Re: pop ups from messenger services

message from Bruce Chambers on 4 Jun 2004

Greetings --

I realize that you're trying to help, and that such an intent is
commendable, but please don't post potentially harmful advice.

Disabling the messenger service, Shoot the Messenger does, is a
"head in the sand" approach to computer security that leaves the PC
vulnerable to threats such as the W32.Blaster.Worm and the
W32.Sasser.Worm.

The real problem is _not_ the messenger service pop-ups; they're
actually providing a useful service by acting as a security alert. The
true problem is the unsecured computer, and you're only advice,
however well-intended, was to turn off the warnings. How is this
helpful?

Equivalent Scenario: You over-exert your shoulder at work or
play, causing bursitis. After weeks of annoying and sometimes
excruciating pain whenever you try to reach over your head, you go to
a doctor and say, while demonstrating the motion, "Doc, it hurts when
I do this." The doctor, being as helpful as you are, replies, "Well,
don't do that."

An absolutely essential step towards securing the PC, short of
disconnecting it from the Internet, is to install and *properly*
configure a firewall; just installing one and letting it's default
settings handle things is not always sufficient.

Bruce Chambers

Archived message: Re: pop ups from messenger services (Microsoft Windows XP)