Testing times!

I read, with some interest, that Trend have decided to withdraw from the Virus Bulletin 100 (VB-100) anti-virus test, here is the article. I also then had my attention drawn that Trend had failed the latest VB-100 tests: their performance on VB-100 has been somewhat ‘mixed’ of late. VB-100 tests aim to assess how security products fare in detecting a set of viruses in the WildList, an up-to-date list of malware samples known to be in circulation.  It numbers circa 700 viruses. Trend stated that the test had become out-dated and no longer reflect the fast changing threats that security products need to counter day-to-day.

Now, Trend’s announcement further highlights the understood requirement within the security industry for a new testing methodologies. We need approaches that will better reflect the complex and dynamic nature of the threats that anti-malware products are trying to counter. Notably, the Anti Malware Testing Standards Organisation (AMTSO), has been created to address this.

Whilst, we can all debate the relative merits of the current tests, Virus Bulletin themselves did comment that their test is not the only way to test anti-malware products, but products should be able to detect items in circulation. Furthermore, VB-100 is a measure of product competence and on-going reliability.

So, we all have to live in an ‘imperfect’ world of testing and expect for better days ahead. I am hopeful that the AMTSO initiative will deliver. But I think it is much better to stay the course - rather than decide to wander off.

 

June 10, 2008 | Filed Under Announcements, Market trends, Security, Technology 

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