AVG is offering a free Link Scan program

[robinb]

You can check it out here

http://linkscanner.avg.com/ww.sals-how-it-works

what i am curious about is that the link scanner comes with avg 8.5 free version now. Why make a separate program for it?

robin

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "You can check it out here

http://linkscanner.avg.com/ww.sals-how-it-works

what i am curious about is that the link scanner comes with avg 8.5 free version now. Why make a separate program for it?

robin" }-

For those not using AVG anti-virus, both free and paid versions, and their security suite, paid version.

[robinb]

i find if figured that but wouldn't they want those to use AVG instead since it does come with the link scanner? You would think they would want to push their product first.

BTW this was sent to me in an email from AVG since I am a reseller for their product. Seems sort of silly if i am trying to sell AVG to tell my clients about a free link scanner that they can get inside the product already

robin

[robinb]

also there is a problem with the link scanner inside avg already.
If you upgrade firefox or put ie8 on you loose the ability to use the link scanner.
The only way to fix this is to reinstall AVG which is a royal pain.
I would think they would have fixed this bug already since lots complained in the beta version

robin

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "i find if figured that but wouldn't they want those to use AVG instead since it does come with the link scanner? You would think they would want to push their product first.

BTW this was sent to me in an email from AVG since I am a reseller for their product. Seems sort of silly if i am trying to sell AVG to tell my clients about a free link scanner that they can get inside the product already

robin" }-

Actually, it is a way of marketing. Yes, it is true that people already can get the full power of LinkScanner in AVG Free, but, making it available to those who do not use their free antivirus, and make them realize that their free antivirus may also be a great security tool, because LinkScanner it is so, may make them change to AVG 8 Free. Then, if they consider that AVG 8 Free does the job very well, people may consider to get the paid version, which includes anti-rootkit protection. Then, people thinking it does the job very well, may even consider getting the security suite, because it includes AVG Identity Protection.

It's an advertising circle, in my opinion.

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "also there is a problem with the link scanner inside avg already.
If you upgrade firefox or put ie8 on you loose the ability to use the link scanner.
The only way to fix this is to reinstall AVG which is a royal pain.
I would think they would have fixed this bug already since lots complained in the beta version

robin" }-

I didn't notice it when upgrading to IE8, but, I do notice it with Firefox.(I'm using nightly build tests, so I can't say if it's LinkScanner fault, since not compatible. I'm forcing compatibility.)

Anyway, the green, yellow or red rates are only for piece of mind. They mean nothing. The true job is being done by the background protection. If it's a domain with active malicious content, then the access will be blocked.

[Woody777]

Thanks I will try this iwth some other AVS & firewalls. Would this product approximate online banking mode In Online Armor Pro? Just wondering?

[Victek123]

-{ Quote: "I didn't notice it when upgrading to IE8, but, I do notice it with Firefox.(I'm using nightly build tests, so I can't say if it's LinkScanner fault, since not compatible. I'm forcing compatibility.)

Anyway, the green, yellow or red rates are only for piece of mind. They mean nothing. The true job is being done by the background protection. If it's a domain with active malicious content, then the access will be blocked." }-
.
I wonder how this compares with similar tools, such as WOT (web of trust), and Browser Defender toolbar?

[raven211]

-{ Quote: ".
I wonder how this compares with similar tools, such as WOT (web of trust), and Browser Defender toolbar?" }-

Atleast the original LinkScanner Pro really did. Does WOT include things like page-per-page scanning and exploit/malware protection? :doubt:

[progress]

WOT is only a database-rating-system, LinkScanner is a realtime-scanning-system :) I think it's the best tool in this area :thumb:

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: ".
I wonder how this compares with similar tools, such as WOT (web of trust), and Browser Defender toolbar?" }-

LinkScanner checks real-time for malicious active content. WOT bases it's reputation on a database, and I don't doubt the folks behind it try to keep up, but, how fast can they? It may rate a domain red, while no longer is unsafe to visit, and may rate one as safe, when no longer is safe to visit.

WOT is good as a backup, if you wish to use it. Not for the main one to check if a domain is malicious or not.

BrowserDefender uses a similar approach to LinkScanner and WOT/others. Meaning, checks for exploits real-time and to see if it's malicious or not by checking against a database.

If I was the one picking, I'd go with LinkScanner. Which I do. ;) Then with BrowserDefender as a second opinion, and then WOT, as a third opinion.

[Victek123]

-{ Quote: "LinkScanner checks real-time for malicious active content. WOT bases it's reputation on a database, and I don't doubt the folks behind it try to keep up, but, how fast can they? It may rate a domain red, while no longer is unsafe to visit, and may rate one as safe, when no longer is safe to visit.

WOT is good as a backup, if you wish to use it. Not for the main one to check if a domain is malicious or not.

BrowserDefender uses a similar approach to LinkScanner and WOT/others. Meaning, checks for exploits real-time and to see if it's malicious or not by checking against a database.

If I was the one picking, I'd go with LinkScanner. Which I do. ;) Then with BrowserDefender as a second opinion, and then WOT, as a third opinion." }-
.
I decided to uninstall WOT and try AVG Link Scanner. I like the fact that it downloads updates regularly. It also appears to do a better job of flagging bad sites then Norton Safe Web. For instance, if I do a Google search on "Warez" AVG LS will mark a number of links red/dangerous while NSW marks them green/safe. Since they are warez sites I'm more inclined to believe AVG :dry: During install it tried to change the default search engine to Yahoo even though I did not check the box - annoying, but not a deal breaker and easy enough to correct.

[progress]

-{ Quote: "I like the fact that it downloads updates regularly." }-

1 update / 24 h like in AVG 8.5 ?

[gery]

I am running it alongside ZONE ALARM INTERNET SCURITY SUITE and it is going very well so far. no slow downs at all. i like this app very much and AVG in general but the AV pro license i already have is not that much in use since AVG still performs heavy in browsing and on the system .It remind me the time when AVG AS and Antirootkit were free back at 7.5 times

[firzen771]

is ther a way to get rid of the toolbar in FF and just get the scanning and check marks on searches and when visiting a page etc.?

and i gotta say, its pretty lame they make it into an actual program that u need to install and have running unlike all other scanners which can just install as a FF add-on alone.

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "is ther a way to get rid of the toolbar in FF and just get the scanning and check marks on searches and when visiting a page etc.?" }-
firzen771, What is the AVG Security Toolbar and how can I disable it? (http://free.avg.com/faq.num-1695#faq_1695)

@all,
FYI. New AVG LinkScanner® FAQ (http://free.avg.com/faq.num-1762#faq_1762) posted.

[TrojanHunter]

I did some quick tests in Google and in my opinion, Mcafee Siteadvisor performed better, at labelling the Rogue sites That I spotted.

[raven211]

-{ Quote: "I did some quick tests in Google and in my opinion, Mcafee Siteadvisor performed better, at labelling the Rogue sites That I spotted." }-

Really? I can't change your personal opinion, but SiteAdvisor doesn't provide exploit/malware protection unless it's the pro/plus version and therefore is the least featured of the ones available I think. I've also experienced a lot of FPs with it as I frequently used it in the past. Then stopped to as it didn't block stuff - just flagged. Didn't even warn me before I could go on to a page it considers "bad", and I would still rather it didn't because of its FPs. ;D

On top of that, if any exploits or malware is present, LinkScanner will most probably block that - plus that it's completely free. So, even if you can move on to a page that's "rogue" according to SiteAdvisor, the dangerous content would probably be blocked, and that's an approach I personally also like more.

[Victek123]

-{ Quote: "is ther a way to get rid of the toolbar in FF and just get the scanning and check marks on searches and when visiting a page etc.?

and i gotta say, its pretty lame they make it into an actual program that u need to install and have running unlike all other scanners which can just install as a FF add-on alone." }-
.
Tools/Add-ons/Extensions/Avg Toolbar/disable

AVG provides the same information in search results, etc.

[aigle]

Is it available as a standalone install? And is free or paid as standalone application?

Thanks

[firzen771]

-{ Quote: ".
Tools/Add-ons/Extensions/Avg Toolbar/disable

AVG provides the same information in search results, etc." }-

they need to create a version that ONLY installs as a FF add-on like WOT does and siteadvisor does etc.

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "they need to create a version that ONLY installs as a FF add-on like WOT does and siteadvisor does etc." }-
That would be possible if LinkScanner was merely an unsophisticated reputation ranking service like WOT and SiteAdvisor. It's not.

The stripped-down version of LinkScanner included in AVG Free 8.0 indeed installed only as a Firefox add-on, because it lacked real-time analysis capabilities. Given its operation mechanisms, the full version of LinkScanner might be considered an antivirus scanner, albeit one that only detects web exploits.

[NHN]

TBH recently swapped to avg as think the paid ones are just bloated pieces of over priced suites, linkscanners handy, havnt found any issues with it so far & as its free & useful cant complain, give me time though :P

[firzen771]

-{ Quote: "That would be possible if LinkScanner was merely an unsophisticated reputation ranking service like WOT and SiteAdvisor. It's not.

The stripped-down version of LinkScanner included in AVG Free 8.0 indeed installed only as a Firefox add-on, because it lacked real-time analysis capabilities. Given its operation mechanisms, the full version of LinkScanner might be considered an antivirus scanner, albeit one that only detects web exploits." }-

i guess, i just hate having to load it with my system itself everytime, maybe if they could at least make it like the keyscrambler add-on that installs but only runs when u open the browser

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "i guess, i just hate having to load it with my system itself everytime, maybe if they could at least make it like the keyscrambler add-on that installs but only runs when u open the browser" }-
LinkScanner is designed to stop incoming scripts from the network. Very different from encryptig keystrokes.

To do that reliably, LinkScanner needs to analyze content BEFORE it reaches the browser. I don't know if this can be done via extensions or plugins, but I highly doubt it, since extensions are based on the browser itself.

[firzen771]

-{ Quote: "LinkScanner is designed to stop incoming scripts from the network. Very different from encryptig keystrokes.

To do that reliably, LinkScanner needs to analyze content BEFORE it reaches the browser. I don't know if this can be done via extensions or plugins, but I highly doubt it, since extensions are based on the browser itself." }-

ye and keyscrambler aint based of the browser, it is installed onto ur system just as Linkscanner is, BUT it only launches itself on ur system once u choose to open ur browser.

if linkscanner wer to startup only when the browser does it would still be the same just instead of running 24/7 doing nothing while ur browser is closed.

[shek]

Does anyone know if link scanner support Opera?

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "Is it available as a standalone install? And is free or paid as standalone application?

Thanks" }-

Free stand-alone application. Check here - http://linkscanner.avg.com/

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "Does anyone know if link scanner support Opera?" }-

It supports any browser. But, it will only show domain rates in IE and Firefox. But, that's not what protects you. What protects you is the background service. That's what matters.


Regards

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "ye and keyscrambler aint based of the browser, it is installed onto ur system just as Linkscanner is, BUT it only launches itself on ur system once u choose to open ur browser.

if linkscanner wer to startup only when the browser does it would still be the same just instead of running 24/7 doing nothing while ur browser is closed." }-

I haven't tried with this new stand-alone version, but I could start LinkScanner Pro only when I wanted so, as in before browsing. Easy. Disable the automatic start on system boot-up, and then start it manually.

I don't know if it still works that way with this new version. I guess its a matter of you checking.

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "I did some quick tests in Google and in my opinion, Mcafee Siteadvisor performed better, at labelling the Rogue sites That I spotted." }-

SiteAdvisor rates a domain regardless of it's content. LinkScanner will check for real malicious content. It came to my knowledge, after talking to AVG, that it also has some blacklisting for domains distributing rogues, etc., but not it's main job. It's main job is to check whether or not the domain the user wishes to enter, has or not active malicious content, which could result in some sort of damage to the system, in that moment.

Different tools. Different ways of working. And, if SiteAdvisor rates a domain unsafe, may not be so, and the other way around. It bases it's protection in a database that can be 1, 2, 3 days old, or weeks old, etc., unlike LinkScanner.

If users are concerned one isn't enough, use the other as well, as they will complement each other.

[firzen771]

-{ Quote: "I haven't tried with this new stand-alone version, but I could start LinkScanner Pro only when I wanted so, as in before browsing. Easy. Disable the automatic start on system boot-up, and then start it manually.

I don't know if it still works that way with this new version. I guess its a matter of you checking." }-

well ofcourse i could do that i suppose, but i was hoping ther was a way or will eventually be made so that it auto starts ONLY when u open ur browser, hopefully they do something like that

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "well ofcourse i could do that i suppose, but i was hoping ther was a way or will eventually be made so that it auto starts ONLY when u open ur browser, hopefully they do something like that" }-

They could, but if they (AVG) don't remember it, and if no one suggests it, then they never implement it.
Don't forget that the way software works (most of it) is done so that even the casual user has no troubles using it. They just want it to work.

[andyman35]

-{ Quote: "I did some quick tests in Google and in my opinion, Mcafee Siteadvisor performed better, at labelling the Rogue sites That I spotted." }-
Wasn't there an issue regarding user's privacy with Siteadvisor???

[firzen771]

-{ Quote: "They could, but if they (AVG) don't remember it, and if no one suggests it, then they never implement it.
Don't forget that the way software works (most of it) is done so that even the casual user has no troubles using it. They just want it to work." }-

i shall email them this suggestion to at least make it as an extra option to start only on launch of browser

[waters]

does not work with chrome

[firzen771]

-{ Quote: "does not work with chrome" }-

hmm thats too bad that it doesnt work on chrome :-\

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "does not work with chrome" }-

Thank you for letting me know.

Maybe it has to due with how Chrome works? I mean, due to it's internal sandbox feature?
It's something AVG should look at.

I hope I'm not saying any nonsense, but, in one of my contacts with AVG, if I still well remember, I was told that LinkScanner (The conversation was about LinkScanner Pro) protects us no matter what browser we use, since it would be there working in the background.

It's a matter of somoene getting in touch with AVG. After all, AVG is providing it for free, and unless someone lets them know about that glitch, it won't be supporting it anytime soon.


Regards

[m00nbl00d]

By the way, it seems that a Mac OS version is coming out soon, as well as other languages.

[cet]

-{ Quote: "It supports any browser. But, it will only show domain rates in IE and Firefox. But, that's not what protects you. What protects you is the background service." }-

I tried it on my virtual machine and the Link Scanner does not protect Opera browser.I easily opened malicious sites on Opera.No warning.

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "I tried it on my virtual machine and the Link Scanner does not protect Opera browser.I easily opened malicious sites on Opera.No warning." }-

I use Opera browser, and it does support it.

And, did you check it against malicious domains, as in with active malicious content, or domains with threats that require the user to download them and install them?
LinkScanner also has a blacklist of domains like those distributing rogue software, etc, but, that's not it's main task. It's main task is to prevent exploits.

Please, note that nothing is foolproof. LinkScanner does a great job, but, it won't protect you against 100% of malicious domains.

But, I can assure you that it does work with Opera. Check this http://www.explabs.com/test/. Run that test and see if it's preventing the exploit test.

[JRViejo]

FYI. For the new AVG LinkScanner Free Edition 8.5, an Installation Files (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=lsf#tba1) page and a Documentation (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=lsf#tba2) (User Manual) page are now available.

[aigle]

-{ Quote: "Free stand-alone application. Check here - http://linkscanner.avg.com/" }-
Thanks.

[cet]

-{ Quote: "But, I can assure you that it does work with Opera. Check this http://www.explabs.com/test/. Run that test and see if it's preventing the exploit test." }-

You are right.It prevented that exploit.Thanks.

[Kees1958]

-{ Quote: "hmm thats too bad that it doesnt work on chrome :-\" }-

The exploit shield works with chromium also, only the search not

See pic

[N2thuWild]

Yep, works with Opera and Google Chrome.:thumb: :thumb:

[firzen771]

-{ Quote: "The exploit shield works with chromium also, only the search not

See pic" }-

well thats good to hear then, i didnt know myself someone just said it didnt :-\

edit: wth i just ran that test using FF 3.1 beta 3 and no alert from Linkscanner O.o? whats up with that... is FF beta not supported or something? search results work tho

[Firecat]

The Exploit Protection (called "Surf Shield") should work with pretty much *any* browser as it is not tied to a specific browser or plugin and works at a lower level than the search protection. :)

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "is FF beta not supported or something? search results work tho" }-
firzen771, the System Requirements (http://free.avg.com/download-avg-linkscanner-free-edition#tba3) page do state: Mozilla Firefox (2.0 or higher).

[firzen771]

-{ Quote: "firzen771, the System Requirements (http://free.avg.com/download-avg-linkscanner-free-edition#tba3) page do state: Mozilla Firefox (2.0 or higher)." }-

hmm i dunno but that exploit doesnt get detected by my LinkScanner...???

[TheKid7]

I haven't yet installed the new LinkScanner. I am unclear on the "Yahoo"(?) Toolbar part. Is there an option during the installation process that allows for it to not be installed? If yes, does not installing the Yahoo Toolbar have any negative effect on LinkScanner's performance?

Thank you.

[Criss]

-{ Quote: "hmm i dunno but that exploit doesnt get detected by my LinkScanner...???" }-

I am also having the same problem as Firzen but mine happen in FF 3.08 and IE7. The exploit is nt detected by avg linkscanner. :-\ But the search result work.

I think maybe there are some conflict between avira webguard and avg link scanner.

[N2thuWild]

hmmmm, very strange, it worked for me earlier and now it is not.:( Update, I removed with Revo, re downloaded and installed and this time it worked again, but I do not know if I totally trust it now?

[progress]

-{ Quote: "
I think maybe there are some conflict between avira webguard and avg link scanner." }-

I also heard about this ...

[JRViejo]

FYI. The AVG LinkScanner conflicts FAQ (http://free.avg.com/faq.num-1693#faq_1693) page reports clashes with TrendMicro and ESET only.

[firzen771]

-{ Quote: "FYI. The AVG LinkScanner conflicts FAQ (http://free.avg.com/faq.num-1693#faq_1693) page reports clashes with TrendMicro and ESET only." }-

idk then, very strange :-\

[Criss]

With avira webguard turned off, the exploit is still nt detected by linkscanner. Strange.:-\

[N2thuWild]

Hi again, After removing and reinstalling last night it detected the exploit and I tried it again this morning and it worked again.;D I do not have Avira, I have NIS 2009, Prevx, etc.I also have GeSWall but AVG Link Scanner does not work when I use that. I have not rebooted since install last night so guess I will do that and see if AVG Link Scanner still works.

UPDATE, Rebooted and AVG Link Scanner did NOT detect exploit!! Anyone have any ideas as to why??

[robinb]

-{ Quote: "I haven't yet installed the new LinkScanner. I am unclear on the "Yahoo"(?) Toolbar part. Is there an option during the installation process that allows for it to not be installed? If yes, does not installing the Yahoo Toolbar have any negative effect on LinkScanner's performance?

Thank you." }-
what yahoo toolbar? I installed it and there was no yahoo toolbar only the AVG toolbar and yes you have the option to install it or not. just do it as a custom install

robin

[InfinityAz]

-{ Quote: "what yahoo toolbar? I installed it and there was no yahoo toolbar only the AVG toolbar and yes you have the option to install it or not. just do it as a custom install

robin" }-
Yahoo is part of the AVG Security Toolbar. You have the option of not installing the AVG Security toolbar during installation. Of course, you can always disable it in your browser after installation. See here (http://free.avg.com/faq.num-1693#faq_1693)for an explanation.

[robinb]

-{ Quote: "The exploit shield works with chromium also, only the search not

See pic" }-

btw i do not have the toolbar on my avg pro version installed just the link scanner and when doing the test i got the same popup from avg as you all got. You do not have to have the toolbar installed for it to do this. It is doing this via the webshield that is installed in avg.
robin

[siberianwolf]

-{ Quote: "btw i do not have the toolbar on my avg pro version installed just the link scanner and when doing the test i got the same popup from avg as you all got. You do not have to have the toolbar installed for it to do this. It is doing this via the webshield that is installed in avg.
robin" }-
true. afair the installer makes it clear with a notification that you don't need/have to have toolbar to be able to use the link scanner technology.

[rdsu]

Doesn't work with avast! WebShield...

Only adding this to WebScanner section in "avast4.ini":

[WebScanner]
OptIn=1
OptinProcess=avgnsx.exe

[firzen771]

just got updated to FF 3.5 Beta 4 and now AVG Search Shield is incompatible with it, anyone else get the same?

[progress]

-{ Quote: "just got updated to FF 3.5 Beta 4 and now AVG Search Shield is incompatible with it, anyone else get the same?" }-

Yes, it's a FF Beta. It should work with FF 3.5 :) We had the same problem with FF 2.0 -> FF 3.0!