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No more me for a while

Started by Kimmie, June 18, 2004, 05:00:26 PM

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Storm

Quote from: Yonkey on June 21, 2004, 03:01:52 PM
It's possible.  ;D

I've heard of viruses that make it to ROM (meaning they stay hiding even when your computer is off).

If a virus makes it to your ROM (which can only happen with flash-ROM) no boot disk or software in the world can help you - you'll probably need to replace the ROM or have it re-programmed in a special device. You may even need to replace the entire motherboard in some cases :o

However, this could be avoided in most systems by setting a jumper to disable writing to the flash ROM 8)
"Never argue with idiots. They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."

Yonkey

Or, just never flash your BIOS with a virus-infected floppy disk.  XD
"A wish changes nothing. A decision changes everything."

dew7

Thanks for your input, Neil.  Any suggestions on the best way to keep computer users safe from all the problems with viruses, spyware, malware, hack attempts, etc.?
Carpe Diem  Trying to help all of us including myself understand the merry-go-round of life.

Storm

Quote from: Yonkey on June 21, 2004, 07:06:58 PM
Or, just never flash your BIOS with a virus-infected floppy disk.  XD

Yeah, not getting viruses in the firstplace is a very good idea ;-D
"Never argue with idiots. They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."

racx_00

i could try and hack your computer Kimmie :P :suffer:
Knight of Jarada - Master Mind 8)
Assistant Manager of the TSL Asylum XD

Yonkey

Quote from: dew7 on June 22, 2004, 02:01:50 AM
Thanks for your input, Neil.  Any suggestions on the best way to keep computer users safe from all the problems with viruses, spyware, malware, hack attempts, etc.?

It's not really as hard as it sounds.  All you need is:
- anti-virus software (preferably one that automatically updates its definitions)
- adaware/spy bot or whatever your favourite spyware cleaner is, (but again make sure you update its reference file before performing the scan)
- firewall (I suggest ZoneAlarm since it works well and is free)


Some simple guidlelines to staying safe:
- don't open attachments from strangers, especially if they aren't *.gif or *.jpeg
- if the attachment is *.zip, scan it for viruses first
- if you borrow disks from other people, make sure you scan them for viruses before running programs or opening documents
- don't accept ActiveX certificates from non-trustworthy sites
- when installing ad-supported software, try opting out of their third party sponsors (if given the option)
- only allow programs to access the internet if you KNOW they need to connect to the internet to do something (i.e. an e-mail program must use the internet to check mail, MSN needs it, but something like Adobe Photoshop does not)
"A wish changes nothing. A decision changes everything."

Louisiana Night

I think that works fine, unless you have something they(hackers) want. If you're a specific target, it's much harder.

Yonkey

Hehe, well usually if you're a target, you know who's targetting you, meaning you can get their IP and block any and all firewall requests from that IP.  XD

Anyway, that's getting too techy heh, and the majority of users don't need to worry about getting hacked as long as they don't provoke hackers.  8)
"A wish changes nothing. A decision changes everything."

Louisiana Night

#28
I think people pay too much attention to a person's IP. If they know what they're doing, I doubt knowing their IP would help. It's like breaking into a house, if they want in, they're going to get in(consider Half-Life 2). So, I normally think a fake house(with lots of security) is best. If they spend all their time trying to get into the wrong house(and you are able to know if they get in), you'll know if they can get into your real one. Although, I'm not sure what to do after that...

The only better way I can think of, is being offline, or making sure you have everything backed up.

Yonkey

Are you talking about IP spoofing?  Actually what you suggest is actually how a hardware firewall (NAT) works.  It's the first line of defense against hackers because its IP acts as a gateway to your network, but your actual computer has a different local IP.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention in that list to go to Windows Update often (or the equivalent place for your particular O/S).  Not only are patches for security holes provided, but they also provide bug fixes for programs and the operating system. :)
"A wish changes nothing. A decision changes everything."

Louisiana Night

I wouldn't know, I don't use a hardware firewall. I don't have much use for one.

dew7

Neil I have heard that you should have:
1. Hardware Firewall
2. Software Firewall
3. Antivirus Software
4. Antispyware Software
5. Extra protection like SpywareBlaster and HOSTS file
     manager from Microsoft MVP's
6. Common sense -- eg. careful what you click
7. Treat e-mail address like social security number --
    use plain text to read -- login with 128 bit encryption and have a second e-mail throw away account with address book of accepted addresses and everything else goes to bulk e-mail
8. Best solution just stay off-line and have information that is worthless to hackers on your computer -- no identity information and no financial or corporate information stored on it --- just have hard copies locked up securly in a hidden area of your home or at Fort Knox --- last part kidding LOL  ;-D
Carpe Diem  Trying to help all of us including myself understand the merry-go-round of life.

Yonkey

Hahaha yup, that's about all of em. ;P  Don't forget the WindowsUpdate thing and a Hardware Firewall is only necessary if you are using a router to access the Internet.  ;D
"A wish changes nothing. A decision changes everything."

dew7

All right and thanks Neil!  It makes me wonder though, how many people are willing to go through all these hoops just to have a fairly secure computer when using the Internet?   ???
Carpe Diem  Trying to help all of us including myself understand the merry-go-round of life.

Louisiana Night

If you there is no data on your PC worth keeping private(bank acount info), just backup your files to a PC/hardrive/CD/zip/whatever. Then you won't have to use as much security.

With many Linux distros, there is a simple option. Just select the paranoia option, then everyone will have trouble getting to your files(including you).

dew7

Imagine making it super hard for you to get to your data.  Oh Well!  I guess no more important stuff on the pc in the future.  Too dangerous -- nowadays  :>
Carpe Diem  Trying to help all of us including myself understand the merry-go-round of life.

daventry

:) I see you are back on the Forum Kimmie, Is your Computer working now. Will you not be returning to MSN.

racx_00

All you need is a firewall, anti-spyware and anti-virus scanner ;D

I dont have a firewall though ;), BTW hacking doesnt occur that often AFAIK :S
Knight of Jarada - Master Mind 8)
Assistant Manager of the TSL Asylum XD

dew7

Jason, I do not know how many times hacks are attempted but port scans are really common.
Carpe Diem  Trying to help all of us including myself understand the merry-go-round of life.

koko_99_2001

Well, I was gone for a week, and it took me forever to catch up on the posts!  I don't even want to know how long it's going to take you!
<3 Happily married to FataliOmega since July 11, 2009 <3

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