• Downloads
  • Threats
    • Adware
    • Browser Hijacking
    • Phishing
    • Ransomware
  • Questions and Answers
  • Recover Encrypted Files
  • Free Malware Removal Tools

MyAntiSpyware

Menu
  • Downloads
  • Threats
    • Adware
    • Browser Hijacking
    • Phishing
    • Ransomware
  • Questions and Answers
  • Recover Encrypted Files
  • Free Malware Removal Tools

Running as Limited User – The Easy Way to keep a system free from malware

Myantispyware team March 6, 2006    

Malware has grown to epidemic proportions in the last few years. Despite applying layered security principles, including running antivirus, antispyware, and a firewall, even a careful user can fall victim to malware. Malware-infected downloads, drive-by exploits of Internet Explorer (IE) vulnerabilities, and a careless click on an Outlook attachment sent by a friend can render a system unusable and lead to several hours with the Windows setup CD and application installers.

One of the most effective ways to keep a system free from malware and to avoid reinstalls even if malware happens to sneak by, is to run as a limited user (a member of the Windows Users group). The vast majority of Windows users run as members of the Administrators group simply because so many operations, such as installing software and printers, changing power settings, and changing the time zone require administrator rights. Further, many applications fail when run in a limited-user account because theyБ─≥re poorly written and expect to have write access to directories such as \Program Files and \Windows or registry keys under HKLM\Software.

An alternative to running as limited user is to instead run only specific Internet-facing applications as a limited user that are at greater risk of compromise, such as IE and Outlook. Microsoft promises this capability in Windows Vista with Protected-Mode IE and User Account Control (UAC), but you can achieve a form of this today on Windows 2000 and higher with the new limited user execution features of Process Explorer and PsExec.

Read more here.

Malware removal

 Previous Post

Nyxem/Kama Sutra/Blackworm return again

Next Post 

Exchange rate conversion tool load Trojan.Downloader and Trojan.Muldrop

Author: Myantispyware team

Myantispyware is an information security website created in 2004. Our content is written in collaboration with Cyber Security specialists, IT experts, under the direction of Patrik Holder and Valeri Tchmych, founders of Myantispyware.com.

1 Comment

  1. Steve Lamb's Blog
    ― March 15, 2006 - 10:20 am  Reply

    If you’re looking for ammunition to justify why running as non-admin is important then look no further…

    Thanks to the “MyAntiSpyware” blog for an interesting article talking about the importance of running…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

New Guides

IFMAGIC GLP-1 Pro Weight Loss Oral Solution Review, Scam or Legit? What You Need to Know
LilCooler Portable AC Review, Scam or Legit? What You Need to Know
scam alert
Uncovering the Veedcoin.com Scam: What You Need to Know About Fake Bitcoin Promos
Somenex.com MrBeast Scam, Fake mrbeast20 Promo Codes
scam alert
Beware of Retevmo.pro: A Bitcoin Promo Code Scam Analysis

Follow Us

Search

Useful Guides

Best free malware removal tools
Best Free Malware Removal Tools 2025
How to remove pop-up ads [Chrome, Firefox, IE, Opera, Edge]
Files encrypted by ransomware become useless
How To Recover Encrypted Files (Ransomware file recovery)
How to reset Mozilla Firefox (Updated Apr. 2018)
Iphone Calendar virus spam
Iphone Calendar Virus/Spam 2022 (Removal guide)

Recent Guides

Nyxem/Kama Sutra/Blackworm return again
Announcing the Launch of SiteAdvisor’s Public Trial Version
Ultimate Defender – Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware
How to remove HotBar
Trojan Redbrowser.A steal money

Myantispyware.com

Myantispyware has been a trusted source for computer security and technology advice since 2004. Our mission is to provide reliable tech guidance and expert, practical solutions to help you stay safe online and protect your digital life.

Social Links

Pages

About Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2004 - 2024 MASW - Myantispyware.com.