More Proof that Microsoft's Free Security Solution Is a Good Choice

Article by George Norman (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 20 Aug 2010

If you have a Windows-powered computer, you need to keep it safe and protected. There are plenty of threats out there that pose a risk to your system and your data. There are viruses, and worms, and Trojans, and keyloggers, and all sorts of malware. To keep your system protected there is only one thing you can do – you must get a security software solution.

You could for example get something from Kaspersky’s 2011 lineup, or something from BitDefender’s 2011 range of applications. Or, you could get an application that doesn’t cost anything at all. Such an application is the Microsoft-developed and aptly named Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE for short).

Proof that MSE is a properly good alternative to paid security software solutions came earlier this month when Virus Bulletin (highly reputable testing organization in the industry whose goal is to measure the detection effectiveness and quality of antivirus products) gave MSE a VB100 award.

Now we are offered additional proof that MSE is a properly good alternative to paid security software solutions, this time from AV-TEST, an independent antivirus research and data security organization. For a period of 3 months (April, May and June), AV-TEST put 19 security products to the test and assessed if these products can properly protect a Windows 7-powered PC. Out of the 19 products AV-TEST tried out, only 13 passed the test – MSE was among those 13.

“During the 2nd quarter of 2010 we have tested 19 security products in the areas protection, repair and usability. The "Protection" covers static and dynamic malware detection, including real-world 0-Day attack testing. In case of "Repair", we check the system disinfection and rootkit removal in detail. The "Usability" testing includes the system slow-down caused by the tools and the number of false positives. A product has to reach at least 12 points total in order to receive a certification. 13 products have fulfilled our requirements and received an AV-Test certificate,” explained AV-TEST.

If you would like to see the results of the tests performed by AV-TEST, please click
here.
If you want to get Microsoft Security Essentials, you can download the application
here.


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