A2 Questions

I have been checking into A2 and see that it does not do on access file scanning (only on execution), web scanning or email scanning. This certainly should eliminate a lot of drag on system resources but my question is does it compromise security in the process. I have seen some tests that say A2 does really well in on-demand tests but I haven't seen any proactive tests. I was thinking about installing A2 on my wife's PC so comments are appreciated.

 

Simple answer is YES!

 

It could compromise security yes.As I mentioned in another thread,if you're in the habit of downloading stuff for other people you need to remember to manually scan or run files before passing them on as you could unwittingly be sending malware since A2 only scans on-execution.

 

I suppose you could certainly wind up with more malware residing on the HD. It should be caught before it can install if everything is working correctly. I probably can't count on my wife manually scanning files before she emails them off.

 

Yeah its definatly not a one source option for security. You probably want to add a hips and firewall to the mix just to even out your line up. Don't get me wrong its a great piece of software but no by itself.

 

do u not know A2 includes Mamutu built in?

 

well completely wrong, for something to infect u it has to be executed in some way shape or form, the malware can reside on ur system but it is completely benign till u activate it which is when A2 will still catch it, plus Mamutu built in to back it up

security isnt lowered because its on-execution at all, its just a taste and prefrence, now if ur downloading something to send to someone else, ye scanning that file manually first is a good idea, but other than that ur fine.

 

How would A-Squared compromise security?
No email scanner is a nothing issue. A lot of developers will tell you that the av monitor will cover that area.
On-execution protection isn't a bad thing either. If malware doesn't execute how is it going to harm anything?

As far as not being a "one source option for security"....
All you need to add is a firewall.
With two engines (Emsisoft + Ikarus) and Mamutu you only miss a firewall.

 

I agree with Firzen about this but I would definitely want to add a firewall, even if its just the built in Windows firewall (which is not bad), and an Anti-spam program would not be a bad idea.

 

ye personally all i need is Windows FW.

 

Ok thats what I meant. Meaning its not a full security setup. I mean you don't need a firewall but alot of folks don't consider ones self secure without a firewall. Geez :/

 

Sorry, I misread the post I thought it was on execute no idea why disregard my last post. Only neg side I see to that is that if malware is on the computer it can be sent to someone else unknowingly.

 

ye thats really the only downside, but its easy to just scan the file before u send it.

 

I'd say that no one needs to look further than Windows' own firewall, especially if you're connected to the internet via a router with NAT enabled.

 

Luckily there is a new version in the pipeline. It has, among other things, an on-access module:
http://i.imagehost.org/0379/a2onaccess.gif (screenshot from a private beta that is still subject to change)

 

How can you get the new beta? Also, do you know which stage it is in?

 

I agree,Mamutu will offer outbound protection.Also with regards to Web protection mentioned it does contain a decent Surf protection module.

 

The beta has went through several iterations already. The planned release date is something Emsi staff has to answer. To enrol for the beta check the instructions at Emsi's support board.

 

Can't wait to pair A2 with Defensewall 3, once it's out of beta.

 

How is performance qpok? Is the "on-execution" mode of the File Guard as unnoticable as it now?

 

Thanks for all the input. I am going to install on my wife's laptop today. We'll see how she does with it.

 

The File Guard is working pretty well on my computer, I have it set to scan everything.

 

Haven't you noticed any "system drag" or anything compared to w/o Fileguard running?

 

nothing unreasonable compared to other AV's and still feels light.

 

That's impressive. Thanks