Symantec Caught in Norton 'Rootkit' Flap

RLSharp · Jan 12, 2006

Symantec Corp. has fessed up to using a rootkit-type feature in Norton SystemWorks that could provide the perfect hiding place for attackers to place malicious files on computers.

The anti-virus vendor acknowledged that it was deliberately hiding a directory from Windows APIs as a feature to stop customers from accidentally deleting files but, prompted by warnings from security experts, the company shipped a SystemWorks update to eliminate the risk.

Read the entire article at:? http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1910077,00.asp

Richard

Karl · Jan 12, 2006

The use of rootkits is nothing new. Software companies have been using them for many years to cloak their expiration date files; particularly for those programs you download and 'try before you buy'. They do serve a valid purpose when not used to execute malicious code. Heck, some independent programmers use similar techniques to insure their efforts are paid for. No pay, no code. I'm not making an ethical stand on this issue; merely stating it.

Okotoks Camper · Jan 12, 2006

Aw, go ahead Karl, be ethical. I'm with you. 8)

Cheers,
John B.

Symantec Caught in Norton 'Rootkit' Flap

RLSharp

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Karl

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Okotoks Camper

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