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General discussion

How confident are you in your computer's security?

Oct 26, 2005 5:35AM PDT

How confident are you in your computer's security?

Totally confident, bring it on! (share your strategy)
Very confident (why?)
Somewhat confident (how so?)
A little concerned (share your concerns)
Very worried (why?)
Terrified (please explain)

Discussion is locked

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Apparently, you don't
Nov 4, 2005 11:33PM PST

"You know, when someone says i'm wrong, i accept it and move on, learn from it even if i'm right. I don't kick and scream and throw a hissy fit."

Your argument does not hold water. If popularity is defined by the number of users, linux is the least popular.

I don't understand why you seem to have a problem with Unix and Linux being more secure, something you seem unable to admit. Does it not occur to you that Unix and Linux are both as exposed as Windows and that the way a virus works is by being able to do it's stuff WITHOUT the permission of the administrator or Root? Both Linux and Unix require that apps have permission to do their thing and, unless a virus is given authenticated permission, it just does nothing. Windows, on the other hand, allows outside apps to do whatever they like without permissions.

And that's all I have to say about that

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Grow up
Nov 5, 2005 11:17AM PST

I am no longer arguing about this, all of this is (opinion) and none of it holds water, so please quit getting hateful over an OS and drop it.

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Mac, eh
Nov 12, 2005 1:36PM PST

Yo, you spelled Windows wrong...maybe you're just joking aroun, I dont know...but yeah, there's only a few virus and spywares targeting Mac users, so you're lucky....you dont get hacked. Well, I guess the hackers dont spend time developing multi-purpose virus or spyware for both Mac and PC because, in my opinion, there aren't enough Mac users to justify the extra energy devoted to making it damage both Mac + PC. This is clearly shown in the fact that Apple had to make iPod compatible for both PC and Mac to attract more potential buyers. Or at least this is how I take it. If you have any opinions, please reply to this. Thanks.

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Very confident
Oct 27, 2005 11:27PM PDT

I use Norton AV with autoprotect always on, Adaware plus with Adwatch always on and Googles popup blocker. About once a week I run Norton's security check and keep my computer updated.

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Internet security (Bring it on)
Oct 28, 2005 12:30AM PDT

Just buy a mac and a router. Pat K from Milwaukee.

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Very Comfident
Oct 28, 2005 6:53AM PDT

I use ms spyware
windows firewall
norton internet security 2005 with auto updates on
windows auto update is on
I use a roater as well
I never open unknown e-mails and I try to remain hidden
I`m only worried that the wireless signal I use is a open network connection but I`m pretty sure other pplz cant use it because I even have a hard time useing it sometimes.

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....
Nov 12, 2005 1:37PM PST

lol

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Sufficiently confident
Oct 28, 2005 12:53AM PDT

Having worked in the intelligence field, I would never say anything is absolutely secure and you need levels of protection. If the first fails, you have another that has to be broken, etc. My opinion is each person has to develope his/her own level of confidence. It depends on what is being protected and what you need protection from to determine how much and what is required. You don't protect $5 by building Fort Knox. Basically, you need to make it more dificult than it would be worth to get. For keeping your computer clean of viruses/spyware, you need the usual anti-virus/anti-spyware programs kept up-to-date and scans made regularly. For keeping miscreants out of your computer you need one or more firewalls. I use a hardware firewall for my LAN and a software firewall that provides two way protection on each computer. For proprietary files, I use serious passwords and encryption. One other area that sometimes is not paid the attention it deserves, and I think is one of the most important, is using the brain to safely use the computer while on line, paying attention to the sites you visit, watching for unusual activity, etc. I don't miss any sleep at night worrying about my security, but realize that the possibility exist for compromise.

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You're KIDDING yourself to believe your system is secure!
Oct 28, 2005 1:05AM PDT

Although I have no technical expertise with which to substantiate and support my belief, I still doubt my system, even behind a hardware & software firewall, with anti-everything working on my behalf, is secure from someone who knows what he's doing.

I believe I've read enough to justify my very strong suspicion that GOVERNMENT & POLICE agencies especially can & DO hack into any system in which they're interested, with or without offical sanction.

My evidence for this comes from revelations when ''suspects'' are brought into the news who've allegedly either been involved in ''child porn'' or who have somehow scared the wits out of ''homeland security'' poobahs (doesn't take much more than "BOO!" to do that!)

If those in authority can do it in those cases you're fooling yourself if you think they can't find and break into your home PC with ''Norton'' protecting you! And if the ''authorities'' can do it, any savvy person can.

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Mac user - very secure (not totally, of course)
Oct 28, 2005 1:07AM PDT

I'm a Mac user - if I pick a decent password and don't stupidly actually give explicit permission to run a trojan then I'm set.

The difference in security between Mac OS X and Windows? Laws are what deter hackers from Windows (anyone can easily hack most Windows computers with a few hours of reading and downloading software kits). Actual OS security measures are what deter hackers from Macs. To hack into a Mac, a person would need a lot of expertise (or guess a lousy password). Writing a virus? No one who makes viruses has the expertise to do it for a Mac. Script kiddies can download software that generates viruses for Windows.

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Rock on
Oct 29, 2005 12:57PM PDT

Yes, that is so ture, Microsofts main flaw is that they make their newest OS completly compatable with DOS systems, so it tons less sicure than OS X.

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Concerned
Oct 28, 2005 1:08AM PDT

My main concern is keystroke loggers or other trojan horse type software. I have the usual antivirus and anti-spyware stuff on but if one logger sneaks in, no matter how, all my info is at risk. It would be hard to detect, too.

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Not quite terrified, BUT...
Oct 28, 2005 2:15AM PDT

As I'm sure others here are, I am involved in Information Security, and have seen close up what happens on the Wild, Wild Web.

I take all of the precautions, multiple hardware firewalls in place, ******** to alert to nefarious behavior, software firewalls installed, running with a restrained account for day-to-day use, Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Adware, threat monitoring software, hardened O/S, all the latest patches for O/S and Apps, read all of the CVE's, subscribe to many vulnerability, security, and hacking lists, etc.

Despite all of these precautions, I will occassionally see an odd service connecting in or out-bound, or an application misbehave. I will find some ad/spy/malware has slipped through during manual scans with mu secondary utilities. My ******** will alert to an initial firewall breach. My log reviews point to unauthorized access attempts.

Regardless of what the equipment says, I will format my hard disk and restore my data every few months because I have seen these things with my own eyes and value my data. The average user won't invest in all of these toys, because this is not his/her profession or hobby. They will not be as careful, nor as concerned. It's just another environment to most, to be used and played in.

It is dangerous out there.
Cheers!
Mark

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Very secure, but not 100%
Oct 28, 2005 2:47AM PDT

Cisco PIX firewall + Cisco router w/good ACLs + 2 software firewalls + anti-virus software w/daily updates + AdAware = a secure environment. Obviously, someone who has the time and skills can break in, but it won't be easy. Also, I keep my personal info encrypted and on a hot-swappable drive in my desk drawer. If someone does get into my system, the only valuable info they'll take are my "saved game" files.

Normally, I wouldn't have so much security, but since I work from a home office through a VPN to the company, I do have some information that the company doesn't want other people to look at. Prior to this setup, all I had was a Linksys router, firewall, A-V program, and AdAware. Even then, I never had any problems.

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Among the (few?) Concerned Ones
Oct 28, 2005 4:35AM PDT

We use Windows XP, an OS for which new 'hotfixes' for serious security issues are released on a regular basis. Not very calming, as every day, new backdoors are being found, and new viruses are being distributed.

Trusting my computer's security implies trusting the programs that protect the computer, and this considering that they have to be updated regularly. What if we don't have the latest updates (or there is no update yet)? What if the security suite we use is not the most adequate?

It all comes to a race between those who breach the computer security, and those who enforce it. Whenever the latter are trailing, the computer is at risk. That's why I have to be concerned.

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Computer Security is actually quite easy
Oct 28, 2005 6:57AM PDT

I have a hard time understanding why everyone is whining about all these security issues. I run three windows machines at home, and I have only had a couple virus infections in recent years, and they were both my own fault for not paying attention to the anti-virus alert.

All you need to do is...

1. Of course, get an up-to-date anti-virus program. Get a router (or a firewall), something to block unwanted incoming traffic. And if you use wireless, turn on encryption.

2. Don't open attachments unless you know what it is and who it's from.

3. Don't fall for phishing scams (which I think is very easy). Basically, don't trust a link in an e-mail if it didn't originate from the website in question. And especially don't trust a link in an e-mail that goes to nothing but an IP address.

I don't understand what everyone is whining so much about, because security for home computers is actually quite simple. It's just that people either don't listen to the media, or they just don't have a clue.

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"Secure" to me means NO ONE can access your system
Jan 21, 2006 2:32AM PST

Agree it's not too difficult to PROTECT your systems from invasion by viruses, spyware, etc.

But a skilled and determined HACKER (for example, police, CIA, "Homeland Security agents," etc.,), I believe, have the tools to circumvent ANY known firewalls, anonymous surfing software, and any other "security" software you can throw in their path.

I believe the known, commercial security software retailers likely have been REQUIRED by "authorities" to provide "backdoors" into their software. So you might THINK you're protected from any intrusion but I think you're kidding yourself. Oh, I don't doubt you're protected from the "average" hacker or user, but not from an expert.

No "authority" in this day and age would put up with being thwarted or shut out by a lowly CITIZEN. As far as they're concerned WE WORK FOR THEM instead of the other way 'round.

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security from virus
Oct 28, 2005 7:03AM PDT

I use a Mac. So should everyone else.

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Confidence Is But Just A State of Mind...
Oct 28, 2005 7:06AM PDT

It's the actual setup and configuration that makes all the difference. Sure, you can have a setup better than mine, but still be vulnerable to security threats.

On the hardware side of security, I settle for nothing less than Cisco products (I've got a Cisco PIX 501) because they're simply the best. For those who are doubting their hardware, and say that almost anyone with power can get in; you're most likely correct. However, if you do have something such as a PIX, then you can configure it to block out almost anyone (including Microsoft, if you wish to).

On the software side, Symantec wins all the time with me. Symantec Client Security 3.0 defends my Windows XP Pro based system with almost no flaws at all.

In the end, I do realize that everything I mentioned is on the expensive sides, but it's one of the perks to having my job.

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Security
Oct 28, 2005 10:29AM PDT

My first computer had tubes and relays, that being said I am confident that my current PC will not be hacked.

I am retired and my PC is connected to the net 24/7, I play EQ and EQ2 and even WoW for a short while, I download from limewire, newsgroups, CNET and a number of other places daily and have never had an intrusion (that I was aware of) into my PC.

I use Zone Alarm Pro, Norton Systemworks, Ad Aware and the pop up blocker from Microsoft, I get a number of viruses/trojans/Keyloggers in downloads but Zone Alarm/Ad Aware/Norton effectivly has handled the roaches attempt at gaining access to my PC so far.

I get notifications of virus attempts from Earthlink as well and have never had a virus or worm (Except for the one I gave myself inadvertantly while examining one on a floppy).

My feelings are that if you get a worm or virus or someone hacks into your home PC then the fault is yours for not taking the appropiate steps to make getting into your system too dificult for someone other than the most determined (Explitive Deleted)roach, to gain access.

Ben


I must not be as completly confident as I may sound as I keep a copy of all my files and folders as well as a mirror of my "C" drive on a large external Hard Drive which is physicaly connected to my system only as long as the periodic backups take, I have never had to use this backup data but it does give me a warm fuzzy feeling knowing it's there.

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I really don't care
Oct 28, 2005 12:00PM PDT

I don't use my computor for anything crucial. IF I do anything important, I use a direct line fax. The old tryed and true. You can't go online without picking up spyware. Why would anyone trust the security of a computor?

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A little concerned.
Oct 28, 2005 3:01PM PDT

I say a little concerned for many reasons.

1.) Nothing is completely safe from new threats and someone who may want "IN" to your pc bad enough.

2.) I feel that my info on my pc isn't that personal as to where I would worry if someone did hack it. I don't keep credit card records etc... on my pc and rarely ever use anything like this over the internet. I don't keep too personal a document that would intrest anyone. This is how I personally feel a bit safe but not completely.

3.) I have read the history on security and just when people think it's safe, and many have been fooled in the past, that's when it will bite you in the rear.

4.) Firewall? sure. But don't forget, the typical port 80 is still open in order to access the internet unless you block it off which of course you will have no internet.I always say, if you can get a virus or spyware, you can also be hacked.

5.)In a nutshell, I always like to think I am never completely safe and keep up on most the latest threats, etc... which I believe is the best combat against pc security. The reason I feel a little concerned then is due to the above reasons and also because I don't think many would actually take the time to hack my pc for free software, pictures, 3d models, etc...

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Regarding port-blocking
Oct 30, 2005 1:17PM PST

''4.) Firewall? sure. But don't forget, the typical port 80 is still open in order to access the internet unless you block it off which of course you will have no internet.I always say, if you can get a virus or spyware, you can also be hacked.''

I don't believe that is correct, but correct me if I am wrong..

On the client side, blocking port 80 will have no effect, unless you run are hosting web pages on your computer (of course, in that perspective you wouldn't be a client). Port 80 is for http on the server side (the pages you visit while browsing), not on the client side.

Also, ''having Internet'' and having port 80 open are unrelated.

So, feel free to block client-side port 80. If you have problems, such as ''no Internet'', then I am to blame.

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Well, let's see.
Nov 3, 2005 6:41PM PST

Ok, so 90% of www servers use port 80 to respond to web browsers, correct? There are what, 4 or 5 other small variable ports? 8080 etc... If they, whoever, block off port 80, servers will not respond to your request and you will not be viewing web pages. So, with the small number of other ports, do you really have an internet if they,www,whoever, blocks port 80? Most ISP's block incoming traffic from port 80 before it reaches clients, so we are left with safer outgoing and reduced risk of viruses etc... If an ISP completely blocks this since most ISPs (correct me if i'm wrong) use port 80,we will not have internet through that provider. We as users don't actually block it, I was using YOU figurativly not actually me and you. Also I was trying to quickly sum up all this above and get to the point, the only way you can be safe is not to have open ports at all, which is then useless.

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Without going into details
Nov 4, 2005 9:13AM PST

there are literally THOUSANDS of ports in a PC and a Mac.
Not just the few that we use for internet, like:
548, 427 File Sharing 80, 427, 443 Web sharing 22 Remote login 21 ftp 515, 5297, 5298 IM, 3689 iTunes music sharing, 123(udp) network time.
These numbers do not even scratch the surface of the available ports.
All you can do is lockdown the ones you are not using and monitor the ones you are.

P

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Gee thought that
Nov 4, 2005 2:34PM PST

I thought that's what a firewall did.
Are you out to respond to just my posts or what? sheesh. What are you, the Cnet stalker?

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Only if you tell it to
Nov 4, 2005 11:35PM PST

No, just responding to misinformation is all

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Whatever
Nov 6, 2005 1:37AM PST

No, I read some of your other posts, you have a problem with people who don't share your opinion. Cnet forums have been one of the decent forums where almost everyone accepts suggestions and opinions without a hissy fit. I value this on these forums. On most other forums it's filled with people like you who can't accept other's opinions or views and must keep trying to get the last word in, getting angry, and rude. There are proper ways to correct someone if they are wrong, I have taken my lumps and so have others. If you can't get your point across without putting someone down personally, you shouldn't post at all. Yet, every day I see you replying to my post, trying to make a point, at least since I said, no one cares about attacking MAC. Since, you insist on trying to take a notch out of me. Go right ahead, my last reply to your last post and this thread will be my last to you. So go ahead if it makes you feel better,chop away. I have 3 children I have to teach not to be bitter and vengful, I don't need to do it on here.

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Interesting
Nov 6, 2005 7:30AM PST

Is that your last word on the subject?
I don't see where he has "put you down personally" but I could be wrong. I do see him responding to your posts where you have made strange and, sometimes untrue, statements.

As you say, whatever

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Always have to be people like you
Nov 6, 2005 11:35AM PST

You have either been hiding under a rock or just don't want to be confused by facts, BUT, the Mac OS X is built on OPEN SOURCE BSD which is UNIX based and is OPEN SOURCE.
If you are going to throw your 2c away, you might first check to see if you are spending it wisely.
You have been listening to the FUD crowd for too long.


Instead of disagreeing in a manerly fasion, this was his reply to an older post. If you could possibly read correctly instead of skipping information, you would have seen this. Just like on other forums there are people like you who think you are coming to someone's rescue or something. Grow up. I made no statement to him like the one above and if someone had replied to you this way, what would you say? Not to mention he keeps attacking every post I put out. What do you care who's last word it is or not? Who are you to say anything at all? You didn't know the whole ordeal due to illiteracy i'm guessing, or didn't read other posts up a bit higher, yes that is opposite of lower so you know, and now you want to attack me also, well like my last "word on the subject" go for it, like MAC, i don't care. Have a wonderful day sir\mam.Happy