AV-TEST Product Review and Certification Report – Mar-Apr/2012

During March and April 2012 we continuously evaluated 22 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

Anti-Virus Free Edition

Version 2012
Platform Windows 7 (SP1, 32 bit)
Report 121354
Date Mar-Apr/2012

Protection

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

Industry averageIndustry averageMarch April
Protection against 0-day malware attacks, inclusive of web and e-mail threats (Real-World Testing) 103 samples used
Detection of a representative set of malware discovered in the last 2-3 months (AV-TEST reference set) 284,818 samples used
Detection of widespread and prevalent malware (according to AV-TEST data) 5,000 samples used
Protection Score 5.5/ 6.0

Repair

Cleaning and repair of a malware-infected computer

Industry averageIndustry averageMarch April
Detection of actively running widespread malware (including Rootkits and stealth malware) 41 samples used
Removal of all active components of widespread malware (including Rootkits and stealth malware) 41 samples used
Removal of further malicious components and remediation of critical system modifications 41 samples used
Repair Score 4.5/ 6.0

Usability

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

Industry averageIndustry averageMarch April
Average slow-down of the computer by the security software in daily use Number of test cases: 5
False detections of legitimate software as malware during a system scan (false positives) 505,040 samples used 6 6 6
False warnings of certain actions during download, installation and use of legitimate software 22 samples used 1 0
False blockings of certain actions during download, installation and use of legitimate software 22 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