Anti-malware programmes 'hard to assess'

Monday, 4 Feb 2008. Categories: USA

It is very difficult for product reviewers to adequately assess anti-virus software, an expert has asserted.

Dean Takahashi, product reviewer for Mercury News, commented that he is aware a decent computer protection programme should block spyware, phishing attempts and viruses.

It should protect passwords, update regularly and warn a user about suspicious sites, all without slowing the computer to "a crawl", he added.

However, reviewers cannot check for such computer support without releasing malware onto their own machines, which they are unlikely to have the facilities or the inclination to do, Mr Takahashi explained.

Some software manufacturers are joining together in order to set security standards for such programmes, he noted.

Mr Takahashi claimed this is a welcome move, adding: "The best anti-virus software stops a lot of viruses and other malware before they have a chance to mess up your computer."

The Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization, supported by PC Tools, has been created to set globally-adopted standards for computer security software.

It seeks to improve objectivity, relevance and quality in the testing of anti-virus software.

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Anti-malware programmes 'hard to assess'

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