Are W7's widgets still considered a security risk?

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by ratchet, Feb 1, 2013.

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  1. ratchet

    ratchet Registered Member

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    I like having the outside temperature there. Thank you!
     
  2. ronjor

    ronjor Global Moderator

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    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/personalize/gadgets

    I like this site. They don't miss anything weather related. http://www.wunderground.com/
     
  3. Rainwalker

    Rainwalker Registered Member

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  4. Kerodo

    Kerodo Registered Member

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    Hey, that's nice... Thanks for that one.. :)
     
  5. berryracer

    berryracer Suspended Member

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    I cannot do without the All CPU Meter Gadget and without Intel Turbo Boost. I don't care whatever security issues they may bring which I don't see serious to be honest. Bitdefender Antivirus Protects me well :)
     
  6. BoerenkoolMetWorst

    BoerenkoolMetWorst Registered Member

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    Which goes for any software, so as long you only use trusted gadgets, you should be fine imo.
     
  7. ratchet

    ratchet Registered Member

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    It's actually one of my tabbed bookmarks. I also have the Forecastfox extension so I have the temperature when Cyberfox is open. I haven't used the "underground" widget since the MS warning though. That is why I posed the question. I also have a weather station so I suppose I could move it's control panel next to my monitor.
     
  8. Mman79

    Mman79 Registered Member

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  9. safeguy

    safeguy Registered Member

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    We Have You by the Gadgets
    http://www.blackhat.com/usa/bh-us-12-briefings.html#Shkatov

    A Security Analysis of the Microsoft
    Windows Sidebar Gadget Platform (PDF file) here:
    -http://media.blackhat.com/bh-us-12/Briefings/Shkatov/BH_US_12_Shkatov_Kohlenberg_Blackhat_Have_You_By_The_Gadgets_WP.pdf-

    Recommended: Take a look at the PDF file, especially under "Gadget Security Model" and "Overview of attack surface"
     
  10. BoerenkoolMetWorst

    BoerenkoolMetWorst Registered Member

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    Thanks :)
     
  11. RonCam

    RonCam Registered Member

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  12. siljaline

    siljaline Registered Member

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    Desktop widgets and gadgets are an implied security risk. Many that were offered by MS are no longer available. Most if not all others do contain a hazard to your O/S.

    See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2719662 & KB's forward.


     
  13. moontan

    moontan Registered Member

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    my rule of thumb is not to install anything that can be done with what is already installed.

    in the case of weather i just check a weather website 4-5 times a day with my web browser.

    there must be a good reason why Microsoft decided to disable widgets in Win8...
     
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