Microsoft Security Essentials misses 39% of malware in Dennis test

pc pro ^ | 19 Dec 2013 at 15:24 | Barry Collins

[Utilizer]

Dennis Publishing's security labs saw Microsoft Security Essentials fail to detect 39% of the real-world malware thrown at it.

Dennis Technology Labs (DTL) tested nine home security products on a Windows 7 PC, including Security Essentials, which is distributed free to Windows users and built into Windows 8 in the form of Windows Defender.

While the other eight packages all achieved protection scores of 87% or higher - with five scoring 98% or 99% - Microsoft's free antivirus software protected against only 61% of the malware samples used in the test.

-snip-

Norton Internet Security received the strongest protection rating in DTL's tests, detecting 99% of the malware used. Taking into account false positives against legitimate software, Kaspersky Internet Security 2014 provided the best overall level of protection.

[Ramius]

—Norton— was the best?? Really??

Norton...?

Not buying it.

[nickcarraway]

I use Avast. I heard AVG is good too.

[GeronL]

Unfortunately Norton will use a third of your CPU and clog up your web surfing pipeline.

A 20-foot granite wall will you keep you safe, but the view is horrible.

[Utilizer]

‘Ay, wasn’t MY test mate! Go and look at the results for yourself and judge from there. As far as I could tell, none of the testing agencies were paid for by any of the security OEMs, but I could be mistaken.

[lbryce]

I am very surpised that people still have not removed Microsoft Essentials from their computers. It's been quite awhile since Microsoft itself has recommended everyone to remove it's Microsoft Security Essentials quite a while ago. Sorry that some of you never get the memo. I've removed Microsoft security Essentials eons ago.

Microsoft (allegedly) Now Recommends You Use a Third-Party Antivirus

Posted 04 October 2013 - 09:38 AM Goodbye Microsoft Security Essentials: Microsoft Now Recommends You Use a Third-Party Antivirus

Quote
Microsoft Security Essentials (Windows Defender on Windows 8) was once on top. Over the years, its slid in the test results, but Microsoft argued the tests werent meaningful. Now, Microsoft is advising Windows users to use a third-party antivirus instead. This revelation comes to us from an interview Microsoft gave. Microsofts official website still bills MSE as offering comprehensive malware protection without any hint that they no longer recommend using it. Microsoft is not communicating well with its users.

[deks]

Thanks. I always appreciate links. There was another link within the thread you linked to (see below). . .

Sensationalist Press Got it WRONG! Microsoft Does Not Recommend Two Antivirus Programs!

http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/2013/09/sensationalist-press-got-it-wrong.html

[Mannaggia l'America]

It's been quite awhile since Microsoft itself has recommended everyone to remove it's Microsoft Security Essentials quite a while ago. Sorry that some of you never get the memo.

Where did they do that?

I think you saw an article that took a quote from a Microsoft person out of context.

Sensationalist Press Got it WRONG! Microsoft Does Not Recommend Two Antivirus Programs!

[minnesota_bound]

I have been using AVG for many years. After reading the article I downloaded the trial version of Kaspersky Internet Security 2014. It is both an anti virus and anti spyware program. I uninstalled AVG and restarted my pc and installed Kaspersky. It found 5 items on my “C” drive and several others on my external drive. It also has a Network Monitor to monitor traffic to and from the pc so you know if something is phoning home to eastern europe. BTW both Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 15 are phoning home.... I hadn’t opened Office today or yesterday when I first installed Kaspersky. Must be the NSA plugin.

Kaspersky sale price for 3 pc’s is just $25 at Amazon. I have now bought it.
http://www.amazon.com/Kaspersky-Internet-Security-2014-3User/dp/B00E6ONJJU

[Utilizer]

I am SO very, very glad that you found something that proved beneficial to you on this thread. Keep safe and trust no one. Well, at least Kaspersky for this aspect. Don’t be afraid to keep on looking out for a better product if it comes along.

[chaosagent]

This is why that, along with MS Essentials, I also run SuperAntiSpyware, AntiMalWareBytes, AVG Free, and ZoneAlarm Free.

Never had a problem with anything getting thru.

[Red in Blue PA]

Free for a reason.

If it garnered 99% effectiveness, no doubt they would be charging for it.

[mrsmith]

Ha!
Ran Malwarebytes today, found 1 problem: Trojan.VBKrypt (just that kind of trojan you mention).

still, that’s the first scan I’ve run since switching to MSE so I rate MSE ‘excellent!” for me...

[zeugma]

 

—Norton— was the best?? Really??

Norton...?

Not buying it.

Norton itself is a virus.

Hate systems where it, or mcafee are installed. you can't get rid of it without wiping the system, and the system resources it requires are astounding.

 

[Squantos]

Good point...:o)