Recently we came across a company that makes a very unique and very helpful piece of free Windows software that checks installed third party software for security vulnerabilities. Think of it like a virus/spyware checker, but for finding insecure or out-of-date applications.
The application is called, “Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) 1.0.” (Download here)
Once installed it quickly scanned my workstation in approximately eight minutes and reported all the security issues. It reported my computer being 97% compliant, in which three apps were old that needed updating, and four issues dealing with Flash 9 Active X. The report interface explained the threat level and provided a download link directly to the updated program file from the publisher. If it was a web based installer it opened a browser to the installer web page, like Adobe Flash Player. I updated the old programs and resolved the Flash 9 Active X issue by upgrading to Flash 10, then rebooted my PC. Upon coming back up I ran the scan again and passed with 100% compliance. If you allow the background process to run it will periodically check your system and alert you when a program needs attention to keep your system current.
For larger companies Secunia makes another product called, “Network Software Inspector (NSI) 2.0.” (Download here)
Network Inspector is the enterprise commercial version of PCI for managing multiple PCs installed software states and is sold by volume licensing per PC. NSI comes with an administrative dashboard that includes advanced functions and alerts, such as emails or SMS message when a fault is found.
Every home user or SOHO should be running the free PCI version. Secunia really fills in a key security area where firewall/malware/anti-virus/spyware scanners do not. Considering today’s computers have hundreds of applications, it’s next to impossible to keep current manually. Secunia is very easy to use and saves a lot of time keeping your PC even more secure.
