Connecting an unpatched, out of date Windows PC directly to the internet is a bad idea, according to Lorna Hutcheson from the SANS Internet Storm Center. (Hat tip: Slashdot.)
If you do, the odds are that your computer will be infected by malware within four minutes. Other reports suggest you might have more time and a hardware firewall, such as an internet router with a built-in firewall, can give you extra protection.
So what to do about it?
First, read GetSafeOnline.org’s advice:
In addition, SANS publish helpful guides to setting up new PCs, whether they run Vista or Windows XP.
