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This is one topic I've not heard much about, when your software security asks you what to do? Not sure if there are still some companies which offer security, but rely on user interaction (a lot). A few years ago, I ran across a few programs which did just that. Was testing some out for my spare limited memory unit, and was shocked that the makers who should have the knowledge, were constantly asking the user what to do. So, if anyone is currently aware of such security programs, kindly let me know. Find it appalling, since IMHO, once installed, security programs default setting should be enough to protect ones computer. Thank you, Mindblower!
"For the needy, not the greedy"
Hey MB - I agree entirely. Among the worst offenders in this regard are 3rd party firewalls which rely hugely on user input to make decisions. AVs which include HIPS or some kind of file guard feature can also be pretty bad.
Problem is, the security software doesn't have the ability to discern twixt legitimate use and malicious intent. The concept is fine in theory but doesn't work too well in practice, too many users just don't know what each flagged process does or what software it is related to. In the end, many will just click 'okay' out of sheer frustration. Or deny access to something which is not only legitimate but can also be essential.
Avast Free, which does include a File System Shield is one of the 'quietest' I know, with very infrequent popups. It's a bit of a catch 22 situation with these types of features; overly aggressive can mean far too many popups, not aggressive enough can lead to missed malware.
In the end, as with most security, user habits are the most critical element... degrees of vigilance, caution, awareness, etc. If everyone would follow the conventional advice, security would become much less of an issue. Unfortunately, that is more of an idealistic expectation than a pragmatic solution. It's a fact of internet life that some people just can't be saved from themselves.
Good topic, I hope more people jump onboard.
Cheers mate... Jim
Mindblower said
So Marc, kindly elaborate. Exactly what action(s) are you being asked, that you can safely reply (or are you a computer guru?), Mindblower!
MB
I'm far from being a computer guru lol.
Everything I know I've learned from repairing pc's for other people.
The messages I get from MSE are 'what action would you like to take? Remove, quarantine or allow.'
Generally this is based on me installing MSE on clients' machines in place of some limited free trial of say Norton, McAfee etc or nothing at all.
Naturally, it isn't for me to judge what software they have installed on their pc's and I can only advise.
In my limited experience (compared to others), one of the biggest culprits for throwing up virus/malware problems on my customers' pc's is Ares and others of that ilk.
Well Marc, you might not have a degree, but you have street smarts, repairing and cleaning out computer clutter. The reason for my question, was simple. Since when are the simple folks (us excluded), expected to know what to answer when given a question "what should I do". The software program should be able to know from a stored database which programs are good and which are bad. There should be very few programs unknown, or simply place them in a holding state till more information can be obtained. Those who program this software have years of accumulated data to work with, not like 5 or 10 years ago. Thanks for your input, Mindblower!
"For the needy, not the greedy"
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