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#Post#: 144--------------------------------------------------
The HOST file and Windows 8
By: Intelinside Date: January 11, 2013, 3:03 pm
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Those of you who know me will, I am sure, recall that nearly
every week I suggest that you should run a HOST file on your
system to prevent access to undesirable web sites .
I know I keep going on about this but if you don’t (even
accidently) visit dodgy web sites, or cannot click on adverts
that supply tracking cookies then the malware that can be
installed from these pages will not be allowed to enter your
system. Even better is the fact that if something should ever
get into the system from some software you downloaded or from
that suspect memory stick you borrowed then it cannot call home
as access to the web site is blocked. Anyway you’ve heard it all
before many times from me so read on…..
Now with the installation of windows 8 on my PC I have also
practiced what I preach, BUT, there is a problem!!!
Consider the following scenario:
You install Windows 8.
You change or install a new Hosts file to prevent users (or web
pages)from browsing to some websites.
You run a scan in Microsoft Windows Defender.
Microsoft Windows Defender detects the Hosts file has been
changed and immediately flags this as malware.
This issue occurs because Windows Defender may determine
incorrectly that the Hosts file was changed by malware, such as
adware or spyware. Typically, malware programs change the Hosts
file to redirect users to malicious websites. Therefore, Windows
Defender may detect the Hosts file as a security threat and
quarantine it there for rendering it usless.
To resolve this issue, exclude the Hosts file from scanning in
Windows Defender. To do this, follow these steps:
Open Windows Defender.
On the Settings tab, click Excluded files and locations.
Under File locations, click Browse.
Locate and then click the Hosts file.
Note By default, the Hosts file is located in the
%systemroot%\system32\drivers\etc folder.
Click Add, and then click Save changes.
Exit Windows Defender.
**Just to clear up any confusion ... Windows Defender in Windows
7 is a free program that helps you stay productive by protecting
your computer against pop-ups, slow performance and security
threats caused by spyware and other potentially unwanted
software.
In Windows 8, Windows Defender is an Antivirus program (formally
known as Microsoft Security Essentials)
*** The Host file works well even with the Free Apps that add a
bit of advertising into the tiles
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