BitDefender drops in latest rating test

In multiple tests, some AV programs seem to always be on top of the list, such as Kaspersky. BitDefender always came close as well, but in the latest test from Dennis Technology Labs, BitDefender slipped significantly.

The researchers seek real-world malicious websites to test the products. Some of the malicious websites don't always attack, so the researchers capture the content of the site and use a replay system, so each antivirus under test experiences the exact same attack.

Three points are earned if the AV product completely fends off the attack. Two points are earned if the malware launches but the AV product wipes out every trace of the threat. Halting the attack, but not removing the traces earns one point. Five points are deducted if the AV software completely misses the attack.

Dennis Labs offers certification as AAA, AA, A, B, and C. Kaspersky, ESET, and Norton earned the top rating, AAA. Avast moved up from AA to AAA this time. Trend Micro rated B-level certification last time; this time it came up to AA.

What was surprising was that BitDefender went from AA last time to B in the current test. "BitDefender usually performs strongly in our tests," said Edwards, "but this time around was an exception. There were a high number of compromises and these invariably involved some form of ransom ware, such as Cryptowall."