14 DAY TRIAL // Panda Security has just released the beta version of Panda Global Security 2010. This next iteration of its security suite product comes with significant improvements in the memory-consumption area, as well as completely new detection technologies, such as remote cloud-based scanning.
As most full-blown security suite-type applications, Panda Global Security incorporates modules to handle protection from a wide spectrum of computer threats, as well as tools for system optimization and back-up operations.
"Functionality-wise Panda Global Protection 2010 is the most complete product of the bunch," Pedro Bustamante, the company's senior research advisor, says about the new beta. "It includes a complete Anti-Malware Engine, Identity Theft Protection, Safe Internet Browsing filters and PC Backup & Optimization tools," he adds.
Granted, many of those modules were also present in the 2009 version, but, according to the company, most of the ones handling threat protection and prevention have been significantly improved. More specifically, the Antivirus, Antiphishing, Antirootkits, Antispam, Heuristic scan and TruPrevent technologies all suffered updates, as well as the Personal Firewall and Identity Protection components.
Additionally, what the 2010 version has over its 2009 elder brother is the Proactive Protection based on remote heuristic scanning. This is part of a new protection model resulted from applying the cloud-computing concept to antivirus software. The technology is much better reflected in the new and free Panda Cloud Antivirus product, which heavily relies on it.
Cloud-based scanning involves generating special hashes for the executable files executed locally, which are then sent back to the Panda server-farm platform, along with other information about the files. This data is scanned using traditional signatures and heuristics by this "Collective Intelligence" system, and the result is returned to the user.
Behavioral analysis has also been improved and is represented by the TruPrevent Technologies 2.0. Behavior-based protection is the last line of defense when everything else fails to detect a threat, either because it is an entirely new one, or because it is a new variation of an older one. This component watches for malicious activity on the system, like hooking the kernel, and blocks any applications responsible.
The PC optimization modules have not suffered any major improvements, but the company does offer 2 GB of remote secure storage space for back-up purposes. Another aspect of the application that did not significantly change is probably the one that would have had the earliest impact on the user, the interface.
You can download Panda Global Protection 2010 Beta from this link.