security software

Kaspersky Lab has introduced BlackBerry and Android versions of its security software. The new software has fewer features than the existing versions for Symbian and Windows Mobile, according to the technical data.

Both the Android and BlackBerry versions can remotely block a lost or stolen device and delete its data upon receipt of an SMS (Short Message Service) code.

Last week Microsoft started offering free antivirus software to its customers via Windows’ built-in update service. The move was questioned by a security vendor who is concerned by the anti-competitiveness of the Redmond’s behavior.

Microsoft started offering Security Essentials as an optional download to the users of Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7.

China is implementing its regulation that has existed for a time remaining silent and unapplied. The regulation instructs that core security products used by government and infrastructure companies such as banks and transportation must be provided by Chinese companies.

Intel has purchased the information security company McAfee for $7.68bn. The chip maker has offered $48 a share in cash for the anti-virus firm, a 62 per cent premium of McAfee's Wednesday closing price of $29.93 a share.

Boards of directors of both companies have approved the deal, which is still subject to McAfee shareholder approval and regulatory approval.

Intel said the deal signalled its decision to put security on par with energy-efficient performance and internet connectivity as a strategic focus area.

According to a recent study by Cyveillance anti-virus software may be more inefficient than believed. The research revealed that on average security vendors detect only 19% of malware attacks on the first day it appears in the wild. Even after 30 days the rate is just 61.7%.

As a solution Cyveillance recommends users to practice safe computing which includes avoiding suspicious and unknown destinations with increased browser settings as a way to decrease to a minimum the risks instead of only relying on anti-virus technologies.

The latest report from NSS Labs reveals that most security companies need long time to update their malware dates and block malicious websites. The research shows that on average security software from major vendors can take about two days to block a website constructed to attack users’ PCs. During the study the researcher tested security applications against fresh malware found online.

In a move to provide customers with more comprehensive and functional security software Kaspersky Lab has launched a new product which integrates its current consumer security suite with new capabilities such as encryption, backup, password management, and the ability to manage the product across a network.

The new software called Kaspersky Pure offers a number of additional security tools apart from already existing features. The product replicates Kaspersky antivirus and antispam capabilities. Still it is different.

Hackers behind the new version of the Zeus/Zbot banking Trojan expressed their gratefulness to the creators of the antivirus software, Kaspersky Lab and Avira in particular. The Trojan comes with a hidden message that thanks and taunts the security vendors for ‘helping’ them improve their malware.

The news was reported at Trend Micro blog which wrote about the new binary file identified as TROJ_ZBOT.BTM. The malware steals online banking information, including user names and passwords, and has earned a reputation as one of the deadliest banking Trojans.

 On November 10 Microsoft released 15 patches for vulnerabilities in Windows, Windows Server, Excel and Word. The latest package of patches were found to cause some machines to buzz and show a black screen making thus the computer useless. The problem affects PCs running Windows 7, Vista and XP operating systems, said Mel Morris , the CEO and CTO for the U.K. security company Prevx.