Panda Security has upgraded its online malware scanner, ActiveScan to version 2.0. Panda said the upgrade was a response to "the growing complexity of modular-built intelligent malware, such as rootkits."

ActiveScan 2.0 draws on Panda's flagship 'Collective Intelligence' infrastructure, which takes security and malware information directly from its user community.

In this upgrade ActiveScan stores "collected behavioural patterns of programs, file traces, and any new malware samples gathered globally, which are then automatically analysed, classified and correlated with PandaLabs’ malware knowledge base."

When new malware is found, Panda's system generates 'vaccines' to disinfect malware. To try out the system users are directed to the Panda URL, www.infectedornot.com. The site allows single PCs to be scanned for malware, and even entire company networks.

Panda added that ActiveScan 2.0 "is compatible with all antivirus programs in the AV market," and can use both Internet Explorer and Firefox web browsers.