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| title = What is the process for disputing my site's rating?
| title = What is the process for disputing my site's rating?
| url = http://www.siteadvisor.com/disputeresolution.pdf
| url = http://www.siteadvisor.com/disputeresolution.pdf
| accessdate = 2009-01-31 }}</ref> In the event that a perceived threat is removed from a site the sites rating will return to Green through a process called 'ageingout'. Depending on the nature of the threat this process can take from 10 days to a year after the site is re-crawled, no strict timetable is provided.<ref>{{cite web
| accessdate = 2009-01-31 }}</ref> In the event that a perceived threat is removed from a site the site's rating will return to Green through a process called 'ageingout'. Depending on the nature of the threat this process can take from 10 days to a year after the site is re-crawled, no strict timetable is provided.<ref>{{cite web
| title = How long does it take for my site rating to change? Can I ask to be re-tested more quickly?
| title = How long does it take for my site rating to change? Can I ask to be re-tested more quickly?
| url = http://www.siteadvisor.com/ratings_escalation.pdf
| url = http://www.siteadvisor.com/ratings_escalation.pdf

Revision as of 15:38, 26 March 2009

McAfee SiteAdvisor
Developer(s)McAfee
Initial releaseApril 2005
Operating systemCross-platform
Websitehttp://www.siteadvisor.com/

SiteAdvisor is an Internet service that warns users when downloading software or filling out forms on a web site that may make them victims of malware or spam. The service was originally provided by SiteAdvisor, Inc, an MIT startup[1] first presented at CodeCon on February 10, 2006[2] and acquired by McAfee[3] on April 5, 2006.


SiteAdvisor Plus

A paid version of McAfee SiteAdvisor, McAfee SiteAdvisor Plus, has extra features. The functionality of SiteAdvisor can be accessed either through a Browser Plugin or by submitting a URL to the website.

Extra features of McAfee SiteAdvisor

  • Rates email and IM links
  • Indicates sites potentially harmful to your computer
  • Alerts users to possibles phishing and identity theft scams
  • Redirects you away from red and yellow sites (if protected mode is enabled).

Criticism

False positives

SiteAdvisor has received criticism for incorrectly flagging web sites with a caution or warning label.[4][5][6]

Communication and Accountability

In the event of a positive result website owners are not contacted. Although a dispute resolution service does exist, the final decision rests with McAfee.[7] In the event that a perceived threat is removed from a site the site's rating will return to Green through a process called 'ageingout'. Depending on the nature of the threat this process can take from 10 days to a year after the site is re-crawled, no strict timetable is provided.[8]

Awards

  • Time magazine named SiteAdvisor.com among the 50 coolest websites of 2005.[9]
  • Popular Science awarded SiteAdvisor the "Best of What's New" award in the Computing category for 2006.[10]
  • PC World ranked SiteAdvisor at #15 in "The 100 Best Products of 2007."[11]

References

  1. ^ "McAfee acquires MIT startup SiteAdvisor at Digital..."
  2. ^ "CodeCon 2006 Program".
  3. ^ Dixon, Chris (2006-09-05). "Taking SiteAdvisor to the Next Level". Retrieved 2006-09-05.
  4. ^ "Malware Advisor". Retrieved 2008-04-16.
  5. ^ "McAfee SiteAdvisor gives PCmag.com yellow warning rating". Retrieved 2008-04-16.
  6. ^ "McAfee SiteAdvisor gives Bitsum Technologies a RED rating due to false alarm on developer utility". Retrieved 2008-12-01.
  7. ^ "What is the process for disputing my site's rating?" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-01-31.
  8. ^ "How long does it take for my site rating to change? Can I ask to be re-tested more quickly?" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-01-31.
  9. ^ "SiteAdvisor's entry in Time's 50 coolest websites of 2005". Retrieved 2006-10-13.
  10. ^ "SiteAdvisor's entry in Popular Science's Best of What's New 2006". Retrieved 2007-04-20.
  11. ^ "PC World's list of "The 100 Best Products of 2007"". Retrieved 2007-05-23.