The importance of an update strategy cannot be overstated. Without the latest DAT files and scanning engine installed on your system, it is not fully protected from the latest viruses. There has been an unprecedented rise in the number, propagation rate, and prevalence of new malware. In addition, the growing amount of adware and spyware requires more consistent and available detection and removal.

McAfee Labs releases DAT file updates at about 6:00 PM (GMT) almost every day. Naturally, outbreaks will still occur at awkward times and require emergency releases. When a daily DAT is released early, to pre-empt a potential outbreak, no second DAT is released that day at the normally scheduled time, unless another emergency situation requires one.