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    Panda Cloud AV, added to the 'Free security software'list.

    Discussion in 'Security and Anti-Virus Software' started by Baserk, Oct 5, 2011.

  1. Baserk

    Baserk Notebook user

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    Some days ago NBR member Gandalf The Grey asked me; Could you add ' Panda Cloud Antivirus' to the 'Free security software' list.
    It's been asked before and while I try to keep the list short/concise, there is actually no reason not to list it.

    Panda Cloud AV/ PCAV is from the Spanish company ' Panda Security SL'.
    It's a very light, and an easy to use Antivirus (or better put real-time antimalware program), it detects viruses, trojans, rootkits, etc.
    It's got high detection rates and offers several layers of protection. (99,3%-1FP in AV-Comparatives most recent 'On-demand' AV test).
    While cloud-based might suggest that you'll need to be online to be protected, you'll also be well protected when offline.
    When offline, you'll have a local cache of signatures, local heuristics engine and a behavioural blocking module for protection.
    When online, you'll also have the benefit of Web and URL filtering.

    As Gandalf The Grey pointed at (thanks Gandalf!), when installing PCAV, it will also install a toolbar.
    Most folks dislike such stuff but with PCAV, it can easily be removed while keeping the URL filtering option;

    1. Install Panda Cloud Antivirus including the toolbar.
    2. Go to Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs. You will see two entries:
    - Panda Security Toolbar
    - Panda Security Toolbar URL Filtering
    3. Uninstall only "Panda Security Toolbar"
    With this process you will get the URL Filtering without the toolbar.

    So, no downsides? At all?
    First, as part of the EULA states, when using PCAV while online, suspicious files are automatically uploaded to the cloud to determine if they are really malicious if it can't be determined locally.
    There is no option to disable this behaviour, it's the (imo small) trade-off for getting a very light AV with excellent protection. When you're high strung on utter privacy, keep this in mind.
    A benefit is of course that uploading to the cloud, or Collective Intelligence as Panda calls it, is beneficial for all users.
    When other folks upload new malware, Panda can immediately write signatures from which all users benefit.
    Second, it's not the fastest AV when doing a full scan.
    Of course, there are other faster scanning options besides a full scan and no one is obliged to sit and watch a full scan. ;)

    - PCAV blog including links to several recent AV test results, screenshots, recent changelog; link.
    - Extensive PCAV thread on WildersSecurity.com; link
    - PCAV download location link.
    Enjoy :)
     
    Baserk, Oct 5, 2011
    #1
  2. Gintoki

    Gintoki Notebook Prophet

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    How do you think PCAV compares to MSSE? It's what I currently use and recommend but PCAV looks pretty enticing.
     
    Gintoki, Oct 9, 2011
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  3. andygb40

    andygb40 Notebook Deity

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    I've been using PCAV for a while on my netbook and my laptop. Seems to be very good. It found a few bits of malware when I first installed it (a trojan that MSE missed) and since then it's never had any problems. Definitely a lightweight program, both running a scan and normal usage.
     
    andygb40, Oct 9, 2011
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  4. Deks

    Deks Notebook Prophet

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    Well, as far as AV comparatives go, both Panda and MSSE seem to have only 1 False Positive.
    Though Panda apparently has a higher detection rate... 99%, whereas MSSE 92.5%.

    The differences between the two are that in case of Panda, if you want to have an effective protection, you must be connected to the internet at all times (I think it's offline mode was touted to be 'adequate' but not on the level of other av's), while for MSE, this isn't the case seeing how the program updates it's definitions and keeps them there (Panda uses the cloud for those).

    So, it really depends on the user.
     
    Deks, Oct 9, 2011
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  5. Gandalf_The_Grey

    Gandalf_The_Grey Notebook Evangelist

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    Gandalf_The_Grey, Oct 10, 2011
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  6. Baserk

    Baserk Notebook user

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    It's got excellent detection and offers extra functionality like url/web filtering.
    Very light on resources (Mem and CPU) but not much settings to play with.
    It's a tad high on I/O if that's a concern for you. Like MSE, it's got a very low FP count.
    I really think it's worth a try.
    More info can be found on WildersSecurity; PCAV 1.5 thread. (Member PBust there, is Panda Senior Research Advisor Pedro Bustamante, he answers questions in detail if needed).

    Panda also uses a local cache of signatures. It doesn't rely solely on the cloud.
     
    Baserk, Oct 12, 2011
    #6