Random thoughts - No HijackThis log

Question

I am posting this here because this posting is directed to those processing Hijackthis logs. While commenting on thread http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=si_virus&message.id=58078 I noticed something I have not though of and wish to share my thoughts. I believe after cleaning a system of "bad" things there is a second issue to be resolved. The issue is prevention, which has two components. The first is use of third party tools, Anti-Virus tools, Anti-Spyware tools, and maybe firewalls. These issues are fairly well covered. The other issue keeping a system updated. That appears to be where there is still may be a problem. There is no tool generally used that list all the patches applied to a system and then validates that that list, insuring that all patches have been applied. Although enumerating the patch list would not be too difficult, I am not sure what the list could be resolved against.

dalem29 · Answer

Your random thoughts should go on the Virus/Spyware board. Most of us who have been around for awhile are well aware of all the available tools and the importance of looking for updates, especially relevant Windows security updates regularly...in my case every day...since Avast and Spyware Doctor almost always have an update every day. Defender several times a week, and Spyware Blaster, Spybot S&D, and AdAware somewhat less so.   Newer users in a lot of cases just fire up the computer, log on, and browse away, really not paying much attention to security issues, and not realizing how easy it is to get infected. I think they only get serious about security after they get in trouble and come here and other forums to get help.  I am not sure how much more preventive education can be directed at them. The bad guys and gals are in it for the money now instead of just the glory...they are a very smart, skilled, and dedicated bunch of slime.   While you are here, why don't you get brave and go ahead and post a log. It won't hurt your computer and you might see things in there that you had no idea were lurking on your hard drive. :smileysurprised: Message Edited by dalem29 on 12-19-200604:43 PM

msgale · Answer

I am really disappointed at your response. It was your thread that I was referring to. It was you who did not know what MS06-012, MS06-037, and MS06-059 were. I have been around here as long as you. No, I don' think I will post a log, my system is running just the way I want. P.S. This post is in conformance with the rules of this forum, I gave no advice on an existing thread.

Bugbatter · Answer

'Your random thoughts should go on the Virus/Spyware board.' YES. This forum is for HijackThis logs to be posted. After working on logs and cleaning systems, we post prevention tips which include keeping the operating system and security updated. Furthermore, most of us do not handle logs that are posted from unpatched systems until a user gets the required updates. It is up to the users to follow our suggestions.

zbestwun2001 · Answer

A-Men zb1

dalem29 · Answer

My final comments on this. Yes I know what post you were referring to and I had a pretty good idea what the MS stood for. However, after a Google search and also browsing the MS website, I did not come upon anything relevant about these updates or whatever they are. I have all the Windows updates that the system seems to think I need after scanning my computer. I use a lot of protection and look for updates every day. My scans consistently come up clean so I must be doing something right. I have only garden variety paranoia, but your post seems to have been composed with the intention of being a subtle snipe at yours truly for reasons only you can understand. Forgive me if this is a wrong interpretation, because I only have your reputation on the forums to go by.  Otherwise, most reasonable people would agree that there was no valid reason to post it to begin with on this forum or to reference my post on the other forum. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year. :smileyvery-happy:

1972vet · Answer

Quote: I believe after cleaning a system of 'bad' things there is a second issue to be resolved. The issue is prevention, which has two components. The first is use of third party tools, Anti-Virus tools, Anti-Spyware tools, and maybe firewalls. I disagree...not 'maybe firewalls'...absolutely firewalls. To be without a firewall is equal to leaving the keys in your front door while you go away on vacation. These issues are fairly well covered. The other issue keeping a system updated. That appears to be where there is still may be a problem. There is no tool generally used that list all the patches applied to a system and then validates that that list, insuring that all patches have been applied. Although enumerating the patch list would not be too difficult, I am not sure what the list could be resolved against. There are tools that will validate hotfixes that you have installed. Qfecheck.exe will tell you if an update you have chosen to install is in fact properly installed. What it will not tell you is that there is a patch you need...It's still up to you to determine if an update is needed for your particular situation...we do that when we visit Windows Update.In addition there is the Belarc Advisor that lists Hotfixes you've installed and verifies the integrity of the installation. If the installation cannot be confirmed, Belarc will show a Red X next to that hotfix.As far as enumerating patches installed and resolving that list against all that are available I assume is what you mean...again, that is something that occurs when we visit Windows Update. Do you think we've failed to cover something that's not covered Here

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Random thoughts - No HijackThis log

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