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The recent controversy on the use of “rootkits”
by some of the leading antivirus software vendors in
their products, is gaining momentum around the world.
The original rootkit controversy started with by the
findings of Dan Kaminsky, an independent security researcher,
on CDs produced by a leading music company. He discovered
the evidence of a "rootkit" stealth for enabling
copy protection on many of its CDs. Today, the global
music giant faces torrential criticism and potential
lawsuits on this dangerous security loophole. They are
in a process of replacing the affected CDs across the
globe, estimated to be half a million in numbers.
Now the findings that some antivirus companies are
also using similar rootkits in their security solutions
gives a completely different dimension to the issue.
One of the major vendors gave an explanation that this
was intended to hide the said directory from Windows
APIs as a feature to stop customers from accidentally
deleting files.
Rootkit is a set of software tools that are used to
conceal running processes, files or system data, which
helps an intruder maintain access to a system without
the user's knowledge. They are known to exist for a
variety of operating systems such as different versions
of Microsoft Windows, Linux and Solaris. The files in
such a hidden directory or location will not be scanned
during scheduled or manual virus scans. This provides
a perfect hiding location for Trojans, viruses and other
Malware. Needless to say, a directory that goes unscanned
by the security software becomes a huge strategic risk
that can become lethal for your computer.
“To MicroWorld, this is an ethical question. It’s
about basic principles. We will never have a component
bundled in our software that will even remotely be harmful
to the user, in short run or long run. We categorically
state that MicroWorld does not subscribe to rootkits
or any such harmful hidden components in our software
products.” said the MicroWorld spokesperson, making
clear their stand on the controversy.
The antivirus software companies have larger social
responsibilities. Today governments around the world
and agencies like FBI and Interpol continuously seek
help or work with security firms in tackling cyber crimes
and organized scams. It’s imperative that antivirus
providers will have to keep this big picture in their
minds with every move they make. The larger implications
of individual components used in the software need to
be evaluated in a predictive manner to make sure that
nothing harmful is shipped to the end user.
MicroWorld
MicroWorld ( www.mwti.net ) are the developers of the
world's first Real-Time Anti-Virus and Content Security
software eScan for desktops and servers. Its communication
security software, MailScan is the first comprehensive
e-mail scanner for your SMTP/POP3 Mail Server. MicroWorld
Winsock Layer (MWL) is the revolutionary technology
underlying these products, powering them to several
certifications and awards by some of the most prestigious
testing bodies, notable among them being Virus Bulletin,
Checkmark, TUCOWS, Red Hat Ready, and Novell Ready.
Combining their powerful scanner with MWL technology,
MicroWorld solutions provide a Real-Time Proactive security
for your systems.
To learn more, kindly visit the website at http://www.mwti.net/
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