Microsoft OneCare fails virus test

Microsoft's OneCare security in a test failed to detect or stop 37 malicious programmes on Windows Vista.

The independent security certification body Virus Bulletin tested 15 security suites on Windows Vista against a set of malware that is listed in the WildList database.

"The tests conducted in our secure labs were against the most significant viruses and worms affecting real-world users. In these days of hourly updates, it's always a surprise and a disappointment to see major products missing them, " said John Hawes, technical consultant at Virus Bulletin.

"Computer users deserve to see a better performance than this from security vendors."

Onecare detected about 99.91 percent of the threats. The security suite succeeded to detect all macro viruses, but allowed failed test with some viruses, file infectors and polymorphic malware which constantly changes shape in an effort to avoid detection by security software.

Four of the tested suites failed to detect all malware. The other products failing the test were G-Data AntiVirusKit 2007 v.17.0.6353, McAfee VirusScan Enterprise version 8.1i and Norman Virus Control 5.90.

Microsoft last week unveiled a version 1.5 of its security suite which added support for the Windows Vista operating system. The updated service added support for unified virus and spyware scanning as well as more flexible back-up options. The software vendor also used the launch to introduce the suite in 16 new countries including the UK, Germany and France.

Microsoft didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

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