Big Yellow, big deal
Big Yellow is the name given to a worm that exploits a flaw in Symantec’s client security and Antivirus corporate edition software. It’s not the end of the world. Symantec is a well trusted name in PC security, and the hype about this new, or not so new worm is unjustifiable.
First, if you are not a business, or using Symantec business antivirus software, you need not worry. Second, If you are a business, chances are that you have updated your virus software within the last seven months; which would again leave you with no worries.
At least Symantec was honest with us about this problem by saying, “customers who have not updated their antivirus software are being targeted by a self-propegating worm,” But honesty only goes so far. Symantec seems to be taking quite a hit on the Internet with publishers bashing them and hyping up this practically “non-existent” problem.
“Only out-of-date versions of the product are at risk,” security vendors say; “This is not considered to be a serious threat to most users.” This should have been a bigger deal before the worm was activated, like back in May, when this problem was first recognized. “We have had three submissions locally from our customers,” said Vincent Weafer, senior director with Symantec Security Response. “Since then it’s gone to a background level.”
I’ve trusted Symantec for years, and will continue to purchase their products despite a few flaws in their software that is bound to pop up from time to time.
I’ve even jumped on the band wagon, downloading and installing the free Norton 360 Beta security software; which includes an automated backup of your files online for up to 250 MB and 2GB when released in a few months, not to mention all the other goodies that come with other Norton products such as anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, anti-fraud features, automated backup and restore, and computer tune-up tools. It’s a beautiful thing. Everything is automated, and runs efficiently with windows using very little system resources.
I’ve always claimed that Symantec products have never slowed my machine down, and that’s the first thing I look for in security software. I’d gladly trade a fast computer with Big Yellow, for a slow one without Symantec.
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