Originally Posted by
adzel
Being paranoid can save you a LOT of trouble. There are, unfortunately,
lots of criminals who target public computers in libraries, Admirals Clubs, etc.
They plant key-stroke loggers and steal credit card numbers, passwords, etc.
This is a real threat to everyone!
Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean that they aren't out to get you anyway. :-)
And it is ever-so-easy for someone directly using the PC to install malware. They don't even need administrator access. Just need to open the web browser, type in the URL for the rootkit of your choice, close the browser and walk away.
Plus, you don't have to be seeking porn for Google to come up with results that include rootkit downloaders. Just yesterday I clicked on one such in search results for "EPA budget analysis." (Fortunately was able to clear it just by rebooting in safe mode to the previous day's restore point, thank you for asking.)
Rootkits are nasty and often require wipe-and-rebuild to clear. Not likely an AC computer gets that kind of TLC.