DON'T buy expensive security software for your home computer. Free programs from reputable companies give all the protection you need.

That's the sage advice from Microsoft's chief security adviser for Australia, Stuart Strathdee.

Strathdee warns Microsoft's most recent intelligence report found the greatest threat to the security of Australian computer users is buying security software online - but of the bogus variety.

Ever seen a flashing message on a website claiming your computer is at risk?

Never click on anything like that and never provide credit-card details online to pay to download and install software from a site linked to any such dodgy web ad.

“Australian computer users are trying to do the right thing, but unfortunately are falling victim to some of this rogue security software,'' Strathdee warns.

”The person doesn't know the name of the company or brand, but they're tricked into installing this stuff inadvertently.”

'The damage done depends on the particular rogue security software. Some spruik more useless software to extract even more cash from victims.

Nastier stuff tries to steal your identity to rob you or pose as you to rob others. All keep your credit-card details.

MSE
Rogue security software is one reason Microsoft recently released its own free security software, called Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE).With Microsoft's new Windows 7 operating system hogging the limelight since hitting the shelves last week, MSE's release went largely unnoticed.

Described as “core anti-malware software'', Microsoft says MSE helps protect consumers against viruses, spyware and other malicious software.

MSE needs no registration, trials or renewals - just a PC running a genuine licensed version of Windows XP (SP2 or SP3), Windows Vista or Windows 7.

Asked if home computer users can confidently replace commercial security software with MSE, Strathdee replies: “Absolutely.''

There's no need to buy commercial software such as Kaspersky Labs Internet Security, Trend Micro Internet Security or Symantec's Norton 360 - programs that typically cost from $50 to $115 for a one-year licence.

“You still have to be careful and use common sense when on the internet, but certainly this product (MSE) is strong anti-virus and anti-malware protection,'' Strathdee says.

“It's built on the same technology we use in our commercial products for preventing viruses, worms, malware, and also has anti-rootkit (programs that can control your computer) technology.

“The fundamental difference is it doesn't include management packs and capabilities we put out in the commercial space, such as back-up, remote-control functionality and other extra features.''

Strathdee says the worst home security scenario is having no security software at all while browsing websites with Internet Explorer 6 on a PC running the Windows XP operating system.

If you're in that boat, Strathdee recommends updating from IE6 to IE8, installing MSE and, of course, Microsoft would be delighted if you paid to upgrade from XP to Windows 7.

Free security software from Microsoft - the same company that built the operating system and probably lots of other programs you're running, too - sounds like too good an offer to refuse, doesn't it?

Well, let's be ungrateful for a moment and look MSE in the mouth because other gift horses are champing at the bit.

AVG
Favourite among these is AVG Free, which extratech can recommend with confidence. The latest version - AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0 - was released less than two weeks ago.

AVG's Australian marketing manager Lloyd Borrett says more than 80 million PC users - including more than three million in Australia and New Zealand - are running AVG security products. He says Microsoft providing baseline protection with MSE is a good thing, but AVG Free is better.

“MSE is largely providing anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, but that's not where the threats are,'' Borrett says.

“Today most threats are delivered online. It's about when you browse to a poisoned web page, where the bad guys have put malware or links to malware on that page.

“The malware can be put on your PC if it's not properly protected just by visiting a poisoned page.''

He says AVG Free includes protection against rootkits and LinkScanner technology, which warns of security threats on web pages - including in search results from search engines such as Google and Bing.

“When you click on a link to view another page, the page is searched then and there for web exploits,'' Borrett says.

“If web exploits are detected, AVG Free puts up a warning suggesting you don't visit the page.''

He says AVG Free carries out a real-time check for threats on web pages, whereas MSE uses "blacklists'' and "whitelists'' to decide if a page is safe.

“Blacklists are never up to date because threats are transient. About 60 per cent are live for less than day, so you need a real-time solution.''