AVG has added significant host-based intrusion prevention (HIPS) technology with its acquisition of Sana Security.
Sana modelled the behaviour-based technology in its Primary Response product line after the human immune system. It observes and "learns" normal application behaviour and detects and blocks aberrant behaviour as a threat.
"Sana's unique behavioural software, combined with AVG's existing security technology, will provide the most comprehensive online identity protection in the industry, delivering continuous real-time protection," J.R. Smith, CEO of AVG Technologies said in a statement. "At the same time, AVG will continue to maintain low PC resource utilisation for optimal system performance, a critical requirement both for the individual at home and for the business user."
Five-year-old Sana Security was one of the pioneer HIPS vendors, along with Entercept and Okena, long since acquired by McAfee and Cisco, respectively. It was one of the few HIPS-focused vendors in the security market, along with companies like eEye Digital Security (which is known for its Retina VA scanner as well as its Blink HIPS product) and Third Brigade. Most HIPS technology has been incorporated as a component in endpoint security suites.
Czech-based AVG changed its name from Grisoft last February, capitalising on its widely recognized AVG product branding, including its popular AVG Antivirus Free Edition.