Windows Vista Anti-virus Software Fails Tests

Two of the four packages to fail were Windows Vista’s Live OneCare, and the popular McAfee’s VirusScan.  Technical consultant John Hawes who was involved in the tests said: “With the number of delays that we’ve seen in Vista’s release, there’s no excuse for security vendors not to have their products right by now.”

The tough VB100 anti-virus tests put each package individually up against a selection of viruses that are known to be circulating the computer world.  The products were up against the most stringent criterion, including the detection of each virus when scanning fresh files, without raising any false alarms.  

Test reports proved that while Vista packages have many security improvements, they are unable to defend a PC against intentional and harmful viruses.  Other unveilings of poor security included Windows Defender, the report criticised its ‘ineffective blocking capabilities’. 

Experts suggest that despite security improvements, Vista users should protect their PCs by backing up with extra anti-virus software.  Virus Bulletin is an independent association offering free testing of anti-virus software packages.  They will not be re-testing products, but have put results of the tests can be seen on their website.