Antivirus or anti-virus software is used to prevent, detect, and remove malware, including but not limited to computer viruses, computer worms, Trojan horses, spyware and adware. Computer security, including protection from social engineering techniques, is commonly offered in products and services of antivirus software companies. This page discusses the software used for the prevention and removal of malware threats, rather than computer security implemented by software methods.
A variety of strategies are typically employed. Signature-based detection involves searching for known patterns of data within executable code. However, it is possible for a computer to be infected with new malware for which no signature is yet known. To counter such so-called zero, heuristics can be used. One type of heuristic approach, generic signatures, can identify new viruses or variants of existing viruses by looking for known malicious code, or slight variations of such code, in files. Some antivirus software can also predict what a file will do by running it in a sandbox and analyzing what it does to see if it performs any malicious actions.
No matter how useful antivirus software can be, it can sometimes have drawbacks. Antivirus software can impair a computer's performance. Inexperienced users may also have trouble understanding the prompts and decisions that antivirus software presents them with. An incorrect decision may lead to a security breach. If the antivirus software employs heuristic detection, success depends on achieving the right balance between false positives and false negatives. False positives can be as destructive as false negatives. Finally, antivirus software generally runs at the highly trusted kernel level of the operating system, creating a potential avenue of attack.
Effectiveness of Anti-Virus
Studies in December 2007 showed that the effectiveness of antivirus software had decreased in the previous year, particularly against unknown or zero day attacks. The computer magazine c't found that detection rates for these threats had dropped from 40-50% in 2006 to 20-30% in 2007. At that time, the only exception was the NOD32 antivirus, which managed a detection rate of 68 percent.
The problem is magnified by the changing intent of virus authors. Some years ago it was obvious when a virus infection was present. The viruses of the day, written by amateurs, exhibited destructive behavior or pop-ups. Modern viruses are often written by professionals, financed by criminal organizations.
Independent testing on all the major virus scanners consistently shows that none provide 100% virus detection. The best ones provided as high as 99.6% detection, while the lowest provided only 81.8% in tests conducted in February 2010. All virus scanners produce false positive results as well, identifying benign files as malware.
Although methodologies may differ, some notable independent quality testing agencies include AV-Comparatives, ICSA Labs, West Coast Labs, VB100 and other members of the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization.
What’s the Best Anti-Virus of 2012?
Best Antivirus 2012 has been developed by our own world renowned antivirus software experts. We spend the majority of our days removing viruses from computers. Through our testing experts have learned which programs provide the best virus removal features and especially which ones provide the best virus protection.
Ensuring Customer Satisfaction
To ensure top quality customer satisfaction, Best Antivirus 2012, give the most up-to-date news and virus removal information on the latest virus threats circulating the web. We pay attention to Internet security news world-wide and make sure to pass along any helpful tips. With our many years of expertise, they have established several trustworthy sites that provide real-time virus news and virus removal tips.
Rated # 1
The PC Tools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus was the classiest performer, and at the top of our list of top drawer antivirus programs. The best part of testing this product was the ease of installation, and you won't experience any problems getting the program running. This is not typical of many antivirus programs and really made this one stand out. The customer service experience was very positive, as well.
- · Easy-To-Use
- · Voted #1 for 2012
- · Free Customer Support
- · Blocks Spyware & Viruses
- · 3 Licenses for the Price of 1
Rated # 2
ESET NOD Antivirus 5 has an extensive track record of only putting their best foot forward and this year does not appear to be any different. For 2012 ESET NOD Antivirus 5 gives massive protection with zero slowdown and a ridiculously advanced diagnostic tool. They appear to have a big advantage for this year’s Best Antivirus 2012 crown. - · Great Protection
- · Simple Interface
- · Automatic Updates
Rated # 3
Avira Antivir Premium 2012 Antivirus makes the list of best antivirus 2012. Avira has been a world leader for antivirus software over many years and nothing looks to change for 2012. When people asks who has the best antivirus software for 2012, Avira AntiVir Premium is always on our list. Once again, it’s all about the exclusive features that rank Avira near the top of the list of best antivirus programs for 2012.
- · Low Price
- · Many Features
- · Easy Installation
Rated # 4
It won't take a lot of time to rank Panda Antivirus Pro 2012 as a Top Antivirus Program for 2012. It's quick to learn that the good people at Panda were hard at work making big upgrades to this already superb antivirus software. 2012 could be a huge year for Panda and their Panda Antivirus Pro 2012 program. Their super fast and easy-to-use antivirus program will impress even the harshest critics. Panda Antivirus Pro 2012comes standard with plenty of new features and its signature cloud based protection helps make it fast and super light on your PC. - · Cloud Bases
- · Fast and Reliable
- · Extreme Protection
Rated # 5
Trend Micro Titanium Antivirus offers fierce cloud security antivirus protection in real-time. They have a great reputation and this year’s product is loaded with all the standard features we have come to expect from this powerful product. Trend Micro’s legendary reputation and quality product is not the only reason it qualified as one of the Best Antivirus for 2012 it has been in the Top Ten Antivirus 5 years in a row!
- · Cloud Based
- · Easy Installation
- · Extremely Effective
Rated # 6
AVG Anti-Virus 2012 comes with some huge new features and it’s all backed by the award winning technology to keep your computer protected. AVG Anti-Virus 2012 comes with it one of the most extensive solutions for virus protection. This year they have made several improvements and added some enhancements to their social networking protection. Although there were other products with slightly better protection this still ranked as one of the best antivirus for 2012. 