The Future Of Independent Software
Antiviruses
The antiviruses of old were relatively simple to design. But this is no longer the case. Most of you are aware that many anti-virus programmes can be bit of a con-trick [Is Antivirus Software the Virus?] as any new virus in the field will not be picked up by such systems until the signatures are updated. This - obviously - means that the best way to avoid such things is to not open any unknown email [previewing all email in text helps], don't follow links in emails , don't browse to unknown sites...
As the threats that we face grow in both number and complexity, better techniques are required for guarding against them. We need proactive tools that can counter attacks previously not seen, rather than reactive tools based on signatures. BUT, until that time arrives, we are left to rely on our anti-virus programmes to keep us relatively safe.
So where do we start. I guess the choice is a personal preference. I prefer a stand alone programme - AV, Spyware and Firewall. Why? Because they are more reliable. Everyone is now moving into "Security Suites". Why? Because their opposition has started doing so and they don't want to be left behind. As with many things, the tail starts wagging the dog. But, let's not forget that all these contenders started in a certain field of security.
Kapersky - Anti virus
Outpost - Firewall
ZoneAlarm - Firewall
Trend Micro - Anti virus (Who can forget PC-cillin - it used to be the best)
Add Norton, McAfee, Panda, Bit Defender, Outpost, Zone Alarm and F-Secure to that list and you see what's happened.Even my current AV choice, AntiVir Personal Edition, a stand alone [top ranking] AV programme, has been bundled into the Avira Premium Security Suite. BUT, gladly, it is still available as an AV only programme.
Most other fields have moved into specialisation. When you are ill you see your doctor, who then may refer you a specialist.You see independent practioners for your eyes and your teeth. When you are having trouble with your motor vehicle you have a choice of general mechanic, auto electrician, or if you drive a Ford, a tow truck driver.
Why are we moving in the opposite direction? One obvious reason is that today's computer user is a moron. That may be a harsh adjudication, but sadly true. Let me expand on that a little. They are (computer) morons' because they are not aware of the dangers. They will click any link, download and instal any programme. It is only recently that topics such as Identity Theft and Predatory Sexual Exploitation of children have been included into the mainstream media. This has raised awareness of a few of the dangers which will be encountered on the Internet. How many of these same use the Internet for financial transactions, yet have no idea that their computer may be infected with a data gathering worm. They seem to think that once their computer is up and running, it will never again require any [software] maintenance. Many of the older readers may remeber that at one time there were no such things as driving tests. You just paid your money and walked out with a licence. I'm not suggesting [yet] that a similar procedure be introduced with computer purchases, but educating these people must be a priority.The Australian Government has at least [last - you choose] taken the first steps in this direction with NetAlert. NetAlert is part of the Australian Government's ongoing commitment to providing a safe online environment for all families, especially children.
And that is probably why we have Security Suites. One - auto updating - programme that does it all. It's easier for the consumer to get their head around that.
BUT - and there's always a but - when they become more knowledgeable about computers, they will become more discerninging about how they handle security. They will realise that independent software products do a better job, and probably useless resources.
This same argument may also be made for malware and firewalls.
Independent software is just so much better.
So - AntiVir, Comodo, CounterSpy - hang in there.
The good [or better] days are ahead.
Update
Trend Micro is to launch a free antivirus software aimed at individual software users. But their users will have to accept advertisements posted in the software. Now the company is conducting inner testing on their free software and at the same time it is seeking cooperation from advertisers, but it has no specific schedule for release of the free software.
The antiviruses of old were relatively simple to design. But this is no longer the case. Most of you are aware that many anti-virus programmes can be bit of a con-trick [Is Antivirus Software the Virus?] as any new virus in the field will not be picked up by such systems until the signatures are updated. This - obviously - means that the best way to avoid such things is to not open any unknown email [previewing all email in text helps], don't follow links in emails , don't browse to unknown sites...
As the threats that we face grow in both number and complexity, better techniques are required for guarding against them. We need proactive tools that can counter attacks previously not seen, rather than reactive tools based on signatures. BUT, until that time arrives, we are left to rely on our anti-virus programmes to keep us relatively safe.
So where do we start. I guess the choice is a personal preference. I prefer a stand alone programme - AV, Spyware and Firewall. Why? Because they are more reliable. Everyone is now moving into "Security Suites". Why? Because their opposition has started doing so and they don't want to be left behind. As with many things, the tail starts wagging the dog. But, let's not forget that all these contenders started in a certain field of security.
Kapersky - Anti virus
Outpost - Firewall
ZoneAlarm - Firewall
Trend Micro - Anti virus (Who can forget PC-cillin - it used to be the best)
Add Norton, McAfee, Panda, Bit Defender, Outpost, Zone Alarm and F-Secure to that list and you see what's happened.Even my current AV choice, AntiVir Personal Edition, a stand alone [top ranking] AV programme, has been bundled into the Avira Premium Security Suite. BUT, gladly, it is still available as an AV only programme.
Most other fields have moved into specialisation. When you are ill you see your doctor, who then may refer you a specialist.You see independent practioners for your eyes and your teeth. When you are having trouble with your motor vehicle you have a choice of general mechanic, auto electrician, or if you drive a Ford, a tow truck driver.
Why are we moving in the opposite direction? One obvious reason is that today's computer user is a moron. That may be a harsh adjudication, but sadly true. Let me expand on that a little. They are (computer) morons' because they are not aware of the dangers. They will click any link, download and instal any programme. It is only recently that topics such as Identity Theft and Predatory Sexual Exploitation of children have been included into the mainstream media. This has raised awareness of a few of the dangers which will be encountered on the Internet. How many of these same use the Internet for financial transactions, yet have no idea that their computer may be infected with a data gathering worm. They seem to think that once their computer is up and running, it will never again require any [software] maintenance. Many of the older readers may remeber that at one time there were no such things as driving tests. You just paid your money and walked out with a licence. I'm not suggesting [yet] that a similar procedure be introduced with computer purchases, but educating these people must be a priority.The Australian Government has at least [last - you choose] taken the first steps in this direction with NetAlert. NetAlert is part of the Australian Government's ongoing commitment to providing a safe online environment for all families, especially children.
And that is probably why we have Security Suites. One - auto updating - programme that does it all. It's easier for the consumer to get their head around that.
BUT - and there's always a but - when they become more knowledgeable about computers, they will become more discerninging about how they handle security. They will realise that independent software products do a better job, and probably useless resources.
This same argument may also be made for malware and firewalls.
Independent software is just so much better.
So - AntiVir, Comodo, CounterSpy - hang in there.
The good [or better] days are ahead.
Update
Trend Micro is to launch a free antivirus software aimed at individual software users. But their users will have to accept advertisements posted in the software. Now the company is conducting inner testing on their free software and at the same time it is seeking cooperation from advertisers, but it has no specific schedule for release of the free software.
posted by vanish at 7:50 AM
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