AVG Opens International Technology Centre

Wednesday, 29 April 2009 09:15

Social networking tools are increasingly opening us up to risk of attack by malware. It is much easier to inadvertently spread worms to our friends’ PCs than ever before. However, it’s not just social networking sites that are at risk – our computer peripherals are being targeted too. Researchers have identified a cyber espionage network, dubbed Ghostnet, which is capable of taking full control of infected computers - including searching and downloading specific files and operating attached devices like microphones and web-cameras. It is now more important than ever to be searching for these threats before they become a big problem.

The M-TRAP researchers run the malware under quarantine conditions and obtains the data via AVG’s 80 million users around the world. The researchers observe behaviour and speeds, allowing them to create a cure against the malware. Karel Obluk, CTO of AVG Technologies and the initiator of the project, says: “M-TRAP will search for interconnections to detect and prevent the spread of malware. We are seeing a rise in malware targeting social networking sites and we will be using the research results to develop new technologies for the ongoing and effective fight against these computer threats”.

The AVG Malware TRAP Centrum team consists of five IT professionals. The M-TRAP research centre is run in conjunction with the Faculty of Information Technologies (FIT) of Brno University of Technology and the partnership will enable students to work in the labs to gain work experience. “In the past we supported a number of research projects at the FIT. Following the opening of our research centre we will provide the undergraduate and graduate students with opportunity to take part in its research activities,” added Obluk.

The Brno Centre is one of three research facilities for AVG Technologies dedicated to discovering malicious codes, and helps to cement AVG Technologies as the leader in global internet security.

About AVG Technologies

AVG is a global security solutions leader protecting more than 80 million consumers and small business computer users in 167 countries from the ever-growing incidence of web threats, viruses, spam, cyber-scams and hackers on the Internet. Headquartered in Amsterdam, AVG has nearly two decades of experience in combating cyber crime and one of the most advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating Web-borne threats from around the world. Its free online, downloadable software model allows entry-level users to gain basic anti-virus protection and then to easily and inexpensively upgrade to greater levels of safety and defense in both single and multi-user environments. Nearly 6,000 resellers, partners and distributors team with AVG globally including Amazon.com, CNET, Cisco, Ingram Micro, Play.com, Wal-Mart, and Yahoo!. More information is available at www.avg.com.

About AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd — www.avg.com.au

Based in Melbourne, AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd is the Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific distributor of the AVG range of Anti-Virus and Internet Security products. AVG solutions provide comprehensive real-time protection against everything from viruses, spam, spyware, adware, worms, Trojans, phishing and exploits to cyber-criminals, hackers, scammers and identity thieves. AVG products actively protect more than 80 million users worldwide, providing outstanding technical solutions and exceptional value for home, small to medium business and enterprise clients. AVG provides always-on, always up-to-date protection across desktops, servers and email in the home plus corporations, government agencies, utilities and educational institutions.

AVG (AU/NZ) has more than 2200 resellers across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

For more detailed information : www.avg.com.au