As I have browsed this site and others like it, I have often seen comments like "The only way to secure a Windows box is to not connect it to the Internet!" and "How can you stand to use Windows when you have to run tons of apps such as spyware removers and spend hours trying to keep it secure?" Some people have even gone as far as to say that it is literally impossible to secure Windows. Well, I'm here to tell you that not only is it possible, it's actually quite trivial! It requires very little effort and you can do it without running a buttload of security apps and without spending a dime.
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Rule #5 is redundant as it was already pointed in in rule #2. I guess he really meant it. And of course the last one, 10, was a placeholder.
These tips are very sound, but I think the author over simplified the whole process. Doing all those tasks could easily take an hour or two at best. But once it's done, it's done.
I'd also like to suggest using a third party email checking program that simply reads the headers rather than downloading the whole message. There are plenty, and for all platforms, I'll refrain from mentioning any names so not to be an ad. I've been screening my emails for the last 5 years and it works great. I do feel sorry for AOL users though... don't know if there's any help for them in this area. POP3 email accounts are very easy to keep clean. Like I said, preview the mail and delete offending ones before downloading them into your computer.
Proxomitron is a great content filtering proxy. Not only does it keep certain things out it makes surfing faster and less annoying with flashing ads.
Typical reaction from users would probably sound like: "why should I have to go through so much work just to stay safe on the computer?"
Well... do you put on your seatbelt when you enter a vehicle? Check mirrors? Etc? Maybe it's just because most of us spend so much time on a computer we don't seem bothered to stop and spend a few extra seconds doing safety precautions.
Nice one Darius. I have to agree, what ever gets the work done.
Gotta agree it far easier to use a separate router/switch some of them come with firewalls(software) but they work very well.
I seen alot of users use KazAa which can lead to all kinds of problems.
Set up a hardware router/firewall: This isn't nearly as difficult as it sounds. In fact, you can walk into just about any computer electronics store and pick one of these up for about $30.
say i just purchased Windows XP Pro from a reputable retailer who charges MSRP. it cost me $299. now you're telling me i have to buy a $30 hardware add on to protect myself on top of it?
what if i'm still a dial-up user? do i need a router with a modem in it to protect me from the outside world?
if you require a piece of hardware between your OS and the internet, your OS probably isn't ready for the internet.
not critiquing your piece. it was good simple, and i agree with most of it. just pointing out that you shouldn't have to put up with that crap.
Well if you read the intro of the article it does stipulate that its aimed for broadband users, so technically you do need some piece of hardware between you and the internet, and hardware there is a plenty.
I believe this is probably the only safe way to run windows, on a virtual machine! Also, you should probably use VPC on Mac/VMWare on Linux instead of VMWare on top of windows (due to security concerns).
Also, it is necessary to use a less priviledged account if only to prevent accident. If a program doesn't support unpriviledged users, it is probably too old and not secure anyways.
These are the rules that those of us trying to use Windows for business, rather than hobbyist purposes have learned from painful experience.
It's nice to see them compiled into an accessible form for beginners, although I'm not entirely sure the OSNews readership are the right demographic to be targeting with this level of info.
... but I already use all the manners you describe, except the hardware firewall 
Instead go get a 486 from a trashcan and install Smoothwall on it with 2 LAN cards or an 1-floppy firewall Linux distro such as freesco The effect is much the same But maybe you can escape free. Also, there is the point at Sygate, and there is another free anti-virus program at www.free-av.com.
windows is fine, as long as u know what ur doing, same goes with any other OS out there. Am using XP right now, and cant wait for longhorn
Extra points for presenting your preference for Windows without sounding like a fanboy/zealot. The right tool for the job, or the right tool with regards personal preferences - both are valid.
Personally, this reminded me that making Windows secure, though not overly complicated, is still not a trivial process. Still, I'll keep a copy of your article for the next time I have to reinstall Windows on a friend/family member's PC (which is certain to happen once or twice in the next six months...sigh...)
One question though: regarding logging in as Administrator...isn't it safer to log in as a normal user, then using "Run as administrator" for those few apps that require it?
Rule #5 is redundant as it was already pointed in in rule #2.
I should clarify this one. Rule #2 was meant to be stuff you do before you first get online, so you can stay on long enough to get the critical updates without getting nailed. For example, if you go online with either a hardware firewall or WinXP SP2 (or both), then you're going to be pretty safe until you can hit Windows Update and get the critical updates.
However, once you are online, you will definitely want to download and install a software firewall ASAP, per rule #5.
Primarily I am a Linux user, but I work with Windows everyday at the customers, because the majority here in Transylvania still uses Windows. I must keep up myself even in Windows security (and I try to keep up) as well as in Linux security.
Good piece, Darius. A refreshing change from geekspeak. Nice to hear some english on this site.
He does say that if you can switch do so. This is for those of you(I am typing this from my powerbook) who can't for whatever software application reason why.
If all your doing is surfing the web, even Linux can be made desktop friendly, but there are still business apps that are windows only. With longhorn beta due in June/July this year Longhorn itself won't be ready till that time next year. So if in the next 18 months you need basic everyday functionality(surfing, email, Office, etc), get a Mac. But if you need to run Windows you need to run Windows and that's it.
for microsoft to do was to allow for the download of the latest patches onto the computer. burn to cd and then point a local variation of microsoft update onto that cd. that way i could dump the updates to cd ones and install them over and over rather then haveing to go online ever so often.
yes there are the service packs but they only cover everything upto that date. and the installers after that are all standalones that risk trampleing each other if not installed in the correct order.
basicly this is a trick one can do with most linux installs today. if you dont have the bandwith yourself, get a friend that have bandwith to mirror one of the ftps that hold a mirror of the update files for your distro. burm em on cd or dvd. bring it home and aim the package manager of said distro at the media. hit update and boom.
Linux isn't necessarily secure out of the box. I've had an unprotected Linux box get hacked within 24 hours of going online. Knowing a little about security and making sure that your system is protected is essential whatever OS you're using.
It is actually possible to run IE securely: just create a throwaway restricted user account for IE use alone. The restricted account user can't install software and can't access files of other users, so even if IE autoexecutes any nastiness, it can't do any damage.
Of course, it's a hassle to log in as a different user just to browse the web. So we'd want to use "runas" to run just IE as a different user.
Unfortunately, MS has made running IE as a different user a little harder than necessary. Rightclicking and using "Run as" doesn't seem to work. What did work for me was the following.
Say the limited account is called "IEuser". Then create a shortcut to "runas /user:IEuser cmd". on your desktop. Double-clicking this will open a command prompt that runs as IEuser. Now you can manually start IE with "start iexplore". Or create a batchfile c:windowsie.bat that just contains the line "start iexplore" and you can start IE by just typing "ie". Remove all shortcuts to IE from you normal desktop and only run it from the restricted account. This way you can use IE without worry about any IE exploits.
"Windows is an OS for power users, not the computer illiterate." Interesting comment. I wonder if Microsoft this this as well...
But serioiusly folks, here's my additional tip for keeping XP clean when I do have to use it once in a while:
Keep track of every single files installed when you do install an application. If you don't use for some reason, you can truely reinstall properly and not have tons of junk left over in the form of files and registry entries. I use Regshot 1.61e and UNDOReg to do this. No need for fancy new software. This way you can tell as well if a program is intalling more than it should, and clean it.
XP, SP2, AVG, Firefox, hardware firewall/gateaway router..
Been over a year since I had to deal with spyware.
Don't argue, just do it. And don't use programs that aren't written for multi-user environments. Have things gotten this bad in the last two years? When I used windows I never had this many problems!
It's only free for a 30-day trial. I liked it enough after trying it that I paid for it after it was up (~$20 after a student discount). Very fast and light on system resources.
I prefer it to others I've tried: McAfee/Norton/Symantec on the commercial front and AVG/Antivir/Avast! on the free side.
The other AV I've heard nothing but good things but haven't tried yet is Kaspersky.
say i just purchased Windows XP Pro from a reputable retailer who charges MSRP. it cost me $299. now you're telling me i have to buy a $30 hardware add on to protect myself on top of it?
If you are the kind of guy who will pay that much money for a copy of XP then I suggest looking at nothing under $100 when it comes to a router. I mean why not be a sucker 2 times in a row ?
what if i'm still a dial-up user? do i need a router with a modem in it to protect me from the outside world?
Then just run a software firewall.
if you require a piece of hardware between your OS and the internet, your OS probably isn't ready for the internet.
If you are on broadband I can honestly think of no reason not to have a router. Far more flexible no matter what OS you plan to run internally.
Has anyone mentioned "Don't run as administrator"?
That should have been the first thing on the list.
Man what distro and when? That does suck to get hit that fast, you must have made some real enemies. I would say all Linux distros that have a IP stack turned on by default in the kernel sould have iptables setup by default with connection tracking to block all unwanted traffic. The time of starting up with 20 services by default is OVER!
Good article btw, I get alot of Windows users coming to me asking to de-spyware their box.
My primary computer is a Mac, I say this because I am not too familiar with all the Windows software out there. On my PC I use Spybot S&D for a cool function. It tells me whenever a program edits the registry, so I may block it. Its either an option or apart of the RegAlyzer 1.0f plug-in. There may be another program that can do this sort of thing, but this is the one I use. its very handy.
I've got the same configuration used for my XP partition (XP-SP2, hardware firewall/router, Firefox, AVG, Spybot). Despite daily checks (automated AVG + spyware checks), I haven't caught a single virus/trojan/whatever. But I have to admit I rely on my trusty iBook to fetch my emails...
I mostly agree with Darius' checklist. Maybe you could add the following tip :
(11) Avoid warez at any price, be very cautious with P2P.
The Average-Joe-User might not be warned enough about this, 'til it's too late and his box is infected. I spent months (years?) repeating this to a few friends of mine who would usually call for help because their box has gone sluggish after downloading the latest serial/keygen. Most of the time using IE, of course... To my relief, they learnt the bare minimum about safety (this sums up to Darius' ckecklist, plus my #11). Too bad for fixing evenings & offered dinners ;o)
Recently the NSA released a "Mac OS X security guide", explaining how to ensure security from install to config and daily use. Maybe it would be time for the "power users" to write such a guide for Windows XP.
Amen to that!
Doesn't surprise me to see Darius trying with all his gusto to make
Windows SEEM usable and easily configurable. He is one of the biggest anti-mac trolls here on OS SNOOZE.
This tool is only available under Windows XP Professional, and I am surprised it was not mentioned.
Even if you have a single Windows XP Professional box, you can use this to really lock down your machine.
Start mmc, and add this tool in. This gives you an incredible view by which you can lock down almost every component on your machine.
You can even apply service ACLs with this. This means that you can set up restricted users for whoever you like, but make it so they can't shut off your AV services, or even plug in devices (if the devices use a service).
If Eugenia wants, I can write up a couple pages on how to use this .
Mitch
Nice job here, but just a couple things I felt could be in diff. order OR done a BIT differently, but with GOOD reason with examples:
You mention not cutting off services FIRST (or not needing to if you run a firewall which is right on, but what about BEFORE you get that software driven firewall? Yes, XP/2003 have one & it works, but others like 2000/NT/9x/ME don't natively).
So, cutting off remotely oriented services like Messenger? Are a good move prior to going online for example, agreed??
(There are other suggestions services-wise I have but that is an example that within minutes? Unprotected rigs I have setup for people online get literally in minutes victimized by... I would bet you've all seen that before too)
Anyhow, as to services cutoffs & more "massive" security tunings?
I put up a list of what the author MIGHT consider pretty 'esoteric' security & higher end security suggestions that's been out online since 1997 @ NTCompatible.com!
(& article #1 there? Afaik, is most likely the "original" out there online. I say that, since I have not seen an older one to date out online in 10++ years now... some of it MIGHT surprise you as to what you can REALLY do to "harden" an NT=based Os to-it's-potential-max, afaik)
The OLDEST Windows NT-based Os' tweak guide there is for BOTH speed & security... its latest version is here:
http://www.avatar.demon.nl/APK.html
Reading thru that for the author? Just MIGHT give him/you some things to consider adding to your article here... not all of it is THAT nutty/complex. Whole article to apply it? 1 hour work with regedit.exe usually.
One suggestion you miss, or not one I saw? STOP USING INTERNET EXPLORER!
(I hate to say that because it IS a good browser but its extensible architectures & insistence thru nags on ActiveX/JavaScripting is an opening CONSTANTLY exploited online. Even the newest popup blocker containing IE in Windows Server 2003 STILL does those damn nags about scripting... & those scripts? Are what open the doors for "Bad BHO inserts" & toolbars from malware etc. imo!)
Anyhow, nice job, take a peek at that article & take what you want from it IF you find any of it useful... & please, DO CONSIDER suggesting using Opera or FireFox rather than IE to novices out there...
(If you did suggest that? My bad man... have a good day guys!)
APK
apk4776239@hotmail.com
even I'm mac & linux user, i've never had virus/spyware problem with windows either.
never needed anything else than
1) firewall
2) updates now and then
3) mozilla products instead of ie/outlook
no viruses, no spyware, nada, in the last 10 years ... got some nasty virus on floppy disk though something like 10 years ago 
It is not the OS, it is the user behind the console.
Most users complain that Microsoft software crashes for no reason and they do not have a fix for the problems that arise. Wrong! Every, I mean, every single error can be found and solved, with very detailed instructions. The problem is that most of those users use pirated copies, so how they do expect to have support? We all know that Microsoft prices are abusive (at least here in Brazil) but you got a company behind your back, and their support. You just have to know where to go for help: a thing that a good Linux user would do and know how to do. This kind of thing does not happen with most users because they do not have the will to learn from everything: they are there to use the computer, not to fix it; they have other things to do, computer are only another tool, not the main tool. And they are (somewhat) right in keeping this behavior. This is what make (most of) us, that work with information technology everyday, some steps ahead.
Nowadays, every script kid knows how to hack a Windows box because there is a huge ammount of information out there: the desktop OS market share is about 90-95% Windows. It does not mean by any way that Linux is secure or the software is secure either. We will only know that when Linux achieve the same space between the users as Windows does today. One thing that we must have in mind that there are a lot of software engineers that make every single thing possible in Windows. So does Linux, but it is too early for everyone.
Even with pirated copies, there is a lot of (official) information that can be used for free. Ever heard about http://support.put_company_name_here.com?
One example that happened to me: I was watching a discourse about Linux in my University. The guy said: "If MS Windows have a bug, where you can get a fix to it? You do not have a choice!" and an expectator exclaimed "Only God knows!". At that very moment, I remembered what one of my bosses once said: "God is the Internet". The information is out there, you just have to search.
I really would like to be apart from this discussion since I am not a fluent english speaker and could be easily misunderstood, but I am tired of comparisons/comments/articles saying that "security is all about the software".
Linux isn't necessarily secure out of the box. I've had an unprotected Linux box get hacked within 24 hours of going online.
Most distros have gotten their act together over the past two years. Linux distros are now much more secure out of the box. There was a recent article about this, I believe.
Alexander Peter Kowalski
One suggestion you miss, or not one I saw? STOP USING INTERNET EXPLORER!
He did say this. Repeatedly. May I suggest you read the complete article before commenting. :-)
About the guy that said Nod32 is not free - you're right, my mistake
@retro cat
Doesn't surprise me to see Darius trying with all his gusto to make
Windows SEEM usable and easily configurable. He is one of the biggest anti-mac trolls here on OS SNOOZE.
Right, and that's why I recommended getting a Mac 2 or 3 times in the article and even provided a direct link to the Mac Mini. Just because I personally don't care for them doesn't mean I'm biased. Hell, I even tried to convince my parents to get one.
Start mmc, and add this tool in. This gives you an incredible view by which you can lock down almost every component on your machine.
You can even apply service ACLs with this. This means that you can set up restricted users for whoever you like, but make it so they can't shut off your AV services, or even plug in devices (if the devices use a service).
About MMC:
1. Most of us don't have Windows XP Pro
2. Remember, this is a minimalist guide - unless XP Pro exposes some hole that the Home version doesn't, it seems like more work than is necessary.
You mention not cutting off services FIRST (or not needing to if you run a firewall which is right on, but what about BEFORE you get that software driven firewall? Yes, XP/2003 have one & it works, but others like 2000/NT/9x/ME don't natively).
So, cutting off remotely oriented services like Messenger? Are a good move prior to going online for example, agreed??
Well, that's what rule #2 is for For example, if you have XP SP2 installed, the Messenger service is basically cut off by default.
"(If you did suggest that? My bad man... have a good day guys!)"
I covered it peragrin, so likewise to you bro...
(I.E.-> Read my whole posting like you stated to me! No offense intended man, just saying we both missed more or less here!)
* We BOTH missed I think a bit... skimmers abound!
Still, that URL I post up there?
http://www.avatar.demon.nl/APK.html
Well, It's a FAR improved extension of the original article for this @ NTCompatible.com as article #1, the oldest I have ever seen online for this type of work in both "security and speed" tuning NT-based Os' & is fairly up-to-date for even Windows Server 2003 as well as the older Os, & has some WILD things in it you just MIGHT not be aware of... it IS possible!
(Website master @ NTCompatible.com? He won't post this latest one for 1 reason - it turns folks onto how to use CUSTOM HOSTS FILES, which affects webmasters incomes adversely... I don't blame him, he wants the adbanner view hits! BUT, by the same token, he understands WHY I use them - don't waste time calling out to adbanners servers & loading their ads? YOU GO FASTER!)
Not only faster, but in today adbanners even being javascript/activex script infected as have been shown this year 4x I know of alone? Adbanner blocking HOSTS files can not only speed ya up, but also secure you as well!
Anyhow - if you have time? That URL here again:
http://www.avatar.demon.nl/APK.html
Might have a few things in it of interest for the author of the article & you guys too!
APK
P.S.=> Makes sense on both our parts today we both missed what we both skimmed (myself missing IE reference & your missing me apologizing if I missed it in my original post): Today is the BIGGEST single patch download day I have EVER seen from Microsoft was today 02/08/2005... I am hauling in 12 of them as I speak/write here my man, on dialup? It's distracting & slow... ANYWAYS!!!
Oh, I got turned onto a VERY unique idea from your posts here I did a thread about in another forum here:
http://www.ntcompatible.com/thread31114-1.html
VERY UNIQUE/CREATIVE & ORIGINAL THINKING IMO! Whoever came up with that one? Could think... impressed & I learned something myself here! I may stop by again... not many forums, hate to sound like an ass, teach me new things nowadays & this one here in yours? DID! apk
In addition to what Darius has mentioned here (good article btw), I have a look at these keys in the registry from time to time:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
Some pretty nasty stuff can hide out there. I delete any keys I don't recognize...this is a favorite hideout of spyware. But, if you follow Darius's recommendations, these keys should be clean. Cheers.
My backslashes were stripped out, replacing w/ forward slashes:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run
I can also use windows without fear by following these rules (and removing unneeded bindings in network config especially netbios, per somewhere in grc.com). But I have non-geek users in the house who won't know how to follow these rules, or will become confused when the firewall asks if it should allow a new service.
Sure, windows can survive an internet session conducted by a knowledgeable user. But I'd not call a computing environment anywhere near secure unless it can survive usage by my 10 year old, or my guests, friends, or wife. As stated in rule#1, that's difficult to impossible.
Meanwhile, this Linux box has been running 7/24 for months with several users (desktop & part-time webserver), sans spyware blockers, virus scanners, etc. The only extra I've got is a GPL'd firewall script to automate ip-tables setup and I'm reasonably confident that this box will survive a session from any of my users. Logs show no problems other than a couple of failed attempts to relay (spam I presume) off SMTP : 25 and a few flubbed passwords.
Sorry, but it would take -big- changes to convince me that Windows is anything like secure.
Hello Darius,
Many people DO have XP Professional, as it's also known as Media Center Edition, Tablet PC Edition, or just Professional. It is also very popular with gamers.
The pirated XP editions are all XP Professional, as the Volume License Keys like FCKGW.... are all XP Pro.
You can't lock down service ACLs with XP Home. This is critical if you want to set up nonprivileged accounts and make it so that those accounts cannot restart or delete services.
This also provides a single interface for many of the security configurations, including registry permissions, file system permissions, and user rights assignments.
You can template these and load them onto other systems, thereby reducing the time you need to configure a system to several minutes. Somehow I see this as minimal .
You can also use the Group Policy object with a focus on your Local Computer to completely customize a system in a few clicks, if you have a template.
The goal of this is to provide something that is less work in the end. You can load in and apply templates with XP Pro that automate everything you are trying to do. You can't with Home.
There are more XP Pro installations out there than you have been led to believe.
Mitch
About MMC:
1. Most of us don't have Windows XP Pro
2. Remember, this is a minimalist guide - unless XP Pro exposes some hole that the Home version doesn't, it seems like more work than is necessary.
Firstly, the firewall built-in to XP is quite sufficient unless you feel paranoid enough to need to know what's going out of your machine. It's been there since the original release and is - at the very least - quite sufficient for connecting long enough to download SP2 (just make sure the machine is fully booted and the firewall turned on before you actually connect to the 'net, this doesn't matter once you've got SP2 installed) and a 3rd party firewall.
Secondly, running as an admin all the time is just silly. At most, you should put yourself into the Power Users group, but ideally you want to just be a plain User. I'd be interested to know what software you've got that doesn't work with "Run As", because I haven't seen any for many years (and I've been doing the regular user/Run As thing in NT since 1996).
The only steps I take to "secure" my personal Windows machines are:
1. Enable firewall
2. Automatic updates
3. Run as a regular user
4. Avoid IE
Every now and then I'll run one of those free online virus/adware scans just for the hell of it, but they've never found anything yet.
Basically, if you follow the same steps on Windows you do anywhere else, you'll be secure.
Yes, I understand that's different, but is there any way in particular that you can get nailed by a virus, worm, or spyware, assuming you've followed all the rules I've outlined here? Or are you saying that your way is easier?
The goal of this is to provide something that is less work in the end. You can load in and apply templates with XP Pro that automate everything you are trying to do.
In the case of security, can it automate me downloading and installing the latest version of Firefox and Thunderbird when I reinstall Windows? And if it can, is it actually worth the effort involved, assuming you're not installing for 500 users in a corporate enviroment?
say i just purchased Windows XP Pro from a reputable retailer who charges MSRP. it cost me $299. now you're telling me i have to buy a $30 hardware add on to protect myself on top of it?
No, all you need to do is enable the built in firewall (and if it's pre-SP2, don't physically connect to any hostile networks before the system is booted).
These are the rules that those of us trying to use Windows for business, rather than hobbyist purposes have learned from painful experience.
There really isn't anything on that list you should be learning from "painful experience", they're things you should have been doing proactively for years (if you're "trying to run a business", at least).
Unfortunately, MS has made running IE as a different user a little harder than necessary. Rightclicking and using "Run as" doesn't seem to work. What did work for me was the following.
It works fine, it's just the (default) IE Desktop icon is "special" (like the Recycle Bin or My Computer) and not a shortcut. If you just right-click -> "Run As" from the IE shortcut under Start -> Programs or in the Quicklaunch bar it works fine.
With regards to making a permanent Run As shortcut for IE, use this as the shortcut command:
runas /user:IEUser /savecred "C:Program FilesInternet Exploreriexplore.exe"
It will prompt you for a password the first time, but after that will just start up immediately.
NOte also that you'll need to run IE from an Admin account for Windows Update.
You gotta admit, Spybot S&D's Immunize feature is damn useful as an extra precaution against auto-installing activex btards.
I hate to say it. I really do. But you can get much more secure in only FOUR steps:
1. Buy a Mac
2. Plug it in
3. Turn it on.
4. Have fun.
5. Wonder where all your software is.
This is very good. But the average user would never be able to do most of this! I spent an hour on the phone the other night because my friend turned on the internet connection firewall in XP and knocked her self off the internet! Then Comcrap (Comcast) her ISP told her that she could not use ICF with her cable connection! Yes she should have a router between her PC and her modem. Problem is that if there is the slightest problem with the router her ISP will not giver her any support on that. They will tell her to get rid of it and plug her PC right into the modem!
The other thing I have to laugh at is people who say windows is secure. Yet thos people who say it's secure are the same people who tell you to take your windows apart (Ger rid of or don't use IE, or Outlook exspress, change reg settings, install this third party app and that thir party app etc) Before you know it you are using simi Windows! LOL!
Also if you look at Linux desktop distros (Those put together for the desktop) like Xandros, Linspire, Lycoris etc, I have YET to hear of any one using one of those distros (Me being a Xandros 2.5 user since 2.0 and 2.5 came out) being hacked. It's possible that it's happened to someone but even after doing a search of Linux sites I have yet to find someone who can say for sure it's happened to them!
Yes other distros that people are using on the desktop but yet still have server related services running, maybe no built in firewall on by default (Which all the Linux desktop distros I mentioned about have at least a basic firewall by default) Maybe services etc running as root etc. I exspect that they may get hacked. I am sorry but out of the box Windows XP sp2 is not secure! You have to spend time making it secure! I don't have to worry about that on my Xandros machine because the apps you have to install to make Windows secure like firefox or mozilla etc are already there!
Boy I would be PISSED if I turned on my Mac and had to spend 30 minutes to an hour (Not including patching the OS etc) just to get it to a point where I will feel simi safe!
My question is can someone show me how to make Windows useable and very secure without using 3rd party apps? (As if there were no Firefox or Mozilla or Zone Alarm etc. Just using Windows it's self and only Microsoft tools! And software! Now that would be an article!)
Sure, windows can survive an internet session conducted by a knowledgeable user. But I'd not call a computing environment anywhere near secure unless it can survive usage by my 10 year old, or my guests, friends, or wife. As stated in rule#1, that's difficult to impossible.
Well, my 60 year old mother (who is about as technophobic as you can get) manages to do it ok, and I live 2000km away, so it's not like I'm there holding her hand every time she dials up.
Sorry, but it would take -big- changes to convince me that Windows is anything like secure.
Follow the same habits on Windows as you do on Linux and it's just as secure.
Darius,
If you get nailed by something that shuts off services, you will have issues. If you put ACLs on the services, it makes it that much harder.
I have seen spyware/adware/virii that shuts off services.
And yes, I can automate downloading those applications when reinstalling Windows.
BTW, Darius, let me plug XPLizer here for another way to automate shutting off Windows "features" such as SMB and CIFS: http://theinsider.deep-ice.com/
I also use that tool for my own XP Pro workstation .
Mitch
Spend $30 on a router. Download a firewall, antivirus, an alternative browser, and all the critical updates.
Sounds like he contradicted himself from the start.
Computer Associates and MS are giving Etrust EZ Armor away for free:
pick your spot to get it:
http://my-etrust.com/microsoft
http://store.ca.com/dr/v2/ec_main.entry25?page=pyocantiarmor&cl...
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/partnerpack/
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/antivirus/...
(other vendors on there have 90 and 180 day free versions as well)
Its solid, gets great reviews, scores well on third party tests, is fast, and has a smaller footprint over my old standby, Norton.
Microsoft to me screwed up by leaving every port open as default. Out of the box it should have every port closed and the firewall should always been on. The thing I never liked about Windows it's unstable, even XP. I been using Xandros 3 Deluxe and this is what Windows should of been long ago. So far since I had Linux for two months it hasn't crashed yet. I couldn't say that for Microsoft. Tyrone Miles you should get Xandros 3 Deluxe. It so much better than v2 because of the newer kernel. It seems more snappier.
What a bunch of crap!
Most people run windows as admin, which should be what people do
Would you login to linux as root for everything? No.. typically in linux/unix you setup another regular user to use and then su to root when you need more rights to install software.
The same is or should also true for windows, although nobody follows it because there's not a lot of applications that are certified for the version of the operating system so that they make use of all of features so not all of them work under a power user or non-admin account.
Although, if you use apps that are certified for Windows 2000 or XP then you should be able to login as a regular user, this would reduce what you have rights to which in turn would stop a lot of these stupid viruses, or spyware that's out there..
5. Wonder where all your software is.
My guess, you dont own a Mac. The only software that is 'missing' is the software to protect your PC from spyware & viruses. And even that, Norton MAKES antivirus for the Mac... Do you know what it does all day on the Mac? FILTERS WINDOWS VIRUSES.
It's just funny that the top most downloaded applications for Windows is Virus scanners, Spyware/Adware removers & P2P applications. Oh what fun I am missing using a Mac.
My question is can someone show me how to make Windows useable and very secure without using 3rd party apps?
(As if there were no Firefox or Mozilla or Zone Alarm etc. Just using Windows it's self and only Microsoft tools! And software! Now that would be an article!)
That was an intelligent, useful, and to-the-point article. You should write more of them, if you have the time.
I may start referring the students at my workplace to it; it would probably make their lives (and mine) easier. As much as I'd like to stick Ubuntu CDs in their hands and tell them to install that, it's just not going to happen.
If you get nailed by something that shuts off services, you will have issues. If you put ACLs on the services, it makes it that much harder.
I have seen spyware/adware/virii that shuts off services.
That's my point though - if you follow the guidelines set forth in this article, how are you going to get spyware on your system to begin with?
Basically, my whole approach to this would be like locking the front door of your house when you go somewhere. Your approach is like locking the front door, installing a state-of-the-art security system, hiring a couple of goons to camp out in your front yard, and having the police patrol your street several times a day Sure, my way isn't as secure as yours, but assuming the neither of us are having our houses broken into, you're doing a lot more work than me, unless your way allows you to run without firewalls and anti-virus, in which case I would say your method is like leaving the house unlocked and then putting a guard dog inside
Darius,
Suppose Mozilla Firefox has a malicious XPI file loaded (and yes, I have seen this happen). The next thing you know, something's disabling the Symantec AV Services or Windows Firewall, and you've got issues.
Never assume any program is safe, or is not going to have issues because it's not Microsoft . A major difference between Firefox and IE is that many of the buffer overflows that affect IE affect components running in the LocalSystem context, while Mozilla's run on a slightly saner user context.
At least here, when the bad XPI tries to do its dirty deeds, it won't be able to carry them out.
Mitch
This is a good article and should be useful to a few people. Windows does not have to be a security seive, you just have to take responsibility for yourself.
I do everything just about the same except for the hardware firewall. I have never had spyware and have had only one virus in the past two years (blaster - firewall down at the time). My isp scans email for viruses and blocks vulnerable ports too, which helps.
Suppose Mozilla Firefox has a malicious XPI file loaded (and yes, I have seen this happen). The next thing you know, something's disabling the Symantec AV Services or Windows Firewall, and you've got issues.
Well, I guess I'm fucked then cuz I don't have XP Pro
Seriously though, where are these malicious XPI files? I've heard they exist, but have never actually seen one. And for the moment, what are the chances that you're going to get hit with one of these out in the wild? And can XPI files install themselves automatically?
In my case, even if an XPI file got through, since I don't use Nav or Virusscan or the XP firewall, they'd have to look for several firewalls/virus scanners before they found the ones I was using.
As a previous article pointed out, it won't be long me thinks before I have to update this article again and tell everyone to avoid using Firefox too. At that point, I guess I'll be using Opera
Some interesting comments here.
I use Win2k, Linux and FreeBSD myself, and often help folks (convert a few too) on various setups.
The biggest problem is not the software at all...The problem is to do with the lack of education on systems or even some basic concepts. If you can teach a bar-girl some basic security, its one more knowledgable user.
Someone suggested buying a Mac, straight off the bat. Ok, there is a problem with that...What could that be?
Well, think about it. IF a no-clue Windows user just gave up his/her problematic setup and spent money on a brand new setup, he/she doesn't learn a single thing! They then become a no-clue Mac user. And if the Mac is been targeted by the "bad folks"? What then? Spend more money on another platform?
As you can see, this isn't solving a problem. Its throwing money at it (and running from a problem)...Money that needs not to be spent unless you need to. (I prefer to save money when I can, rather than spend it when I don't need to).
The lack of knowledge in combating spyware/malware/etc and basic network security is the key problem. IF this can be solved, you'll see that Windows users and their setups will be alot more resilent to security related issues.
Its really all about education. (The very things that both Microsoft and Apple fail to address...Why would they? Since the lack of knowledge is what really brings in the profits!)
Best example : Keep your system updated against security issues! If MS encouraged this basic concept a bit more, Blaster would have never happened. (ie : It was preventable as MS released a patch for it 2 weeks before it hit...The lack of widespread notices is what really elevated the situation to an international news level).
Overall, its a nice guide, Darius...Maybe we can refine it a bit further for folks who don't know how to do this and that. A "step by step guide for the non-techie folks" ?
Yeah, there is quite a large number of folks who still have no clue, and you have to sit patiently with them and tell them the basics...Basically, "teach them to fish"
(If they know how to solve their issues, they wouldn't need to spend money on another system!)
5. Wonder where all your software is.
The Applications folder. Duh
"For XP users - install Service Pack 2 before going online: This is always recommended, even for non-XP users"
That's right all you non-XP users, make sure you download the XP service pack before doing anything else.....uh....
"A couple of other things to note about anti-virus programs - since most Linux users run a software firewall of some sort, this is really the only security-related program you'll have to run that Linux users don't!"
$500 to anyone who can make this quote make sense.
"Alright, so that's it. Now you've got a secure box"
These rules don't keep blaster-type infections away, unless I'm missing something.
"what if i'm still a dial-up user? do i need a router with a modem in it to protect me from the outside world?"
No, just put a NIC in the windows machine, hook it up to a linux machine with a NIC and iptables firewall, and hook the modem up to that
Damned if I've ever seen a hardware firewall/dialup modem in one - altho perhaps that's just because I haven't been looking for one.
1. Why? Is this anything more than an academic exercise? ("Can an MS-only system be secure? Discuss!")
2. MS doesn't make one of every kind of software. For example, they don't make any P2P software and they don't make a multi-protocol instant messenger. How many people does *that* leave out in the cold (Hint: every Kaaza user)? In other words, your average system can't do what it's owner wants with just MS software... so who cares if it can be secured?
A decent article but it clearly misses the point of it. The truth is windows is not secure at all and to make it secure you need to patch it endlessly with third party software and more bloat-ware to get the job done. The author says "dont use IE", isnt that part of the operating system? So what he is saying is dont use the stuff thats broken in it pay $399 for a bunch of patches and dont use some of the features since there bad. Does this make sense at all? All I kept seeing in the article was the word, "download" and dont click on. This is not a computing experience its a work around for problems that shouldnt exist. I dont have those problems with my Mac or my Linux box. I do Apt-Gets and im done or my Mac has one update system thats it, i have a firewall and anti-virus just in case, I never have an issue. Most people who have two computers run a router anyway so thats mostly out of the way. I guess what im trying to say is, a windows machine costs me alot of patience and for the money we pay for it and the money Microsoft makes these things should be under control. When making any changes in Windows it never asks for a password. A simple design like that makes alot of difference. I feel very bad for the people that dont know anything about computers. The Mac mini is looking better everyday. Its a good tip chart for those who want to travel that path, but dont tell the myth about Windows is safe, cuz thats like saying no one breaks into an unlocked car.
"Recently the NSA released a "Mac OS X security guide", explaining how to ensure security from install to config and daily use. Maybe it would be time for the "power users" to write such a guide for Windows XP."
They haven't got the manpower to write that book - not in less than a decade, anyhow
http://www.nsa.gov/snac/os/winxp/winxp.pdf
It appears that you miss the point. Although the author put a great effort to write this guide (which I respect that), the point is that computers are made to make our lives easier. I personally like to spend time on my computer doing something productive rather than chasing any kind malware. Operating systems such as Mac OS X and UNIX/Linux achieve that to some degree, and it's not due to not being popular OSes it is clearly the way they are designed.
I work for a fortune 100 company, and our environment consists of UNIX and Windows. I am the UNIX admin and I spent most time improving my systems and not have to worry about virus and spyware. The windows admins are always stressed to make sure that no malware will penetrate our systems and create havoc on user desktops.
Anyway you see it (TCO, user experience) Microsoft fails to deliver a secure platform and the best way (I see it) is either to demand better quality software (already done by major Microsoft customers) or move to other more secure platforms.
Trust me with Mac OS X and UNIX you do not have to be a CISSP to have a secure/worry free environment.
Awesome guide Darius. So, it wasn't perfect, who really cares? It hit on the major points of windows' out of the box lack of security and how to plug it up. For those throwing cheapshots or who keep nitpicking at some of his wording - write your own and/or stay with the alternative and STFU. I think praise and thanks are in order for the time and effort he put into this and we should provide hints and tips to make it even better. So, good job Darius and thanks.
I pretty much have been following several of your rules and a couple of my own for a long time using XP and running with admin priveledges and I have seen nary trouble in doing so. Get a mac if you want. I have no need for one.
I hate to say it. I really do. But you can get much more secure in only FOUR steps:
1. Buy a Mac
2. Plug it in
3. Turn it on.
4. Have fun.
5. Wonder where all your software is.
6. Install Adobe Photoshop, InDesign etc., Macromedia Flash , Dreamweaver etc., Microsoft Office 2004, WMP 9 for Mac, Mathematica, Norton Antivirus (if you are really paranoid)...
7. Install Virtual PC for Mac
My guess, you dont own a Mac.
Alas, you'd be wrong. Although my poor little iBOok is in the shop at the moment having its modem replaced, it is nevertheless mine.
The only software that is 'missing' is the software to protect your PC from spyware & viruses.
And games.
And, of course, anyone who has just thrown their PC out and bought a Mac (as suggested) isn't going to have much luck running their collection of Windows software on that Mac, are they ?
And games.
Lol. drsmithy, remember that mac gaming parody that can out a long while back? I think it was drunkgamers that did that one. Hilarious. Sorry for being off-topic, but I couldn't help but think about that one.
I've not been so frightened by an article for such a long time. I know virus/worms/spyware/DRM/Big Brother have been around for a long time. But that article was frightenting. Most of this stuff is relatively new(Quantity), and I've been in computing a long time.
I hated the article for what it represented to me as a knowlegeable computer user. Download Critical updates, Free avti virus software. I could weep.
This is not simple. Just simplified. For the first time I can see microsoft making a killing on anti-virus/spyware removing software. An absolute killing. Because I'm frightened now, and I know who I want to run to.
I'm an awful computer person. I gave my mum a second hand microsoft machine. No Firewall/ Windows 98(second edition thats one that requires no activation key) with some version of internet explorer in it. I doubt any critical anything has been fitted on it in since she got it over 2 years ago. The russian mafia probabably has her credit card details. The Leprecauns are probably using her machine as some sort of zombie sending penis enlarging adverts to housewifes accross the nation.
The only thing. I really taught her(apart from the on button and the blue E, and dribs and drabs of word/excel) was how to got download.com and download the most popular of whatever she wanted and make sure its free not shareware and off you go(bless her she's still searching for the holy grail of a typing tutor).
My mum loves her machine she thinks its great its an old dell running at 300 its almost too old. She's done a stack of courses. Did one on scanning of all things the other week. I was very proud(ok maybe a little sneering to myself)
But I taught my mum not to be afraid. I taught her how to have fun on her computer. And as for securety well she saves stuff to floppy disk, and I think thats almost the perfect backup.
I'd like to see an article once that says don't give a monkeys. Virus/Worms/Spyware/Adware/Privacy sod it the people who write these things are clever than me. Lets use this thing until it completely breaks and buy another. It was only £200 and next month they will be twice as fast. Have lots of newfangled thingy's. Just make sure your data that the important stuff not your music/pron/games but your cv/the e-mail you got from mom with the picture of your new brother on the IMPORTANT stuff that doesn't date and you can't replace it will probably fit on a CD or probably a floppy.
Anyone who thinks this is unsafe computing your damn right there will be concequnces. I'm not saying don't proect your machine. I'm saying if it doesn't fit on a fag packet. Its just another scary article. By another expert of XXXXX for XXX years.
Microsoft/Apple/Linus should hang your heads in shame(for many reasons). A Novice is often a novice for years. I think I'm getting too old to learn new tricks, and am pleased that I lived through a time when computing held only the fear of the new not of bogeymen.
Applications on MAC...are you kidding...LOL
Nice article Darius. I like the way it was written in very plain English.
To be totally honest with you, that article does not belong on a site like this, you should have printed it and sent copies of to all the newspapers and general magazines that you knew of.
It is simple to read articles like that which should be sent to all "JOE USERS" who use unprotected Windows machines and click everything.
Fairdinkum, this is one of the best articles i have read on OS News, so far.
Thanks, Darius
You can get a fast v.92 dialup modem-router from Actiontec Electronics http://actiontec.com/products/broadband/dual_pcmodem/features.php, that is called a Dual PC Modem. It has a NAT/firewall and runs on embedded Linux. It works with Windows, Linux or Macs too.
Q. What about not running as Administrator?
A. I have found that some programs don't respond well to this, and it is generally a
pain in the arse to pull off. Plus, I have never found it necessary, as I have always
run as Administrator with no problems thus far.
You ran critical apps on the UNIXES as root too ?
For windows it's easy to make a batch script which lets you set the nasty executable
setuidroot.All the user has to do is click the shortcut and off he/she goes.I would
only recommend this on non-production and home systems though.Only supported on
Windows XP Professional.
examples:
(1)running mmc in the admin context from cmd ;
runas /usr:admin "mmc d:windowssystem32compmgmt.msc
the same one with saving the admin credentials so the next time you don't have to give
them anymore;
runas /usr:admin /savecred "mmc d:windowssystem32compmgmt.msc
(2)running a batch-file with admin credentials on some desktop;
runas /user:admin "cmd /k "CDocuments and SettingsUserDesktopBatch.bat""
(within the batch could be: another runas for the same or different platform or
subnet/domain, runas /user:Admin /savecred "cmd /c net localgroup Administrators User
/add && net localgroup User <USER> /delete..)
note:doing it remotely is is practically the same procedure
,with a few other things.
(3)runas /user:admin /savecred {explorer/regedt32.exe/tlntsvr....}
Or to give some world understandable example: NERO burningrom;
You have to run it as admin or right-click + runas
it all the time, which is pretty boring if you burn a lot of iso's like many of us do.
Place an empty file on your desktop and name it whatever.bat
(This is the "beauty" of windows,nearly every file can be an executable within an
executable,within a.... deleting some file extensions wouldn't do much good since you
never know for 100% if you have covered them all,besides every time you install new
apps severall new ones are added,some you can't stop because they have to be present
for system cause)
(You don't have to chmod +x (UNIX) every file in order to make it executable,the file
extension alone makes it executable in essence,however acl's can prohibit for some to
actually execute it,but still it is a executable file.
put this into the whatever.bat file:
-----------------------------------------
runas /user:Admin /savecred "cmd /k "C:path_to_nero.exe"
-----------------------------------------
change the *.bat icon to the nero.exe icon and you have made your own windows
setuidroot exe.
The first time you are asked of course to give the correct credentials.The second
time you double click the shortcut NERO burningrom will start as if lauched directly
from root.
This is pretty much where this nero burning-rights patch from AHEAD is all about.
As said this only works with XP-professional
TIP:Simple way to get rid of spyware as in procaution is better than healing.
Goto
http://www.heise.de/ct/ftp/result.xhtml?url=/ct/ftp/04/15/110/defau...
Download kafu.exe, this neat tool sets some registry entries non-writable for all non-root accounts.Give a limited user account temporary admin-rights,logon as the temporary admin and execute the kafu.exe from cmd prompt.Logout,and set the credentials back to limited user.Next time you login again a lot of registry entries(autorun,startup (think spyware) don't allow write access for users without admin credentials.
Every tool that works is fine,no load no bloat.
Have fun
"say i just purchased Windows XP Pro from a reputable retailer who charges MSRP. it cost me $299. now you're telling me i have to buy a $30 hardware add on to protect myself on top of it?
what if i'm still a dial-up user? do i need a router with a modem in it to protect me from the outside world?
if you require a piece of hardware between your OS and the internet, your OS probably isn't ready for the internet."
Well, Microsoft engineers recommend the installation of a hardware firewall as well. This is in the user documentation for MS Windows. In the words of MS Engineers at a conference, "Windows is not designed to be directly connected to the internet without some type of hardware firewall." That about sums it up right there.
I was expecting something new