Avast WEBforum

Other => General Topics => Topic started by: 2009boy on February 16, 2009, 05:11:23 PM

Title: Can Avast also detect malware that aren't in its database yet?
Post by: 2009boy on February 16, 2009, 05:11:23 PM

I think that is called "heuristics"

Title: Re: Can Avast also detect malware that aren't in its database yet?
Post by: DavidR on February 16, 2009, 05:19:49 PM

Whilst avast doesn't use heuristics in its normal on-access scanner, it has generic signatures and algorithmic that can detect malware that doesn't have a conventional  signature.

It does use what would be loosely called heuristics in its anti-rootkit scan, and also in the email scanner.

Version 5 of avast will also be adding a behavioural element to the scanning/detections.

Title: Re: Can Avast also detect malware that aren't in its database yet?
Post by: 2009boy on February 16, 2009, 08:00:53 PM

When do you think that version 5 will be released?
And what other improvements do you think it will get?

Title: Re: Can Avast also detect malware that aren't in its database yet?
Post by: 2009boy on February 16, 2009, 08:01:45 PM

And I hope the scanning speed is improved

Title: Re: Can Avast also detect malware that aren't in its database yet?
Post by: DavidR on February 16, 2009, 09:11:08 PM

There is no fixed date but it is expected or hoped to be before the end of the first half of this year.

I have no problem with scanning speed and since we have no information on your system if any improvements and they are always trying to improve that. I had a huge jump in speed when I got my new system, more ram, faster cpu, and faster sata2 HDD. So without that any improvement in scanning speed has to be compared against what you have, but it isn't going massive as there is only so much to work with within your own specifications.

I bet you also want more functionality, better detections, etc. etc. all of which also have am impact.

Title: Re: Can Avast also detect malware that aren't in its database yet?
Post by: cod head on February 16, 2009, 09:15:17 PM

I think if something can scan something very quick it is not doing a lot of scanning.Just a thought. ;).

Title: Re: Can Avast also detect malware that aren't in its database yet?
Post by: DavidR on February 16, 2009, 09:39:17 PM

It is most definitely a consideration as you never know if you are comparing apples with apples (your previous AV Vs avast), what is scanned and the degree of scan.

avast is continually adding more packer support (one of the best AVs for packer support) and this is obviously going to increase the scanned content and also speed.

Title: Re: Can Avast also detect malware that aren't in its database yet?
Post by: Mr.Agent on February 17, 2009, 09:25:35 PM

well guy let the expert to build that Avast! 5 ;D and good luck to Avast Team from me DavidR :P i hope its will be good and i hope alwil will alway got a free anti virus because without a nicely anti virus like your the ppl will be not in security ;)

Mr.Agent