Protect your Windows 8 PC with Panda Cloud Antivirus
Spanish security company Panda Security Ltd has released Panda Cloud Antivirus Free 2.1.1, a minor update to its free cloud-based security tool for Windows. Version 2.1.1 is the first release to secure a Windows 8 compatible logo after passing the eligibility requirements laid down by Microsoft.
Panda Cloud Antivirus, also available with built-in firewall in Pro form, is primarily a maintenance release, building on the major improvements found in version 2.1, which included real-time protection for Windows 8 Store apps and anti-exploit technology.
Panda Cloud Antivirus 2.1.1 includes five specific fixes for problems. The first resolves an issue with file-blocking while waiting for scan results to be returned from the cloud. Another bug squashed was one that prevented the GUI console from opening in certain circumstances.
A number of linguistic errors have also been fixed, while the promotional banner should now be removed in all situations after users upgrade to Panda Cloud Antivirus Pro in the program. The final resolution ensures the correct remote IP address is shown in the Pro version’s firewall popups.
The update follows on from the release of Panda Cloud Antivirus 2.1, which added anti-exploit technology to both free and Pro versions, providing users with protection against malware that exploits so-called zero-day vulnerabilities in unpatched software such as Java, Adobe and Microsoft Office. Like traditional signature-based malware, suspicious files are sent to the cloud for analysis, but in this case their behavior is tracked to determine whether or not they pose a potential risk.
Version 2.1 also added real-time protection for Windows 8 Store apps, plus came with performance improvements, a tweaked user interface and a number of unspecified bug fixes.
Panda Cloud Antivirus Free 2.1.1 is available now as a freeware download for PCs running Windows XP or later. Users can upgrade to the Pro version for $29.95 per year, which adds a built-in firewall, extra protection when using public Wi-Fi networks and automatic USB vaccination.