20 Years Malware in one year!

Quote:

Originally Posted by zallison

Convenience is the key here.

Syamntec, McAfee, and others stay in business by making people believe the annually recurring fee they charge will protect them.

Phishing filters, spam blockers, spy ware scanners... snake oil.

I will admit that I use virus scanners, but I also know how to secure my home pc.

The problem we face with the mass is that its not convenient to learn. Its more convenient to spend $$$ and pretend they're protected.

This is the truth. The programs are not necessarily 'snake oil', since they do work. The issue, I think, is a transitional one. I know better than to open attachments in e-mails that I receive...my parents (in their 50's) don't know any better. They think that since they have Norton protecting them, they have nothing to fear. I've tried to explain to them that no matter the circumstance, you don't open unsolicited links, e-mailed or not.

Hell, when ZoneAlarm pops an alert on my machine, I read every word about it and then decide on permissions. My box gets scanned every day for virii and spyware, and the registry is cleaned weekly. I may be overdoing it, but hey...it's a sense of security. I've never had any problems in the 11 years I've had a computer of my own. The key is knowledge about what you are dealing with and the ability to adapt with the state of tech and correct your behavior accordingly.

One has to be fluid in a fluid technology...

O