Symantec: Mozilla browsers more vulnerable

Security wars continue..

Thursday, September 22, 2005 by Frogboy | Discussion: WinCustomize News

Symantec is claiming that Mozilla based web browsers are more vulnerable to attack than Microsoft's Internet Explorer. 

However, some (such as us) are skeptical of these claims as Symantec is basing its opinion on the number of security flaws that have been confirmed by the vendor.  Uncinformed, unacknowledged security holes do not get counted.  Nor is the number of actual available exploits being weighted in.

It should be noted that Symantec's software routinely flags software as being "dangerous" based on languages used rather than actual danger.  For example, widgets or gadgets that use VB Script are routlinely blocked by running by Symantec's security products.

Whether Internet Explorer is less secure than the Mozilla browser remains a matter of debate. It largely depends on who you talk to and how you define a vulnerability.

Hus
Reply #1 Thursday, September 22, 2005 3:23 PM
All software has holes, if Linux or Mac OS X ever became as popular as Windows, you would see 1,000's of virii, and exploits. But what you need to base software security on is the speed in which the bugs get fixed. And with very little browsing, you can find out Microsoft takes months...Mozilla takes days...there is the difference.
craeonics
Reply #2 Thursday, September 22, 2005 6:14 PM
Seems like the best thing to do for the Mozilla organisation is to keep their bugs secret then. Ignorance is, once again, bliss.
Xiozan
Reply #3 Thursday, September 22, 2005 6:34 PM
Thank Bob for alternatives to Firefox and IE.

Opera is now ad-free and completely free with 8.5, which they update their software quite frequently.

There are a plenty of other good browsers out there...I just happen to use Opera.
Use what you like but don't expect security from an internet browser. That is what they made Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware programs for...plus if you are really worried, software firewalls and routers.

- X
HighCommand
Reply #4 Thursday, September 22, 2005 10:53 PM
I happily use the three biggies (IE, FF, and Opera). They all have their uses. Opera for browsing most sites, Firefox for those sites that won't work in Opera, as well as for other things, and IE when I need a browser that just feels light.
Jafo
Reply #5 Friday, September 23, 2005 12:24 AM

Probably means that IE is more susceptible to Symantec's bugs instead....

Jafo gave up on Symantec...they can keep my money...but I won't be using their AV....not until Snowshoes are mandatory wear when visiting Mister 666....

_02
Reply #6 Friday, September 23, 2005 5:35 AM
.but I won't be using their AV....not until Snowshoes are mandatory wear when visiting Mister 666..


Same here!!
Dark_Red
Reply #7 Friday, September 23, 2005 6:27 AM
oh well i just use ff i like it its quite fast at loading the pages and stuff, plus you can get cool themes for it as well
c242
Reply #8 Friday, September 23, 2005 6:35 AM
Looks like Symantec more and more is looking for a reason to exist.
whoozhe
Reply #9 Sunday, September 25, 2005 9:35 AM
Firefox have fixed know problems in version 1.0.7
Symantic really should be looking at their own products that increasingly have a larger failing rate.
jc3d
Reply #10 Sunday, September 25, 2005 12:15 PM
simantec is crazy



gfcentral002
Reply #11 Sunday, September 25, 2005 3:59 PM
i've noticed how lots of people comlaining of problems with their products (i myself use mcafee - currently microsoft one care on this computer) i don't. i'm sure some of them still use firefox at home or their kids do lol

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