Security software is designed to protect users from threats posed by adware, spyware, worms, viruses, and more. However, these programs often come with default settings that prevent users from accessing legitimate and useful online information.
Most security software and anti-spyware programs face a common issue: While these programs protect users’ systems, some online portals containing cookies become inaccessible. These portals rely on advertising revenue through third-party cookies. As a result, users are unable to access valuable information from these sites and find themselves “locked out” by their security software.A security analyst from the Yankee Group stated: “This happens because security software identifies and removes cookies, likely treating even benign cookies as dangerous components. It is difficult to distinguish between useful cookies and harmful ones, which is why completely deleting cookies is a standard approach taken by security programs.”
What are Cookies? Why Use Cookies?
No matter where you browse in the vast space of the Internet, most websites are likely to set cookies on users’ computers. So, what exactly are cookies? Why do websites prefer to use them?
In fact, cookies are simply small packets of information typically stored in a text file that websites save on users’ machines. Cookies retain certain information to identify you or your computer to the server. Whenever you visit a website, these cookies will “signal” to the server that you have previously visited that site.
Therefore, cookies do not harm your computer at all. Not only are they harmless, but cookies are also quite convenient, as they store passwords and load necessary information. However, in some instances, cookies can pose a threat to personal information, risking password exposure, etc.
An Insurmountable Barrier
A typical example is the spyware update from Symantec, which blocked access to online information sites due to this software restricting cookies from advertising companies. Similarly, PC Tools, a well-known spyware removal program, has blocked nearly all online information sites due to these cookies. Such issues are commonly encountered by both PCs and laptops using McAfee Internet Security, Microsoft AntiSpyware, Symantec Internet Security, and ZoneLabs Internet Security.
Typically, after purchasing and installing these security programs, users do not pay much attention to the default settings. These default settings can be adjusted to access certain websites containing advertising cookies. In most cases, these cookies do not pose any real danger to users. However, some security software can be quite “picky,” not allowing changes to these settings. This has affected millions of users.
Most anti-spyware programs work at a high level of cookie blocking, and very few programs can effectively filter cookies. A notable exception is Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware SE Personal, which not only removes hidden spyware and adware from hard drives but also offers options to find, select, and delete suspicious cookies.
Unlike Ad-Aware, other antivirus programs typically delete all cookies along with any potential adware and spyware components.
Feedback from Experts and Software Providers
On the other hand, some security experts argue that completely deleting cookies is not necessarily a bad thing. Natalie Lambert, a security expert from Forrester Research, believes that security software deleting all cookies is the best way to protect customers.
Lambert acknowledges that security software from Symantec and other companies may block access to legitimate news sites. However, if this truly happens, most customers will complain to product providers about it: “I admit that customers gain nothing when anti-spyware programs block legitimate websites. But we need to trust software providers; they are always protecting computer systems in the safest way possible. In certain special circumstances, legitimate websites might be blocked, and cookies deleted to maximize protection against user computer impacts.”
According to Richard Stiennon, Vice President of Research at Webroot Software, a well-known anti-spyware provider, he fully agrees with Lambert’s viewpoint. He believes that the fault of cookie deletion and website blocking lies entirely with the website providers.
He also dismisses the hypothesis that anti-spyware and antivirus software have made any changes or updates to block legitimate websites, noting that 99% of software manufacturers employ the same methods to identify and hunt down spyware and adware.
Whose Fault Is It?
James Whittaker, a computer science professor at the Florida Institute of Technology, believes: “Security software providers are like veterinarians. They must attempt to bandage the bleeding wounds of unfortunate animals. However, what they need is not a solution but a practical way forward. Software providers must also find a way to fix their software issues.”
Professor Whittaker also asserts that the flaws in security software are part of the problem. These programs are not yet strong and reliable enough. Hackers can still exploit vulnerabilities in these software applications. These security programs need to quickly patch all vulnerabilities.
Part of the reason for these flaws is the design methodology of the software. With over 100,000 viruses, worms, spyware, adware, etc., security software cannot effectively manage all of them.
The Hidden Enemy: Browsers
One reason computers are vulnerable to attacks and the widespread infiltration of worms and viruses is due to vulnerabilities in browsers. Most spyware and virus infections enter computers through web browsers. According to a report by Symantec, approximately 70% to 80% of infections occur through browsers using ActiveX. ActiveX controls allow for the easy and quick download and installation of add-ons to web browsers, but this is also the biggest security weakness for Internet Explorer.
While there are ongoing controversies surrounding security software, the best way to protect yourself is to take proactive measures. If you are using Internet Explorer as your default browser, read the article on Tips to Make Internet Explorer More Secure for better safety. If you’re truly “bored” with Internet Explorer, switching to Firefox or Opera could also be a worthwhile option.
However, no browser is perfect or entirely safe. A highly effective self-protection measure is to use a non-administrator account in Windows XP, which is a good way to minimize risks while browsing the web.
Minh Phúc
