I am looking into alternatives to Windows EFS to protect sensitive data on a Linux web server. I know practically nothing about EFS, but I get the impression that the files are effectively plain-text if you are logged into the Windows machine as the user who owns the files, so the same level of "encryption" exists in a Linux environment if the files have only read/write perms for file owner and no perms for anybody else. My colleague says "No, it is not the same level of security" but doesn't provide any further info regarding how/why it's different. What am I missing here?
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posted by 0
on Apr 1, 2013 -
11 answers
My AV program found 'Exploit:Java/CVE-2012-4681' on my laptop. It's a primer that sets up my machine for future exploits, but I haven't found any further infections using AV or Housecall. What steps should I be taking to assure myself that the machine is clean, and what can I do to prevent this kind of problem in the future.
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posted by Urtylug
on Jan 12, 2013 -
3 answers
Help me name my new product, which combines the functionality of popular existing apps, but is specialized with high-security features.
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posted by bfu
on Dec 26, 2012 -
21 answers
It's very very hot today. My method of cooling the house is entirely fan based. I would like to be able to leave the windows cracked for the cats when I'm at work, and when I'm sleeping, but the first floor presents a security issue. What can you recommend to secure double hung windows?
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posted by instead of three wishes
on Jun 21, 2012 -
26 answers
I've got a windows vista installation that, as of a few months ago, has stopped letting me write to a bunch of directories or change a bunch of files, and it won't let me make them writeable again.
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posted by rmd1023
on Nov 5, 2011 -
8 answers
I'm trying to find window security bars that can be opened from the inside in the case of fire but can't seem to find a way to buy them.
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posted by slidell
on Oct 8, 2011 -
5 answers
Is there any windows program that allows to see the desktop or allow programs to be seen and password protect if any modification is needed.
posted by radsqd
on Aug 4, 2011 -
5 answers
I got a new Windows machine. It's been a while since I used Windows (never Windows 7). What do I, as someone paranoid about viruses and malware, need to download and set up in order to be 99.99% sure that nothing untoward happens to my machine?
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posted by Busoni
on May 25, 2011 -
21 answers
Will installing a Linux Operating System onto an old Windows laptop fully erase the contents of the hard drive?
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posted by ElisaOS
on Apr 8, 2011 -
17 answers
Windows 7 security: I want to use the same boot for general use and audio production. Can you help me review my plan for decent performance and security?
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posted by Not Supplied
on Aug 24, 2010 -
8 answers
My Mom has an infected PC. I've been trying to debug it for an hour and a half now to no avail. It's apparently an updated version of the
XP Security Center virus. Problem is: it's prohibiting either Firefox or Explorer from opening, so I can't d/l anything.
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posted by Ufez Jones
on Mar 19, 2010 -
22 answers
What are the basic steps to remove personal information off of a hard drive? (XP Home, SP3)
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posted by salvia
on Nov 27, 2009 -
9 answers
In light of the increasing number of PDF security exploits, what is the most secure PDF viewer for Windows?
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posted by benzenedream
on Apr 1, 2009 -
5 answers
Those stories about Windows PCs getting infected within minutes of connecting to the internet... does that still apply in Vista SP1? Soon I'll be setting up a new PC put together from parts and doing a fresh install of Vista Ultimate with SP1 (retail). Should I do anything special to maximize security?
posted by kidbritish
on Sep 15, 2008 -
22 answers
My (very) small office has two desktops running XP Pro (SP3), that are networked using a cable. They also share a DSL internet connection, which can also be accessed wirelessly via our Linksys router.
The internet connection isn't password protected, which is nice in that it allows people who visit to have an easy time getting online. However, I'm pretty sure that free and easy access to wireless network=anyone can access our shared folders on those two desktops. Clearly, this is bad, but I'm not sure what to do. Please explain a fix to me like I'm five. Thanks.
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posted by 4ster
on Jun 26, 2008 -
12 answers
My co-worker asked me to help her secure her home Windows Laptop. She recently had a virus that made the computer unusable. As someone who has been using primarily OSX at home for the past year I'm behind the times in terms of Windows security. I formatted the drive and re-installed windows XP for her. I've recommended getting Firefox and AVG, but aside from that: what should she do to make her computer more resistant to viruses and spyware?
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posted by aburd
on May 7, 2008 -
16 answers
What software (or combination of software) are you using to keep your computer internet-secure these days?
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posted by danwalker
on Mar 12, 2008 -
13 answers
In Windows, how can I set up a group that has permission to create/edit/delete user accounts?
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posted by Khalad
on Jan 2, 2008 -
7 answers
In Windows XP, is there a way to see the password that is stored in the system to log into a wireless network?
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posted by al_fresco
on Oct 24, 2007 -
6 answers
Maybe obvious backup question: I want to achieve: an external hard drive with an exact copy of my main drive's contents that can, in the event of my main internal drive's failure, be swapped into the machine for instant everything-as-it-was. I also want incremental backup, so that I can keep this drive constantly up to date with a daily backup process. This is a Windows XP ThinkPad laptop; I've got the external backup drive in its little case already.
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posted by amtho
on Aug 20, 2007 -
35 answers
A little over a year ago, DuckFOO asked essentially the
exact same question I'd like to ask now - I'm a Mac geek and will be setting up a Windows Vista Basic computer for my computer novice mother, and am freaked about security. I'm doing the re-ask because many of the articles and ideas that came in responses to the original question are MIA or too old to necessarily apply to Vista, and because the original poster took some things for granted, like turning off unnecessary services, that I'm nowhere as familiar with. Obviously, many a result comes up with any search for Vista security - I need a reliable, Ask Mefi-approved, novice level guide.
posted by boombot
on Jul 19, 2007 -
18 answers
Looking for a secure Windows XP Roaming Profile alternative. What do you suggest?
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posted by bleucube
on Dec 14, 2006 -
7 answers
"I want to come with you to Redmond and learn the ways of the Registry. I want to be Teh Haxorz, like my father before me."
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posted by EatTheWeak
on Aug 11, 2006 -
15 answers
What did I do to gain Administrator privileges to install software and how can I do it again?
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posted by nserrano
on Jul 19, 2006 -
18 answers
I cannot remember my windows XP Pro password. I am an administrator. Need to install software and change to a dynamic ip address.
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posted by JohnnyGunn
on Jun 21, 2006 -
9 answers
I have a desktop that is located in a semi-public place. I have a bios password and a windows password on it. Sometimes I leave it logged out of windows so that I can leave in the middle of a project without restarting everything again. I was wondering how hard it would be to get my data? Short of stealing the actual hardware, is there a way to get past a bios password and access my data without me knowing? (From what I understand, resetting the cmos would clear the password so I would know if someone got in.) Also, is it possible to get in if I leave it logged out of windows with a password? How safe is my data?
posted by D Wiz
on Jun 5, 2006 -
28 answers
I am a Mac Geek and will be setting up a Windows XP Pro computer for my computer novice mother, but I am concerned about XP security.
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posted by DuckFOO
on May 14, 2006 -
19 answers
I have a client who has a Windows 2000 server and a LAN consisting of a whopping 3 other computers.
He would like a program that lets him know when employees have logged onto the network...preferably by email notification. He doesn't care for anything as machine-centric or intrusive as Spectorsoft, but would like a small utility that does it's small job well for a small cost.
All suggestions are appreciated.
posted by titans13
on Apr 4, 2006 -
4 answers
Adobe PDFMaker and its attendant Word toolbars only work on an Administrator Account. Is there a way to make it work on a Limited User account? I'm on Windows XP.
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posted by stopgap
on Jan 30, 2006 -
5 answers
I have problems sharing new folders on my home LAN. I have an XP pro box, my wife has a WinME laptop.
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posted by signal
on Mar 30, 2005 -
4 answers
Is there some way within Windows XP or using 3rd party software that I can password protect individual folders on my pcs so that you cant see or get access to what is in them with out entering a password? Just to be super clear, I want to do this one folder at a time not as a general login.
posted by nightocean
on Feb 25, 2005 -
8 answers
I live in a sorta gritty urban area in a ground-floor apartment that has semi-burglar-accessible windows that have no bars or gates. (The landlord is a cheap slum-owning pig, no help.) What should I install myself for serious home security that'll still let me enjoy a nice breeze and also peace of mind and body? Alarms? Internal bars? Any fave products? Money is almost no object, but I'd really rather not have to use a hammer drill on the exterior brick. (Question anonymous for ParanoiaFilter because my name is in my profile and also in the phone book with my address, and I'm a terribly sensible gal.)
posted by anonymous
on Jan 21, 2005 -
13 answers
i have some of my remote users in the office connect to our fileserver using webdav as a means to quickly (though admittadly not-securely) access and change documents, etc. it seems though, that since using windows xp SP2 it's been dirt slow. my user will click on a directory, and it will take no less than 10 seconds for the directory to be highlighted. that's not even attempting to open the directory - that'll take another two minutes or so. i'm trying to figure out what's exactly going on here. ideally i'll be switching to VPN soon, but in the meantime, i need to get this working properly again.
thanks!
posted by quadrinary
on Sep 28, 2004 -
2 answers
WindowsXP, 250 gig shared backup hard drive, and a lab full of people with sensitive information that needs to be backed up on said drive but shouldn't be accessible by anyone other than the user who put it there. Security is giving me fits and I'd appreciate some helpful advice. [more gory details inside]
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posted by caution live frogs
on Sep 13, 2004 -
5 answers
Windows XP firewall + Zone Alarm = problem?
I've just upgraded to Windows XP and I have three questions (so far...).
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posted by Termite
on Jun 7, 2004 -
8 answers
Virus Question: I have something nasty. It closes any type of anti-virus application I install, closes regedit if I try to get in there, prevents access to anti-virus websites, and yes, there's [more inside].
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posted by banished
on Apr 28, 2004 -
14 answers
The company I work for is setting up a new office. Our external IT people are advising against installing a wireless computer network, but I have the distinct impression this is because they don't have the expertise to install one themselves. I need help to build a convincing case to the contrary (assuming I'm right about this).
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posted by nthdegx
on Apr 1, 2004 -
13 answers
