Security firm PC Tools has launched a behaviour-based consumer security software suite dubbed ThreatFire.

The company claims that the offering improves on traditional anti-malware products because it offers proactive detection, unlike signature-based technology which provides only reactive protection.

PC Tools argues that antivirus products are required to identify a threat in order to create the signature before adequate protection can be provided.

"ThreatFire is one of the only products capable of stopping the Storm threat in its tracks without a signature," said PC Tools chief executive Simon Clausen.

He claimed that ThreatFire does not need to rely on signatures so there is no delay in providing protection against zero-day or zero-minute exploits.

Clausen added that the offering actively defends a PC against malware such as viruses, Trojans, rootkits, key-loggers or spyware in real time by examining and monitoring the behaviour of files, background activities and processes.

"Internal testing has shown that ThreatFire's ActiveDefense technology significantly increases and can double the protection level provided by traditional antivirus products," said Clausen.

A free edition of the software is available alongside ThreatFire Pro, which comes with PC Tools' AntiVirus engine for £29.95 per year.