AV-TEST Product Review and Certification Report
During September 2021 we evaluated 10 home user security products for MacOS BigSur. We always used the most current version of all products for the testing. They were allowed to update themselves and query their in-the-cloud services. We focused on malware detection, false positives and performance.
Protection
Protection against malware infections
(such as viruses, worms or Trojan horses)
Detection of widespread and prevalent malware discovered in the last 4 months (the AV-TEST reference set)
152 samples used
100
100
Protection Score
6.0/ 6.0
Performance
Average influence of the product on computer speed in daily usage
Slower download of frequently-used applications
35 downloaded files
0
0%
Slower launch of standard software applications
64 test cases applied
3
3%
Slower installation of frequently-used applications
27 installed applications
8
12%
Slower copying of files, locally and in a network
3,689 files copied
2
6%
Performance Score
6.0/ 6.0
Usability
Impact of the security software on the usability of the whole computer
(lower values indicate better results)
False detections of legitimate software as malware during a system scan
66,823 samples used
False warnings concerning certain actions carried out whilst installing and using legitimate software
60 samples used
Usability Score
6.0/ 6.0
Evaluation based on a point system
All products can achieve a maximum of 6 points each in the three categories of protection, performance and usability. This means 18 points are the best possible test result.
At 10 points or higher, a product is awarded the AV-TEST seal of approval.


