AV-Comparatives Conducts First Test Using the AMTSO Real Time Threat List
AV-Comparatives, an independent Austrian antivirus testing lab, has conducted the first public industry test using the AMTSO Real Time Threat List (RTTL). The RTTL is a repository of malware samples collected from around the world, and is managed, maintained and secured by the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO). Through the RTTL, AMTSO has provided a common platform where testers can access malware samples and related telemetry data provided by vendors and academics. The RTTL provides a way for testers to setup up new ways of testing based on prevalence-weighted and region-specific malware samples. “Using the RTTL extends the range of tests and certifications based on it allow businesses and consumers to make more informed decisions when selecting a product.” said Andreas Clementi, CEO of AV-Comparatives. “In our Real-World Testing framework we are simulating a user using a computer. By exposing the machine to samples pulled from the RTTL we can give an overview of the core protection capabilities of the security product.” Even though testing based on the AMTSO RTTL is very new, nearly all of the vendors reached the certification. Detailed information about the methodology and test results are available on the AV-Comparatives website. The whole report can be downloaded here. Details about the AMTSO Real Time Threat List (RTTL) can be found on the AMTSO website at www.amtso.org. “As the threat landscape continues to evolve and become more complex, many existing tests are unable to correctly evaluate product effectiveness, resulting in product reviews that can be incomplete, inaccurate and misleading” said Thomas Wegele, AMTSO’s Chief Technology Officer. “A large part of this problem is that some testers are unable to access prevalent malware samples on which to base their tests. The RTTL helps solve this problem by providing testers with a new source of malware samples and related telemetry data that is provided directly by industry experts and represents real time threats”. About AV‐Comparatives AV‐Comparatives [http://www.av-comparatives.org] is an independent organization offering systematic testing that checks whether security software, such as PC/Mac‐based anti‐virus products and mobile security solutions, lives up to its promises. Using one of the largest sample collections worldwide, it creates a real‐world environment for truly accurate testing. AV‐Comparatives offers freely accessible results to individuals, news organizations and scientific institutions. Certification by AV‐Comparatives provides an official seal of approval for software performance which is globally recognized. Currently, AV‐ Comparatives' Real‐World Protection Test is the most comprehensive and complex test available when it comes to evaluating the real‐life protection capabilities of anti‐virus software. Put simply, the test framework replicates the scenario of an everyday user in an everyday online environment – the typical situation that most of us experience when using a computer with an Internet connection. AV‐Comparatives works closely with several academic institutions, especially the University of Innsbruck’s Department of Computer Science, to provide innovative scientific testing methods. About the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO) AMTSO is a California-based non-profit mutual benefit corporation founded in 2008. AMTSO’s mission is to improve business conditions related to the development, use, testing and rating of anti-malware solutions. AMTSO membership is open to industry-wide academics, reviewers, testers and vendors. Additional information regarding the organization, including charter documents, membership and educational materials are available on the AMTSO website at www.amtso.org. ### MEDIA CONTACTS: AMTSO Tony Anscombe tony.anscombe@amtso.org AV-Comparatives Peter Stelzhammer p.stelzhammer@av-comparatives.org