Are Anti-Virus Providers Asleep at the Wheel?

This isn't a specific virus or malware issue, just a general question:

Is it just me, or are anti-virus, malware and spyware programs becoming less effective at catching and blocking attacks?

While I'm aware new attacks appear daily, it seems as though some (especially those that spoof a legitimate Windows Defender or other anti-virus message) are able to break through multiple layers of defense for weeks before pre-emptive measures appear.

Example: I run AVG Free, Advanced Windows Care anti-spyware and software that scans for critical updates in third-party apps such as Adobe and Java. These (along with Windows 7) are set for automatic updates. Win 7 Firewall is on plus there is a firewall in my router. No "messenger" or "IM" services are running; no added toolbars are installed in IE8.

Even with this (and IE8 pop-up blocker turned on), clicking on a search link in Google allowed a spoof malware program to freely enter my system and generate a pop-up. Realizing what was happening, I did not click on either the box or the red "x" to close it; I hit CTRL+ALT+DEL and stopped IE8 through Task Manager - after a reboot and Malware Bytes full scan, it appears my quick action dodged the bullet of being infected.

Cutting to the chase, why is it taking anti-virus software providers so long to come up with solutions that catch these issues before they infect a PC? Although this issue has increased my volume of customers seeking legitimate virus and malware removal, this is a question many people are asking - especially those using high-priced subscription anti-virus software.

Any thoughts on this from the experts?

 

I'm in total agreement.

If the douchebags responsible for these attacks are lucky, law enforcement will catch and protect them -- although personally I think the PC Community At Large should get to play judge, jury and executioner when they're caught.

:guns :guns :guns

 

Although this logic may sound twisted, I eventually hope a few of these issues start resulting in the theft of credit card numbers. If this happens, major card issuers will start putting pressure on INTERPOL and other agencies to track down the source. This type of investigation/bust happened recently when the server for T.J.Maxx/Marshall's was hacked and thousands of credit card numbers were stolen and put up for sale on the black market. I believe the offenders were tracked to and arrested in Russia.