May 04, 2004

 

Don't need virus, spyware, or firewall protection?

Think again because bugs like "Blaster" simply need an Internet connection!

Gone are the days when you could be cautious about opening emails and attachments.

On 30 APR, Oliver Rist, senior contributing editor at InfoWorld reported testing clean XP configs on an un-firewalled 'Net connection.

Average time before compromise was 3 hours with the quickest being 20 minutes.

Yesterday, InfoWorld reports that the current Sasser Worm can affect a Windows computer within 2 minutes of 'Net connection via port 445.

Firewall, my geeky friends, think FIREWALL. Micro$oft is putting extra effort in the soon-to-be-released XP Service Pack 2 by beefing up its default ICF (Internet Connection Firewall).

posted by YardBoy at 09:02 AM in Security, YardBoy Digs

reprinted from Geek News.

 

 

Recommend:

 

1. Do not connect to Internet ‘directly’ – computer to modem to internet or computer to DSL/cable modem to internet. Use a Router or software firewall instead. – (about $45 and up)

 

2. Use virus protection software – McAfee, Norton, AVG Grisoft – Computer Resources, etc – I like AVG ($33.30 /2yrs license)

 

3. Maintain your system updated with latest security patches from Micro$oft.

 

4. Use some ‘anti-spam’ software with your browser – K-9, Spamkiller,etc - (some are free).

 

5. Use a ad-popup stopper, banner and spyware filter. I like A1-Tech Adsgone from $19.95 /yr license)

 

6. Use a popup stopper for your browser or a browser that filter popups – I like Mozilla Firefox (free)

 

7. Use a ‘highjack’ detector/cleaner to check system for hidden threats. XoftSpy (about $39.95)

 

 Keep all above Updated!