[SECURITY] AntiVirus Test Results - Comments Page 1

Interesting timing on your article! i just had an issue with Avast. Not long after downloading it I began to get multiple BSOD's. (Running Windows 8.1 on a HP Envy with 12 GB of RAM and an i5 processor) I didn't realize Avast might be the culprit until I exhausted every other possible fix. Since uninstalling last night I have had no more BSOD issues.

Hi Bob,just a quick note reference the antivirus tests.I have been using 360 total security for about 6-8 months now i was wondering if you could have a play with it and give your opinions.
When you use the settings to secure mode it installs antivir and bitdefender engines,it also has other software added to its tool box.

This does not appear to be an all inclusive test of all anti-virus platforms. Why would the test not include suppliers that do things somewhat differently in tracking and blocking viruses from getting on a computer. The big names are there but it is clear that some more innovative methods are out there to stop viruses from getting to your computer in the first place. A few more false positives might stop some ransom ware attacks. From my side, I would be happy to have more blockage until verified versus having a virus attack lock my computer network.

EDITOR'S NOTE: In the article, I said: " vendors must volunteer for these tests. So if you don't see your Internet security program listed in the AV Comparatives or AV-Test results, it's because they chose not to participate."

I went back to Avast free awhile back after using Zone Alarm free plus firewall I'm been using Malware bytes for a long time and love it. the latest version of avast free I do not like is the
passwords and software updater, I shut those off when I run a manual scan, but have had no problems with avast.

I was surprised that they didn't test Norton 360. I use it because it is free from my cable company and is actually a good product these days. Also I know a lot of people that work at Symantec. But it wasn't included in the tests. I don't know why.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Participation is voluntary; vendors choose which products, if any, to include in the testing.

It's interesting and also disturbing so many of the "best" anti-malware program companies are mentioned in the article you linked to here -- "researchers have found critical flaws."

"Since June, researchers have found and reported several dozen serious flaws in antivirus products from vendors such as Kaspersky Lab, ESET, Avast, AVG Technologies, Intel Security (formerly McAfee) and Malwarebytes." Also, "Since June, Ormandy has found and reported over 25 vulnerabilities in antivirus products from ESET, Kaspersky Lab, AVG and Avast. In the past he also found flaws in products from Sophos and Microsoft."

Why isn't Webroot SecureAnywhere in the test?

I am with you FactsRule. I have been using Webroot for years without any problems. Yet, it is never listed in these tests.

EDITOR'S NOTE: In the article, I said: " vendors must volunteer for these tests. So if you don't see your Internet security program listed in the AV Comparatives or AV-Test results, it's because they chose not to participate."

I also use Webroot SecureAnywhere. Just renewed it. It is my choice for AV Product of the Year!

Anyone who has Comcast/Xfinity as their internet provider automatically gets the benefit of a free download of Symantec's Norton Security Suite, which, I've been told, by the folks at Symantec, is virtually the same package as Norton 360, just under a different name. Norton 360 typically runs 70 to 90 dollars at the stores, and the user needs to buy a new update package every year, to stay current. If you run the update every morning, at startup, as I do, Norton security Suite typically takes only two to four minutes to download new anti-virus definitions and run a quick scan of various files on the computer, as well as cleans out residual junk files, and empties the Windows waste basket.

On the two or three times I've had issues with the software, or thought the computer picked up a virus or malware, a call to the Norton Security Suite toll-free hotline help number provided me rapid and thorough solutions to my problems, and the agents were very professional, and willing to correct things. I was very impressed. And, no, I don't work for nor have any professional associations with neither Comcast/Xfinity nor Symantec.

I see some people don't read the complete artical, But so it is. I use Avast free a older version and wont use any other,Have had no problems with my version,but the newer one is user frendly.Thanks for a great insite,keep up the good work, and maybe most will read all the infromation.

Bob, based on your personal recommendation of Avast! (for at least a couple of years now), that is my AV of choice and have been very satisfied. I also run Malwarebytes anti-malware. I have no idea if either has saved me from catastrophe, but I have not had a catastrophe so all's well and I have no reason to change. Thanks for the good work you do keeping all of us informed on the ever-changing world(s) of technology.

I have been using Zone Alarm Extreme Security for a year & a half. It seems to be doing fine, as I haven't had any issues with malware. I also use Malwarebytes Pro once a week. I may send a message to Zone Alarm & ask why they didn't participate in the AV test. Might consider Kaspersky or Bit Defender when my renewal is up.
One other thing, after seeing all those PC Matic advertisements on TV every night, I'm surprised they didn't participate & show their stuff in the AV test.
Thanks Bob, always look forward to your newsletter.

In case any reader is planning to watch the event, it is actually taking place on Sunday, February 28th, not Friday, the 26th.
And if you are a Sound Editor, well, you already know that the MPSE Golden Reel Awards event is taking place the day before on the 27th. Alas that event is not broadcast.
Thank you for your newsletter, Bob.

Hey Bob, thanks for the article. I downloaded bit-defender the other day after seeing it recommended (sort of) in one of your articles and it shut down my windows defender AV. I immediately uninstalled it after I finally got my pc back up and running. Caused several problems. Wanted to let you know.

Norton product years ago has been the only program to pick up a virus enclosed in a email to me, I advised the sender, they were unaware of the problem.

I have Avast! and Malwarebytes (also Anti-Exploit and Anti-Ransomware, both from MBAM)on my computer. Early in January 2016, MBAM displayed a message that Avast! contained a Trojan and blocked it. I added the MBAM-Anti-Ransomware just recently. It "found" that Avast! had "made" a ransomware attack and blocked it. Could be program interaction problems. I just don't think Avast! would be doing anything harmful. I don't use the Avast! automatic updates though I do like the fact that they alert me to updates and also give me the opportunity to download the updates manually. I do **not** like the nagware approach that Avast! keeps popping up. Avast! and Malwarebytes seem to "play well together." Just minor "irk" points. Happy with both.

I am not impressed by any ranking of anti-virus programs which invites authors of programs to participate. Instead, the ranking should be based on the selection of all participants in the same manner as Consumer Report does.

As for programs, I use the full Webroot package and Malwarebytes and have never encountered any problems. I also appreciate the advice that it gives me about suspect web sites.

I used Norton Anti-Virus and then Internet Security for years. Talk about taking over a computer system! I switched to AVG and have had excellent results. I also tried Avast on one of my laptops, also with excellent results. Symantec has always catered to corporate customers and those home users who aren't very computer savvy.

My Kapersky is up for renewal again, but I have no doubts I will renew it. I like the user interface and the way it scores number one every year.