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What does Security Center do? Does it conflict with Verizon Security Suite?

What is Security Center?

Windows Security Center is a tool that is located in the Control Panel of your computer, usually with an icon also located in the computer’s system tray (near the clock). Within the Security Center, you will find links to various security-related tools as well as notifications that provide you with a snapshot of your computer’s security settings.

Security Center Tools

In the left side pane of Windows Vista Security Center you will find links to: Windows Update, Windows Firewall, Windows Defender, Internet Options, “Get latest security and virus information from Windows online,” and “Change the way Security Center alerts me.” Clicking on any of these links, launches the corresponding tool. For example if you want to run a spyware scan on your computer, launching the Security Center and then clicking the Windows Defender link is one way to accomplish this.

In the middle section you will see four security categories: Firewall, Automatic Updating, Malware Protection, and Other Security Settings. Each category is color coded and is expandable. If the category is green, then the security settings are at acceptable levels. A red category needs attention.

Compatibility with Verizon’s Security Suite

As long as Verizon Security Suite is compatible with your version of Windows, you shouldn’t have any problems with Security Center and your 3^rd party computer security software. Security Center is simply a collection of Windows components and alerts, not a standalone software application. It makes it easy for users to access the security-related tools.

Fake Security Center

However, before you get too comfortable with Security Center, be aware that malware developers and advertisers have created popup windows that look extremely similar to Security Center. The difference is that these windows contain so-called security alerts that prompt you to download and install a specific product. If a Security Center alert suddenly popups on your computer, be safe by going into the Control Panel and launching the real Security Center to make sure that you are looking at the real thing and not malware or an advertisement.

On the bottom bar of my screen, I have a red cross, saying “Warning you have security problems.” I have AVG antivirus. How do I get rid of this?

Windows Security Alerts

What you are seeing is a “Windows Security Alert” in your system tray area. It looks like a red shield with an “X” in it, correct? If you double-click the shield, the Windows Security Center window will open and you’ll be able to see the security recommendations that Microsoft suggests. Just having one security setting, such as the firewall, turned off will trigger this alert.

For example, many users find User Account Control annoying. User Account Control in Windows Vista is that nagging box that appears every time you want to make a change to your system. While it serves a purpose, it is a bit irritating to have to confirm every little change you make. If you have turned off User Account Control, you will see the red shield and Windows Security Alert warning in the system tray.

Likewise, if your firewall is turned off, you’ll be alerted. Clicking the alert is smart so that you can find out what’s going on with your system and make the necessary corrections.

If all looks good, buy you have User Account Control turned off, the red shield will continue to warn you unless you change the way Windows Security Center alerts you.

Fake Windows Security Alerts

Before I show you how to make the icon go away, I want to mention that fake Windows Security Alerts do exist. These imposters look remarkably like the real thing, only they prompt you to “upgrade” or “install” a particular product. Let’s make sure that you are seeing the real Windows Security Center in action. Does the alert prompt you to upgrade or purchase a specific product (which may sound remarkably similar to well known products)?  Or is the advice more general and geared toward your legitimate software or operating system utilities? One way to be sure is to go into the Control Panel and launching the Security Center directly from there.

Changing how Windows Security Center Alerts You

Once you’re sure that you don’t have an imposter and that the settings are just fine, if you want to get rid of the red shield, you can. For example, if you have User Account Control turned off and don’t want to see the warnings, you can change the way Security Center alerts you. Double-click the red shield icon and then choose the link that says, “Change the way Security Center alerts me.” You have three choices:

• Yes, notify me and display the icon
• Don’t notify me but display the icon
• Don’t notify me and don’t display the icon

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Fake Windows Security Alerts