Check if your Antivirus software works with these tools

Not sure if your anti-malware program is working? Now you can use these five new tools to check.

 

The tools came from the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO), which said users can check if their antivirus software is at least up to par.

 

A page on the organization's website contains links to the tests that can be run for the anti-malware programs. These include:

 

 

A report on PC Magazine's Security Watch quoted AMTSO president and CEO Dr. Richard Ford as saying this is useful for both consumers and businesses.

 

"(U)nderstanding if your endpoint anti-malware security product is configured correctly, detecting then blocking different types of attacks, is an essential element to giving the user or administrator the knowledge and comfort that their security solution is working on multiple levels to protect their valuable digital assets," he said.

 

PC Mag said that under the program, participating antivirus vendors will configure their products to detect specific harmless files or web pages the same way they would a malicious file.

 

At least 15 major vendors have so far signed on.

 

"AMTSO expect(s) more vendors will add detection of these tools to their solutions in the future," said AMTSO's VP of Marketing Tony Anscombe.

 

Active AMTSO

 

When AMTSO was formed in 2008, its members spent years codifying best practices for testing anti-malware products.

 

But last year, it restructured its leadership, adding a full set of executive officers.

 

"The set of antivirus feature check pages is the first visible success from the new leadership, and it's most impressive. Look for more AMTSO news in the coming months," it said. — TJD, GMA News