HouseCall 7.0 includes a new user interface and streamlined processes resulting in shorter scan times

June 5, 2009

4 Min Read

PRESS RELEASE

Cupertino, Calif. " June 3, 2009 " HouseCall 7.0 is a major redesign of Trend Micro's highly popular free online virus and malware scanning service. Since its introduction in 1997, HouseCall has been scanning computers, and scrubbing out viruses and malware it discovers. HouseCall 7.0 has a new user interface, and streamlined processes resulting in shorter scan times. The flagship free tool now uses elements of the Trend Micro Smart Protection Network to deliver fast detection and removal of active malware.

With the threat landscape changing more rapidly than ever before, and hackers being more subtle at infecting users' machines, security vendors are challenged to keep up. As a free, on-demand service, HouseCall 7.0 is an ideal complement to existing antivirus security by providing a quick system check for identifying emerging threats.

HouseCall 7.0, now available for public beta, has a simplified user interface to make scanning quick and easy. A lightweight client is downloaded to manage the scan, instead of using a Java or ActiveX agent, thus eliminating browser compatibility issues. The user can activate the client for on-demand scanning for up to 90 days before the tool expires, at which time a new updated client can be easily obtained.

Using Smart Scan technology, HouseCall 7.0 is able to zero-in on active malware by targeting those areas of the system where they reside, reducing total scan times from hours to only minutes. Active infections are quickly removed using enhanced clean up capabilities.

HouseCall was the first on-demand virus and malware scanning service; it has been leveraging the power of the Internet and has performed millions of scans for more than 12 years. HouseCall 7.0 offers the following new functionalities:

  • Browser independent client that eliminates compatibility issues often associated with other browser activated scanners

    • Smart Scan technology for targeted scanning of active malware, reducing scan times to several minutes.

    • In-the-cloud threat intelligence, delivering immediate detection while reducing download requirements.

    • Smart Feedback, which shares threat information with the Smart Protection Network, enables correlation of reputation data across a global intelligence network to quickly discover new threats.

    • Review and restore functionality that lets users compare past scan results and recover files.

      The Smart Protection Network is a next-generation cloud-client security infrastructure that provides faster threat protection by using a unique approach to identifying and blocking viruses, spyware, spam, and Web threats. The Smart Protection Network is a tightly integrated system that correlates threat intelligence from in-the-cloud reputation databases, with a global feedback network.

      HouseCall 7.0 is a showcase for the Smart Protection Network, which uses cloud-based threat intelligence during scans, and feeds threat data back into the network which is then automatically updated and strengthened as more products, services and users access it, creating a real-time neighborhood watch security service.

      HouseCall 7.0 provides an easy, on-demand check for active viruses and malware. It complements, but is not a substitute for, existing antivirus software and quickly scans the computer, removing detected viruses and malware.

      For "always-on" real-time virus protection, Trend Micro recommends users install Internet security software, such as Trend Micro Internet Security Pro which provides the most comprehensive protection available for your personal and financial information " whether you are at home or on the road. HouseCall 7.0 supports:

      Windows XP (32-bit) Home or Professional with SP2 or SP3; Windows Vista (32-bit) Ultimate, Business, Home Premium, or Home Basic with SP1; and Windows 7 RC (32-bit). To run your free scan with HouseCall 7.0 today, please visit: http://housecall.trendmicro.com and click on the "Try HouseCall 7.0 beta" link.

      About Trend Micro: Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in Internet content security, focuses on securing the exchange of digital information for businesses and consumers. A pioneer and industry vanguard, Trend Micro is advancing integrated threat management technology to protect operational continuity, personal information, and property from malware, spam, data leaks and the newest Web threats. Visit TrendWatch at www.trendmicro.com/go/trendwatch to learn more about the latest threats. Trend Micro's flexible solutions, available in multiple form factors, are supported 24/7 by threat intelligence experts around the globe. Many of these solutions are powered by the Trend Micro Smart Protection Network, a next generation cloud-client content security infrastructure designed to protect customers from Web threats. A transnational company, with headquarters in Tokyo, Trend Micro's trusted security solutions are sold through its business partners worldwide. Please visit www.trendmicro.com.

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