A Warning to Those Sticking With XP

Discussion in 'Software' started by Adrynalyne, Mar 27, 2014.

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  1. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    As April 8th draws near, we see more and more posts about those weighing the pros vs. the cons regarding continuing to use XP. I would like to offer some advice regarding this.


    First, look at your computer usage.


    1. Do you browse the Internet?
    1a. Do you send sensitive data of any type across the Internet?

    2. Do you have sensitive or valuable information on your computer?
    2a. Do you find yourself getting infected with malware?



    If you answered yes to 1, then proceed to 1a. If the answer is no, then XP is less risky to stick with. Proceed with 2. If you answered yes, then if you stick with XP, I suggest you move that data off the computer, or disconnect your computer from the Internet. If you answer no to question 2a, then this is somewhat less a concern. Those that practice safe computing and never get infected can probably use XP without worry, however they are at an increased risk.

    There will likely be some third party support for a time after April 8th in regards to security programs. That said, sometimes these programs give a false sense of security. For example, how many people who run antimalware programs, antivirus programs, and firewalls still show up in malware forums infected? Even computers that stay completely updated have this issue. This gives us very important information: third party software is not enough to keep safe. Now if you are one of these unfortunate folks that has this issue, imagine if security exploits in the OS stop being patched?

    http://krebsonsecurity.com/2013/12/how-many-zero-days-hit-you-today/

    This article gives us a rather grim outlook that even updated systems are woefully slow to be protected. That is only magnified by systems updated. I can give you an example of why zero days are a problem when not patched in time (even if its slow to be discovered).

    Does anyone remember MSBlast/Blaster worm, and its various offshoots? I was doing XP support at the time when it appeared. This really marked the beginning of the malware period. We rarely had calls on viruses, and wait time to speak to us wasn't bad at all. Within the course of an hour, we had over 900 calls waiting in queue. It took us 3 hours after closing to clear out the calls. This was an exploit that had been patched by Microsoft for some time, but many had not installed it. It got through antivirus, and it had a rather nasty payload. It even made its way through our company systems because IT was lax on testing the hotfix before patching our systems. It quite literally caught the world off guard. The take away message here is, THIS CAN HAPPEN AGAIN!

    We can look back at previous EOL OSes and say to ourselves, "they didn't end up having major issues", but we would be missing a vital fact: malware didn't start its rise until XP. XP and up are prime hunting grounds for hackers and it has been that way since the Blaster worm.

    So if you have to, or desire to use XP after April 8th, ask yourself how important your data is, and whether you do any financial transactions online. If you answer no to both of those, then the worst thing that can happen after April 8th is you might get infected. As long as you don't mind spending the time getting cleaned up, or reinstalling the OS, that is no big deal.


    Tips for XP users after April 8th:

    • Disconnect from the Internet if you can.
    • Store sensitive data on another computer not running XP.
    • PRACTICE SAFE COMPUTING.
    • Use a live GNU/Linux disc to do financial transactions.
    • Make sure you have reinstall media for your computer.
    • Make a (clean) hard disk image that can be quickly restored in the event of catastrophe.
    • Regularly change your passwords (this should be done regardless of OS really).

    Remember, your data is the most important thing here, and you must do what you can to keep it secure.


    Our malware forum is always here for you, so please make use of this invaluable resource if you find yourself in a jam:

    READ & RUN ME FIRST Malware Removal Guide (incl. spyware, virus, trojan, hijacker)

    We also have a vast collection of third party protection tools such as MalwareBytes.

    See our full collection here:

    http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/categories/all_in_one_malware_removal_suites.html

    Stay safe everyone!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 27, 2014
  2. Anon-9aee479f8f

    Anon-9aee479f8f Anonymized

    Good advice! Some people I know still think if they are using MacAfee or Norton and nothing else they are100% safe because a sales person at the local office supply store told them that years ago.:(
     
  3. sikvik

    sikvik Corporal Karma

    Adrynalyne, great post. Please lock and sticky.

    Cheers..
     
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