AV-TEST Product Review and Certification Report – Jan-Feb/2012

During January and February 2012 we continuously evaluated 23 home user security products using their default settings. We always used the most current publicly-available version of all products for the testing. They were allowed to update themselves at any time and query their in-the-cloud services. We focused on realistic test scenarios and challenged the products against real-world threats. Products had to demonstrate their capabilities using all components and protection layers.

certified

Security Essentials

Version2.1
PlatformWindows XP (SP3, 32 bit)
Report120539
DateJan-Feb/2012

Protection

Protection against malware infections
(such as viruses, worms or Trojan horses)
More information

Industry averageIndustry averageJanuary February
Protection against 0-day malware attacks, inclusive of web and e-mail threats (Real-World Testing) 97 samples used 95%83.0%90.0%
Detection of a representative set of malware discovered in the last 2-3 months (AV-TEST reference set) 229,183 samples used 97%91.0%96.0%
Detection of widespread and prevalent malware (according to AV-TEST data) 5,000 samples used 100%100%100%
Protection Score 2.5/6.0

Repair

Cleaning and repair of a malware-infected computer

Industry averageIndustry averageJanuary February
Detection of actively running widespread malware (including Rootkits and stealth malware) 39 samples used 100%100%
Removal of all active components of widespread malware (including Rootkits and stealth malware) 39 samples used 77%85.0%
Removal of further malicious components and remediation of critical system modifications 39 samples used 54%72.0%
Repair Score 5.0/6.0

Usability

Impact of the security software on the usability of the whole computer
(lower values indicate better results)
More information

Industry averageIndustry averageJanuary February
Average slow-down of the computer by the security software in daily use Number of test cases: 5 10%10s
False detections of legitimate software as malware during a system scan (false positives) 516,545 samples used 6 0 0
False warnings of certain actions during download, installation and use of legitimate software 24 samples used 1 0
False blockings of certain actions during download, installation and use of legitimate software 24 samples used 1 0
Usability Score 5.0/6.0

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.
At 17.5 points or higher, AV-TEST also issues the "TOP PRODUCT" award. Additional details ›

   

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All tested manufacturers – listed by year/month