In a time, where every anti-virus softwares need a broadband connection for its update process, sub-broadband speed of 44 kbps is considered to be a hindrance. Does this mean lower Internet speed compromises security? Let’s find out in this brief article.

Given a choice to us, we all expect Internet connection to work at the speed of light. Since this is far from reality at-least in near future, we all will have to be contented with the standard broadband connection. Today the reality is that most  in rural areas are using sub-broadband connection speed of 44 kbps, only a few of them in urban areas have access to broadband Internet connection with an average speed of 256 kbps.

Online Update

Nowadays, there are a number of anti-virus softwares that needs online update process to keep its database of virus signatures to be updated frequently to scan and cure the computer effectively. In order to update its database containing the various signatures of viruses, a process known as “Online Update” is very much essential. I pre-assume that most of you using the latest anti-virus and Internet connection would be familiar with this process.

Most of the latest anti-virus softwares namely Norton AntiVirus 2010, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010, AVG Anti-Virus 9.0, ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4 and others need tons of data to update its database. For example, if you purchase a new ESET NOD32 version 4 anti-virus from a reseller having an old stock, the virus signatures in that pack are updated till May 2009. If a fresh installation of this anti-virus is made with an Internet speed of 25 to 35 kbps, then the online update process tries to update its database from June 2009 to December 2009 i.e. 6 months. The virus signature database for a period of 6 months is approximately 21 MB of data. If we assume the average speed of the Internet is 30 kbps, then it would take atleast 1 hour of time to complete the update process. Similarly for Norton AntiVirus 2010, the time taken for updating using a connection of 30 or 40 Kbps is far from reality. With frequent disconnections, in a sub-broadband connection with a speed of 30 kbps, it is highly unlikely to install the anti-virus updates successfully.

Automatic Updates

For any anti-virus software to work effectively, it is very much essential to turn “ON” the “Automatic Updates” option under the Control Panel of Windows XP operating system. When you turn on Automatic Updates, Windows routinely checks the Windows Update website for security updates that can help protect your computer from the latest viruses and other security threats. These updates can include security updates, critical updates, and service packs. Depending on the setting you choose, Windows automatically downloads and installs any high-priority updates that your computer needs, or notifies you as these updates become available.

While some of the updates from Microsoft update server are small in size and takes less time, some of the important and major security updates are huge in data size and takes quite a time. For example, if the update is of 25 MB of data, it takes about an hour or more on a computer with an Internet speed of 30 kbps.

The Ground Reality

As we have found that by using slower Internet connection, “Online Update” process of various anti-virus softwares and “Auto Updates” process from Microsoft indeed slows down the security system of your computer. This compromises the very security of your computer being subjected to various blended and malicious attacks from the hackers.

Today as the Information Technology becomes more advanced, faster systems with faster computers, Internet modems, routers and other devices are being flooded into the market. Hence vendors like Microsoft, Dell, Cisco and others are forcing their way into the market with greater vigor and competitive mindset. One of their strategies is to tie up the security solutions to other modules of their broad range of products. This in turn forces the end-users to opt for the latest hardware devices along with the latest anti-virus or other security solutions software.

It is no wonder that I often ask myself the question—“As a end-user, do I have the option of retaining my anti-virus software relatively with a slower Internet connection?” Well, as far as the answer is concerned, I’am sure that the same question would be running in others mind as well. As of now, we leave this question to the so called vendors having global visionary goals.

—By: R. Manoj. The author is an Assistant Editor at Fanatic Media, Bangalore. He is also an Independent Researcher, specializing in Computer System Security. He has an active interest in designing security algorithms for securing mission critical systems. He can reached at infosecurity@fanaticmedia.com