Cause of windows security updates 13/10/10

[Doo0592]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone could tell me/ point me in the right direction what caused microsoft to release so many security updates across all systems on Wednesday?

I have heard that these were triggered because of a new virus or similar and I have been having issues with my pc(s) for a few weeks now, so I thought I may have picked up the problem pre update...

I'll post my issue with the PC's in the network forum if you are interested.


Thanks in advance.

Doo0592

 

[The Howling Wolves]

I also was interested as to why so many security updates but I have had no prior issues with my system.
It will be interesting to see what other's are experiencing.
What AV and Firewall are you currently using?
I am running MSE and windows firewall and so far so good.

 

[CarlTR6]

Doo, if you suspect you have a malware infection or just want peace of mind, download and install Malwarebytes, update it and run a quick scan. I use it as an on demand scanner and run it once a week. It works very well with Win 7.

 

[Bill2]

Dont worry, the virus everybody's talking about is the Stuxnet worm. This is an extremely sophisticated malware that attacks SCADA systems (industrial control software running things like nuclear power plants, power grids etc.). It is being analyzed and some think it was aimed at a nuclear power plant in Iran, but the whole issue has not been deciphered yet. However, an ordinary home user is unlikely to encounter it so you can relax.

The latest whopper update from MS included fixes for some of the loopholes exploited by Stuxnet. I believe they also incuded a fix for Zeus trojan.

 

[Dave76]

Read the same info, MS is starting to focus on botnets also.

Microsoft Cleaned 6.5 Million Zombie PCs Between April and June 2010

 

[Doo0592]

Thanks guys

 

[Doo0592]

Quick reply to howling wolves

I was using norton but I hate it so it's been ditched lol. Trialling AVG for the moment but looking at others. What does MSE stand for? Is it a good program?

 

[Tews]

MSE = Microsoft Security Essentials...

 

[The Howling Wolves]

Running late today...

 

[Dave76]

Most recommended from this site, MSE for malware and Avast for anti virus.

I'm running both now and have no issues or virus/malware.

 

[Hopalong X]

Dave76

+1 Then run Malwarebyes evey so often just in case.

 

[Doo0592]

Oooo Avast, I had forgotten about that one. I remember liking it before so I think I'll give it another whirl

 

[Doo0592]

Does windows defender do the same job as MSE then?

 

[Hopalong X]

MSE supercedes Defender. Also it runs very nice with Avast.

Mike

 

[Dave76]

Dave76

+1 Then run Malwarebyes evey so often just in case.

Yes, that's what I do also, forgot to mention that.

Does windows defender do the same job as MSE then?

No, not really.

MSE is much, much, better.

 

[madtownidiot]

Defender really ought to have been called Defenseless.. I have never seen defender take any action, except in the process of blocking a legitimate application.. MSE is much better, and seems to work well with other security software installed as a backup

 

[Anak]

Most recommended from this site, MSE for malware and Avast for anti virus.

I'm running both now and have no issues or virus/malware.

Can anyone explain then, The usefulness of the "Real Time protection/scanner in MSE?

Taken from the Program Settings page:

Real-time protection enables Microsoft Security Essentials to monitor your computer all the time and alert you when potential threats, such as viruses and spyware, are trying to install themselves or run on your computer.

This is assuming of course that one is running "real time" along with another A/V.
I have noticed several members that run an extra A/V along with MSE, and have not had problems.
But is it not the "Golden Rule" not to run two active A/V's simultaneously?

That is why I have stayed away from running two at the same time, but if it is possible, then I say "Great"! The added protection is most welcome.

 

[madtownidiot]

MSE by itself is middle of the road at best, because it doesn't get updated frequently enough to keep up with new threats, and provides no protection at all against rogue AVs and other malware that is released between updates, but if you purchase malwarebytes and enable the protection module to back up MSE, you end up with a very user-friendly malware protection setup that rivals anything on the market. On the average day, malwarebytes is updated at least 4 times.

 

[Anak]

Thanks for the clarification madtown.

 

[CarlTR6]

Most recommended from this site, MSE for malware and Avast for anti virus.

I'm running both now and have no issues or virus/malware.

Can anyone explain then, The usefulness of the "Real Time protection/scanner in MSE?

Taken from the Program Settings page:

Real-time protection enables Microsoft Security Essentials to monitor your computer all the time and alert you when potential threats, such as viruses and spyware, are trying to install themselves or run on your computer.

This is assuming of course that one is running "real time" along with another A/V.
I have noticed several members that run an extra A/V along with MSE, and have not had problems.
But is it not the "Golden Rule" not to run two active A/V's simultaneously?

That is why I have stayed away from running two at the same time, but if it is possible, then I say "Great"! The added protection is most welcome.

Avast was designed to be compatible with MSE. It is an exception to the golden rule.