This is one area of expertise that I'm glad I don't have to be an expert
in since we've been running Linux. I don't miss it one bit.
Although, as AJ notes, it's probably only a matter of time before Linux
becomes a big enough target and then we'll really get a feel for how
well the open source software model can handle massive amounts of
malfeasance on the part of unscrupulous developers.
Stanley Brinkerhoff wrote:
I've recently been through the same thing helping a neighbor. In
addition to the helpful advice everyone else has given, I highly
recommend installing Spybot - Search & Destroy on any Windows machine.
We are probably leaning a bit to far from the focus of this group --
but as a tech in the trenches years ago; Spybot and Adaware were first
comers to the market, but slowly lost their ability to defend a
system. Unless things have changed drastically; they seem primarily
like a joke.
With every friend/coworker/occasional paid side job I explain to users
that spyware comes from three places:
1. The internet -- Never click a popup that says "is your system
slow", or "your antivirus is out of date, download a new version".
The internet is like the sketchy dude on the corner with a sign asking
for money and drinking a beer. He will tell you anything for a
dollar. Responding to these messages is like inviting him over to
babysit.
2. Internet Explorer makes installing spyware impossibly easy.
Firefox's default to save, but never execute will protect your ass
every time. It makes it clear that the "system scanner" is a program
they need to install, and it takes effort.
3. Spyware comes along with many "free" programs. If it seems to good
to be true, it probably is. Ask a techie friend before you install
it. (This naturally comes up with a "sooo.. firefox is free ??").
Regardless -- they need to know that when they install
FreeCouponPrinter.com's applet, or weatherbug they are OPTING in to
popups and spyware.
Windows Defender seems to do a decent enough job.. but like anything
that becomes popular, software developers target their app to pass
those scanners first. Users never update antivirus or antispyware --
and they are poor defenses. Teaching them how it gets on their system
is applicable to every platform, and teaching them that IE is bad for
security (I say that no one I know who I have setup with Firefox has
gotten spyware since -- a fact which combined with rule #3 above, is
true -- except the coworker who wanted coupons yesterday.)
Once you hook them on Firefox, its just a tumble down the rabbit hole
to get them onto OOo, and then Ubuntu.
Cheers,
Stan
