| Author |
Message |
|
madboutpoker
Joined: Wed Apr 01, 2009 6:10 am
Posts: 2
|
 Security of Software
Hi All.
I am quite new to the online poker scene and have been overwhealmed by the amount of software available to help with odds calculations.
I was just wondering how secure these software are?
They are able to attach to out open tables and read our hole cards. Whats to stop the software from sending the information out to a user that has programed the software to do so?
I guess I am really paranoid after only just reading the Ultimate Bet/Absolute Poker scandal.
Has this topic been discussed before?
I would like to have some peace of mind before I attach tournament indicator or the likes to my live tables.
John
|
| Wed Apr 01, 2009 6:16 am |
 |
 |
|
Kugr84
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:46 am
Posts: 317
|
Re: Security of Software
Generally you only want to install software that comes from a reputable software provider, or that is open source and has been checked by a professional for malicious code.
You should also be sure to never, ever install pirated poker software. Nearly all of these pirated versions contain key loggers or trojans that will be used to steal your poker account passwords.
All of the software that we review here we have installed on our own computers without any issues. I can personally recommend the Indicator line of products (Holdem Indicator, Omaha Indicator, Tournament Indicator) as being worth checking out.
|
| Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:55 am |
 |
|
|
Fox
Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:25 pm
Posts: 108
|
Re: Security of Software
I can't guarantee anything because I am not a computer security expert, but I check out every program that I review very carefully, and I have never found a reputable licensed version of any of the products we have reviewed to contain malicious or dangerous software.
If you are downloading a program you don't know about there is always a risk, especially, as KUGR mentioned, if the software is pirated. If you are interested in something we have not reviewed, please let us know about it and we'll check it out, we are always looking for new software to review.
Any server can be infected with a virus, worm, or trojan, so even a reputable program can end up with a trojan coming along for the ride with the download and infecting your computer if you aren't careful. I actually got a virus once when I was just on Google! The best thing to do to stay safe from that sort of attack is to keep good anti-virus software, update it often and run a full machine scan once a week. If you download anything, and I mean anything from a picture of Aunt Martha that your mom sent to the newest hit single from some boy band I probably hate, scan it with your anti-virus software before you open it.
|
| Thu Apr 02, 2009 4:29 pm |
|
|
|
Kugr84
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:46 am
Posts: 317
|
Re: Security of Software
I would recommend daily virus scans and weekly malware scans with Spybot Search & Destroy and AdAware. Your anti-virus software should also do real time protection.
|
| Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:08 am |
|
|
|
madboutpoker
Joined: Wed Apr 01, 2009 6:10 am
Posts: 2
|
Re: Security of Software
Thanks guys for the heads up. I have both Hold em and tournament indicator. Fantastic products... and licenced  Was just a little worried about the AB scandal.
|
| Sun Apr 05, 2009 2:26 am |
|
|
|
Fox
Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:25 pm
Posts: 108
|
Re: Security of Software
The AP and UB scandals are certainly cause for concern, but those were caused by security holes in the software itself and weakness in the security team at those sites, rather than by third party software or virus issues. To avoid things like being cheated, ply only at large secure sites, don't play too much with one person who is beating you, and don't play nosebleed stakes where there is enough money to interest potential cheaters.
|
| Sun Apr 05, 2009 2:48 pm |
|
|
|
Kugr84
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:46 am
Posts: 317
|
Re: Security of Software
The Isle of Man really seems to have their stuff together with regard to the gambling industry, and appears to be the best licensing organization as far as reputation goes. If you stick to sites that are licensed by the "Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission" you will always know that at least there is a governing body you can go to with complaints.
Publicly traded companies are also probably a better bet than private ones, as they will have open books and there should be some advanced warning signs if they are having trouble.
|
| Mon Apr 06, 2009 11:25 am |
|
|
|
