Ahoy avast folks,
Then there is no user check on avast detection rate.
Like Tech with his thread on missed VT scan results, I like to know about missed detections as I like to know about FP's (the virus and worms section says a.o. it is there to report FPs). Anyone with a known MD5 hash of a file could search for a VT detection and google has no restrictions.
There are resources where we can do a follow up on particular malware and see the percentage of avast detection (No, I won't give any links!) I regurarly sent reports to virus avast dot com, but I do hope that the avast people know a similar way to these resources of non-detects as well and there would not be created a feeling of "security through obscurity".
Again I understand DavidR's problems and restrictions. Know that the malcreators are reading this forum and are looking over your shoulder as well. That should be at the back of your mind. If you could present an Anubis report of the malware at stake or similar, they would not have much lead to go on. Popularity of scan sites is also working as a double sword, and who takes the responsibility, the jsunpack site has been filled up to its limits, a very valuable tool is lamed and been taken from security people (for the time being as solution to the problems are sought). I also have an eye for that particular other side of the detection coin.
And DavidR has contributed to that awareness.
That is why I will not present links to certain sites with live malware on. Even discussion of malware should be considered in that light - only pictures of script as DavidR proposes.
I do not know what DavidR thinks of a service like Norton Safe Web, all major scan service sites use the results from there and unmasked parasites (=Badbuster resources) as sucuri, webutation, Dasient (paid service) etc.
But we should give to our users the arsenal to self scan websites at urlvoid domain site, against Norton Safe Web, ipscan sites, unmasked parasites, SOSwebscan, Bitdefender's Traffic Light, DrWeb url check, they all come up with unique results and blind spots. Do not try to hide that fact. And they should be given a platform to report back if it was only to create a better awareness of the threat theatre and build further confidence in the best free av solution in the world. No one likes to go into a blind alley blind folded, he would not feel very secure.
Malware hunting should be done in a responsible way. Some users have invested quite some time and effort in helping avast detection and the direct way should be to the avast desks.
I know pondus has comtributed a lot to avast detection and I have full confidence he will consider all that is being put out to him in a responsible way. Hope this discussion helps to these ends,
polonus