Top 5 Best Anti Virus Software

Avast Antivirus Software - image resource avast.com

Avast: A Czech computer-technology innovator developed a program called “AntiVirus Advanced SeT” or Avast. They knew that a good antivirus is necessary which is dependable, fast, reasonably sized, and unobtrusive. An antivirus should scan and update automatically. It should provide an occasional reminder that it works. Avast is unique. 

Kaspersky: This antivirus is known for exposing, analyzing and neutralizing IT threats. Kaspersky Lab is rated as one of the world’s top four leading IT security software vendors for endpoint users (according to IDC). They have an innovative distributed malware control system.  Kaspersky also uses an integrated solution for optimised home network protection. They have a security and user-friendly reliable solution that protects mobile devices from network attacks, malware targeting mobile platforms and SMS spam.



Avira: A leading German security specialist, they provide cross-system protection of networks on various levels. Avira adapts to the current security requirements of the users. Avira is one of the world’s first ever products with dialer detection. This dialer detection was very quickly followed by the detection and removal of adware and spyware. They include the detection of already active root kits. The introduction of a firewall and behaviour blockers is a milestone for avira.The have added the development of various new special scanning technologies, for PDAs, handheld and embedded devices.

AVG: For business security, AVG provides AVG Internet Security Business Edition 2011, for home security it provides AVG Internet Security 2011, for free edition it gives basic protection for surfing, searching and social networking. The home security provides security from social networking protection for popular sites like Facebook. The basic free edition provides Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware. The business provides vital security for your small or medium-sized business. Protecting laptops, PCs, file servers and email servers, all in one easy-to-install package.

K7: K7 provides antivirus protection with the fastest scanner which is easy to install with user-friendly interface and small footprint that ensures optimum PC Performance. It ensures protection against known and unknown web threats. Also ensures safer internet and Wi-Fi connectivity. K7 helps in safe and secure online banking. It protects your personal and confidential information and protection against phishing attacks.

System Tool Virus Removal – Microsoft Issues Guidelines

An obscure fault in Microsoft’s Adware and spyware Protection Program could result in a susceptability whenever the actual application executes a computer virus diagnostic, as reported by Microsoft’s security advisory.


In the course of a scan, the core fails to digest a specially constructed Registry value correctly

This in turn could very well allow an hacker to elevate their system access from restricted to admin stage to implement passcode and from there tamper with data, generate different data with the help of full user rights or install programs.

Microsoft says the offending mpengine.dll is part of Windows Live OneCare, Microsoft Security Essentials, Windows Defender, Forefront Client Security, Forefront Endpoint Protection and the Malicious Software Removal Software.

All variations up to 1.1.6502.0 are vulnerable.

The weakness has yet to be observed in the wild and will be repaired instantly at the next patching opportunity, Microsoft explained. Meanwhile a physical fix may be downloaded from Microsoft’s site.




Resource - http://ozute.com/system-tool-virus-removal-microsoft-issues-guidelines/224632/

Microsoft fixes A Security Bug In Its Virus-Scanner

IDG News Service - Microsoft has patched a bug in its malware scanning engine that could be used as a stepping stone for an attacker looking to seize control of a Windows box.

The bug is fixed in an update to the Microsoft Malware Protection Engine that was pushed out to users of Microsoft's security products on Wednesday. It's what's known as an elevation of privilege vulnerability -- something that could be used by an attacker who already has access to the Windows system to gain complete administrative control.

Microsoft hasn't seen anyone take advantage of the bug yet -- the flaw was reported to the company by security researcher Cesar Cerrudo -- but Microsoft thinks that hackers could develop code that reliably exploits the issue.

In an instant message interview, Cerrudo, the CEO of security research firm Argeniss, said he disclosed the bug publicly at the Black Hat security conference in July 2010. But because the hacker would already need have access to the machine to pull off this attack, he doesn't believe that it presents a major security risk to most users.

"This vulnerability could be exploited remotely, for instance on Internet Information Server, but the attacker will need to be able to upload an execute code on IIS," he said. "Sites that allow users to upload Web pages, they are more at risk."

Microsoft rates the issue as "important."

An attacker could take advantage of the flaw by changing a Windows registry key to a special value, which would then be processed by the malware engine at its next scan.

This would be useful if the criminal was already on a machine that had locked-down user privileges. "An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code... and take complete control of the system," Microsoft said in a security advisory, released Wednesday. "An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights."

The issue is fixed in Version 1.1.6603.0 of the Malware Protection Engine, which is used in Windows Live OneCare, Microsoft Security Essentials, Windows Defender, Forefront Client Security, Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010, and the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool.

Consumers should get the fix automatically as part of Microsoft's monthly update to its malware scanner.

This isn't the first time that Microsoft has found bugs in its security software. It reported bugs in the Malware Protection Engine back in 2007 and 2008.

Avast Antivirus 6.0 Combats Trojans With Virtualization

NEW DELHI: Security firm Panda has launched Panda Antivirus Pro 2011 provides the users something more than what a simple antivirus does.

Panda Antivirus Pro 2011 assures protection against all kinds of viruses, spyware, root kits, hackers and online fraud, claims the company.

The key features of Panda Antivirus Pro 2011 include antivirus and firewall protection. In addition to this the solution also showcases a Multimedia and Gaming Mode, Home Network Manager plus a Safe Browser to surf the internet without any worries.

Speaking on the launch of the product, Yoke Mon Chin, Marketing Director, APAC Panda Security says, "The cyber-crime black market, which was traditionally centered on distributing bank and credit card details stolen from users around the world, diversified its business model in 2010, and now sells a much broader range of hacked confidential information including bank credentials, log-ins, passwords, fake credit cards and more.

But, Panda's Antivirus Pro 2011 assures safer and faster use of internet through its Collective Intelligence Technology".

Android Search Engine Manipulation Trojan Dissected

A rash of Google Android malware has appeared in recent weeks, causing one security researcher to dissect how one nasty piece of code, Android.Adrd - a search engine manipulation trojan - functions, and compare it to another piece of malware, Android.Geinimi.

According to Takashi Katsuki, a security researcher with Symantec Asia-Pacific, Android.Adrd is unique in being the first Android operating system trojan whose purpose is search engine manipulation.

Propagation of Adrd and Geinimi, he says, is via pirated software, which allows the author to 'trojanise' the Android device and so deliver malicious content on top of clean content.

"Both threats register themselves to run at boot time. Android.Adrd also registers itself when a phone call is made or network connectivity settings are changed", he says in his latest security blog.

And here's where it gets interesting as Android.Geinimi opens a back door on a device and has more than 20 functions, such as making calls, sending text messages, and stealing sensitive information.

"On the other hand, Android.Adrd is very basic in comparison. When Android.Adrd is running, it receives a collection of strings from a remote server and then repeatedly performs search operations in the background (i.e. not visible to the user)", he says.

Katsuki claims that the search operations of the malware are made through HTTP requests in the following format:

wap.baidu.com/s?word=[ENCODED SEARCH STRING] &vit=uni&from=[ID]

Interestingly, he says, the immediate goal of these requests is to boost the site ranking of a Chinese mobile website via the popular Fas Eastern Baidu traffic union programme.

The HTTP requests result, he adds, in many artificial 'searches' for the terms supplied by the trojan's author(s), so artificially increasing the mobile site's ranking in the Baidu search engine's 'recommended sites' listings for certain search terms.

And so on to the money trail, which is where the hackers behind the trojans generate their revenue.

Android.Adrd, says Katsuki, doesn't beat about the bush, as its primary intent is search engine manipulation/click fraud from a mobile device.

"To make sure the threat is continuously productive, the creators have even gone to the extent of adding routines to identify the connection method being used (WiFi or 3G access)", he says.

The interesting twist here, adds the Symantec researcher, is that fraudulent apps running on mobile devices have an advantage in that they can switch between connection methods - which can help them evade fraudulent click-checking mechanisms.

"In contrast, there currently is no definitive financial motive that can be attributed to Android.Geinimi", he notes.

"Even though Android.Adrd does not appear to be hugely complex, one should bear in mind that it includes an update function that allows the attacker to update and modify functionality or behaviour when required. Given this, please ensure that your mobile device antivirus product is up to date", he concludes.

The Best Options To Protect Your Computer From Trojans Viruses & Spywares

When it comes to anti-virus software for your computer, most experts agree you need it if you have the Windows operating system and often go online. Some of the options:

Free software

Popular free products include Avira AntiVir Personal, AVG Anti-virus Free Edition, Avast! Free Antivirus and Microsoft's own Security Essentials. Be aware that many free products, while good at what they do, are essentially a marketing tool to persuade you to buy the same brand's paid version. Microsoft is an exception. It has no upsell.

Some reviewers claim the free anti-virus software might be all you need. Consumer Reports, for example, says free products are "fine for most people."

Where to find some of the free products:

• Avira: www.avira.com

• AVG: free.avg.com

• Avast!: www.avast.com

Microsoft Calls for "Collaborative Defense" Against Internet Threats

Just as doctors and national health organizations work to educate about and prevent health risks, Microsoft (News  - Alert) wants to encourage companies to work together to prevent a different type of risk- cyber warfare.


During a keynote speech delivered at the RSA Security (News  - Alert)  Conference this week, Scott Charney, Microsoft’s corporate vice president for Trustworthy Computing, discussed the dangers of Internet and PC security in today’s cyber age and how a “collective defense” needs to be developed to fight these problems.

“When cyber threats first started emerging in the ‘80s and ‘90s it was about individual defense,” Charney said. “… Individual defense is helpful but, of course, it’s not enough. Collective defense is better than individual defense.”

Charney said that Microsoft began to see parallels between the public heath model and Internet security issues in that both require education, prevention and treatment practices. In the health model, doctors educate people on the risks associated with different diseases, take efforts to detect health problems and, ultimately, treat ailments.

“We looked at this model and asked, ‘Why can’t we do this differently and a little more aggressively on the Internet?’” said Charney.

An Internet ‘”public health model” is one in which individuals are educated about the risks associated with the Internet; encouraged to take precautions, such as building firewalls and using antivirus software (much like washing your hands during flu season), and “treated” when they are infected, through programs like Microsoft’s malicious software removal tool.

Companies and individuals need to be “more proactive about machine health,” according to Charney.

Internet threats, just like diseases, are continually spreading. The latest concerns are with cloud computing security, hacking and privacy breaches. Attacks happen in “nanoseconds,” said Charney, and require immediate action.

“We don’t need a cyber security strategy, we kind of need four and the reason for that is you have to go back and think about what the threat is,” he said. “There are many malicious actors on the Internet and they have many different motives... but techniques are often the same.”

Other speakers at RSA include Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States; William Lynn, deputy secretary of defense; and Keith B. Alexander, commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director, national security agency/chief, Central Security Service (NSA/CSS (News - Alert)).

Author name - Carrie Schmelkin 

Resource http://dns.tmcnet.com/topics/internet-security/articles/145608-microsoft-calls-collaborative-defense-against-internet-threats.htm

Symantec Releases Norton 360 version 5.0

Symantec today released version 5.0 of its Norton 360 suite, which it calls "the industry's fastest, most effective all-in-one security suite." Janice Chaffin, president of Symantec's Consumer Business Unit, summed it up thus: "We've designed the latest version of Norton 360 to give consumers an easy-to-use, all-in-one suite that provides the utmost protection and won't slow down their PC."

While its user interface differs, Norton 360 offers all of the same protective technologies as PCMag Editors' Choice Norton Internet Security 2011. Among these are: SONAR 3 protection, which detects and eliminates threats based on behavior; Insight, a technology that uses reputation and statistics to block never-before-seen newest threats; and Norton Bootable Recovery Tool, a bootable antivirus feature that can clean a computer even when malware has rendered it unbootable.


Version 5 adds the Norton Control Center to Norton 360. This component, already seen in Norton Internet Security 2011 and Norton AntiVirus 2011 offers a direct view into Norton Safe Web, Norton Online Family, and the new Norton Cybercrime Index, also released today.

Norton 360's backup and tuneup features are what make it a mega-suite, and Symantec promises enhanced performance in both areas. Backup and restore operations are quicker, and the backup system now offers a better indicator of its progress.

Norton 360 version 5.0 is available directly from Symantec and also from major online and brick-and-mortar retailers. Its $79.99 price includes three licenses and 2GB of online storage. For $99.99 users can upgrade to the premium edition, which features 25GB of online storage (up from 10GB with version 4). All users with a current Norton 360 license are eligible for a free upgrade. PCMag will publish a review once our exhaustive tests have been completed.

Resource Link : http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2379855,00.asp

Antivirus Software: To Pay or Not To Pay?

Experts agree that the Internet is chock full of online dangers, such as malware, viruses and hackers who aim to separate you from your personal information. But name-brand antivirus software can set you back $40 to $70 or more a year. Should you opt for excellent free antivirus protection or stick with the tried-and-true antivirus experts?

  To buy or not to buy? That is the question. When it comes to anti-virus software for your computer, most experts agree you need it if you have the Windows operating system and often go online, where dangers lurk.

But name-brand software could set you back $40 to $70 or more a year. Alternatively, some excellent products are available for free. 

What's a prudent consumer to do? 

The short answer is that if you refuse to pay for computer protection software, at least use a free product in lieu of nothing. On that, experts agree.

Beyond that, it's difficult to generalize with so many products available. But the difference basically comes down to this: Free software will help you discover a problem, such as a virus, and deal with it. Paid software has more features that might help keep you from getting a problem in the first place, especially if you're inexperienced online or visit risky Web sites. Here are some considerations.

FREE SOFTWARE: Popular free products include Avira AntiVir Personal, AVG Anti-virus Free Edition, Avast! Free Antivirus and Microsoft 's own Security Essentials. Be aware that the many free products, while good at what they do, are essentially a marketing tool to persuade you to buy the same brand's paid version. Microsoft is an exception. It has no upsell. 

Some reviewers claim the free anti-virus software might be all you need. Consumer Reports, for example, says that free products are "fine for most people." 

"The best of the free products in terms of malware perform on par with the best paid suites that we've tested," said Paul Reynolds, Consumer Reports' electronics editor. "Even where they are a shade below in performance against some kind of Net threats, it's still sufficient performance for most people."

PAID SOFTWARE: Experts are quick to point out that you are likely to get broader protection and functionality using security  software that you pay for. The free versus paid discussion is "an artificial wall," said Dan Nadir, senior director of product management for Norton security software, a paid product. "There is this perception you can get an apples-to-apples free version with a free product; it's not true," he said. "I think the way users should think about this is that if you're going online, you should get a paid product -- even the free guys have paid products."


Read Full Story Here -- http://www.newsfactor.com/news/Antivirus-Apps--To-Pay-or-Not-To-Pay/story.xhtml?story_id=020001ZSUD6W