ESET Releases ESET NOD32® Antivirus 7 and ESET Smart Security® 7 In BETA

Product Enhancements Deliver Advanced Memory Scanner, Vulnerability Shield and Improved Cleaning Module

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Jun 11, 2013, 07:30 ET

SAN DIEGO, June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ESET, the global leader in proactive digital protection with a 25-year track record of developing award-winning technology, today announced the BETA versions of its flagship consumer products: ESET NOD32 Antivirus 7 and ESET Smart Security 7.

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"At ESET, we create security products that enable safer enjoyment of technology," said Andrew Lee, CEO, ESET North America. "Our new products retain the same light system footprint ESET is known for, while offering users even greater protection from new and undiscovered malware with core product technology improvements."

Modern cybercriminals often deploy heavily-encrypted malware designed to evade detection, increasing the probability of infection and damage. ESET has conducted extensive research and advanced our detection techniques to uncover these cunning threats.

"To combat this security industry challenge, our team has added a new layer of protection for our users in the BETA products," said Palo Luka, ESET Chief Technology Officer. "The new technology we are introducing with the BETA release of our flagship products, ESET NOD32 Antivirus and ESET Smart Security, will make it much more difficult for malware to go undiscovered."

Key enhancements to both products assist users in detecting encrypted malware that may be infecting their devices. They feature a built-in cleaning module that eliminates the need for dedicated cleaning tool add-ons.

Core feature and benefit enhancements to ESET NOD32 Antivirus 7 and ESET Smart Security 7 BETA include:

ESET Advanced Memory Scanner and Vulnerability Shield stops heavily-encrypted threats designed to avoid detection. As another layer in the security chain, Advanced Memory Scanner is an extension of the Host-based Intrusion-Prevention System (HIPS) technology which monitors process behavior and performs in-depth, real-time memory scanning. This improves detection of malware and enables effective infection-prevention even in cases in which malware is trying to trick the attacker's emulator/unpacking capabilities. With improved capabilities to analyze decrypted, "stripped" files directly in memory, the software can effectively prevent new and unknown malware attacks. The Vulnerability Shield operates on the network level and protects against misuse of known vulnerabilities in network protocols.
Improved Cleaning Module offers overall improved cleaning and helps users to remove certain rootkits previously cleanable only via dedicated cleaning tools. When ESET detects hard-to-remove malware that standard cleaning is unable to remove, the Specialized Cleaner jumps in with a user notification to contact technical support for removal help.

ESET Advanced Memory Scanner and Improved Cleaning Module are just two of the three core development functionalities in the BETA products. The third development will be announced once the product is open to general availability.

ESET continues to prove its performance capabilities in AV-Comparatives tests, receiving an Advanced+ Award in May's Performance Test with a total score of 189.4 out of 190, an impact score on system performance of 0.6 (the lower the number the better), and an overall score of 98.9% in April's Real-World Protection testing.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus 7 and ESET Smart Security 7 BETA are available to the general public for testing, with free BETA license activation.

To find out more details about the new functionalities, download V7 BETA products, how to provide feedback and enter the BETA testers' contest including a chance to win tickets to Black Hat 2013, please visit www.eset.com/beta/v7.

AV-Comparatives Performance Test, May 2013: http://www.av-comparatives.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/avc_per_201304_en.pdf

AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection Test, April 2013: http://www.av-comparatives.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/avc_prot_201304en.pdf

About ESET

ESET® is on the forefront of proactive endpoint protection, delivering trusted security solutions to make the Internet safer. For over 25 years, ESET has helped customers get the most out of their technology by creating a more secure and trusted online experience with antivirus software for consumers and endpoint security solutions for businesses. Award-winning ESET NOD32® Antivirus technology has detected 100% of the WildList Organization "In-the-Wild" malware samples since testing began in 1998. ESET has received over 75 VB100 awards and consistently earns high ratings from AV-Comparatives, Virus Bulletin, AV-TEST and other independent testing organizations. ESET NOD32® Antivirus, ESET Smart Security®, ESET® Endpoint Solutions, ESET® Mobile Security and ESET® Cyber Security (solution for Mac®) are trusted by millions of users and are among the most recommended security solutions in the world. IDC has recognized ESET as a top-five corporate anti-malware provider.

ESET has global headquarters in Bratislava (Slovakia), with operations in San Diego (U.S.), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Singapore; and offices in Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Prague (Czech Republic). ESET has malware research centers in Bratislava, San Diego, Buenos Aires, Singapore, Prague, Kosice (Slovakia), Krakow (Poland), Montreal (Canada), Moscow (Russia) and an extensive partner network for more than 180 countries. For more information, visit www.eset.com/us or call + 1 (619) 876 5400.