panda

Cloud Antivirus runs smooth but slow

Earlier Wednesday, Panda Security introduced Cloud Antivirus beta, the first full-featured cloud-based antivirus program. It does two things that make it competitive and unique compared with its competitors that are tied to your desktop: it prioritizes threats based on type, and it attempts to lighten the load that security programs place on your system resources by moving definition files to a community-based cloud.

The big concern about a cloud-based antivirus is performance, and Cloud Antivirus handled itself decently enough--although it's not a record-setter. On a ThinkPad T42 with a 1.7 GHz Pentium M chip, 1.5 GB RAM, … Read more

Panda introduces cloud-based free antivirus

With threats like Conficker fresh in the public's mind, security remains a top concern for Windows users. Panda Security, publishers of Panda Internet Security and Panda Antivirus, is set to take antivirus where it hasn't been yet: into the clouds. Panda Cloud Antivirus beta bets that nearly three years of development can pay off into a better protection system for users. To that end, Panda's willing to make the client free for personal use--even after it leaves beta testing.

You can also download the program from CNET Download.com.

The program uses Panda's proprietary cloud computing … Read more

Report: ID fraud malware infecting PCs at increasing rates

More than 10 million Internet users worldwide were hit with identity fraud-related malware last year, according to a new estimate from Panda Security.

The number of computers infected with active programs designed to steal personally identifiable or financial information that can be used for identity fraud, such as banker Trojans for stealing bank account information, rose by 800 percent from the first half of the year to the second half, the study found.

Of the 67 million computers that PandaLabs analyzed in 2008 for the study, 35 percent of those infected had up-to-date antivirus software installed. The number of users … Read more

iBoo docking station cute, but not so spooky

I don't know about you, but this thing won't scare me.

Speakal, maker of the unbearably cute iPanda, on Wednesday once again got (most of) us charmed with its new cute iPod docking station called iBoo.

The audio system comes in the shape of a friendly ghost with design elements that work in most settings: from the bedroom to the office to the kitchen. In addition, the iBoo's small footprint and light weight make it suitable for toting along on the go.

Made to be both an audio player and a decorative piece, the iBoo incorporates design … Read more

The 404 240: Where we can't find the CNET holiday party

After getting bad news about the death of this year's CNET holiday party, we wallow in sorrow for awhile but count our blessings that our two week vacation is still in tact. We move on to congratulate Logitech on their 1 billionth mouse and recommend a few of our favorite peripherals. We also wag a finger at Canada and unleash a horror story about their massacre of our beloved Sea Unicorn, the Narwhal. Shame on you, we thought you were better than us!

There are two very large problems that are tackled in today's episode. First one is … Read more

iPanda audio system un-bearably cute

If you're not one for cute and cuddly audio systems, read on at your own peril.

Speakal, which not long ago brought us the iPig speaker dock system, is expanding its grip on animal-themed audio devices with the iPanda, a similar product in a less pink skin.

As its name suggests, the gadget broadcasts audio and charges iPods via a precious panda bear. Specifically, it has five speakers, including a 4-inch subwoofer, that deliver 25 watts of sound in 360 degrees. The compact iPanda connects to all iPods, plus other MP3 players, gaming consoles, mobile gaming devices, cell phones, … Read more

'High School Musical'-themed malware hits the Net

Teens and young adults interested in downloading High School Musical-related music and video on peer-to-peer networks should be wary of malware, warns Panda Security.

While this may be obvious to older computer uses, younger users may not yet have experience with the social engineering used by malware writers, the security vendor said Friday in a press release.

Social engineering is not new, of course, and its creators are constantly trying new ways to hook people in. The day after the U.S. presidential election, for example, there was a wave of Barack Obama-related video links that attempted to download malware … Read more

Report: Adware supplies one third of all malware

On Thursday, Panda Security released its report for the third quarter stating that adware is responsible for one third of all new malicious software. In particular, the security company cited increased use of fake antivirus scanners.

The fake scanners typically report a computer infection and suggest downloading an application to remove the malware. Once downloaded, the scanners then ask computer users to purchase the application before it can remove an infection that never really exists. The goal of these attacks is financial gain.

In addition to seeing increasing amounts of adware, Panda Security reported that Trojan horses account for almost … Read more

The 404 115: Where it ain't no lie, baby BYE BYE BYE

F'realsies this time, we say a final farewell to our fallen comrade Randall Bennett on his last official day at CNET. He takes the reigns as guest host and gives his two cents on the homeless world cup, Craigslist disasters, the deportation of America's valedictorians, canine sexual assault, and (surprise surprise) DISNEY MOVIES. EPISODE 115 Download today's podcast