Online free software exists aplenty, keenly attracting a user’s attention. The question is, “Are these free software applications really trustworthy?” . With security as the main concern, a computer user must be careful enough while installing any software that is downloaded online. Many of these free software install toolbars or other kinds of unwanted software that are bundled with them.
On the other hand, there are popular free software like Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player, etc., that seem to have become an almost mandatory part of computer use these days. Thankfully, these software installs do not include any compulsory extra activity apart from their core functionality, and even attempt to keep themselves secure with regular security updates as and when required.
Security updates are necessary given that many of these free software utilities have loopholes (also known as vulnerabilities) that are left unseen even after they are released to the outside world. These loopholes tend to attract attacks from remote hackers to compromise the user’s computer.
It is a known fact that many users globally, including a high proportion in India, have pirated software (especially the Windows OS) installed on their computers for whatever reason. Historically pirated versions of the Windows OS have not been eligible to receive either security or product updates, leaving the computer far more vulnerable to attack as cyber criminals always strive to exploit a new route or loophole in installed software to enter the target machine.
Therefore one should always be aware of the importance of the security updates. K7 users can run a “Vulnerability Scan” to determine if any known vulnerable components of certain high-profile software exist on the computer. At least in the case of popular free software users are strongly advised to avail of free security updates such as those provided by Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player, Java etc., to better guard against unpleasant surprises.
Image courtesy of:
Yadadrop.com
V.Dhanalakshmi
Senior Threat Researcher, K7TCL
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