panda

Testing Google's Panda algorithm: CNET analysis

Google's sweeping changes to Web site rankings have roiled the Web industry, including the company's announcement last week that its algorithms now incorporate more "user feedback signals."

The reason Google made such a dramatic change to how it ranks Web sites is simple: Search engine optimizers had learned how to game the earlier algorithm to make low-quality writing more visible than quality content. Instead of preparing Web pages designed to benefit readers, SEO-focused content farms were writing for search engines.

To test the changes and provide a rare glimpse into Google's algorithmic workings, CNET compiled … Read more

Free Panda Cloud AV Pro with WinRAR

Today, we bring you a special offer from the two of our top performing products on CNET Download.com - WinRAR and Panda Cloud Antivirus Pro. For a limited time only, you can get Panda Cloud Antivirus Pro for FREE when you upgrade to WinRAR. That's a savings of more than 50% off and both can be yours for just $29.

So, what do they do and why should you get them?

WinRAR is ranked #1 in the File Compression category and was also one of the Top 10 Most Downloaded products of 2010. On CNET Download.com alone, … Read more

Surge in malware marks start of year

The first three months of the year have so far witnessed a rise in malware and some notable cyberattacks, according to a report released today by Panda Security.

Tracking a big jump in malware (PDF), Panda Security has uncovered on average around 73,000 new types of threats being released every day. That's a 26 percent increase during this year's first quarter compared with the same period in 2010.

Among the various flavors of malware, Trojan horses have accounted for around 70 percent of all threats so far this year. That points to Trojans as a tool favored … Read more

Report: Stolen data sold over online black market

Cybercriminals buy and sell stolen information using a vast network of online stores, forums, and even social-networking accounts, according to a report released yesterday by PandaLabs.

Posing as a cybercriminal to gain access to this online black market, PandaLabs researchers uncovered a world where the bad guys work together to buy and sell stolen bank account information, credit card numbers, passwords, and other products. Much of this illegal enterprise is done through online stores and forums, but PandaLabs found criminals using Facebook and Twitter accounts to set up shop as well.

Though this black market is relatively open, the security … Read more

Save 50% on Panda Cloud Antivirus Pro Edition

Panda Cloud Antivirus Free is one of the first free cloud-based antivirus solution to market and the latest version includes Web/URL filtering against exploits and drive-by downloads, free automatic and transparent upgrades to new program versions. Also included are two behavioural engines and major improvements to usability of the Recycle Bin and Quarantine.

In addition to all of these features that come in the Free version, Panda Cloud Antivirus Pro Edition includes behavioral analysis of running processes, VIP technical support and automatic vaccination of USB keys with no annoying advertising of nagging screens. For a limited time only, you … Read more

Online activists fighting to keep WikiLeaks alive

Though it's in hot water with the U.S. government, WikiLeaks is being supported by online activists fighting to keep the site alive.

WikiLeaks is being propped up by a barrage of mirror sites created by activists following moves by Amazon to stop hosting its site and Domain Name System provider EveryDNS.net to cut off its DNS services, according to The New York Times. Such mirrors can replicate an entire Web site, ensuring that all content and documents remain online and accessible even if WikiLeaks' own site is taken down.

But some of WikiLeaks supporters are adopting a … Read more

Kindle games start to proliferate

The Kindle as portable gaming platform? Seems like a misprint, but the number of Kindle games is growing, with a new one, Next, released today, and eight total in the Kindle Store.

The latest include Sudoku, Texas Hold'em Poker, and Panda Poet, a new word game in which words you form turn into pandas and the goal is "grow the biggest panda possible."

Due to the rudimentary nature of e-ink, none of these games are terribly sophisticated, but they're all big hits with Kindle users and some claim they are very addicting. A few games are … Read more

Security firms blast Microsoft for free antivirus offer

Two security software makers are complaining about Microsoft using its update service to deliver its free antivirus software to Windows users who don't have such protection on their computers.

No, it's not 1998. And we're talking about allowing customers to choose whether they want the software, rather than bundling a particular browser--say Internet Explorer--on Windows.

Microsoft began making its Security Essentials software available to customers through its Microsoft Update service as an optional download on November 1 for U.S. customers and October 19 for U.K. customers. It offers the download only to customers who do … Read more

Lightweight security from Panda Cloud AV

Panda Security continues to build better features into the company's Cloud Antivirus lightweight security suite, as a Web filter for URL scanning joins the existing protection tools. Watch the First Look video to see how it all fits together in Panda Cloud Antivirus 1.3.