What are Trusted sources?
Trusted Sources in Cybersecurity and Antivirus
In the context of cybersecurity and antivirus operations, the authenticity and integrity of such sources are vitally essential. In its simplest context, a trusted source can be a website that is widely recognized to have secured and encrypted measures for meeting data transfers and transactions. It is crucial to understand that no source can be considered wholly exempt from risk. Cyber-criminals often aim to pretend to be reputable entities. Unwary victims, assuming they are dealing with one of their trusted sources, might inadvertently download malware or reveal sensitive personal information.
In antivirus operations, a trusted source is a program, application, or website that the antivirus software treats as safe. That means the antivirus will not block or hinder any activities from sources it trusts. Hence, choosing a trusted source in antivirus software should be done carefully as it poses a potential vulnerability point if the trusted source is compromised.
Trusted sources should not be presumed as always safe. Trusted sources can become compromised, resulting in them being used as vehicles for delivering viruses. The concept of trusted sources is central to the fabric of cybersecurity and antivirus regimes, although intrinsically it may also be a conduit for cyber threats.
How do I identify a trusted source in cybersecurity and antivirus software?
Look for vendors with a proven track record of providing quality products and services. Also, do research on the vendor's reputation in the cybersecurity community and read reviews from other users. Additionally, ensure that the vendor is transparent about their security measures and regularly updates their software to stay ahead of emerging threats.
source: https://cyberpedia.reasonlabs.com/EN/trusted%20sources.html
The Trust Equation: Trustworthiness
Credibility
has to do with the words we speak. In a sentence we might say, “I can trust what she says about intellectual property; she’s very credible on the subject.”
Reliability
has to do with actions. We might say, “If he says he’ll deliver the product tomorrow, I trust him, because he’s dependable.”
Intimacy
refers to the safety or security that we feel when entrusting someone with something. We might say, “I can trust her with that information; she’s never violated my confidentiality before, and she would never embarrass me.”
Self-orientation
refers to the person’s focus. In particular, whether the person’s focus is primarily on him or herself, or on the other person. We might say, “I can’t trust him on this deal — I don’t think he cares enough about me, he’s focused on what he gets out of it.” Or more commonly, “I don’t trust him — I think he’s too concerned about how he’s appearing, so he’s not really paying attention.”
source: Understanding The Trust Equation by Trusted Advisor
Trust and trustworthiness are different. Trust is directed toward another person, object or organization. If that object is trustworthy, such as a sturdy chair, then that trust is well-placed. Trust also takes time. In the equation, reliability requires time to determine. Trust is also directed and limited. Trust is in some specific area, for example, trusting your doctor for medical advice is reasonable, given their credibility, but trusting them for financial advice is likely unwarranted.
Trust, in my opinion, is based on prejudicial bias (e.g., alignment of world view), past experience, trust in third-party recommendations, personal interaction, a sense of closeness or sharing things in common, and physical proximity. One group of people may hold a person or organization as a "trusted source" while another group of people distrust that same source. And some people are more trusting and others lean toward being skeptical. Trust is given in degrees. It increases or decreases through experience.
