Test: Virus Still Gives Many False Alarms

It is still common for virus scanners and security software wrongly clean consider software as malware, sometimes causing millions of users can get duped and even important files can lose. According to a test of the Austrian test lab AV-Comparatives.


According to the test lab, it is important to not only to measure the detection of malware in the testing of anti-virus software, but also the reliability. A part of the trustworthiness is dealing with clean files, and it does not give false alarms, the so-called 'false positives'. "False positives are an important yardstick for the quality of anti-virus software. A false positive notification from a customer can provide a lot of work and support to remedy the problem. Sometimes it can even lead to data loss and system inaccessible," said the test lab.

During the test from AV-Comparatives gave ESET, Microsoft Security Essentials and Panda Security no false alarms.Kaspersky Lab, Lavasoft, Tencent, Bitdefender, Emsisoft, Trend Micro, BullGuard, eScan, Avira, AVG, McAfee and Sophos was fewer than nine times the error. Fortinet, Quick Heal, F-Secure and Threat Track saw 12 to 18 clean files for malware. Avast and Baidu exciting with respectively 35 and 139 false alarms crown.

The impact varies by product. Fortinet regarded as Adobe Acrobat as malware, and Threat Track this occurs when the Symantec software. Avast see the Trend Micro software again for malware and multiple virus scanners to choke on a game.

AV-Test Lab: Linux User Without Virus

The amount of malware for Linux is still very limited, especially compared to Windows. Nevertheless, even Linux systems with malware become infected. In addition, Linux systems are often used in Windows environments and thus come into contact with Windows Malware. Astute Linux users, however, need to install a virus scanner, according to the German test lab AV-Test.

AV-Test decided 16 different security packages for Linux with both Linux and Windows Malware to test an Ubuntu system.The results are disconcerting for some products, because they are by letting 85% of the Windows Malware and up to 75% of the Malware Linux. Eight of the sixteen security suites able to detect between 99.7% and 99.9% of the 12,000 common Windows Malware. Only Symantec scores 100%. McAfee and Comodo scoring with 85.1% and 83% respectively lower.Much worse are the results from Dr. Web (67.8%), F-Prot (22.1%) and ClamAV (15.3%).

Tested for the second part of the test was 900 malware instances for Linux. Kaspersky'm here solely to detect all malware, followed by ESET with 99.7%. AVG scores 99%, followed by the server versions of Kaspersky and Avast that detect more than 98% of malware. Symantec, which identified all Windows Malware recognizes 97.2% of Linux Malware. The other products scored less well, with ClamAV, McAfee, F-Prot Comodo and finish at the bottom. The detection rates lie between 66.1% and 23%.

Linux And Malware

The question remains to what extent it is necessary for Linux users to install a virus. According to AV-Test, the number of Trojans for Linux has increased recently, but they are of poor quality. This is according to the test lab because attackers are aware of good security practices that Linux offers. There is then also especially the ignorance of users use, for example, which become infected by operational errors.

The most common way to become infected by Malware Linux is by installing software updates or via third parties, according to AV-Test. The software will ask during the installation to temporary root privileges. If the user allows this software to the system will be manipulated and attackers can install a backdoor on the system and is it part of a botnet.

According to AV-Test, most Linux users believe that they are one of the safest systems available use. "This statement is true if you only look at the system and leave the rest aside." Insecure third-party software and user errors can ultimately ensure that a Linux system, like Windows and Mac with malware gets infected.

Research by anti-virus companies shows that many infected Linux servers that are part of a botnet. Linux-based botnets often remain even longer operational because the servers do not use security software, unlike Windows Servers where this is the case. And if there is already software installed are often the wrong products. "In many Linux Forums free Comodo products, ClamAV and F-Prot be recommended to home users. This is not good advice", says AV-Test.

The test shows that home better for the free versions of Sophos or Bitdefender can choose. For server systems, there is the free scanner from AVG. ESET is as a whole out on top, followed by Symantec and Kaspersky. For servers are Kaspersky, AVG and Avast recommended.

Virus Scanner Necessary?

Or Linux Users must install a virus is ultimately to their own behavior. AV-Test says that security suites are only a second line of defense. The main security is in fact the user. Anyone who loves his system up-to-date, no unnecessary ports opens, only install software from trusted sources, prevents the browser to run active content and not open just e-mail attachments will do when it comes to Linux Malware no worries make, according to the testing lab.

Anti-virus Company AVG Switches To Windows 10-Like Model

The Czech anti-virus company AVG has announced a new series of products that will be updated automatically when new versions are available, as is done with Windows 10. Also, there is now full support for Windows 10 added.

The new update model has to provide updates on a continuous basis and ensure that users always have the latest version. According to AVG this is the first step of the company towards "Security as a Service". It succeeds Microsoft that Windows 10 direction "Windows as a Service goes." The anti-virus software AVG offers both free and paid versions and is available for different platforms.

Recently, the company was still under fire for its new privacy policy, which states that the virus fighter must collect all sorts of data from users. AVG responded by stating that it will not sell users' personal data.

Anti-Virus Company AVG: We Will Not Sell Personal Data

The past few days was the Czech anti-virus company AVG because of the new privacy a storm of criticism to endure. In the Privacy Policy, which begins on October 15, AVG says that the non-personal data collected in order to continue to offer free of charge to the Hotel.

This relates to surf and search history, including metadata. Used Internet service or mobile network provider are also stored, and information on other software that users have installed on their computer or device. The privacy policy states that AVG may share non-personal data with third parties and may publish or collected anonymous information. Because all the fuss AVG now has a statement been published. It'll let you know which collect most software programs and Web usage data. In this way, the products can be improved and new products are being developed.

AVG says consumers can decide for themselves whether they will join the anonymized data collection program. The option which ensures that usage data will be collected is added to the consumer free of charge of the company. "And we can confirm that data is not being shared until our clients have been able to make this choice," said the virus fighter.Thereby allows the anti-virus company know that no personally identifiable data will be selling and that currently can not do.

Fuss About New Privacy Policy Anti-virus Company AVG

This week published anti-virus company AVG a new privacy policy which will take effect next month, but on the Internet there is the fuss about arisen because the virus fighter surfing habits will collect and can sell it to third parties. The privacy policy of AVG contains only one page, which it describes itself as a model for the software industry.

The anti-virus company called on other companies also to formulate a similar brief privacy policy. Internet users on Reddit questions about the content of the Privacy Policy. AVG says that the non-personal data collected in order to continue to offer free of charge to the Hotel. This relates to surf and search history, including metadata. Used Internet service or mobile network provider are also stored, and information on other software that users have installed on their computer or device.

"Sometimes contain browsing history or search history terms that you can identify. If we find that some of your browsing history you identify possible, we'll part as a personal treat information and anonymise this information," know as late as the anti-virus company. Users worry as AVG only intervenes if it detects that identifying private data are stored. The privacy policy states that AVG may share non-personal data with third parties and may publish or collected anonymous information.

Users do have the option to opt-out of the collection and use of certain data, including personal and non-personal data.For this, pointing the privacy policy to a page, but the page only contains instructions on how to unsubscribe from newsletters.

Kaspersky Accused Of Sabotage Anti-virus Companies

The Russian anti-virus firm Kaspersky Lab would have the virus for years of competing anti-virus companies sabotaged to show to clean files for malware, so important files were deleted or quarantined.

Let two former employees facing Reuters know. Kaspersky Lab, however, denies any wrongdoing. According to former employees, there was a secret campaign against Microsoft, AVG, Avast and other competitors that lasted for ten years. The plan would be carried out with the knowledge of Kaspersky founder Eugene Kaspersky. According to former employees, who wish to remain anonymous, Kaspersky found that the competition software imitated.

Microsoft, AVG and Avast showed earlier told Reuters that unknown parties in recent years had tried to cause false positives, such as the improper detection of clean files as malware is called. According to the former employees of Kaspersky were provided important files from malicious code, to upload them then to VirusTotal. This website Google scans files with dozens virus. Uploaded files are then shared with connected anti-virus companies.

If the malicious file seemed adequate to the original, the virus would clean file as malware can label. Microsoft says that in 2013 discovered thousands of these files and warned here at that time also ( pdf ). Kaspersky Lab said in a statement that it has never carried out such a secret campaign to mislead competitors with false positives. "Such actions are unethical, unfair, and if it is legal, at least questionable," said the Russian virus fighter.

Update

Eugene Kaspersky cites Reuters story on Twitter complete nonsense. "Usually I do not read to Reuters, but when I do I see false positives. This story was complete nonsense."

Qualcomm Develops Smartphone Kill Switch At The Chip Level

Chip manufacturer Qualcomm has developed a kill switch for smartphones that can lock the device at the chip level and will be applied by the software of the Czech anti-virus company AVG. The measure to protect consumers and their data in the event of a lost or stolen smartphone.

Safe Switch, as the technology is called, the device locks on the chip level. In addition, it protects users by encrypting data on the device. Any attempt to replace the SIM card, perform a factory reset or PIN to brute force makes the device temporarily unusable. After locking only the owner via a "master" PIN to unlock the device.

The technology will now be used in the applications of AVG and works on a select number of smartphones with Snapdragon chipsets. This week both companies demonstrated their solution. The cooperation should ensure that later this year an "end-to-end" business solution can be offered, says AVG .

Owner Hide My Ass Multimillionaire By Selling VPN Service

The Czech anti-virus company AVG has the VPN service Hide My Ass adopted , allowing the 26-year-old developer and owner multimillionaire has become. The sale has Jack Cator, the Briton who the VPN service a decade ago in one afternoon put together, earned 35 million euros.

In addition, AVG will pay another 17.5 million if the VPN service over the next year is able to achieve certain goals. Cator decided to develop the VPN service because he was at school some music and games sites could not visit. Through a VPN enabled him to reach those websites because first connection was made with another machine, where websites could then be visited.

The then 16-year-old Cator thought to be desired quality of existing VPN services and decided to build his own VPN solution, so let him across the BBC know. In just one afternoon he set Hide My Ass in each other, which was in ten years one of the leading VPN providers in the world, with 250,000 paying users. Despite the acquisition Cator will remain as director of Hide My Ass.

AVG: Face Convenient For Disabled

Whether people are now finding it or not, face recognition is increasingly used. Despite worries about privacy, the technology also has advantages, such as the disabled, says Charlie Sanchez of anti-virus company AVG. Sanchez says that facial recognition software has a bad reputation and is often associated with government surveillance and dystopian visions of the future as in the movie Minority Report shows.

"While there are legitimate concerns about the use of facial recognition technology, there are also plenty of beautiful and innovative ways it can improve our daily lives," brand Sanchez. For example, he sees benefits for people with disabilities.Recently, researchers unveiled the " Xplor "a white cane with face recognition. The stick can identify people walking by and warn the user if an acquaintance of his or her arrival. Another example is the Samsung Memory Recaller app . This app helps Alzheimer's patients to recognize the faces of friends and acquaintances.

Security

Another field where facial recognition as Sanchez will play an important role is security. "Very soon devices will be able to fully establish our identity, making keys, wallets, tickets and passports can be unnecessary." The analyst believes that will simplify the use of facial recognition technology, by ensuring that people are not multiple passwords or login longer need to remember.

AVG Launches "Anti-Surveillance" Extension For Chrome

Czech anti-virus company AVG has an extension for Google Chrome developed claiming to users without internet surveillance to be used. What the Crumbe extension actually does is block trackers and cookies especially advertisers like.

This will be done in such a way that it does not break the functionality of websites, said AVG. Unlike other extensions that protect users against trackers makes Crumble not use a blacklist, but cookies itself analyzed by an algorithm. This should ensure that new trackers can be blocked immediately as soon as they appear, without the blacklist needs to be updated first.In addition, there is no difference in the blocked trackers place.

By blocking cookies will prevent as AVG Internet advertisers and trackers follow. However, experts have regularly shown that for tracking Internet cookies are not required. Well Crumble gives users insight into the trackers that are active on a website, since the extension that displays. Crumble is still in the beta phase and via the Chrome Store download.

AVG Demonstrates Privacy Glasses To Face

Early this month unveiled the Czech anti-virus company AVG privacy glasses designed to prevent face and now the virus fighter has a demonstration online put. The glasses are developed because it more and more places appear cameras and face recognition develops.

It involves, for example pictures made in public places and shared via social media. Someone might thus inadvertently on websites like Facebook may end up and be "tagged". In order to prevent this, the eyeglasses of a reflective material is provided. If someone has a picture with a flash makes the light is reflected and dazzles the camera, making the face of the wearer is not visible.

In the event no flash is used has the glasses on infrared light. That disturbs the sensor of the camera. "If you're worried about your privacy and want to be invisible, then you can ever buy this privacy glasses in the future," said Tony Anscombe AVG.Whether the virus fighter plans to bring the glasses on the market is not yet known.

AVG Develops Privacy Glasses To Face

Since appearing in more and more places cameras and face increasingly develops it can be useful for people to take action here. Therefore, the Czech anti-virus company AVG has developed a real privacy glasses trying to prevent facial recognition.

The virus fighter points to the use of smart phones in public places, so the chance that pictures of someone ending up online.Photos that soon by Internet like Google and Facebook can be identified. The privacy glasses which was demonstrated at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona used two ways to counter face. The first is the use of infrared light, allowing cameras faces could no longer recognize.

The second method is the use of "retro-reflective" materials. These materials reflect the major part of the light back to the sensor, which is a problem for the digital camera can be. A disadvantage of this approach is that it only works when photos are taken with a flash. When the privacy glasses really appears on the market is unknown. For now there is only a prototype of the glasses available.

Disabled Device Malware: "Android Malware Disables Smartphones Called Off"

Researchers at anti-virus company AVG discovered malware for Android that allows users to believe that the device is turned off, while this is not the case. The "disabled" device malware can then make calls, take pictures and perform other tasks.

Recording A Call

How the malware from spreading and where it was found just let AVG not know. However, the virus fighter says that the malware after installation will require root privileges. Then, different processes and injected hijacked objects. When users want to disable their smartphone hereinafter there appears a hoax which offers the possibility to turn off also the device.

Transmitting A Private Message

Users who see the unit off now get the real closing animation and the screen is black. However, the phone is still on. This is possible because a function that the phone actually turns off because the infection can never be invoked. Users who also want to be sure that get off their device AVG advised to remove the battery.

AVG: Login Via Fingerprint Positive Development

In late December showed a German hacker still see him with a picture fingerprint had copied the German Minister of Defence, but according to Tony Anscombe anti-virus company AVG login via fingerprint correct a positive development. Anscombe also criticizes the negative coverage of biometric authentication, which would let users believe that fingerprint logon is not safe.

"The process to copy someone's fingerprint in this way is difficult and time-consuming, and it is therefore unlikely that the masses will be a problem," says AVG security evangelist. "I think we just have to celebrate that authentication mechanisms that initially only used by companies and governments have now found a place in our daily lives."

Anscombe notes that as biometric security ensures that more people lock their phone, this is a positive development. "It shows that more consumers than ever protect their devices in a certain way in order to prevent their information being stolen." The security evangelist says he understands that research into this type of security is necessary, but he would prefer to see that people are encouraged to use the security on their phone than that they are trying to undermine the systems that can protect them.