Robert sent us the following clip of a news article he read, and, well, go ahead and read it first, then we’ll tell you what’s going to happen:
“Total Defense Collaborates with Facebook to Launch International Sites of AV MarketplaceExclusive offering provides free six months of Total Defense Anti-Virus to safeguard users worldwide from online dangers.
Redwood Shores, Calif., April 9, 2013 – Cloud security leader Total Defense, Inc. today announced its expanded partnership with Facebook to assist in the launch of the international sites of AV Marketplace to help safeguard users worldwide from cyber-criminals and online threats. Under this partnership, Total Defense will provide Facebook users six months of Total Defense Anti-Virus for free. The company will also remotely install and setup the software to ensure it is installed and configured correctly…”
Just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse, it got worse. Now, Facebook users are being offered something called Total Defense — which claims to be a virtual Swiss Army knife of security applications — to help keep you safe and sound. But…wait! There’s more.
Total defense is an EVERYthing suite: It includes anti-malware, anti-virus, parental controls, intrusion prevention, mobile security, online back-up and PC optimization. Total Defense was formerly known as CA Technologies, a company whose security suites could never seem to compete. And, a name change and adding more “features” to a suite won’t make it any better either.
So here’s the deal, and listen-up all you Facebook users… Total Defense will install free on Facebook users computers… for 6 months. And, six months later many of these people will either not update and be without protection, not understand how to remove it and install another antivirus and thus slow their systems down, or feel obligated to shell out the big bucks to actually buy something that, apparently Total Defense couldn’t sell with making a deal with Facebook.
Hmm… it also says that Facebook users “get it installed”..so I wonder if “they” uninstall prior protection? Sounds like they connect remotely. Just what people need, some man or woman from Total Defense connecting to their computers? Can you imagine the scams that will stem from this if Total Defense’s strategy works?
Your phone rings, and a heavily accented voice says…“Hello. I’m from Total Defense, and I’m here to install your FREE security suite for you…you heard about us on Facebook, right?”
What a can of worms this is going to open. Total Defense seems like it’s trying to be Norton on steroids…just what the home computer user needs. NOT!
If you use Facebook, please don’t fall for this. Total Defense will only slow down your system, and six months from now you’ll be either digging deep in you wallet to pay for it, or figuring out how to get rid of the darn thing.
That’s our take. What do you think?
OMG. First WOT, now this piece of crap. It truly is all about money. Facebook probaby gets a piece of the action for each sign-up. I don’t believe for a second that they really care whether I use an anti-virus program or not.
Man it hurts to continually be a target.
Thanks for the heads up on this! I am wondering if they will install this crap remotely without the user’s consent, or will it be offered as a “freebie”? And if they just install it, how will we know? And what can be done about this? I think there are some real serious issues here that people are going to have to consider.
I think if people would listen to you they would be ok and not have any problems, I dont think they realize what a good thing we have in you.
I wish Cloud Eight could make the money they will be getting.
I truly hate phony Facebook as it has ruined Photobucket, which changed EVERYTHING to accommodate FB. Not everyone adores Facebook. I see what people write on their walls and most of it is personal thoughts/feelings that should be kept private. Last week an acquaintance went on a drunken rant about her husband. Disgraceful! It’s truly the scourge of the internet with its privacy-stealing tactics. Who has hundreds of “friends” anyway? Most of these people are strangers who could care less about you.
My Colonial oath! Don’t have a bar of Total Defense. It sounds like a pile of old cobblers.
Well said, LaBonBon! Thanks for the update Cloud Eight. We love you guys!
I use Microsoft Security Essentials, works very well, it is free.
thank you for warning us about this,They can’t put it on without our permission right? just want to make sure.
Linda
I think if might be a good idea to reread the Facebook Terms of Use (or whatever they call it). Who knows what
they’ve added/removed. They get away without notifications, as do most who run websites. They say it’s “up to us” to keep checking. Ya Right!
They keep their crap wear, I am glad to have you guys on our side.
Thank you
Be wary of Geeks bearing gifts…