Just as a thermometer measures temperature in degrees and a barometer atmospheric pressure in millibars, the Global ThreatWatch measures the probability of users being affected by a threat at any given time.

This device is a fundamental part of Panda Software's Global Malware Observatory, and is a new concept designed to act in the same way as say, weather forecasts or storm warnings.

The importance of knowing the 'virus climate' can be compared to weather reports that help to make decisions before going on a journey. This report should outline the probability of virus attacks, what type of damage can result and practical information on how to stay safe. This is why the Global ThreatWatch was created.

Not all malware pose the same threat to users. Each malware presents a high or low-level threat at any given moment and for this reason a gauge has been created to measure a malware's Threat level. This gauge is specific for each threat and in the case of Panda, is updated in real-time as the malware spreads or the threat recedes: if a malware is spreading rapidly it represents a greater threat and vice versa.

For example, a decade ago the Friday 13th virus caused real damage, infecting thousands upon thousands of computers. Today it is just as destructive, but has practically disappeared from existence, which makes the probability of it infecting computers practically non-existent. As a result its Threat level is very low.

To find out more on how values are calculated and assigned to a malware threat level, click here.

Both concepts, the Threat level of a malware and the Global ThreatWatch are related in their own way. The Threat level refers to a specific malware while the Global ThreatWatch refers to the combined action of all malware in circulation. The results of the Global ThreatWatch are therefore the combined result of the Threat levels of each active malware.

The Global ThreatWatch depicts the threat climate in the form of color-coded warning conditions. This is a system similar to that used by emergency services with respect to natural disaster warnings. The following table indicates the different alerts, their meaning, and preventive action recommended by Panda.

WARNING CONDITION		DEFINITION		PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Green (Normal)		Normal There are no signs of malware that represent a threat. Low risk of being infected by a malware, as long as the usual precautions are taken.		Do not lower your guard completely. Make sure to follow the preventive measures indicated in Panda Software's 5 tips for staying malware free.
Orange (Pre-alert)		Pre-alert There are malware that could possibly cause an epidemic. Moderate risk of being infected by a malware.		In addition to the precautions taken under the Green warning condition (antivirus installed, updated and properly functioning) apply the specific preventive measures for the most active malware at the time. If you are an administrator, plan an emergency strategy against the most virulent malicious code in circulation.
Red (Alert)		Red alert There are malware that could cause a serious epidemic. Severe risk of being infected by a malware.		In addition to the previous precautionary measures mentioned, apply the specific security measures against the severe threat and high threat malware that are active (content filters, install the corresponding security patches, etc.)

(*)These preventive measures are generalizations; each particular situation especially an orange or red warning condition requires specific measures for optimum protection. As an antivirus software developer Panda Software will adopt its own specific measures to protect its clients.

The Global ThreatWatch status will always be accompanied by additional information, clearly explaining the threat level of the malware warning condition. The additional information may include the following:

1. "Last update...": Shows when the information in the Global ThreatWatch was last updated.
2. Threat information: There is information about the different threats, group by Viruses and Spyware. Information about the threat that is causing a threat is also shown.
3. News Ticker: Real-time news messages, related to the current world threat situation.

Just as there are different kinds of thermometers, there are also different types of Global ThreatWatch formats, although all of them include the same information regarding the Panda warning condition and the Global ThreatWatch name.

The Global ThreatWatch can also include additional information such as explanation of alerts or message boards.

The Global ThreatWatch is one of the cornerstones of the Global Malware Observatory. For more information on how the Global ThreatWatch works, click here.

We hope that you find the Global ThreatWatch both practical and easy to use. If you would like to send us any feedback to improve our product, please do so.