AVG introduces Gaming Protection security software
AVG introduced their AVG Gaming Protection software package today. With online games often being resource intensive, the temptation is to turn off security software that takes up processing cycles and slows down play.
Inappropriate inter-application activity is frequently an indicator of unauthorized attempts to access privileged information. In the case of online gameplay, this privileged information includes passwords that allow access to games and the virtual treasures a user has amassed through playing the game.
For example, hackers attempt to steal account information for games such as World of Warcraft. With access to the account, hackers are able to access and sell virtual treasures for real money in online auction sites.
Users playing free games that are supported by in-game ads are also at risk; hackers have recently begun to randomly spike online ads with zero-day threats, so that even the most innocuous ads could be hiding a deadly payload.
“We originally created this product to combat the tens of thousands of new viruses that appear every day and that anti-virus software alone is unable to keep up with,” said AVG Technologies CEO JR Smith.
“However, because of the way the technology works, and the minimal system resources used, it was clear that this would be an ideal solution for gamers. By installing AVG Gaming Protection, players can ensure online security and still enjoy fast, uninterrupted gameplay.”
How AVG Gaming Protection works
AVG Gaming Protection does not rely on signature files to detect viruses, nor does it monitor port traffic. AVG’s software works in the background, monitoring for interactions between applications on the user’s PC that do not meet accepted standards for legitimate activity.
By looking for this kind of behaviour, AVG Gaming Protection can identify potentially malicious programs, blocking and deactivating them before they can cause harm. Unlike signature-based products, Gaming Protection is effective against both known and unknown threats.
Under the hood is AVG’s behavioural analysis technology, which has been developed by Sana Security (acquired by AVG in early 2009). Gaming Protection also tracks attempted malware installations through hijacked processes, and also deals with malware that copies itself multiple times across a machine.
“We like to think of AVG Gaming Protection as the nuclear submarine of security software – silent and deadly – to malware, at least,” adds Smith. “We believe it’s the best way for users to protect their hard-earned gaming assets, bar none.”
The software is compatible with all popular anti-virus and security suite products. Users running AVG Identity Theft Protection or Internet Security products already have this protection.
Availability
AVG Gaming Protection is distributed and available for purchase via local channels from today at a recommended retail price of R149.99.
System requirements
At minimum, AVG Gaming Protection requires a 600MHz Pentium processor system running Windows XP, 50MB of free hard disk space and 256MB RAM. The software is also fully compatible with Windows Vista and Widows 7.
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