Anti-malware testing standard proposed

Symantec, McAfee, F-Secure and Kaspersky are among the names who have pledged support for the project, which boasts a list of more than 40 security vendors and media groups as part of the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organisation.

The new system would provide guidelines as to how a test should be conducted, including the types of malware used, method of analysis, and accurate support for a conclusion. The guidelines also outline procedures for studying and disclosing new malware samples.

Many security vendors and experts have suggested that an updated standard for testing be established in recent years. Current security tests, such as the VB100 system, have been criticized for their testing procedures and what some say is an inability to accurately access certain types of anti-malware programs.

The group hopes that its outlines will allow both security firms and independent testing groups to research the effectiveness of anti-malware software with better accuracy and a built-in neutrality.

"While there have been many great security software reviews in the past, many poor reviews have confused or misled people," commented McAfee senior vice president Jeff Green.

"This is a significant milestone that should skew the balance towards fair and scientific testing, providing users with a true viewpoint on the security protection vendors provide."

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