Panda Software has joined the Anti-Spyware Coalition (ASC), a new security organization aimed at creating consensus over the definition and characteristics of this threat, as well as creating a common front to achieve greater security for all users against spyware.
The coalition, created thanks to an initiative by the Center for Democracy and Technology, has brought together IT security industry leaders who, like Panda Software, have shown their commitment and effectiveness in developing solutions to fight the threat of spyware and making them available to users.
Panda Software products include technologies capable of combating both known spyware (signature-based detection and filtering of websites designed to distribute spyware), and those that could appear in the future (utilizing Artificial Intelligence) or that have not yet been identified by security companies. To achieve this, Panda Software has developed TruPrevent™ proactive detection technologies, which can detect the presence of spyware simply by analyzing its behavior. These technologies are now even more effective, with the addition of genetic scanning detection technology, which since being launched at the beginning of 2005, has detected more than 1,000 examples of unknown spyware.
“We’re pleased to welcome Panda Software into the Anti-Spyware Coalition,” said Ari Schwartz, Associate Director of the Center for Democracy and Technology. “Spyware is a global problem and Panda brings valuable international expertise to the coalition’s ongoing efforts.”
“Since 2004, Panda Software has dedicated specialized personnel and resources to the fight against spyware,” explains Luis Corrons, Director of PandaLabs. “This, combined with TruPrevent™ technologies enable us to detect new examples of spy programs before any other company, makes us a highly effective security company when it comes to fighting spyware. Our main goal is to rid the planet of all types of malware and joining this coalition serves that goal … ”
Spyware has become one of the most widespread threats affecting computers connected to the Internet. Figures revealed by a survey carried out by Webroot and EarthLink are conclusive: 90% of computers contain spyware. To make the situation worse, many users are unaware of the consequences that spyware can have on their systems. The general belief is that the only effect of spyware is the theft of information about users’ Internet habits used for advertising purposes. However, the panorama changes radically when you factor in the numerous calls regarding system malfunction and failure. Spyware is an IT application consumes system resources or can cause incompatibilities with software installed on the computer.
“Spyware is already a threat, but given that the creators stand to gain large sums by using the stolen data or selling it to third parties, the threat could become even greater in the short-term. For this reason, at Panda Software we support any initiative which, like the newly-formed ASC, helps to eradicate spyware,” concludes Corrons.
