Vista - Enough Security?

**PainlessTorture** · 07-14-2009

No matter what software you use, you will never be secure so I don't really see a point in scaring average users into downloading tons of security packages...

It's different if you need protection because you are a target but I don't see any reason for a malicious user to waste time and energy breaking into a home computer when there are much bigger and more rewarding targets?

If you want your computer to be secure you have two options.

Do not connect to a network
Do not turn it on

These are the only ways to protect your computer. And that doesn't stop someone from walking in and stealing it so you would need to go and encrypt hard disks and all sorts of pointless rubbish. A normal person would never need that much security.
The sad fact is, if you do not understand the security risks then you should not do anything on a computer you wouldn't want the entire world to see. Do not use online banking etc.

Its simply never secure no matter how good you are with security because someone will always find a way to crack the security - Always.

Carl424 - Unless you have extremely sensitive data on your computer then you do not need CIA style security (which isn't even secure anyway). The US government is getting cracked left, right and center so what makes you think a home computer will ever be "secure". What you have is sufficient for you, just try to avoid websites that look suspicious, don't open files you obtained from an untrusted source and run full scans every day. That should be enough for you.

The most important thing I can suggest is strong passwords. Weak passwords is the number one cause of security breeches...

Read this for tips on creating a strong password -> http://www.microsoft.com/protect/you...rd/create.mspx

Good Luck

PS - When someone says you will be secure, thats a sign they don't know what they are talking about because if you are online you are NEVER secure. So you can ignore them

**JMH** · 07-14-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by fmjc001

no matter what software you use, you will never be secure so i don't really see a point in scaring average users into downloading tons of security packages...

It's different if you need protection because you are a target but i don't see any reason for a malicious user to waste time and energy breaking into a home computer when there are much bigger and more rewarding targets?

If you want your computer to be secure you have two options.

do not connect to a network
do not turn it on

these are the only ways to protect your computer. And that doesn't stop someone from walking in and stealing it so you would need to go and encrypt hard disks and all sorts of pointless rubbish. A normal person would never need that much security.
The sad fact is, if you do not understand the security risks then you should not do anything on a computer you wouldn't want the entire world to see. Do not use online banking etc.

Its simply never secure no matter how good you are with security because someone will always find a way to crack the security - always.

Carl424 - unless you have extremely sensitive data on your computer then you do not need cia style security (which isn't even secure anyway). The us government is getting cracked left, right and center so what makes you think a home computer will ever be "secure". What you have is sufficient for you, just try to avoid websites that look suspicious, don't open files you obtained from an untrusted source and run full scans every day. That should be enough for you.

The most important thing i can suggest is strong passwords. Weak passwords is the number one cause of security breeches...

Read this for tips on creating a strong password -> strong passwords and password security | microsoft security

good luck

ps - when someone says you will be secure, thats a sign they don't know what they are talking about because if you are online you are never secure. So you can ignore them

Well put Fmjcoo1. This should be a "sticky" imho.

**archie123** · 07-14-2009

the ONLY way to stay ahead of the virus's..................

**JMH** · 07-14-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by archie123

the ONLY way to stay ahead of the virus's..................

Yep, safe " hex."

**truthkid** · 07-14-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Fmjc001

No matter what software you use, you will never be secure so I don't really see a point in scaring average users into downloading tons of security packages...

It's different if you need protection because you are a target but I don't see any reason for a malicious user to waste time and energy breaking into a home computer when there are much bigger and more rewarding targets?

If you want your computer to be secure you have two options.

Do not connect to a network
Do not turn it on

These are the only ways to protect your computer. And that doesn't stop someone from walking in and stealing it so you would need to go and encrypt hard disks and all sorts of pointless rubbish. A normal person would never need that much security.

Right on

07-14-2009	#11 (permalink)
PainlessTorture Windows Vista™ Ultimate x64 471 posts	Re: Enough Security? No matter what software you use, you will never be secure so I don't really see a point in scaring average users into downloading tons of security packages... It's different if you need protection because you are a target but I don't see any reason for a malicious user to waste time and energy breaking into a home computer when there are much bigger and more rewarding targets? If you want your computer to be secure you have two options. Do not connect to a network Do not turn it on These are the only ways to protect your computer. And that doesn't stop someone from walking in and stealing it so you would need to go and encrypt hard disks and all sorts of pointless rubbish. A normal person would never need that much security. The sad fact is, if you do not understand the security risks then you should not do anything on a computer you wouldn't want the entire world to see. Do not use online banking etc. Its simply never secure no matter how good you are with security because someone will *always* find a way to crack the security - Always. Carl424 - Unless you have extremely sensitive data on your computer then you do not need CIA style security (which isn't even secure anyway). The US government is getting cracked left, right and center so what makes you think a home computer will ever be "secure". What you have is sufficient for you, just try to avoid websites that look suspicious, don't open files you obtained from an untrusted source and run full scans every day. That should be enough for you. The most important thing I can suggest is strong passwords. Weak passwords is the number one cause of security breeches... Read this for tips on creating a strong password -> http://www.microsoft.com/protect/you...rd/create.mspx Good Luck PS - When someone says you will be secure, thats a sign they don't know what they are talking about because if you are online you are *NEVER* secure. So you can ignore them Last edited by PainlessTorture; 07-14-2009 at 08:38 AM..
My System Specs

07-14-2009	#12 (permalink)
JMH Vista Ultimate 64-bit, SP2 2,068 posts	Re: Enough Security? Quote: Originally Posted by fmjc001 no matter what software you use, you will never be secure so i don't really see a point in scaring average users into downloading tons of security packages... It's different if you need protection because you are a target but i don't see any reason for a malicious user to waste time and energy breaking into a home computer when there are much bigger and more rewarding targets? If you want your computer to be secure you have two options. do not connect to a network do not turn it on these are the only ways to protect your computer. And that doesn't stop someone from walking in and stealing it so you would need to go and encrypt hard disks and all sorts of pointless rubbish. A normal person would never need that much security. The sad fact is, if you do not understand the security risks then you should not do anything on a computer you wouldn't want the entire world to see. Do not use online banking etc. Its simply never secure no matter how good you are with security because someone will *always* find a way to crack the security - always. Carl424 - unless you have extremely sensitive data on your computer then you do not need cia style security (which isn't even secure anyway). The us government is getting cracked left, right and center so what makes you think a home computer will ever be "secure". What you have is sufficient for you, just try to avoid websites that look suspicious, don't open files you obtained from an untrusted source and run full scans every day. That should be enough for you. The most important thing i can suggest is strong passwords. Weak passwords is the number one cause of security breeches... Read this for tips on creating a strong password -> strong passwords and password security \| microsoft security good luck ps - when someone says you will be secure, thats a sign they don't know what they are talking about because if you are online you are *never* secure. So you can ignore them Well put Fmjcoo1. This should be a "sticky" imho.
My System Specs

07-14-2009	#13 (permalink)
archie123 Vista Home Premium 64bit SP2 1,743 posts	Re: Enough Security? the ONLY way to stay ahead of the virus's..................
My System Specs

07-14-2009	#14 (permalink)
JMH Vista Ultimate 64-bit, SP2 2,068 posts	Re: Enough Security? Quote: Originally Posted by archie123 the ONLY way to stay ahead of the virus's.................. Yep, safe " hex."
My System Specs

07-14-2009	#15 (permalink)
truthkid Home Premium X64, not impressed with W7 RC yet... 260 posts	Re: Enough Security? Quote: Originally Posted by Fmjc001 No matter what software you use, you will never be secure so I don't really see a point in scaring average users into downloading tons of security packages... It's different if you need protection because you are a target but I don't see any reason for a malicious user to waste time and energy breaking into a home computer when there are much bigger and more rewarding targets? If you want your computer to be secure you have two options. Do not connect to a network Do not turn it on These are the only ways to protect your computer. And that doesn't stop someone from walking in and stealing it so you would need to go and encrypt hard disks and all sorts of pointless rubbish. A normal person would never need that much security. Right on
My System Specs

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