Microsoft Security Essentials comes with vulnerability

[Bruno007]

A few days ago Microsoft has with the Security Essentials a free scanning software to detect viruses and spyware for the in-house operating systems Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 releases. The editorial Microsoft tool even more precisely under the microscope. In addition to the installation, configuration and the Welcome screen of Microsoft Security Essentials for installation. Features we have checked the Security Essentials for possible vulnerabilities. The U.S. software company wants to advertise with the publication of a greater acceptance of anti-virus solutions. Many users would be lulled into a false sense of security because, although they acquired a virus, but this had not needed since the installation up to date, a company spokesman. Adds that the willingness of users to pay for a PC protection, especially in economic transition countries is extremely low. A release of a free virus scanner is in the eyes of many users a long overdue step from Microsoft - especially because the Windows operating systems is due to their widespread use of the most frequent targets of malicious programs.The download of around nine megabytes large setup file is on the Microsoft Web page done quickly. A registry to be able to download the virus software is not required. Versions available by the way the program for both Windows XP and Windows Vista and Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit). The installation has worked well from simple - so far the users have the required administrator rights, has a Windows license validated and can not be bothered to determine the installation directory itself. At the end of the setup routine, the virus definitions yet brought up to date and, where appropriate, would also be download program updates. To complete the installation, you must have before the start - to be performed an initial system check - as with other virus scanners as well. This process took on test computer because of all the data on the hard drive a few minutes. Overview of the protection of the computer and gave the PC at this time also a system load between 50 to 80 percent.

[Bruno007]

Settings of the scanner's possible, but not extensive

When the installation is completed, vanishes Microsoft Security Essentials as a small icon in the taskbar. With a simple click, the user enters the application and there can inform not only the current status of its protection and manually download new virus definitions, but also make settings. This area, the developers, however, of intentionally simple to most users not to overwhelm with too many configuration options. In addition to scheduled system checks the user can specify here actions to take place in the event of a virus or malware discovery, for example, how to delete the data file immediately, or written to be quarantined. Furthermore, certain types of files and processes from review and real-time protection for the rapid identification of suspect code snippets are disabled.

[Bruno007]

Data transfer to Microsoft

Particularly interesting is the point SpyNet. This is according to Microsoft, an online community that support the user not only when dealing with potential threats but also prevent the spread of malware and infections should. Therefore, the user must, however, some data to the software giant. Submitted to collect information that can provide information about the source from which the infected file is, the actions taken by the user using Security Essentials has to clear the virus, for example, and what was the success of the actions. It is basically nothing objectionable, but there are explanations in the SpyNet a small passage, the user is informed that there may in some cases, the inadvertent, Microsoft Security Essentials scans the computer transmission of private data. And since we are already at a major weak point of the free virus software. For, in view of the fact that Windows PCs are not only private but also be used in a business environment to include use of Microsoft Security Essentials from practical. Annoying is that the users of the software side has no way to disable the function. Although there is a choice between a basic and a premium membership SpyNet, in both cases it may not come for the transfer of personal information. How often unintentionally data to be reported is not known.

Another weak point is also the possibility that parts of programs such as the executable .Exe file simply deleted from the installation folder and Security Essentials can be set to disabled. Similarly, the corresponding service can be easily terminated by simple command-line command and make it dangerous malware in the way the system is free. Virus developers have an easy time here, ostensibly to avoid the existing protection.

[Bruno007]

We come to the conclusion, the competitors like Norton Antivirus, Kaspersky, AntiVir or Avast need to hide behind the Microsoft solution in any way. The functionality of the Security Essentials for the average user might quite sufficient to cause the above-described shortcomings, however, on the recommendation not to use the Microsoft Scanner and instead use a free software from another incumbent.