The H Update Check: Reducing your security risks

The Update Check at The H is a new online service which helps users discover old versions of installed programs with known security vulnerabilities and helps update them. The test covers many of the most important Windows programs available and typically takes only a minute or two.

Programs with known security vulnerabilities are currently one of the biggest security problems; many Windows PCs contain old versions of programs such as Java, Adobe Reader or Flash or are missing critical Windows updates. Such computers are easy prey for cyber criminals because simply visiting a crafted web page may be sufficient for infection with unseen malicious software that could spy on passwords and online banking transactions.

A typical result fron the Update Check sees several programs with security holes. The download links allow for quick updating. The H Update Check examines the installed Windows programs and checks whether versions with known security vulnerabilities are present. It currently recognises 26 programs, including popular browsers, Adobe Reader, Flash, QuickTime, Java and various versions of Windows. If a version is vulnerable, then the check will present details of the program with a warning and a link which allows users to easily install the latest version. The H and heise Security provide the Update Check service in association with Danish security provider Secunia which maintains an extensive database of known vulnerabilities.

See also:

• The H Update Check
• The H Update Check forum

(djwm)