Panda launches free anti-Virus that offloads almost everything to cloud

by Steve Ragan - Apr 29 2009, 17:10

Early this morning, Panda Security, focusing on two aspects of the anti-Virus market that simply frustrate users and systems administrators, released a free anti-Virus product, which, for lack of a better term, simply exists. It’s lightweight, quick to install, but most of all, very easy to use.

Most anti-Virus vendors simply cannot deny two things about their products; they take up space on the system, with signatures and added engines for rounded coverage, and they can often frustrate end users with layer upon layer of menu options and program features. Panda has duly addressed these problems with Panda Cloud Antivirus, which was released this morning on www.cloudantivirus.com.

Face it, free is good. This is why we often see recommendations for other free anti-Virus offerings from Avast and AVG to Comodo and ClamAV. However, in some cases, free also means in-line advertisements to upgrade to a paid version and some features missing that would otherwise appear in the full version.

So how does Cloud Antivirus work? How exactly does it correct the two major downsides to almost all anti-Virus offerings? The first correction, bulky definition signatures that reside on the hard drive of the system, comes from Collective Intelligence (CI).

CI will remove about 90 percent of the signatures that are required by most anti-Virus engines on the user's system. This is because instead of reliance on local detection, CI uses a distributed collective of networks and datacenters across the globe to remediate threats and protect end users whenever a new threat is detected.

We see several examples of this technology in other anti-Virus offerings today as AVG, Symantec, Kaspersky, BitDefender, ESET, and McAfee. Each offer something along the same lines. The difference is that Panda started work on CI in 2007, as an improvement on proactive technology called TruPrevent.

CI also helps on another level; it's what processes almost 30,000 samples of Malware each day at Panda. As CI scans and processes a new sample, anyone connected to Panda’s CI network, which is any Panda customer including those using the new free software, is protected at the same time. So if 'Kim in California' is attacked by a new strain of Malware, 'Mike in New York' is protected instantly as CI processes the new threat.

Using the same example, CI will protect Kim based on two facts, which all anti-Virus vendors are aware of. The first is most Malware is simply a rehashed clone of existing Malware. The second is that CI will look at how the Malware runs in a system and determine if it is acting suspiciously. If CI suspects the new process is malicious, it will block it and prevent it from running. If it blocks a legitimate application, which can happen even on paid products, users can simply reverse the block and allow the application.

The second correction, which amounts to cumbersome interfaces with confusing options, is addressed in this new release by dumping them entirely. Users will notice this on the first launch of Cloud Antivirus. The interface is changed completely when comparing it to the interface used in Panda Internet Security 2009. The new look is sparse and missing all the bells and whistles that are seen in other similar products. However, it is detailed enough that even a novice to security applications can understand what's going on when they view the application. At a glance, users can see where the system stands on coverage and launch a system scan on-demand to check for Malware.

 

 

“The philosophy behind the product has changed, because we give you protection when you need it,” said Panda CEO Juan Santana in a recent interview with The Tech Herald during RSA 2009. “We want to be fast in protecting you against new Malware and we are going to have very little impact against the performance of the PC.” 

Santana was explaining why Panda was shifting to a lighter AV offering that is almost a thin-client when comparing it to other offerings, even the company's own paid services. The new model is one that turns the community into the lab when it comes to detecting new Malware and ensuring fast and accurate protection. Essentially, Panda has bet the farm on Collective Intelligence, a gamble that is paying dividends when looking at its coverage in Europe and other markets.  

Now, there is something important to remember when using or evaluating Panda’s new protection. While it's simple to use, looks good and, based on testing, offers rounded and effective coverage, it is only an anti-Virus product. This will not block Spam, there is no firewall, and it will not offer parental controls or other Web filtering. This is because, after all, the system is totally free. Those extras are why we generally pay for other security products, even Panda’s more detailed platforms.

When it comes to all-in-one computer protection, Cloud Antivirus isn’t the best candidate, and neither are other free offerings from rival providers. Cloud Antivirus, while likely to be solid and dependable, is only a single layer of protection, and should be viewed as such.

Interested in Cloud Antivirus? The Tech Herald has put Panda’s newest offering through its paces in the test lab. Check out our review, and see what we thought of it.

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