Haute Secure

The Internet can be a dangerous place. Especially for those users who do not care but simply use the computer. A click on the wrong website and the computer can be infected with malicious software. Security Software tries to turn the tide in the favor of the user by blocking malicious content automatically. This works pretty well in most cases.

Haute Secure is one of those solutions. It is a toolbar for Microsoft Internet Explorer and Firefox and the same solution that is build into Opera 9.5. This one makes use of P2P technology to fight malicious content on the Internet. If one user reaches a website that poses a threat all other Haute Secure users will receive those update information and be warned as well when they visit it.

Haute Secure uses three layers of protection: Threat warnings and reputation ratings, Dynamic data protection and Community Contribution.

Haute Secure makes use of in-house and third-party blocklists (like Spamhouse and Phishtank) and combines them in a very effective list of blocked websites. Users of the toolbar can vote if a website is reputable which is separate from the blockslists.

My main problem with Haute Secure is the toolbar approach. I’m pretty much allergic to toolbars and do not want to install them. It could be a valid option for users who feel insecure on the Internet though.