Whilst the recent news that Microsoft has released a free computer security package to the public is reassuring, it does not detract from the fact that the world’s most popular operating system still has serious security flaws.
Windows operating systems have approximately 90 per cent of the overall market share. That’s a lot of computers, and a massive target for hackers, phishers and fraudsters to aim for.
Of course, all operating systems have their security flaws, and Microsoft has provided a lead for all manufacturers by regularly releasing patches, updates and bulletins to help their users stay safe online.
Therefore the release of Microsoft Security Essentials is just another way to prevent their customer base from being exploited due to the systems vulnerabilities.
Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) will greatly help legitimate users, but it can only be run with a genuine copy of Windows, leaving everybody still vulnerable to spam and phishing from PCs with pirated copies who have become infected, which is going to be a large number.
If it had been made available to everyone, this might have made serious inroads into the social problem that is malware but it is understandable that no company is going to legitimise users who steal their software.
This is a step in the right direction for Microsoft.
There will be a significant number of systems cleaned up as a result of this release, but will it be as significant as the release of the Windows firewall a few years back that helped clean up the multiplicity of worms that were present then?
Whilst MSE does provide protection against spyware, Trojans and viruses, it is not a fully featured application, as some of the third party alternatives are, as it lacks firewall (which arguably is already present on recent Windows platforms), phishing protection and intrusion prevention.
However, in the end what users really need is a safe and secure system that they can use responsibly without fear of being exploited online. That may be some time coming!
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Simon Heron has over 19 years experience in the IT industry, including nine years experience in Internet security. During this time he has developed and designed technologies ranging from firewalls, anti-virus, LANs and WANs. Simon has an MSc (attained with Distinction) in Microprocessor Technology and Applications, and a BSc (Hons) in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding and is a CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional). Prior to Net Caboose, Simon co-founded Network Box Corporation (UK) Ltd and was Managing Director, finally merging this franchise with the parent company in 2006. Before Network Box, Simon joined the British Antarctic Survey (B.A.S.) as science project leader, and spent two Antarctic winters at the research station Halley in the Antarctic, developing and enhancing graphical technologies in the harshest of conditions. Simon also has a company called Net Caboose which deals with Identity and Access Management and is also development house.
Network Box Limited (NBL) is an international managed security services company, specialising in unified threat management (UTM). It continuously defends the networks of its customers using PUSH technology to instantaneously update protection, from 12 Security Operations Centres spread around the globe. NBL’s customers in Asia, Australia, North America and Europe include companies such as BMW, Nintendo and Toyota, as well as banks, utilities companies and government organisations.
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