AVAST Software announced the release of avast! Free version 6.0, an antivirus solution that's totally free for non-commercial use. This edition includes a protective layer called Script Shield that was previously available only in the Pro edition. It also adds two new features called WebRep and AutoSandbox.
Script Shield adds to the products basic Web protection by actively scanning scripts found on Web pages and blocking those found to be malicious. It's a small but significant addition to real-time protection. Vince Steckler, AVAST's CEO, noted that simple signature-based detection is a black-and-white proposition; either a file is recognized as bad or not. AutoSandbox offers a third choice for files that manifest suspicious behavior but don't match a known signature. When avast! detects a suspicious file it gives the user a chance to run it in the sandbox, meaning it can't do any permanent damage.
AVAST's CTO, Ondrej Vlcek, further explained, "If the item is dangerous, the virtual computer is shut down and the user's real machine remains safe. And, if the item is safe, there is no hassle from a false positive." The product can use more aggressive heuristic detection because a false positive (detecting a valid file as malicious) does not kill the file.
The Web reputation feature draws on the knowledge of avast!'s 120 million active users to both identify bad Web sites and categorize Web sites of all kinds. A browser toolbar offers instant access to existing reputation information for the current site and also lets users quickly add their own impressions. WebRep also draws on the company's database of known malicious sites, and marks up search results to help users avoid visiting a dangerous site.
Steckler noted that the free product is AVAST Software's flagship. It's the one they submit for testing to the independent labs, and it consistently scores well. The 6.0 Pro edition adds a new feature called SafeZone, which allows fully protected browsing even on a system with active keyloggers or other malware. Avast! Internet Security 6.0 includes all features of the Pro edition as well as firewall and antispam. PCMag will post reviews of these products once our evaluations are complete.
Free Anti-Virus Programs
So you've been using the free McAfee or Norton antivirus software that came with your computer, but the subscription will expire in a few days. Should you shell out another $49, or try one of those free anti-virus programs?
If your computer is running slow... your high-speed internet connection feels like dial up... and popups are popping up everywhere, what's wrong? It could be a computer virus, or perhaps a bunch of viruses, infecting your hard drive. Viruses not only take up valuable memory and slow down your computer, they can also expose your personal information to Evil Hackers.
The good news is, there are plenty of free anti-virus programs that can clean up the mess and keep you safe going forward. Here are some of the most popular and highly rated:
* AVG is one of the most often recommend freeware anti-virus packages. It provides very effective protection from the most common threats.
* Avira Anti-Vir - claims over 30 million users worldwide, and the free Personal Edition gets excellent reviews.
* Microsoft Security Essentials is a new free security tool from Microsoft. It's meant to provide protection not just from viruses, but also spyware and other cyber-nasties as well.
Look for free virus protection that comes with frequent, automatic updates and covers all viruses, not just the major threats. If you aren't getting regular updates, at least once every two weeks, you should consider another program. New viruses are created every day, so you need constant, up-to-date protection.
Do you really need paid anti-virus software? That depends on you. If you or others in your household are prone to visit the dark corners of the Internet (peer-to-peer music/movie downloads, adult sites or warez), or if you have children that will click and download almost ANYTHING, then you will probably want the best protection possible. Generally, the commercial anti-virus packages with monthly subscriptions offer very high levels of protection, fast updates when new viruses are found, and good customer support. You should also consider a paid anti-virus package if you run a business, or if you have sensitive information on your computer. It's a small price to pay to ensure that your data is secure.
In summary, don't take your Internet security lightly. You really DO need good anti-virus protection to stay safe online. And for most people, the free anti-virus programs will work just fine. Take one for a test drive and decide for yourself.