alot of people out there that dont even know what a firewall
> is.

        That may be true, but their ignorance is no one's fault but their own.
  If they wish to partake of the Internet, they should make an effort to
do so safely.

>
> If you have a good antivirus (like the free avast home) then you dont need
> to worry about outgoing virus traffic.
>
>

        This is utter nonsense. "Outgoing virus traffic" isn't a major
concern. Outgoing personal information is a concern. Having one's PC
turned into a zombie to launch DoS attacks on other servers is a
concern. Most antivirus applications don't even scan for or protect one
from adware/spyware, because, after all, you've installed this malware
yourself, so you must want them there, right?

     Neither adware nor spyware, collectively known as scumware,
magically install themselves on anyone's computer. They are almost
always deliberately installed by the computer's user, as part of some
allegedly "free" service or product.

     While there are some 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.

     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 weakest link in this "equation" is, of course, the computer
user. No software manufacturer can -- nor should they be expected to --
protect the computer user from him/herself. 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 seemingly have neither the inclination or
desire to learn how to safely use their computers. 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:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having 
both at once. - RAH

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