Re: BBC-TV Computer Security Video For Non-Techies

From: Andreas Rauer (news_dfn_at_andreas-rauer.de)
Date: 04/25/05 

Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 23:45:22 +0200

Ian Kenefick wrote:
> On Mon, 25 Apr 2005 21:48:36 +0100, "Jason Edwards" wrote:
>> If I did then they'd insist on installing unnecessary personal
>> firewall software that they wouldn't be able to use and would be
>> calling me every other day about whether or not somewindowsapp.exe
>> should be allowed to connect.
>
> Unnecessary? I think this is not correct. Everyone should use a
> personal firewall. It's defense at the application level which in my
> view is critical!

Why not a simple resolution without adding more unstable and exploitable
code to your system?

Just stop offering (unnecessary) network services to the internet.
http://www.ntsvcfg.de/ntsvcfg_eng.html

> Much progress has been made in firewalls which will
> help the user to make the correct decision as to weather they should
> leave an application access to external networks.

If you don't trust a software, why did you install it?

> If your
> client/friend is that important then you will take 5 mins to explain
> how they can figure out what they should and shouldn't allow access.

If the Windows standard installations wouldn't offer half a dozen (for home
installations) unnecessary network services, we would have a lot less spam
and virus/worm-mailings.

And people shouldn't click on every colorful icon, which happens to be
longer than half a microsecond under their cursor...