Latest news with #AV-Comparatives
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Does Antivirus Software Collect Your Data? Yes, But Here's Why You Shouldn't Worry
We count on antivirus software to keep our devices and personal data safe from cyber threats. But some of that software may be collecting data about you while it protects you. That's the concern raised in a 2023 report by AV-Comparatives, an independent testing lab that evaluated how 20 of the most popular antivirus programs handle user data. The study looked at what data these products collect, how much control users have over it, and whether that data is shared with third parties. It also considered how easy companies' data policies are to understand and how transparent they are about these policies. The takeaway? Antivirus tools do their job, but many gather more data than most people realize. Here's what you need to know. Read more: Best Antivirus Software for Maximum Protection in 2025 Antivirus software must know some things about your system to keep it safe. But in many cases, it collects more information than it needs. The AV-Comparatives report found that most antivirus programs gather a mix of system info, network details, user data and file-related information. That includes basics like your operating system version, how much RAM you have, your CPU type and even your computer's name. Some go further, collecting BIOS info, a list of installed apps, or details about running processes. They also pull in network data, such as your local and external IP addresses, DNS server and network name. This helps them spot potential threats, but it also gives them a clear picture of where and how you connect. User data is where things start to feel more personal. About half of the products in the study send your Windows username to the company. Depending on your setup, that could be your full name. Time zone, language and general location info are also collected. And if your antivirus includes web protection, it might track every URL you visit, the previous URL you came from and the site's IP address. Then there's the stuff on your computer. Antivirus software often uploads file names, locations and hashes when scanning something suspicious. But in some cases, it also sends entire files -- including harmless ones like documents -- without asking first. That could be a problem. Let's say your antivirus software collected your data for legitimate reasons. What it does with that data matters. According to the AV-Comparatives report, some antivirus companies are pretty responsible when it comes to how they handle your data. Others, not so much. F-Secure, G Data and K7 were among the top performers when it comes to data collection and sharing practises. Norton, Panda and McAfee, however, scored poorly for how they share user data. Now, to be fair, not all data sharing is bad. Some of it helps improve malware detection. For example, many antivirus programs send suspicious files or file hashes to services like VirusTotal, where different security companies work together to identify threats. That kind of collaboration makes sense and helps keep everyone safer. But not every company draws the line in the right place. AVG, which was later acquired by Avast, collected users' browsing history and sold it to third-party advertisers. The FTC eventually banned Avast in June 2024 from selling or licensing users' web-browsing data and fined it $16.5 million. Not exactly the kind of behavior you want from software that's supposed to be guarding your privacy. Some antivirus tools are clearer than others about what's going on behind the scenes. If privacy matters to you, it's worth digging into these details before hitting install. In a perfect world, antivirus software would only collect and share data that was absolutely necessary. Since that's not the world we live in, you'll need to be proactive in protecting yourself. Here's how. Most antivirus programs have options tucked away in their menus that let you opt out of things like: Usage tracking Cloud analysis Uploading suspicious files Logging the websites you visit These features are often turned on by default, so it's worth spending a couple of minutes poking around and turning off anything you don't want running in the background. If you're not sure what's being shared right now, you can always disable the antivirus first and review the options later. Many people fly through the software setup process without realizing they're agreeing to send all kinds of data. Look for any checkboxes related to product improvement or data sharing and uncheck them if you'd rather not participate. Free antivirus tools can be tempting, but they need to make money somehow. That sometimes means collecting and selling user data. If you care about privacy, it's usually safer to go with a paid version from a vendor that's more upfront about how it handles your info. In the AV-Comparatives report, F-Secure, ESET and G Data all scored well for how they handle and share data. Avoid the software that didn't do so well. Yeah, we know. It's not the most fun thing to read, but the privacy policy and end-user license agreement will usually tell you what kind of data is collected and what the company does with it. Some vendors even have simplified versions or FAQs that make things easier to understand. Here are a few you can check out: Bitdefender ESET Kaspersky It's fair to worry about how much data antivirus software collects, but that doesn't mean you should ditch it altogether. Antivirus is still one of the most important tools you can have to protect yourself from malware, phishing attacks and all the other junk floating around online. Yes, some programs grab more data than they probably need, but most use it to improve security, not to spy on you. The key is picking antivirus software that's upfront about what it collects and gives you some control over it. Plenty of great options offer solid protection without going overboard on data collection. So yes, it's smart to be cautious, but going without antivirus software leaves you way more exposed than using a well-reviewed one that respects your privacy.
Mid East Info
05-05-2025
- Mid East Info
ESET receives prestigious Anti-Tampering Certification for the second time - Middle East Business News and Information
ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, is proud to announce that its ESET PROTECT Elite cloud solution has passed AV-Comparatives' rigorous Anti-Tampering Test, certifying its power to protect against tampering attacks that could result in permanent, temporary, partial or complete loss of product functionality. Usually, once a cybercriminal compromises a network/machine, staying under the radar is mission critical. This is best achieved by eliminating endpoint security software, likely by using compromised credentials to access the network and then using legitimate tools as much as possible (living off the land). This is tampering, and it can lead to major security disasters if it is not protected against. Regarding anti-tampering, ESET excelled in tests as far back as 2014 and 2015, when independent testing found ESET's consumer offering 100% successful in preventing tampering attacks, a major milestone compared to the 32 other participating vendors. The same was confirmed in business products in 2023, when AV-Comparatives awarded ESET PROTECT Entry the highest degree of approval, affirming ESET's continuous focus on products that are secure-by-design. In testing this year, ESET PROTECT Elite received acclaim for its top-notch anti-tampering security, with AV-Comparatives highlighting its password protected settings as a very relevant functionality. Besides that, the solution excelled in mitigating against registry key, DLL, file system and even kernel driver manipulation, among others. This shows that our protection agent is qualified to defend against a vast array of attacks and techniques known to tamper with key processes. These anti-tampering capabilities are applied across all advanced ESET PROTECT tiers, including our XDR-enabling component, ESET Inspect. 'If a security tool can be tampered with, it's not a security tool — it's a vulnerability. At ESET, we take that principle seriously. We strive to deliver the highest level of protection, and anti-tampering has been one of our core defenses against hacking attempts for many years. In fact, it's been over a decade since we pioneered several technologies specifically designed to safeguard our software from manipulation — making us one of the first vendors to do so. We're proud that AV-Comparatives has recognized that our commitment to this crucial functionality remains strong and relevant,' said Zuzana Legáthová, Director of Test, Analyst Relations and Market Research. For any endpoint security solution, independent testing done by analysts is how a product receives professional acclaim and certification proving its expert competence. With Anti-Tampering becoming increasingly relevant in view of novel sophisticated threats such as EDR killers, it's crucial for any business to seek a solution that can fill security gaps that might not be so obvious, such as the integrity of the product itself. Read AV-Comparatives' Anti-Tampering Certification report on ESET PROTECT Elite cloud. Read further to discover how anti-tampering is relevant for everyday security. Explore ESET PROTECT Elite and its multi-layered security power capable of stopping sophisticated attacks. About ESET ESET® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of emerging global cyberthreats, both known and unknown— securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it's endpoint, cloud or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. The ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network.
Channel Post MEA
05-05-2025
- Channel Post MEA
ESET PROTECT Elite Receives Anti-Tampering Certification
ESET announced that its ESET PROTECT Elite cloud solution has passed AV-Comparatives' rigorous Anti-Tampering Test, certifying its power to protect against tampering attacks that could result in permanent, temporary, partial or complete loss of product functionality. Usually, once a cybercriminal compromises a network/machine, staying under the radar is mission critical. This is best achieved by eliminating endpoint security software, likely by using compromised credentials to access the network and then using legitimate tools as much as possible (living off the land). This is tampering, and it can lead to major security disasters if it is not protected against. Regarding anti-tampering, ESET excelled in tests as far back as 2014 and 2015, when independent testing found ESET's consumer offering 100% successful in preventing tampering attacks, a major milestone compared to the 32 other participating vendors. The same was confirmed in business products in 2023, when AV-Comparatives awarded ESET PROTECT Entry the highest degree of approval, affirming ESET's continuous focus on products that are secure-by-design. In testing this year, ESET PROTECT Elite received acclaim for its top-notch anti-tampering security, with AV-Comparatives highlighting its password protected settings as a very relevant functionality. Besides that, the solution excelled in mitigating against registry key, DLL, file system and even kernel driver manipulation, among others. This shows that our protection agent is qualified to defend against a vast array of attacks and techniques known to tamper with key processes. These anti-tampering capabilities are applied across all advanced ESET PROTECT tiers, including our XDR-enabling component, ESET Inspect. 'If a security tool can be tampered with, it's not a security tool — it's a vulnerability. At ESET, we take that principle seriously. We strive to deliver the highest level of protection, and anti-tampering has been one of our core defenses against hacking attempts for many years. In fact, it's been over a decade since we pioneered several technologies specifically designed to safeguard our software from manipulation — making us one of the first vendors to do so. We're proud that AV-Comparatives has recognized that our commitment to this crucial functionality remains strong and relevant,' said Zuzana Legáthová, Director of Test, Analyst Relations and Market Research. For any endpoint security solution, independent testing done by analysts is how a product receives professional acclaim and certification proving its expert competence. With Anti-Tampering becoming increasingly relevant in view of novel sophisticated threats such as EDR killers, it's crucial for any business to seek a solution that can fill security gaps that might not be so obvious, such as the integrity of the product itself. 0 0
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kaspersky takes 97% of TOP3 places in independent industry tests
Throughout 2024, Kaspersky participated in 95 independent tests and reviews, with its products being awarded first place 91 times and 92 TOP3 finishes, achieving the highest results among all competitors for the 12th time in a row. Kaspersky's overall percentage of TOP3 places breaks the record with a score of 97%. Last year, Kaspersky passed the 1000-test milestone since TOP3 performance tracking began in 2013. The TOP3 metric reflects how successful a vendor has been in independent comparative tests within a calendar year. The index is calculated based on the total number of tests a vendor participated in and the number of TOP3 positions it took, reflecting comprehensive assessment of the efficiency of vendor's cyber security solutions for businesses and consumers. The TOP3 metric consists of assessments from respected independent test labs, such as AV-Comparatives, AV-TEST, SE Labs and others. In 2024, Kaspersky consumer and corporate solutions received numerous awards from various industrial test organizations. Being honored with the 'Product of the Year' Award in 2023, this year Kaspersky Standard, the primary Kaspersky Consumer Portfolio plan, proved its quality receiving the annual 'Top-Rated Product' Award by AV-Comparatives scoring high results across the whole series of consumer product tests. The product participated and demonstrated outstanding performance in seven multi-aspect tests, which included Real-World Protection tests, Performance Tests, Malware Protection Tests, and Advanced Threat Protection Test, receiving Awards of Gold\Silver\Bronze levels in specific categories. Furthermore, Kaspersky Premium for Windows finished TOP1 cyber security vendor out of 15 participants in AV-Comparatives Anti-Phishing test. Kaspersky Premium received Anti-Phishing Certification, taking the first place in the phishing detection rate with zero false positives. When it came to the corporate solutions, Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business (KESB) showed 100% defense against LSASS-attacks (Local Security Authority Subsystem Service), successfully passing all 15 AV-Comparatives test-cases. The product was also approved by testing lab for Process Injection protection. Kaspersky Endpoint Detection and Response Expert (KEDRE) was highly recognized by the institute for achieving a 100% cumulative Active Response rate and was certified and awarded with a "Strategic Leader" title for the third time in a row. Last year was especially remarkable for Kaspersky as it received nine 'BEST 2024' annual awards from AV-TEST. Kaspersky Plus was awarded the Best Protection and Best Usability Awards for Consumer Users, while Kaspersky Premium was honored with the Best MacOS Security Award. In the business segment, AV-TEST recognized the Kaspersky Small Office Security (KSOS) and Endpoint Security for Business with the Best Protection, Best Advanced Protection and Best Usability Awards for Corporate Users. In addition to these accolades, in 2024, Kaspersky Plus (starting in Q4 2024, Kaspersky Premium), KESB and KSOS also achieved the highest Total Accuracy Rating (TAR) scores in points across all four quarterly tests conducted by SE Labs. These products received the maximum available points, corresponding to 100% defense against general and targeted attacks with no false positives. For extraordinary performance Kaspersky Plus was also given the Best Home Anti-Malware 2024 Award. The 2024 became another successful year in the history of the TOP3 metric measurements. Since 2013 Kaspersky has participated in more than 1000 independent tests, taking 871 TOP3 places, setting the highest score among all competitors. 'This is the 12th time Kaspersky has successfully demonstrated the highest test results in the whole industry, and remains the most tested and the most awarded among all the security leaders. By repeatedly taking a leading position in TOP3 metrics Kaspersky shows a willingness to set higher standards and a commitment to the security of every aspect of digital life. It's a great honor to receive another confirmation of company's outstanding performance and upscale protection that we are committed to providing for businesses and consumers across the globe,' comments Alexander Liskin, Head of Threat Research at Kaspersky. Read more about Kaspersky's TOP3 performance on the website. About Kaspersky Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help millions of individuals and over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at
Associated Press
23-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
AV-Comparatives Launches Groundbreaking EDR Detection Validation Test -- Kaspersky Next EDR Expert Achieves Certification in Inaugural Assessment
INNSBRUCK, Austria, March 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AV-Comparatives, a globally recognized independent authority in cybersecurity testing, is pleased to announce the certification of Kaspersky Next EDR Expert following its successful performance in the inaugural Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Detection Validation Test. The pilot report can be found here: Significance of the EDR Detection Validation Test As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, organizations face the challenge of detecting and responding to advanced persistent threats (APTs) that can bypass traditional preventive measures. The EDR Detection Validation Test addresses this critical need by evaluating the detection capabilities of enterprise security solutions, including Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP), EDR, and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) systems. This test provides Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and industry analysts with unbiased, empirical data to assess the effectiveness of these solutions in real-world scenarios. Methodology Overview This test assesses real-world detection performance under APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) scenarios, with all products configured in monitoring mode only (prevention features disabled). Key aspects include: Simulating APT attacks using various Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs). Monitoring for detections via active alerts in the management console or locally. Applying threat hunting techniques to analyse telemetry data when immediate alerts are absent. Utilizing the Empire framework in the initial 2025 phase for execution and evaluation. This comprehensive approach ensures that the evaluation reflects the product's ability to detect complex attack vectors effectively. 'As attackers continuously refine their techniques, organizations must ensure that their security solutions can detect even the most advanced threats. Our new EDR Detection Validation Test provides an objective benchmark for evaluating these capabilities. Kaspersky's participation in this first-of-its-kind assessment underscores its commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in cybersecurity,' said Andreas Clementi, CEO and Founder of AV-Comparatives. 'We value independent professional assessments of our enterprise security solutions, as they provide expert third-party insights into real-world capabilities and help us identify opportunities for further improvement. AV-Comparatives' new EDR Detection Validation Certification Test is one of such evaluations, and we were proud to be the first vendor to take on this challenge,' said Alexander Liskin, Head of Threat Research at Kaspersky. He added, 'Kaspersky Next EDR Expert successfully detected multiple attack techniques throughout the rigorous testing process, earning Certified status. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to delivering advanced, effective cybersecurity solutions that help organisations strengthen their defenses against evolving threats.' Kaspersky Next EDR Expert's Performance Kaspersky's participation in this pilot test demonstrated its commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. The Next EDR Expert solution successfully detected multiple techniques employed in the simulated attack scenarios, achieving certification under AV-Comparatives' rigorous standards. This accomplishment underscores Kaspersky's dedication to providing robust detection capabilities against sophisticated threats. Call to Action for Cybersecurity Vendors AV-Comparatives invites all cybersecurity vendors to participate in the EDR Detection Validation Test. Engaging in this evaluation not only demonstrates a commitment to transparency but also provides valuable insights into product performance against advanced threats. Participation ensures that solutions meet the evolving security needs of organizations worldwide. Interested vendors are encouraged to contact AV-Comparatives to schedule their assessments. Jan Brilke [email protected], COO of AV-Comparatives, is happy to provide more information. About AV-Comparatives AV-Comparatives is an independent organization offering systematic testing to examine the efficacy of security software products and mobile security solutions. Utilizing one of the largest sample collections worldwide, it creates a real-world environment for truly accurate testing. Certification by AV-Comparatives is globally recognized as a seal of approval for software performance.
