Windows Vista Low on Malware Detection

Security firm Webroot's researchers have discovered that Windows Vista operating system had very limited capabilities to block malware. The researchers found that the operating system proved ineffective in blocking 84% of the common spyware, out of which 15 were the commonly known malware and spyware variants.

Various threats, like potentially unwanted programs, adware, keyloggers, trojans and system monitors, were residing on the testing systems but Windows Vista could not detect them.

Webroot noted that a malicious program found the researchers was capable of installing under administrative privileges, execute and steal keystrokes. However, Windows Vista's anti-spyware solution, Windows Defender, was neither able to detect the installation nor the execution.

The researchers also discovered that the signature updates for malware, including viruses, were extremely slow on this operating system.

In this regard, security experts commented that although Windows Vista has improved substantially and offers several new exciting features, it is essential to ensure that users are aware of the limitations of this operating system. They cautioned users that the default malware blocking software as well as the anti-virus programs of Microsoft may fail to provide them comprehensive protection.

Moreover, considering the increasing cleverness of malware authors and cyber criminals, it has become necessary for users to install a reliable and tested security solution on their systems, providing real-time security from all sorts of viruses and malware.

According to reports, in every 7-10 days, Microsoft releases spyware signature updates for Windows Defender. Although this may appear adequate, the Threat Research Team of Webroot detects 3,000 new variants of malicious programs as well as fresh traces of spyware in a single month. It, thus, issues spyware signature updates as frequently as required.

Security experts suggested the researchers at Microsoft that for a company that serves as the frontrunner in fighting against cybercrime, it is crucial to prioritize security so as to ensure the protection of Internet users to the highest degree.

Finally, the detection of security flaw in Windows Vista will prove handy for the users as they can accordingly update their systems with latest and advanced security software.

Related article: Windows XP Fault Strike Firewall

» SPAMfighter News - 6/16/2009