News 2.0

ABSTRACT

Symantec’s Semantics
In the wake of Sony’s DRM (digital rights management) rootkit debacle, it was unexpected to see antivirus giant Symantec implicated for using “rootkit-like technology” in its Norton SystemWorks. The software’s Protected Recycle Bin uses a hidden system folder to protect files from being deleted; in doing so, it creates a hiding place for malware. To its credit, the company quickly remedied the problem and as of this writing, there are no documented cases of malware exploiting Symantec’s hidden files.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  A. General Literature
  A.0 GENERAL

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.5 Security and Protection (D.4.6, K.4.2)
  K.8 PERSONAL COMPUTING
      K.8.1 Application Packages
          Subjects: Freeware/shareware
  K.m MISCELLANEOUS