Two fun facts about IT

[DigitalS3r4ph]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

I received an e-mail about this OpenSSL vulnerability earlier today at work. Fortunately enough, none of our applications use it, so we are good to go.

[choof]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

I'm sure it's in the company's best interest (not the employee's) to make sure the company's computers are not vulnerable to attack though?

this is some serious wishful thinking
a lot of companies will gladly use archaic technologies, never upgrading because upgrades cost loads of money, especially if it's a specialized program that everyone uses

during that contract job, some PCs i had to image with 32bit win7 just so they could use a 16bit terminal emulator from 1995 lmao

[Pseudo Enigma]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

still using XP a whole week after it died
iliketolivedangerously.jpg

[Litodude]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

you'll be fine for another 6 mo the last -security- update was 8th dummy

[choof]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

xp will continue to have relevant virus definitions until late 2014/early 2015

[dAnceguy117]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

the odds of staying safe over time with XP should be considerably worse than odds for anything modern, but as a home user and particularly a "savvy" one you could be just fine if you're lucky. relatively high could still mean kind of low overall.

why risk it at all, though? there are several alternatives.

[dragon890x]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

My face when Windows XP was ever considered a 'safe' OS.
That's like saying Facebook is a 'safe' social network.

Also, Microsoft supporting the OS? This is news to me.

inb4 already compromised systems, old exploits, and currently circulating viruses are blamed for Microsoft's lack of intervention.

[dAnceguy117]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

haha. key word always being "relatively" I guess. most users run a Windows OS, so within that range, newer probably means safer.

if you run a different OS which is less common on the internet then it's less likely to be targeted. and of course, many would consider not purchasing/using Microsoft products to be a plus.

[dragon890x]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

What I said previously was probably a little too ambiguous.

My point was:
Popularity does not determine security.

Facebook is a good example because we all know how safe and secure our personal data is. We can rest peacefully without ever worrying that our information will be leaked out to those who might wish to harm us.

Windows XP is an even better example. It's users are definitely not blinded by nostalgia or chained down by their wallets. It would be alright to trust an OS that was built for a time when the internet was a much more primitive place. You probably don't like my sarcasm.

Please, just take a little time and think about this for a second.

Compare the viruses you and those around you dealt with back during the golden days of Windows XP to the horrible nasties that invade computers on more modern versions of Windows. Do you see a difference?

Was Windows XP ever secure, even 'relatively'?

[dAnceguy117]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

I would argue that popularity has an inverse correlation to security. if a product is popular, then it's a more lucrative opportunity for people who engage in malicious shenanigans. those people are incentivized to spend more time finding ways to break the system.

nasty stuff is out there to exploit holes in Windows, and I agree that Microsoft hasn't done an amazing job to prevent it or help its customers. personally I'm not so convinced Apple would fare better if they had to deal with the issue on such a grand scale, but that's speculation on my part.

[dragon890x]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

I would argue that popularity has an inverse correlation to security.

The Swiss Bank vaults are fairly popular; international fame and appearances in well-known media. Why do some of the wealthiest people in the world continue to use this service?

Popularity does not determine security.

The results of various exploit attempts determine security.

For the record, I'm not saying all Windows operating systems are insecure.
I'm saying Windows XP is insecure, and has been for a long time.

The news of Microsoft 'discontinuing support' will not make a difference for Windows XP users, as they're still swimming in the same festering cesspool.

[choof]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

Dragon, just stop lmao.

Facebook is a good example because we all know how safe and secure our personal data is. We can rest peacefully without ever worrying that our information will be leaked out to those who might wish to harm us.

Uhhhh, lol? Facebook is pretty secure, definitely sounds like a personal grudge here.
Those two million passwords that leaked last December? Keyloggers, not a hack.

Windows XP is an even better example. It's users are definitely not blinded by nostalgia or chained down by their wallets. It would be alright to trust an OS that was built for a time when the internet was a much more primitive place. You probably don't like my sarcasm.

Lmao, dude the internet is STILL a primitive place. Protocols that were created in the 80s are still being used today. XP was a great operating system, stable in the right environment and it was super safe.

Please, just take a little time and think about this for a second.

Compare the viruses you and those around you dealt with back during the golden days of Windows XP to the horrible nasties that invade computers on more modern versions of Windows. Do you see a difference?

Was Windows XP ever secure, even 'relatively'?

Two different generations of users.

The news of Microsoft 'discontinuing support' will not make a difference for Windows XP users, as they're still swimming in the same festering cesspool.

It affects users who have XP in a work environment. It will affect users who use it at home once virus definitions stop. Huge difference between professional and personal use.

[choof]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

nvm i jus woke up

[dragon890x]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

nvm i jus woke up

Good morning. :3

[dAnceguy117]

Re: Two fun facts about IT

The Swiss Bank vaults are fairly popular; international fame and appearances in well-known media. Why do some of the wealthiest people in the world continue to use this service?

really good counterpoint; I should have chosen my words more carefully. I think an unpopular service, product, etc. is less likely to have interested attackers. agreed that the prior statement does not indicate a high level of security.

with so many people around the world (many of whom do not know wtf they are doing) using Windows operating systems all connected via the internet, I don't think it's a surprise that it's a popular target for those who want to exploit other people and systems for personal gain. it will be interesting to see how Microsoft fares going forward.