Norton power eraser
Encyclopedia
{mergeto|Norton Insight]]
Norton Power Eraser is a small portable executable
, using Norton Insight
in-the-cloud application ratings to scan the system. It checks in which list the application is. If it's in the list of trusted applications, it leaves it on the system. If it's in the list of bad applications, it marks it for deletion. If it's unknown and not in any list, it reports it as suspicious, but does not mark it for removal. Instead it recommends a "remote scan", which will upload the file to Symantec
's servers to check it with virus definitions.
scanning, which requires system restart. Threat removal is also performed after restart, on the next boot, to avoid the self protection of virus
es and trojans
.
Norton Power Eraser is a small portable executable
Portable Executable
The Portable Executable format is a file format for executables, object code and DLLs, used in 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows operating systems. The term "portable" refers to the format's versatility in numerous environments of operating system software architecture...
, using Norton Insight
Norton Insight
Norton Insight whitelists files based on reputation. Norton-branded antivirus software then leverage the data to skip known files during virus scans. Symantec claims quicker scans and more accurate detection with the use of the technology.-Development:...
in-the-cloud application ratings to scan the system. It checks in which list the application is. If it's in the list of trusted applications, it leaves it on the system. If it's in the list of bad applications, it marks it for deletion. If it's unknown and not in any list, it reports it as suspicious, but does not mark it for removal. Instead it recommends a "remote scan", which will upload the file to Symantec
Symantec
Symantec Corporation is the largest maker of security software for computers. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and is a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500 stock market index.-History:...
's servers to check it with virus definitions.
Effectivness
Power Eraser is very aggressive to unknown threats, since they won't be whitelisted and will be marked for removal or sent for analysis. The tool also features rootkitRootkit
A rootkit is software that enables continued privileged access to a computer while actively hiding its presence from administrators by subverting standard operating system functionality or other applications...
scanning, which requires system restart. Threat removal is also performed after restart, on the next boot, to avoid the self protection of virus
Virus
A virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. Viruses infect all types of organisms, from animals and plants to bacteria and archaea...
es and trojans
Trojan horse (computing)
A Trojan horse, or Trojan, is software that appears to perform a desirable function for the user prior to run or install, but steals information or harms the system. The term is derived from the Trojan Horse story in Greek mythology.-Malware:A destructive program that masquerades as a benign...
.