RE: Here is a real reality check for every PC user...

> From: Jim Franz
> 
> Joe - we do agree<grin>. I just wanted to make the point that there is
> much more to a truly secure iSeries than seclvl 50 (which i do use).

I agree.  But I also think that it is much more practical to secure an
iSeries than it is a Windows desktop.  That is, there are a few basic
procedures to follow (security level, passwords, object security, HTTP
access, exit points) and you have a nearly impenetrable system.  At the same
time, new Windows security threats are being created nearly daily, and you
can't be secure without the application of nearly daily security updates as
well as constant updates to your third-party security software.  And the
Sony rootkit debacle makes it clear that the security vendors can't even be
trusted, so basically there is no clear way to keep a Windows machine
secure.


> My other major point (back to
> original posting) is that I beleive the new generation of "hackers" are
> far more criminal
> in nature, and it is less about denial of service (virus bombs, etc) and
> more about your data and your resources.

Part is criminal data trespass, and the other part is the harvesting of user
information (phishing) which is perhaps even more insidious, because the
corporations will allow one another to do it.  I keep going back to the Sony
rootkit, but mark my words: this is not the last you'll hear of McAfee and
Symantec allowing some major corporation's spyware to be installed on your
machine.

Joe