Vulnerabilities - Security Holes

Question

'We all like to use free software, but many have security holes.  Through these security holes, malware can enter your computer and execute without your knowledge.  All one needs to do is visit a compromised web site, and you are infected.  You don’t need to click on anything.  The virus enters through the security hole and the game is essentially over.  There is a chance that your security software’s real time protection might block it, but it is far better to keep the security hole closed'. Article continues:   http://techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2013/04/23/how-vulnerable-are-you/ I am linking to this article because of the statistical chart of common programs that users typically fail to keep updated (such as Adobe Flash):  Based on a study of 159,035 computers scanned in March 2013,  89% of the computers had one or more vulnerabilities or out of date software.    DISCLAIMER:  I am **NOT** advocating anyone download/use the PC Matic product (mentioned in the last few paragraphs).   Rather, I would recommend that users monitor their own systems for these vulnerabilities for free, using Secunia's PSI.   Alternatively, users of Avast 8 can take advantage of its Software Updater module [which is confirming that my Adobe Air/Flash/Reader, IE, FF, and 7-Zip are all up-to-date].

joe53 · Answer

'I am **NOT** advocating anyone download/use the PC Matic product (mentioned in the last few paragraphs).' I would echo that advice, in even stronger terms. I tested and reviewed that product twice over the past few years, and found it to be unethically marketed, with its 'free trial scan' generating lots of false positives and 'registry errors' as a goad into getting one to purchase the product.  The free trial even inserts itself unnecessarily into your startup list. I just now ran this trial scan yet again on a Win 7 (64 bit) system, which I know to be up-to-date, working well, and squeaky clean. It found all sorts of programs, files, drivers, internet connection settings, disk defragmentation etc that needed 'fixing' and/or 'optimising' (for a fee). Total rubbish! The leopard has not changed its spots, and consequently I would never download any paid products from PC Pitstop. That said, I totally agree that third party programs need to kept updated for security. The free programs (Secunia PSI, avast! 8, and I would add Belarc Advisor) are far better alternatives.

ky331 · Answer

Joe,

Thanks for your input here.

I had not tried-out PC PitStop... and reading (or being reminded of) your comments, I'm glad I didn't.

Indeed, when I tried clicking on the link at the bottom of that article, WOT blocked me: http://www.mywot.com/en/scorecard/pcmatic.com

Bugbatter · Answer

I concur. I had seen PC Matic advertised on TV a while back. My research was consistent with Joe's latest findings and those back in his December 2009 evaluation of the product.

ky331 · Answer

Thanks BB.

Again, let me reiterate, the point of my post was never to "advertise" PC Matic... but rather, to link their chart of common vulnerabilities (unpatched programs) --- which I do believe to be a valid summary/concern.

Bugbatter · Answer

:emotion-21: I didn't think you were advertising PC Matic. I know you better than that. They certainly make it sound like the 'magic bullet' in those TV ads, though.

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