***
What do you mean about the outlook response being "sure no problem"? I
use Outlook Express and I am well aware of its common perception as being
the worst in terms of security.
***
Outlook and Outlook Express are different programs. I use OE also,
but I do apply patches when I feel the need to. I haven't had any of
the problems with autoexecuting that both O and OE have because
I have applied most of the critical patches.
[snip]
Plenty of malware can be autoexecuted on your machine if you
neglect to apply critical patches. The exploit that Blaster used
could be used to run *anything* that the intruder wanted to run.
It just so happened that the worm's creator wanted to run the
worm executable via the exploit.
I seem to remember a virus called nimda
Proper configuration, and patches again would be more important
than AV in preventing another malware from using the exploit(s) that
this worm uses. The AV would only intervene for *that* malware
and be blind to any *new* ones.
Sorry for the string of posts, but I am tired and as soon as I click send I
think of something I forgot to mention. I realize of course there is a risk
that my virus scanner does not yet recognize the virus (I do update virus
def's frequently).
There is still a wide open window of opportunity for malware to
get active on your machine if all you depend upon is AV to save
your butt. I think that you should rethink your considerations
with regard to patches.
