Online users not safe...

[Maximilian]

Online users not safe as they think
Researchers: Firewalls, virus protection lacking

For more information:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6322581/

Cheers!
Max

[pedstersplanet]

Need I say more :)

As I always say, IMO, it's the job of the supplier (i.e PC World, etc) to address this situation to new & novice customers/consumers before selling a PC (for internet purpses that is)... but they don't, I've tried a dummy test myself seeing if they'll tell me, it was me who asked about security after 5mins - their face was a picture, had a "Eh?" look on them..... lol

[wenwilder]

This is no surprise, unfortunately. People don't ask and no one tells. I've been ranting about this topic on another forum - hasn't gotten me anywhere but it is fun. :)

I have so much information and so many different ideas about this topic but, .... I'm only one person. Right now I'm not accomplishing what I would like to. I'm starting th think I should carry a cast-iron skillet with me when I run into those people who:

1. "Don't go to THOSE type of sites" so there is no way they could get a virus.
2. "Don't stay online very long" and can't possibly get a virus.
3. Already have ONE anti-virus and it works 'fine'.
4. Don't update their anti-virus but KNOW it catches everything.
5. Do not need spyware or adware removers because "They're just another way to steal money from the working man". (I hope they remember those words when they go purchase a new computer)
6. Do not like having "all those programs" on their computer, it just "clutters" it up.

I could go on and on and on with this....

People will go spend 50+ on programs they'll use once and never use again, for fun, but when it comes to protecting themselves and their computer.... forget it.

If I could do it, if I even knew where to start, I would find a way to combine anti-virus and malware programs into ONE easy to use program. People are more apt to buy one program than four or five. The problem is the time, the cost and the way the different programs work. Combining them would likely create a rather large program. hmm... (I should never think without coffee.)

And don't get me started on firewalls!

[Maximilian]

I'm starting to think I should carry a cast-iron skillet with me when I run into those people who... And don't get me started on firewalls!

Whoa wenwilder,

I'm ducking - I'm not gonna mention "firewalls" - Oops! I'm running now! (smiling)

Cheers! Max

[wenwilder]

I hope you're a fast runner Max I have good aim and skillets do fly, contrary to popular belief. ;)

It just irritates me that people take the safety of their computer and information so lightly. As secure as some computers are they may as well have a welcome sign posted, or all of their information placed on a web page.

I'm going to start ranting again if I don't put the brakes on now. :)

[Maximilian]

I hope you're a fast runner Max I have good aim and skillets do fly, contrary to popular belief

Howdy, wenwilder!

You may have a good aim, but I aim to be good, so put it down & step away from the skillet, ma'am...

People should not complain when their computer crashes, when there is an abundance of quality PC security information for the reading here at WPW Discussion Forums.

Cheers!
Max

[mikmik]

In a nutshell (LOL, nut haha)


The study found that the majority of computer users surveyed have a false sense of security with 77 percent saying they think their PC is "very" or "somewhat safe" from online threats; 73 percent saying their PC is "very" or "somewhat safe" from viruses; and three in five, or 60 percent, saying they feel "very" or "somewhat safe" from hackers.

Interestingly, while those surveyed were very concerned with viruses, most don't have updated anti-virus protection on their PCs. The surveyed found that two-thirds of users, or 67 percent, don't have anti-virus software updated within last week, and 15 percent have no anti-virus software at all on their PCs. Nearly two-thirds, or 63 percent, of respondents said they have been the past victim of a virus infection, and one in five users, or 19 percent, have at least one virus on their computer
Just An Online Minute... Cyber Security Study (http://www.mediapost.com/dtls_dsp_onlineminute.cfm?fnl=041025)
What'cha gonna do?

Where spyware is concerned, the issue is even more pronounced. The study found that consumers had virtually no knowledge about the existence of spyware and adware on their computers; almost 80 percent of respondents were found with programs on their computers. The average infected user had 93 spyware/adware components, and the most components found on a single computer during the scan was 1,059.

Even more astounding, the study found that 90 percent of consumers who were infected with spyware/adware said they didn't know the programs were on their computer; 90 percent said they don't know what the programs are or do; and 95 percent said they never gave permission for the programs to be installed. And here's a kicker: Nearly two-thirds of PC users with a pop-up blocker said they get pop-up ads anyway
The avg. is 93?!?

The worst I had to work on was 336 or so, took twenty minutes to connect to the internet using the run command LOL
mikmik = $60 ca-ching! <-- cash register sound

Not me, the kids were using it LOL

[wenwilder]

The avg. is 93?!?


Only 93? I wish I could fix a computer that had Only 93 malware programs on it. I've yet to run into one that has had less than a hundred. Most of them stay in the two hundreds.

They're increasing eduction on viruses but neglecting malware. It makes no sense to me! They are equally threatening in my book. Some malware is harder to remove than viruses and require special programs. Even then you have to check and double check to make sure you removed ALL parts/files. Some you even have to 'kill' before you can remove them. That's a challenge in and of itself.

If that's not bad enough you can even buy malware programs - buy them, now there's a novel concept. Can't irritate people enough with spam and viruses? Buy the latest malware program and really drive them crazy! I can just see the ads now: Maniacal laughter and torturous hair pulling.
Sorry, pushed the rant button again. http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/rant.gif

Makes me money but I still like my cast iron skillet idea, IF Max will give it back to me. Purty please? ;)

[Maximilian]

Makes me money but I still like my cast iron skillet idea, IF Max will give it back to me. Purty please? ;)

Greetings - wenwilder!

I will gladly return your iron skillet, should you promise to only use it in the making of Elvis Peanut Butter 'n Nanner Deep-Fried Samiches for all us hungry WPW members.

Thank you so very much for your continued security briefing updates here at WPW. You are a valued & well-respected asset to our community, keeping us safe from malicious malware & vicious viruses. You are truly the SuperWoman of Security.

Cheers!
Max

[pedstersplanet]

The avg. is 93?!?

Only 93? I wish I could fix a computer that had Only 93 malware programs on it. I've yet to run into one that has had less than a hundred. Most of them stay in the two hundreds.
Well, you'd love my PC's - well, unless its your job ;)
Run my virus/adware/bot/etc on both PC's every night (3am) when I'm asleep... Had SpySweeper block adservers in my host file.. etc etc..... Nine times out of ten I'm clean...... We cant all be immune to viruses/etc, well, unless you run Linux (even then, ppl are finding vulnerabilities)......

Neat site (http://www.vulnerabilities.org/)

[Maximilian]

We cant all be immune to viruses/etc, well, unless you run Linux

Exactly, pedstersplanet!

Three Kudos for linux/apache!

Cheers!
Max

[mushroom]

We cant all be immune to viruses/etc, well, unless you run Linux (even then, ppl are finding vulnerabilities)......

True enough, but as linux is modular the vulnerability is fixed by repairing the faulty module. This makes it easyer, faster, and dose not break the rest of the OS

[wenwilder]

Had SpySweeper block adservers in my host file..

I was going to start a new thread with this but,...

I have a host file that blocks...to many adservers for me to count. It is one of the things I try to remember to change on computers I've cleaned. (I say try to remember because sometimes I need a good cast iron skillet to jog my memory)

I thought I'd share the host file if anyone wants it. I also have a host file reader to make it easier. So, here ya go:

Host File Zip (http://www.thinkingcritically.net/security101/hosts.zip)
Host File Reader Exe (http://www.thinkingcritically.net/security101/HostsFileReader.exe)

I can't promise it will help. I have not tested it on my other computer and with all of the fun programs I have on my main one - nothing gets through unless I let it. If you do use it please let me know how it goes.


Max, I don't know about SuperWoman but how about batgirl? ;)
http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/batman.gif
Thank you for the kind words. It is very sweet of you to say. :)

[wenwilder]

Home users are one thing - I can understand them not using malware removers but corporations?
70 percent expressed growing concern over spyware, yet fewer than than 10 percent have installed anti-spyware software

Ran across this article (http://news.com.com/Study%3A+Few+corporations+use+anti-spyware+tools/2100-7355_3-5428817.html?part=rss&tag=5428817&subj=news.7355.5) this morning, made me really want to get out an extra-large skillet!

[Chatmag]

I know this may seem a bit much to do in practice, but I had thought of a possible solution to the spam/virus/worm/etc. problem.

Have the PC manufacturers build in a series of prompt screens, that begin at computer start up.

The first screen warns about scam emails, with an example. The user has to click a button, "I understand" before the next screen comes up.

The next one could be a virus warning, with the same button that has to be pressed to go to the next warning, etc. Their computer will only boot up if they press all buttons in sequence.

The point being that the user would get educated every time they try to start their computer.

Even with all that, you know what PT Barnum said about suckers ;)