Free Panda ActiveScan Tool Scans and Disinfects Rootkits and Combats Threats


Latest Version Uses Proactive Technology to Detect Previously Unknown and Hidden Threats

GLENDALE, Calif., Nov. 2 -- Panda Software USA announced a new version of its free online solution, Panda ActiveScan, which now not only disinfects and eliminates viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware and other threats, but also uses low-level scanning to detect and disinfect rootkits.

Panda ActiveScan is a powerful, online antivirus that scans and disinfects all system devices, hard disks, compressed files and email; seeking out threats hidden on users' computers quickly, efficiently and with no cost (Panda ActiveScan is available at www.activescan.com/). Panda ActiveScan is compatible with any security product installed on users' systems, and can offer a second opinion about the security status of PCs scanned in a matter of seconds, both for home users and companies.

Rootkits are programs designed to hide objects such as processes, files or Registry entries. Although not necessarily malicious, they are increasingly being used by creators of threats to hide harmful activity. As a result, a computer could be sending out spam or launching attacks on other computers without the target user's knowledge and goes undetected by traditional security solutions.

For example, Haxdoor family of Trojans, designed to steal confidential data, which hackers could use to carry out online fraud scams or identity theft can hide themselves using rootkits. These Trojans are currently highly active and could well have infected many computers. Panda ActiveScan anti-rootkit technology scans at low level thus scanning the content of the hard disk directly, ignoring the files or processes displayed by the operating system and processes hidden in memory using rootkit techniques that are detected and disinfected by the anti-malware engine.

The new version of Panda ActiveScan includes Panda Software's Genetic Heuristic Engine, a heuristic detection technology combining digital genetic signature correlation and deep code inspection in an algorithm that analyzes code and the DNA characteristics of malware. It allows Panda Activescan to detect previously unknown threats. The Genetic Heuristic Engine is part of TruPrevent(TM) Technologies, the proactive technologies developed by Panda Software to detect unknown malware.

This new version of Panda ActiveScan is also completely compatible with Microsoft Internet Explorer 7, which is the newest version of the most popular Internet browser.

Panda ActiveScan allows users to carry out a full scan of their computers in search of threats free of charge. It also includes an installer to ease integration in computers. The new Panda ActiveScan offers shortcuts on the desktop, Quick Launch bar or browser now make it even easier to ensure computers are free from Internet threats.

About Panda Software, USA

Panda Software (www.pandasoftware.com) is a world-class developer and provider of integrated security solutions designed to neutralize viruses, hackers, Trojans, spyware, phishing, spam and other pervasive Internet threats. With Panda Software's revolutionary TruPrevent(TM) Technologies, the company's innovative products are on the leading-edge of intelligent security solutions, ensuring clients are protected even against new threats that have yet to be identified. PandaLabs, the most rapid response laboratory in the industry, delivers comprehensive updates to users, providing a worldwide response to malware 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round.

CONTACT: Sonia Awan, Director of Public Relations of Panda Software USA, +1-818-543-6909, sawan@pandasecurity.com

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