HOW DOES PREVX 2.0 WORK?

When you first start Prevx 2.0, it carries out a once-only scan to identify excutable files that run automatically or frequently.

After these files have been catalogued, it then verifies them against the Prevx Central Database. This database contains records of known good and known bad (malware) programs.

Example

When a program tries to start, Prevx 2.0 will intercept it to see if it is safe to run. The diagram shown here is an example of what happens if you download a program from the internet and then try to run it.

(Note: In the diagram, 'Local Database' means the Prevx 2.0 database stored on your computer)

Good programs are allowed to start.

Bad programs (in other words, malware) are automatically blocked. You will see a message box where you can get online details about the file.

Very rarely, if at all, a program may not be in the Community database. This may be because the program is very new or has only been seen a few times by the Prevx 2.0 community or if the Community database could not be contacted. In this case the program would be classified as unknown, and you will be prompted to allow it to start or not. This is known as a Query.

You can also help the Prevx 2.0 community by sending data about the unknown program to Prevx for analysis so that it can be added to the database.

What is the Local Database?

The Local Database is a catalog of executable programs specific to your computer. This database is created during the Fast Scan.

What is the Prevx Central Database?

The Prevx Central Database is a catalog of information gathered globally from Prevx 2.0 users (the 'Community'). The database contains relevant information about the executable files and Events.

The Prevx Community provides detailed information about the emergence, propagation, evolution and control of malware and this information is available to all Prevx 2.0 users allowing them advance warning of new, emerging and evolving threats.