One of the biggest names in the security software and hardware industry, Sophos, has stated that, Microsoft’s decision to the lessen the impact of the User Account Control (UAC) in Windows 7 operating system has been very unwise. The highly intrusive and at times frustrating pop ups that were delivered in Windows Vista, whenever users installed a software in the systems, are now regarded as an essential safeguard that, can protect the computers from being infected by viruses, malware etc. However, with the growing user impatience, Microsoft decided to give the users, control of the UAC in Windows 7, thereby opening venues for malicious software that can cause harm to computers.

In an experiment carried out by Sophos to test the reliability of the User Account Control in Windows 7, the company introduced ten samples of malware, mainly Trojan Horses into system running Window 7 and no anti virus software. The results of this experiment have sparked a big debate as to why Microsoft had to provide UAC to the users when it had literally no effect in controlling compromised software that greatly harm computers? When the Trojans were run in the system, two out of the ten malware were immediately rejected by Windows 7, due to non compatibility. But, out of the other eight samples. Only managed to get a response from the UAC and the other seven continued to run in the system and create all sorts of software related troubles.

According to Chester Wisniewski (Senior Security Advisor, Sophos PLC),

“UAC was neutered too much by Microsoft. UAC is really not protecting users properly. Frankly, people should turn it back into the more aggressive mode, like Vista. And if you find it annoying, you might just as well turn it off, because otherwise it’s not doing any good.”

Via Computer World.