AV-TEST Product Review and Certification Report – Q3/2010

During July, August and September 2010 we continuously evaluated 16 security products using their default settings. 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.

Internet Security

Version	2010 & 2011
Platform	Windows XP (SP3, 32 bit)
Report	103534
Date	Q3/2010

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Protection

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

	Industry average	July	August	September
Protection against 0-day malware attacks from the internet, inclusive of web and e-mail threats (Real-World Testing) 66 samples used	77%	90.0%	94.0%	82.0%
Blocking of malware on or post execution (Dynamic Detection Testing) 20 samples used	50%	65.0%
Detection of a representative set of malware discovered in the last 2-3 months (AV-TEST reference set) 1,038,795 samples used	96%	100%	100%	100%
Detection of widespread malware (according to the WildList) 28,838 samples used	100%	100%	100%	100%
Protection Score	5.0/6.0

Repair

Cleaning and repair of a malware-infected computer

	Industry average	July	August	September
Removal of all active components of widespread malware (according to the WildList) from a computer 20 samples used	80%	85.0%
Removal of further malicious components and remediation of critical system modifications made by malware 20 samples used	50%	55.0%
Detection of deliberately hidden active malware (Rootkits and stealth malware) 18 samples used	83%	72.0%
Removal of deliberately hidden active malware (Rootkits and stealth malware) 18 samples used	56%	61.0%
Repair Score	3.5/6.0

Usability

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

	Industry average	July	August	September
Average slow-down of the computer by the security software in daily use Number of test cases: 13	236%	93s
False detections of legitimate software as malware during a system scan (false positives) 530,462 samples used	3	4	10	3
False warnings of certain actions during the installation and use of legitimate software 20 samples used	1	2
False blockings of certain actions during the installation and use of legitimate software 20 samples used	1	0
Usability Score	4.5/6.0

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 ›