Comments on: Symantec sizes up security in Windows Vista

Windows SideBar and gadgets could pose security threats. But the greatest risk is third-party applications, security firm says.

[Jess McLean]

What do you expect from Symantec?

Are we going to expect Symantec to say "Vista is a secure OS and you don't need to buy our overpriced security suite"? Give me a break.

[DatabaseDoctor]

Have your cake and eat it too

Of course third party apps are the weakest point. The OS vendor doesn't control these apps so it will always be the weakest point. What MS is trying to do is close the door to the OS so that any bad app can't damage the core. So here's Symantec (and others) saying that MS should maintain a tighter system, yet everytime MS tightens the system and tries to prevent anyone from getting to the core, Symantec and others are the first to complain about lack of access.

You can't have it both ways. Either the core is locked down to all Non-OS apps including third party apps where the third party IS the OS vendor (MS can't allow defender in while others are left out) or there will always be ways to corrupt the system.

Symantec, stop crying WOLF when you ARE one of the wolves.

[solrosenberg]

Third Party Software

Wouldn't third party software include Symantec software?

[solrosenberg]

Third Party Software

Wouldn't third party software include Symantec software?

[Heebee Jeebies]

Well Symantec should know...

That the "greatest threat of all continues to be third-party applications designed for Microsoft's new operating system."

After all Symantec makes some the worst software around for Windows. So if anyone knows what they are talking about it should be them.

Robert

[wanderson75]

Microsoft's responsibilities

Per the article, in reference to third party apps:

"...And Windows Vista provides no enhanced security in this particular area, as the majority of vulnerabilities today are seen within PHP, Python, Perl, ASP and other languages, the security firm said.

'Microsoft has solved yesterday's problem but not eradicated security risks entirely," Friedrichs said.' "

Microsoft's responsibilities do not include how third party applications are coded, built, packaged and/or distributed to the consumer by third party companies.

When is everyone going to realize that Microsoft is not responsible for solving everyone elses problems? The fact of the matter is that exploits found in the core OS, as well as Microsoft's own applications are becoming fewer and fewer, while other companies are not held accountable for their own products.

Personally, I see this as nothing more than yet another petty attack from Symantec directed at Microsoft.

[Ted Miller]

Babys

When I hear anything from Symantec all I can picture is a bawling baby who had its bottle taken away. I used to like Norton and McAfee when they used to be a product you had control over and they used little system resources. When I noticed they where clobbering things like they where on a "witch hunt" I gave them up for AVG AntiVirus because it behaves like they used to. Note to AVG: If you sold your product in the retail market I would have bought your full version. So AVG does not get a big head about this Email I would like to mention that their are also other antivirus programs that are also good. CNet Downloads can help with that. But for AVG AntiSpyware, I highly recommend it as the absolute best!! Adaware and Spybot come second!
Back to Symantec, I agree there are issues with Vista. I do own a copy of home premium and I have not been to happy with it. I do think your whining is not sounding to credible to me do to the circumstances. I feel you should shutup and let someone else state your case for you!

[pentium4forever]

MS must hate Symantec!

I'm reading this story and I'm thinking to myself....Microsoft must hate Symantec because they are always finding flaws left and right. Vista is somewhat secure right now and perhaps made a little more secure with the nagging User Account Control feature. It's a nice idea but it's so nagging for an administrator to have on that I turned it off. I own the RC1 of Vista and can't stand the UAC, turned it right off. Give it a little while....security flaws will be found in Vista, the hackers are still learning the new OS and well.

Symantec isn't exactly perfect either. Tagging Yahoo Mail beta as a virus!!!!! I just read that story. I think the whole Symantec Norton suite is way overpriced. Lower the price! Also, I've heard Norton slows the system down to a turtle....go AVG!