A Realistic Anti-Virus Firm?!? Shocking

from the crying-wolf dept

Thu, Sep 22nd 2005 3:24pm — Mike Masnick

We've been noting some of the overhyped stories of mobile viruses lately -- all spread by one anti-virus firm or another trying to convince people that there's really a problem where none yet exists. There was another such hyped up story yesterday, but they're getting so common it didn't even register much interest. However, today, another anti-virus firm, Sophos, is taking a stand and claiming that they're sick of all of their competitors hyping up mobile viruses that aren't a real threat. In fact, they say that yesterday's claim of the first "serious" mobile virus threat is "plain bonkers." Straight talk from an anti-virus firm? Wonders never cease. Then again, this is the same anti-virus firm that recently said that anti-virus tools, by themselves, weren't enough to stop viruses -- basically admitting that their own offerings weren't perfect, something that many anti-virus companies seem to suggest in their marketing.

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murry gunz, 22 Sep 2005 @ 5:12pm

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Its certainly re-assuring to hear a bit of honesty, but then again the truth about mobile viruses is pretty clear.
Maybe this is a smart ploy to get some attention pointed toward their way. Either way smart move by my views.
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Glenn, 23 Sep 2005 @ 1:19am

Playing devils advocate
Maybe Sophos just doesn't want to write the software, or can't, so they are making a hole in their available products seem like not a hole? I have no idea if any of that is true, or if anyone has mobile antivirus products, but I do know that companies will say almost anything to keep their stock-holders happy.
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Ivan Sick, 23 Sep 2005 @ 5:18am

Re: Playing devils advocate
I see you are playing devil's advocate, but I will rebut: It's well-known among computer techs that one single program cannot protect the user from everything. So Sophos is being honest when they say that "anti-virus tools, by themselves, are not enough to stop viruses." And despite Mike's skepticism in the linked article submitted by ZaneK, not enough people know this. Also good for them for not confusing people with all the available tech jargon. They could mention spyware, trojans, malware, scumware, bots, keyloggers, hijacks, worms, and about a dozen other "ware" terms I've heard tossed around.
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Boo, 23 Sep 2005 @ 6:17am

Not yet anyway

I've always liked Cluely - coconut tossing virus games aside - and it's good to see him being real rather than scaring people into buying stuff. But it really is a matter of time. While they are not yet a real threat, mobile viruses DO exist... and as phones get smarter and we put more info on them the will become a profitable target. When you have a device that will connect over gsm, gprs, 3g, wifi, bluetooth and the kitchen sink and is used for surfing/shopping, voice and video over god knows what protocol.
- in short i'd be happier if he said "we're trying to figure out where the attacks will come from and we are co-operating with network operators and handset manufacturers to pre-empt and head off malicious programs before they appear"
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Nichole, 9 Feb 2010 @ 9:44am

Been a fan of Sophos antivirus for a few years now. For whatever reason, they are not so well known yet in the states. I look to see that change in 2010, however. Their quality speaks for itself and with evangelists like Graham, it will not be long before they get their proper respect stateside.
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