Prevx and Privacy

I would say keep away from software which contains the "Privacy Policy" of this sort or similar, even if they change hair;

Typical "confidence trick" , "the individual is involved (with own data) to big deal ("Internet is to be saved from destruction by misuse and crime")", wow!

Greatest teacher in the field once said:

 

PrevxHelp, why do you anticipate that the number of Prevx users will "surge" in the coming months?

Assuming the prediction does prove to be true, in a few months when you have substantially more Prevx users, the damage done to the quality of the community threat database through users wishing to opt-out will be lessened. At that time, will Prevx once again allow users the option of not contributing information from their PC to the community threat database?

 

We have some announcements coming soon The problem with opt-out has already been discussed - if we don't store the data, then every "opt'd-out" user has to come back to the database every time about every file with all of the information. This introduces a major drag on the user's system and on our database and is detrimental to everyone. The fact still remains that if you don't agree with our model, you should not install our software.

 

PrevxHelp, I see that the case is closed on the possibility of offering the users of Prevx a choice on whether they wish to participate in the community threat database. Fortunately, some of the competition (e.g., the McAfee Artemis solution) do have an architecture which permits a user to opt-out, which is respectful of the concept of "customer choice," in my opinion. Such competitive pressures may, eventually, cause Prevx to reconsider its position on this issue (?).

What’s your perspective, however, on the other suggestions I offered in post #50:

2. Create a “privacy log” on each user’s PC. I know that Symantec allows users who participate in their Norton Community Watch (with 20-25 million opt-in members) to view a log containing all information that has been transmitted to the community database. Does Prevx create a similar log for users to inspect?

3. Modify the Prevx privacy policy. At the risk of being repetitive, readers of this thread should note that the Prevx EULA states: “This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between us in connection with the licensing of the Prevx Software and supersedes and extinguishes all prior agreements, negotiations and discussions in relation to it.” Note the overt denial of augmenting the privacy policy through “discussions.” This is why, PrevxHelp, your comments in this thread about the complete enumeration of what information is collected by Prevx—plus the explicit statement that only executables are uploaded—need to be included within the privacy policy statement. Otherwise, your well-intended explanations and clarifications simply have no bearing on the privacy of a Prevx user, unfortunately.

4. Demonstrate that Prevx is serious about privacy. Hire a Chief Privacy Officer, create an internal privacy council, and join and become active in the International Association of Privacy Professionals and other similar organizations.

5. Become a privacy leader. Create a point of differentiation from your anti-virus competition through leadership in the privacy realm. Rather than “typical” or "adequate" levels of privacy—make yours outstanding, make it a priority, and highlight that fact on the home page of your website.​

 

I have a question. At what point does this come to a end. Dont get me wrong, but I can swing left and right, and never hit dead center. And that, is where I think this debate resides.

 

And I thought I was the only one getting bored by this endless nit picking
If you don't like it, don't use it - you have a choice.

 

Many of my thoughts were:

1)Some people need a hobby,instead of worrying so much!

2)You have a choice in installing software.Dont like it,uninstall it and try something else! Dont sit around for days on end wondering if you made a right move or not.

3) Alot of you are lookin for that 100% all secure setup,and the paranoia drives you nuts,so you feel the need to ask question after question to make your conscious feel better. Hate to tell you,the only way you'll ever be 100% safe,is if you shut the computer off!

Stop the nonsense people!

 

Ever heard of the D.I.S.C. model? I am quite sure this whole topic leans to the "C" compliance category. The different models here make it quite interesting.

 

I agree the horse has been whipped enough in this race! As I said before I will continue to use and support Prevx!!

TH

 

Hello,
I have discussed your points with our CEO and we have some responses to your input:

All of the data submitted by a computer can currently be viewed in the MyPrevx console (http://my.prevx.com) if the user has signed up with their license key to use the console. Unless the user is signed up with MyPrevx or if they are a user of our eSAC eCommerce Security product coming from a financial institution, all data is stored completely anonymously with no chance of identifying the PC it originated from. The main reason why we store data is because of MyPrevx, a feature which a very large population of our users take advantage of. This is the only link to identify the data to a computer (and the link is inherent in the concept of MyPrevx).

We have forwarded this onto our lawyers and they will be tightening down the product EULA as well as the MyPrevx EULA to ensure clarity in the data which we collect. The updated EULAs will be released shortly (not in the new v3.0.1.65 release but soon in a subsequent release).

We do take a very serious stance about privacy and while we don't have dedicated privacy staff, all of our documents are filed in the UK and we abide to the restrictions from the Data Protection Act.

The act of using a computer comes at a cost to privacy but the risk to the security of that computer is far greater and additionally, the risk to privacy increases as the risk to security decreases. We are taking as many measures as possible to quell any privacy concerns without harming the user experience. While we won't have an opt-out function, unless intentionally chosen otherwise, all data is stored completely anonymously and encrypted at all layers of transmission so we feel that we are setting an example. Additionally, unlike many other AVs, we don't require users to sign up with an email address to download the trial - leaving no means for us to tie data back to an individual. We also eliminate any personal traces or non-threat-related data at all possible points; it is a waste of effort and an increase in operating costs to not do so.

We are always open to any suggestion and very interested in input from the community. Please let us know if you have any other thoughts about how we can make our products work better for the users, either via the forum, private messages to me, or via our support inbox.

 

PrevxHelp, I am sincerely impressed. I hope that you found my questions and suggestions in this thread to be of value, and I also hope that some members of the Wilders community have found the dialog to be beneficial.

In the spirit of professionalism, I will consider your prior post to be the “last word” in this thread, until such time as Prevx has additional information to share about enhancements to its users’ privacy.

With best wishes,
Pleonasm