| |
| |
|
Security Information |
|
|
|
Desktop Security Software Risks - Part 1
This is the second in a series of articles highlighting reasons why we need a new model for anti-virus and security solutions. Reason #2: the Desktop Security Software Risks The risks of placing software on the desktop are such that I will be breaking this article into two parts. Fundamentally we think of having software on our desktops as a good thing. I love downloading or installing new packages and seeing what new creative things people do to the user interface or what they do to make certain aspects of my life easier or more fun. But there are problems inherent with software that resides on the desktop, especially security software. All developers will know what I mean. First and foremost, desktop software can be reverse engineered. What's that mean? Have you ever inadvertently double-clicked on a file and had garbage show up or seen something that looks similar to this? http://www.checkinmyemail.com/Articles/image001.jpg The old hex dump. Programmers will know it well. We actually spend a good deal of time trying to read this stuff. Basically, if there are programs that can (and do) turn instructions like the following If UserBirthDate < "01/01/1960" then IsReallyOld = "Yes Else IsReallyOld = "No" End If into something like the picture above, then the reverse is true: people have developed software that can take that gobbeldy-gook in the picture above and turn it somewhat into the if-statement I wrote out. The reversing software won't know that I had an item called UserBirthDate, but it will know I was testing for a value of January 1, 1960 and it will be able to say that based on that value I set another item to Yes or No. So now we install our fool-proof anti-virus software on our desktop (or our firewall for that matter). Well, so too can a virus author. And that virus author or hacker will also have gotten a copy of the latest reverse-engineering software from his local hacking site. He now goes upon his task of reverse-engineering the software and then trying to decipher the results. It's not easy but it can be done. Unfortunately, vendors know this and understand this as an acceptable risk. The problem here is that your security software is at risk. If your vendor codes an error, the virus author can and will detect it. For example, if your vendor should exclude a file from scanning, it's possible the virus author will figure out which file (or type of file) that is and bury his code there. If the vendor excludes files from scanning or heuristics, it's possible that virus author will figure out a way to corrupt that file. That being said, there are other risks. As we have said, once software is on the desktop it affords virus authors an opportunity to reverse-engineer security software. The knowledge that reverse-engineering provides is invaluable to a virus author when building his next software attack. Third, virus authors can learn where the anti-virus vendors put there software and put the links to their software (directory folders, registry entries, etc.). This too is invaluable information. In fact, in some ways it teaches people intent on writing malicious software clues as to how to infiltrate the computers' operating system, where registry entries need to be made to force software to be loaded every time a computer is started, etc. This information is generally available all over the web and in manuals for operating systems, especially manuals on such subjects as the Windows Registry. But having the software teach you where things belong to be effective is powerful knowledge. Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, is the issue of forebearance. The anti-virus vendors usually know more about the potential exploits inherent in programs than virus authors but they are bound by the fact that should they try to prevent them before the exploits occur, they could be branded as irresponsible for teaching virus authors about these very exploits. For example, when Microsoft first released the macro capabilities of Word, anti-virus vendors immediately realized the potential for danger in macros, but they were handcuffed. If they released software that disabled macros before the first macro virus was ever released, they would signal to virus authors the inherent destructive powers of macros. They chose instead to wait, handcuffed by the limitations of desktop software. Until the Internet there really has been no better medium for delivering virus solutions than desktop software. It was relatively inexpensive to deploy (either market the software and sell it in stores or provide free downloads on bulletin boards and web sites). It is, however, expensive to keep updated in terms of time and effort, even with automated update systems. The Internet caused several things to happen: by becoming a powerful medium for sharing files, whole families of viruses disappeared practically overnight (boot sector viruses, for example); by becoming the option of choice for sharing files, it was easier to infect a single file and have thousands download it. A better solution is to place the security software in an offsite appliance of its own making. All Internet, intranet, networking connections flow through the appliance. Selling off the shelf hardware appliances with built-in security software is better than a desktop software solution but it still suffers -to a lesser extent- from the pratfalls that desktop software falls prey to. Even better is to create a service that a 3rd party vendor manages in a secure environment. In such an instance both the software and the hardware are away from the prying eyes of the malicious software authors. This further reduces the opportunity for malicious authors to discover the tricks and techniques employed by the security vendors to protect you. About The Author Tim Klemmer Tim Klemmer has spent the better part of 12 years designing and perfecting the first true patented behavior-based solution to malicious software.
MORE RESOURCES: Waltz and staff used Gmail for government communications, officials say The Washington Post Blocking 7-Eleven deal on security grounds would hurt Japan's image, head of state-backed fund says Reuters Pasadena school security officer accused of duct-taping 11-year-old girl's mouth shut for 'talking too much' ABC7 Los Angeles A week in security (March 24 – March 30) Malwarebytes Fight at maximum security unit precedes tour by state’s prison work group - South Dakota Searchlight Fight at maximum security unit precedes tour by state’s prison work group South Dakota Searchlight White House suggests national security adviser Mike Waltz received work-related emails on his personal Gmail account New York Post EU analysis highlights space capabilities, lists scenarios for space security by 2050 Industrial Cyber Musk Again Misleads on Social Security Fraud The New York Times Alaska Capitol will get airport-style security checkpoint, legislative panel orders Anchorage Daily News Forget Signal. National Security Adviser Waltz now accused of using Gmail for work - theregister.com Another security layer: BCSC proposes adding high school school security officers, and a school resource officer The Republic News Restaurant owner hires security guards after quadruple shooting; residents wonder if it is enough WBAL-TV Fortress Government Solutions receives impact Level 6 security accreditation from US Navy Industrial Cyber Native Community Protests MPLS Security Company Who Beat, Maced, and Cuffed Indigenous Man Unicorn Riot Mobile police installing new security cameras at city parks, following shootout at Langan Park fox10tv.com Lawmatics Achieves SOC 2 & HIPAA Compliance, Reinforcing Commitment to Data Security and Privacy LawSites Mike Waltz Faces Another Embarrassing Data Security Failure The Daily Beast Your smart home may not be as secure as you think Help Net Security Leaders Describe Host of Threats to Homeland, Steps to Mitigate Them U.S. Department of Defense (.gov) MPD: Driver of security truck issued several traffic citations after hitting pedestrian along S. Parkway East Action News 5 The urgent reality of machine identity security in 2025 csoonline.com Breaking the Cone of Silence: The Jigsaw Puzzle of Operational Security Security Clearance Jobs SCOTUS examines court’s role in national security Courthouse News Service Could drones replace school security guards? FOX 7 Austin City to receive $94K in Homeland Security grant funding Oil City News Pasadena school security guard fired after allegations she forced student to duct tape mouth Pasadena Star News Security officer made Pasadena middle schooler duct-tape her own mouth shut, father says Los Angeles Times Women in Security: Tia Eskandari, Senior Director, Allied Universal Security Sales & Integration Value per Security Business Wire Two new security K-9s join Lehigh Valley Health Network NBC10 Philadelphia LightPath Technologies to Exhibit Advanced Infrared Solutions at 2025 Border Security Expo PR Newswire BitLyft Gives Back to the Information Security Community GlobeNewswire ReliaQuest Closes $500M Round to Boost Agentic AI Security BankInfoSecurity "Credible Threat" to 2025 Chincoteague Pony Swim Prompts New Security Policies Chesapeake Bay Magazine Akron-Canton Airport has new security measure: K9 Luna Cleveland 19 News Israel’s National Security Council Warns of Increased Threats to Jews Abroad Ahead of Passover Algemeiner.com Winnetka hires private security to patrol village NBC 5 Chicago AI Agent and Copilot Podcast: Microsoft Exec Dorothy Li on Role of AI Agents, Ecosystem in Security Cloud Wars Northwest Dallas security guard fatally shoots man outside motel FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth Oracle Cloud security SNAFU latest: IT giant accused of pedantry as evidence scrubbed theregister.com Senate Education Focuses On School Security, Classroom Aides West Virginia Public Broadcasting Hazleton Anesthesia Services warns of security breach Hazleton Standard Speaker Gun-detecting dogs join LVHN security team Times News Online MIT Wins $12.2B Contract to Drive Innovation for National Security at Lincoln Lab Security Clearance Jobs Motel security guard kills man after altercation in Northwest Dallas FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth Secure Passage and Sunflower Labs Take Security to the Skies with Autonomous Drone Integration PR Newswire |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Three-pronged Trojan Attack Threatens Security on the Internet Glieder (Win32.Glieder. Protecting Your Children On The Internet If you are a parent, as am I, I think we can agree there is little else more important than keeping our children safe and protected. It's difficult enough keeping them safe from the unscrupulous people we read about in the news, but dealing with children and the Internet takes it to a completely new level. Phishing - A High Tech Identity Theft With A Low Tech Solution Have you ever got an email asking you to confirm your account information from a bank or a company that you have never done business with? The email looks official and it even has a link that appears to take you to the company's website. The email you have received is actually from an identity thief. Reclaim Your PC from the Internet Spies Viruses are, however, not the only malicious software programs out there. The newest addition to the evil software family is the so called Spywares and a good anti-virus program or firewall is not enough to safeguard against these clever programs. Wireless Network Security Working from home has its advantages, including no commute, a more flexible work schedule and fresh coffee and home-cooked meals whenever you want.But working from home while using a wireless local area network (WLAN) may lead to theft of sensitive information and hacker or virus infiltration unless proper measures are taken. Message Board Security Problems Security leaks can be a big problem for any site using a message board. Hackers can actually use your message board to go in and change things on your site. Make Money Online - Defend Against The Latest Scam First, let's do a little recap'. As I stated in the first part of the article, "Make Money Online - The Latest Scam Disclosed", "refund policy scammers" affect the websites that make money online by selling digital products by buying the product and asking for refunds, while keeping the product. Top Spyware Removers Considerations Only the top spyware removers are successful at detecting and removing spyware and adware from your computer. You should look for complete protection against these threats: spyware, adware, keyloggers browser hijackers and Remote Access Trojans. Criminals are Fishing For Your Identity What is Phishing? In a typical Phishing attack, a criminal will send you an email which appears to be from a well known company, bank or government agency. The email will direct you to click on a link which directs you to a Website or pop-up box that looks like the company's or organization's legitimate site. 3 Pervasive Phishing Scams Scams involving email continue to plague consumers across America, indeed the world. These so called "phishing" scams involve "spoofed" emails meant to draw the unwary to bogus internet sites masquerading as legitimate sites. Network Security 101 As more people are logging onto the Internet everyday, Network Security becomes a larger issue. In the United States, identity theft and computer fraud are among the fastest rising crimes. Just Whos Computer is this Anyway? Well, this is an article I never thought I would have to write. Computer ownership was just not something I thought people would get confused over but, after overhearing a number of conversations last week from my co-workers, I realized that quite a few people just don't know how cut and dry this topic is. Is My PC Vulnerable on the Internet? No longer are viruses the only threat on the internet. In recent years other threats have evolved which include spyware, adware, hacking, identity theft, information theft, pop-ups and the loss of information. Remove Rogue Desktop Icons Created By Spyware If you have used a Windows machine for a while, whether it's Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows 98, you're sure to have noticed desktop icons appearing from out of nowhere. How can icons mysteriously emerge on your Windows desktop?1. Phishing: An Interesting Twist On A Common Scam After Two Security Assessments I Must Be Secure, Right?---------------------------------------Imagine you are the CIO of a national financial institution and you've recently deployed a state of the art online transaction service for your customers. To make sure your company's network perimeter is secure, you executed two external security assessments and penetration tests. Is the Internet Insecure Because of You? Long gone are the days that we could feel secure and know for certain that we had privacy. With the digital age upon us we can no longer be so sure that our privacy is secure. Corporate Security for Your Home Business The words Corporate Security may conjure up images of a group of techies working in a wire-filled basement room of Microsoft or HP, combating hackers and terrorists online using words like algorithm and encryption. If you own your own business, do not allow yourself to think that security is only for big corporations. The Importance of Protecting Your PC from Viruses and Spam Today the internet is a mine field of malicious code looking to harm your computer. Hackers want to have access to your PC for both fun and profit. What Can Be Done About Spyware And Adware Having a good Spyware eliminator on your computer is vital now a days with all of the different Spyware, Adware, and other malicious computer parasites that are out there. Most of them are reasonably priced and very easy to use. Web Browsing - Collected Information You may not realize it, but as you are surfing the web all sorts of details are being left behind about your computer and where you have been. Most of this information is used harmlessly in website statistics, but it could also be used to profile you, or identify you as a vulnerable target for an exploit.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |