[Tfug] OT: Windows "Tracking Software"

[Angus Scott-Fleming]

On 3 Mar 2009 at 13:17, Zack Williams  wrote:

> > The only safe way is to *re-install* the operating system.  Once your
> > system has been *compromised* you cannot *trust* what it reports back
> > to you.
> 
> Seconded.  Wipe and reinstall, and don't connect to the internet until
> you're all updated and security software of your liking has been
> installed and is working properly.

+1 ... If you're talking about a toolkit you can plug in to a running WinBox to 
detect (and remove) keystroke loggers, spyware, and rootkits, there ain't no 
such animal that's 100% reliable.  However, IMHO you can connect safely to the 
Internet to download updates and patches if you're behind a NAT router, which 
will protect you against most exploits that just attack open Windows ports, and 
if you turn on the built-in Windows Firewall.

> Another good way to go about running Windows is to use it in a VM like
> tissue paper - install on top of Linux/Mac OS, use for a while,
> keeping your data on the more secure system.  When it slows down or
> gets hinky, chuck the VM and unarchive your clean copy.

Another +1 vote here.

--
Angus Scott-Fleming
GeoApps, Tucson, Arizona
1-520-290-5038
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