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When Security Software Goes Bad
from the safer-without-it? dept
Earlier this year, we noted that one of the biggest security threats on many computers was coming from security vulnerabilities introduced by security products themselves. Scammers were figuring out how to take advantage of security holes in security software -- meaning that all that security software might be making you less safe. Apparently, it's still happening. A new report says that exploiting vulnerabilities in anti-virus and backup software programs is currently quite popular -- and not all security firms have been that quick to respond. A big part of the problem is that most people trust their security software to, well, actually be secure (imagine that). Still, there are somethings that don't make sense in the article. While it talks about the risks of security products, it then says that part of the problem is software applications don't get patches or updates -- something that most security products do get on a regular basis. It would help if the article included a few more details about the study.
Reader Comments
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No Subject Given
perhaps what it means is that though virus definitions, trusted applications lists etc. get updated, the core executables often times do not. This is the only assumption I can make on that.
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Re: No Subject Given
Often people (as in Grandma Betty down the strees) will install anti-virus software, then assume their safe, and leave it for 3-5 years, never bothering to renew their subscriptions.
On another note, I believe that most anti-virus programs (only one I'm sure about is Norton) do in fact update their binaries when those updates become available.
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No Subject Given
McAfee updates it's engine (translated program files) along with its virus definitions. But like a previous poster stated, not if you don't pay for the subscription renewal.
I have seen innumerable home users that think they're safe because their Dell came with McAfee Security Center installed. The only problem is that they don't buy it when the 6 month license expires.
Most home PC users are completely clueless.
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TrendMicro PC-Cillin
TrendMicro updates their core exe quiet often. As Ive seen this from work. Norton does do it but not near as often has TrendMicro. But both have pros and cons.
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