On Mon, 11 Apr 2005 14:07:00 +0000 (UTC), in <alt.privacy.spyware>, "Gillian
Baskin" <streaker@jijo.com> wrote:
>
> Go here http://www.[REDACTED]
>
> and run the online scan.
>
[snip]

Bad idea. VERY bad idea.

First, that site requires that you enable Javascript in order for it to
function. That's a VERY bad idea even when you *don't* think you have an
infection; when you *do* think you have an infection, it's downright suicidal.
Frankly, Panda Software completely destroys their own credibility by even
attempting to foist this nonsense off on the public.

But beyond that, ALL so-called "online virus scanners" are by definition
broken and useless. Here's why:

If you have a rational reason to run ANY "virus scanner" against the system as
a whole (as opposed to, for example, a specific "questionable" file that you
just downloaded), then by definition you must consider the target system to be
at least potentially compromised. Quite beyond any issues with Javascript
itself, allowing the system to connect to the 'net in that state is inherently
self-defeating (not to mention highly risky); no matter what results such an
"online virus scan" might produce, they *CANNOT* be trusted.

The *only* way to reliably scan/disinfect such a system is to physically
disconnect it from ALL other systems/networks, cold-boot it from known-good
(and write-protected!) removable media which contains a stand-alone virus
scanner and up-to-date versions of whatever definitions/signature files it
requires, then use those tools to carry out the disinfection. Until you are
*sure* the system is clean, you do *NOT* allow it to connect (even indirectly)
to ANY other systems/networks.

> It will identify all viruses, spyware and adware on your computer.
>
[snip]

Not even close.

--

Jay T. Blocksom
--------------------------------
Appropriate Technology, Inc.
usenet02[at]appropriate-tech.net

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
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