Some more BitDefender free tools

[EsoxLucius]

We've been working on two separate free tools lately, tools that can also be found in BD IS 2009 or BD TS 2009. The tools are for all Windows x86

BitDefender Anti-Phishing Free Edition (x86)

http://download.bitdefender.com/windows/desktop/antiphishing/final/en

BitDefender Chat Encryption (x86)

http://download.bitdefender.com/windows/desktop/chatencryption/final/en

Now give us some opinions on these two ;D

[tipstir]

Are these CMD under Windows or true GUI API-32-bit Apps?

[m00nbl00d]

Thanks for the tips.

The download for http://download.bitdefender.com/windows/desktop/chatencryption/final/en/ is missing. ;)

[EsoxLucius]

GUI 32b; Integrated (toolbar) in IExplore and Firefox for phishing and integrated Encryption for latest Y! Messenger and latest MSN.

The only problem is that the files aren't available right now because of an update delay. ::) The problem should be solved in a couple of minutes. ;)

[tipstir]

-{ Quote: "GUI 32b; Integrated (toolbar) in IExplore and Firefox for phishing and integrated Encryption for latest Y! Messenger and latest MSN.

The only problem is that the files aren't available right now because of an update delay. ::) The problem should be solved in a couple of minutes. ;)" }-

Keep us posted when it's working correctly...

[m00nbl00d]

Bad move BitDefender... The anti-phishing toolbar uses Ask.com search engine.

No opt-in. No opt-out.

[tipstir]

-{ Quote: "Bad move BitDefender... The anti-phishing toolbar uses Ask.com search engine.

No opt-in. No opt-out." }-

You got to be kidding right? What the heck? I don't use browser toolbars I think that's a waste Foxit Pdf reader 2.3 had tried the same to install the Ask.com crap.

No I am out too.. delete..

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "You got to be kidding right? What the heck? I don't use browser toolbars I think that's a waste Foxit Pdf reader 2.3 had tried the same to install the Ask.com crap.

No I am out too.. delete.." }-

No, I'm not kidding.

During installation there was no warning that Ask.com (in this case) was going to be installed (And no opt-in or opt-out, of course.).
I opened Internet Explorer 8 in my virtual machine and there was a settings option, but, I couldn't open it, at all. I have no idea if in those settings feature something would be there to untick the Ask.com search. I doubt about it, actually.

But, since I couldn't open those settings, I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. But, even if its like that, its unforgivable to force users to install Ask.com.

Shame!

If the guys of BitDefender want to bundle some toolbar, do it, but do it in a way that users can opt-in!

I guess there's nothing such as a free lunch.

[m00nbl00d]

The EULA also does not provide information on what information is sent to BitDefender and IAC (Ask.com).

[EsoxLucius]

Maybe we rushed it a little and I'm sure we will include all the necessary information ASAP. I don't know if the search box from ask.com will ever be removed though or if anyone could opt-in on it.

The ask box is optional in a way though because it won't hijack your default search engine/box in any browser.

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "Maybe we rushed it a little and I'm sure we will include all the necessary information ASAP. I don't know if the search box from ask.com will ever be removed though or if anyone could opt-in on it.

The ask box is optional in a way though because it won't hijack your default search engine/box in any browser." }-

I didn't test it more, but, could you let me know if it works similar to how Yahoo! toolbar in AVG LinkScanner works, as in, if I search on www.google.com, it will intercept my search as well? That's bad, because, the search will be sent to Ask.com, as well, no?

Can you also confirm that BitDefender toolbar is not a masked Ask.com toolbar? (I'm not trying to be rude, just trying to know more about it.)

I understand that BitDefender needs revenue to maintain the anti-phishing toolbar freely for users, but, users should have the freedom to decide whether or not they want to have that search engine on their browser. Because, even if they don't use it, as it is now, they're being imposed to install it, if they wish to use this protection.

What BitDefender people should ask themselves is: Would we like to someone else to impose us something we wouldn't want?

I also understand that a deal has been done with IAC, and that if BitDefender steps back, money will be lost (as in, not earned, and as in, sued(?)).
But, maybe this is something you guys should have considered before such agreement.

I just don't understand why people always bend over to IAC? Why not Google? Yahoo!?
So far, from all security vendors that have done, and that I know of, only AVG has picked the Yahoo! toolbar and their users don't have to install to be protected.

I'm not against the including of a toolbar or, in this case, a search engine; I am against the way it is done.

A security vendor should know better. If the user can't trust them, who will he/she trust? The bad guys? :(

Best regards

[EsoxLucius]

What I can confirm is:

- This is not a masked ask toolbar, it is a BitDefender toolbar with and added search box (in this case ask)

- No search, browsing habits, browsing history is captured and sent anywhere.

- The ask.com search box is mentioned in the first step of the installation.

- The choice regarding what toolbar to use is not mine to make and I can't really say why IAC. :)

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "What I can confirm is:

- This is not a masked ask toolbar, it is a BitDefender toolbar with and added search box (in this case ask)

- No search, browsing habits, browsing history is captured and sent anywhere.

- The ask.com search box is mentioned in the first step of the installation.

- The choice regarding what toolbar to use is not mine to make and I can't really say why IAC. :)" }-

Yes, I'm aware that it alerts it will install Ask.com search engine, but, that is not the same as giving freedom to choose whether or not to install it. Different realities, I'm afraid.

Regards

[FluxGFX]

Hi Guys,

I can confirm that the added toolbar only permits you to use the search engine pointing to ASK. It does not change any function to your browser or how you have it setup.

Technically if BitDefender wanted to they could just remove the box and or add an option on it to hide it.

No issues found while running with it for 4hrs.

cheers.

[m00nbl00d]

Could you let us know when new "cleansed" versions come out? ;)

[hayc59]

another one added to the list

Products with Ask Toolbar
http://www.calendarofupdates.com/updates/index.php?act=calendar&cal_id=1&code=showevent&event_id=44516

[Longboard]

Oh no
Not another sell out.
Congratulations to Ask.com >:(

@EsoxLucius: what a sham.
Where is the eula for Ask.com?
Learn nothing from Symantec debacle?
Been watching what comodo has done and reaped?
What are you guys thinking?
Recent dl of Bit AV2009 set for trial: wiped.
@EsoxLucius: would you mind changing the title of the thread to "BitDefender's newfree tools now with Ask.com search by default"
Thanks.
Go Donna.
Over and out.

[progress]

What about free real-time protection in BitDefender Antivirus Free? That would be a great addition :P