Windows_7_Still_Vulnerable_to_Viruses_—_Durr,_Real

<Quote>
Windows 7 is a valuable upgrade delivering an awesome new user
interface, but don’t expect any major improvements in security.

Anti-virus software vendor Sophos tested Windows 7’s built-in anti-
virus capabilities by feeding a clean system 10 pieces of the newest
malware. Eight out of the 10 samples ran successfully, claims Sophos.

“Unfortunately, despite Microsoft’s claims, Windows 7 disappointed
just like earlier versions of Windows,” says Chester Wisniewski, a
senior security advisor at Sophos, in a blog post. “The good news is
that, of the freshest 10 samples that arrived, 2 would not operate
correctly under Windows 7.”

Sophos’ findings aren’t surprising: Windows 7 promises backward
compatibility with most software that works on older operating
systems, such as Windows XP. It would be reasonable to infer most
malware compatible with Windows XP or Windows Vista is likely going to
harm Windows 7.

Also, prior to the release of Windows 7, Microsoft did not promise
that the OS would be safer against viruses....

In fact, Microsoft has steadfastly insisted that Windows 7 users
continue to run anti-virus software and regular system updates to stay
safe.

All you should gain from the Sophos report is reaffirmation of
something you already knew: So long as you’re running Windows, you
need anti-virus software. So keep running it.
</Quote>

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/11/windows7

Of course the only reason Windows attracts 500,000 (or is it 2
million?) worms and viruses is because it's such a big target.
Unprovable, but convenient argument for Microsoft. In the meantime,
you won't need anti-virus software for Linux. Glad to see Windows
maintaining backward compatibility, though...that way your local
spambot will continue to function normally...

nessuno wrote:
> <Quote>
> Windows 7 is a valuable upgrade delivering an awesome new user
> interface, but don’t expect any major improvements in security.
>
> Anti-virus software vendor Sophos tested Windows 7’s built-in anti-
> virus capabilities by feeding a clean system 10 pieces of the newest
> malware. Eight out of the 10 samples ran successfully, claims Sophos.
>
> “Unfortunately, despite Microsoft’s claims, Windows 7 disappointed
> just like earlier versions of Windows,” says Chester Wisniewski, a
> senior security advisor at Sophos, in a blog post. “The good news is
> that, of the freshest 10 samples that arrived, 2 would not operate
> correctly under Windows 7.”
>

<snip>

It's a given that Windows will need virus protection software...
but the real question is...
how safe is Windows, even with a virus checker?

Root kits are a serious problem...and though there is software out there
to detect them and rid the system of such...
I have not seen good evidence of software that can prevent them in the
first place