Testers swoop on McAfee Falcon beta

McAfee's latest threat protection service is available for testing

Antivirus firm McAfee has released a beta version of its next-generation security platform codenamed Falcon.

Interested consumers and early adopters can download and test McAfee's latest threat protection service in advance of the final product launch later this summer.

New additions to the software include SystemGuards, that monitor computers for specific behaviours that may signal virus, spyware or hacker activity, and intelligent anti-phishing technology that claims to block consumers from potential scams.

Falcon also includes X-Ray for Windows, which will detect and kill root-kits and other malicious applications that hide from Windows and other antivirus programs.

McAfee SiteAdvisor identifies potentially dangerous websites that have engaged in 'social engineering' attacks such as spyware, adware, spam and online scams.

Findings are summarised with red, yellow and green icons that provide users with a view of website ratings as they search, browse and transact online.

Network-aware capabilities will allow consumers with home networks to access new features to manage all the PCs on the home network, providing encrypted security capabilities and allowing families to easily share printers and files.