Secunia PSI

Secunia PSI

So the question is do I lead or follow with Secunia PSI?
As this is partially a ramp-up to DefCon ending on a security note would be appropriate.  However security is important and should not be left to wait, so grab this puppy and run it.

Personally I prefer the 2.x interface more than the 3.x interface.  With that said the interface in 3.0 has been tweaked since it's initial release mostly compensating for the aspects I did not like.  The addition of the list view is very welcomed.  As was the option to select between auto-update and notification only.

In theory the 2.x version is completely usable and will keep you just as updated as 3.x.  I have not attempted to run 2.x on Windows 8, mileage may vary.

Download and install is the typical double-click process, no surprises there.  Last I ran the installer the application was still pleasantly unbundled and did not contain any extra garbage, tool-bars, etc.

So why should you care and run Secunia PSI?
You are running Windows right? Enough said.  No seriously while Microsoft is making strides towards better security it is still a huge target.  As are many of the big name applications that run on Windows.

Secunia PSI will not secure or protect the OS or the applications themselves.  It will however alert you to the presence of a known vulnerable version of software and provide a link to the patch if one is available.  There is an option to allow Secunia PSI to automatically download and install patches.  Point being there is a distinction between having an up-to-date version of software and securely configuring said software.  Secunia PSI does not examine the specific configuration of the software, only that it is up-to-date.  For most of you average Windows users this is huge and Secunia PSI is incredibly valuable.  Even for seasoned users the task of ensuring your patch process each month is greatly simplified.

Secunia PSI will make you aware of exactly how much stuff is on your PC, and what most be updated.  Listen to it well.  Use it to eradicate the unnecessary bloat ware shipped with your new PC.  Use it to keep the high target apps up-to-date in near real time, Java, Adobe Flash, to name a few.

Every Windows user should take advantage of this wonderful and free app.

Secunia PSI