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US researchers develop new malware detection approach

University researchers in the US have developed a new malware and virus detection approach that they claim is more effective than traditional methods.

Christened CloudAV, the new approach uses 12 different antivirus programs running simultaneously to analyse files coming into machines, say the makers, engineers based at the University of Michigan.

It uses behavioural detection programmes in a "network cloud" to carry out malware detection, taking antivirus functionality off personal computers.

"CloudAV virtualises and parallelises detection functionality with multiple antivirus engines, significantly increasing overall protection," said Farnam Jahanian, professor of computer science and engineering at the university's department of computer science.

According to the researchers, the new approach spots online threats faster than traditional programs, which are at their best only when working independently.

The news comes in the wake of revelations that online threats cost consumers millions. In the last two years such threats forced consumers to replace some 2.1 million computers, according to Consumer Reports.

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