Product FAQ

Q: Must the Promisec software be installed on a server?
A: No. It is possible to install the software on a server; however it is also possible to install it on any end-user station.

Q: What is required to run the software?
A: Administrator login authorizations for the station or server from which you are running Spectator.

Q: Is the Promisec product available as an Appliance or software only?
A: Promisec provides software-only product. This makes it very easy to install and can be located anywhere on the internal network. Promisec’s recommendation is to have it installed on an Administrator’s desktop or server for practical and security reasons.

Q: Are Promisec solutions designed to be located at the Gateway or in-line with the Gateway?
A: No. Promisec Spectator is NOT a gateway solution and should be installed in the SOC/NOC (Security/Network Operations Center) as part of the Administrator’s network management infrastructure.

Q: Does Promisec need to be integrated with other security applications or as part of any other security apparatus?
A: Promisec solutions are totally independent of all other security solutions that may be installed on the network. The system is complimentary to most other security solutions. Promisec is able to verify the availability and correct operation of other security solutions, clients and devices that may be disabled or tampered with in any way.

Q: If I have a Personal Firewall installed, can Promisec still operate on end-users’ stations and servers?
A: Yes. Promisec solutions can operate irrespective of whether Personal Firewall software is installed.

Q: Do I need to install something on the end-user’s station/server in order to run Promisec Spectator?
A: No, nothing needs to be installed.

Q: During the Inspection/Prevention process, does Promisec install something on the end-user’s station/server?
A: No. Promisec solutions function without out any installation on the end-user’s station/server.

Q: Is it necessary to install or purchase a DB server that will work with Promisec Spectator?
A: No. Promisec solutions are designed such that installing a DB server is not necessary.

Q: Will I have to specially configure the network or the computer environment in order for the program to adequately perform?
A: No. One of Promise’s outstanding advantages is its ability to adapt itself to an organization’s computer environment, so that it will not be necessary to make any changes in the existing configuration.

Q: If I have branches at remote locations, will it be possible to work with them as well.
A: Yes. Promisec can be operated from a central location and work with branches at remote locations as well, without overloading the network. In addition it is possible to install an additional consul in each remote location that will constantly send its reports (at the end of each inspection) to the central location at HQ.

Q: What is the User-Defined Module?
A: The User-Defined module is a powerful feature that gives the user the ability to inspect for additional specific items that are not included in the database provided with Promisec solutions by typing in the name of the item in plain English. These could be Service Packs or Patches that need to be present on each endpoint or new threats that have recently emerged and need detecting and eliminating.

Q: What can be done with the User Defined module?
A: This module allows the organization to evaluate any additional deviation from policy on end-users’ stations and servers in the organization.

For example:

  • A program was distributed to all the stations in the organization, and you would like to know where exactly this program was not installed, or where it was not correctly installed.
  • New information about a Trojan horse becomes available; Within seconds, you will be able to check and remove this threat (if it exists) from your organization, without any need to wait for any type of update from anti-virus software suppliers.
  • You have implemented a strict policy in the organization (for example GPO), and you want to make sure that the policy exists and is effective.

Q: What can be done with the Startup Monitor module?
A: The Startup Monitor module allows you to expose running commands and programs that pop up automatically when the computer is turned on, some of which could likely be exposed as threat programs of the “Back Door” type, Trojan horses, viruses, spyware, and keyloggers, etc..