Not all of us, it seems, make use of Microsoft’s Windows Update so that we are current with operating system critical updates, and security fixes. More to the point, few of us have given consideration to the vulnerabilities that exist in our currently installed productivity applications and utilities.
In a recent survey, Secunia, the Danish computer security service provider, well known for tracking vulnerabilities in software and operating systems, concluded that less than one in 50 Windows driven computers, are totally patched.
Secunia goes on to report that the rate of patching and updating compliance, is even less than in previous years.
Virtually on a daily basis, critical vulnerabilities continue to be discovered in popular software applications. Some recent application vulnerabilities include, Mozilla FireFox, Apple iTunes, QuickTime, Skype internet phone, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Sun Java Run-Time, Macromedia Flash, AOL Instant Messenger, Windows/MSN Messenger, Yahoo Instant Messenger, Bit Defender, and RealPlayer.
Survey statistics:
Survey sample size – 20,000 users
User exposure – 98.1% have one or more insecure programs
User exposure – 30.27% have one to five insecure programs
User exposure – 25.07% have six to ten insecure programs
User exposure – 45.76% have eleven or more insecure programs
It has been my experience, that when a malware infection occurs, it is generally safe to say, the user is often responsible for their own misfortune. This survey points out, once again; computer users, by and large, are not up to the task of securing their computers in order to ensure their own Internet safety and security.
The Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) can help dramatically with this task. PSI constantly monitors your system for insecure software installations, notifies you when an insecure application is installed, and even provides you with detailed instructions for updating the application when available.
ZD Net, one of my favorite web sites has stated “Secunia Personal Software Inspector, quite possibly the most useful and important free application you can have running on your Windows machine”. In my view, this is not an overstatement.
Installing this small free application will definitely assist you in identifying possible security leaks; give it a try.
Quick facts:
The Secunia PSI is free for private use.
Downloaded over 800,000 times
Allows you to secure your PC – Patch your applications – Be proactive
Scans for Insecure and End-of-Life applications
Verifies that all Microsoft patches are applied
Tracks your patch-performance week by week
Direct and easy access to security patches.
Detects more than 300,000 unique application versions
Provides a detailed report of missing security related updates
Provides a tabbed report which indicates programs that are no longer supported – programs with all known patches – insecure programs, etc.
Provides a Toolbox offering a set of links which helps you assess a problem and how you can resolve it.
System Requirements: Windows 2000, XP 32/64bit, and Vista 32/64bit
Download at: Download.com
As an added bonus for users, Secunia provides a forum “where PSI users can discuss patching, product updates, exploits, the PSI, and anything else security-related”.
I cannot say enough good things about Secunia and their offering this program free to the public.
I have it on all of my machines, and recommend it every chance I get.
Paul,
It is unfortunate that this small utility is not as well know as it should
be.
Kudos to you for spreading the word on this to both your clients and
friends.
Bill