Anti-virus Software: Panda USB Vaccine

Panda USB Vaccine shouldn't be confused with Google's Panda algorithm. The Panda USB Vaccine is anti-malware software that was created around 2009. It is free software created by Panda Research. Panda Research created this utility to block malware infections caused by the corruption of the Autorun feature of Windows operating systems.

What is Autorun?

When you insert a removable storage device such as an MP3 player, memory stick or digital camera into your computer, the Autorun script (known as AUTORUN.INF) helps your computer figure out what to do with the storage device. For example, if your computer automatically opens the files on your USB memory stick when it is plugged into your USB drive, that's the Autorun script doing its job.

Autorun Spread Malware

The spread of malware using the Autorun feature works much like a human virus. Some extremely aggressive worms are able to spread by latching onto removable storage devices by modifying its Autorun file, much like a human can be infected by a virus and become a carrier. The storage device is infected by one computer, and then in turn, it infects the next computer it is plugged into.

How the Panda USB Vaccine Works

The Panda USB Vaccine has two different ways it protects your computer. One is called Computer Vaccination, and the other is called USB Drive Vaccination. Panda clients have the choice of which type of vaccine they would like to use.

The Computer Vaccination disables Autorun. Once Autorun is disabled, no software, including any software on a USB drive, CD or DVD can auto-execute. This keeps malware from spreading, allowing you to catch and destroy the infection before it causes any major problems.

The USB Vaccine disables only USB drives. This is particularly helpful if you know the USB drive is infected.

The Panda USB Vaccine can be downloaded from the Panda Research website. It runs in multiple languages, making it easy for people of many nationalities to use. It can also be used via command line, though this isn't advisable unless you are comfortable using code.

Unfortunately, the vaccine isn't intended for the Windows 7 operating system. According to its creators, it has only been tested with Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista.

Alternatives to the Panda USB Vaccine

Using the Panda USB Vaccine isn't the only way to protect your computer from infection. You can disable Autorun, eliminating the threat of it spreading infection. You can also install reliable anti-malware and anti-virus software to protect the entirety of your computer. All you have to do is make sure that the software scans your detachable device as well as your hard drives. This can be done by plugging in your device and selecting it from the list of items your software presents for scan.

While the Panda USB Vaccine is useful for protecting computers from the spread of infection, it isn't a feasible treatment for new computers. Anti-virus and anti-malware software is probably your best bet for internet security.

At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don't Have To.™