Security

Yet Another Utility to Test Your Computer's Security

Provided by Verizon

By Bogdan Popa, Security and Search Engines Editor

5th of December 2007, 15:37 GMT

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A new research conducted by Verizon revealed that most consumers were not sure if their computer was protected, although they might have more or less powerful technologies. According to the findings, 92 percent of the respondents said they are safe on the web, but a test with Verizon's Security Advisory revealed

that 59 percent of them were in danger while browsing the web. When referring to spyware protection, 92 percent of the respondents said they were safe from this point of view. However, the test revealed that 58 percent of them were "at risk" or "potential risk". Nineteen percent of the users had their firewall disabled when they conducted the test, it is also mentioned in the report.

"Internet security protection is like a smoke alarm," said Bill Heilig,vice president for Verizon broadband services. "As long as it works, it's great. But with a dead battery, it's worse than no smoke alarm at all, because it creates a false sense of security. That's the position that most Internet consumers find themselves in today, and what they don't know is definitely hurting them. We're offering all Internet users a free tool to help them know if they are truly protected or if they need to take action to get the security they need", he continued.

I must admit Verizon's Security Advisor is a pretty useful utility, although there are numerous similar technologies available on the web. In order to be able to conduct a test using this utility, you have to download a tiny utility, which will enable the software investigation. At this time, Windows Vista (32-bit), Windows XP (32-bit) or Windows 2000 (SP4 or later) are the only operating systems allowed. In addition, you have to use Internet Explorer 6.

So, let's see what it says for me. Well, it seems like I'm at risk, although I have installed and enabled Kaspersky Antivirus for Workstations. However, the utility advises me that some changes must be done to the antivirus solution, in order to obtain maximum performance. While the firewall is working properly (the Windows one), I'm also advised to install a spyware technology in order to protect the system. I think I'm gonna do it soon...

TAGS:

security | test | antivirus | firewall | spyware

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