Consumer Real-World Protection Test Factsheet Feb-Mar 2025
The February-March results for the ongoing Consumer Real-World Protection Test are now available! The full results will be published in June.
As part of our ongoing commitment to evaluating consumer antivirus solutions, AV-Comparatives is thrilled to announce the release of the February/March 2025 factsheet for our Real-World Protection Test. This interim report provides a snapshot of the performance of top security software solutions, with the complete results scheduled for release in June.
Rigorous Testing for Consumer Security
AV-Comparatives, known for its methodical assessment of security software, conducts the Real-World Protection Test to evaluate the effectiveness of antivirus solutions against cybercrime. An AV-Comparatives certification is globally recognized as a benchmark for software performance, offering consumers valuable insights into the effectiveness of these products.
Mimicking Real-World Scenarios
The Consumer Real-World Protection Test simulates typical online activities, replicating situations that everyday users might face. Using a sophisticated automated process, the test attempts to download and execute live malware from the internet, replicating real-world behaviour. This thorough evaluation tests all the relevant protection features of each product, showcasing their ability to identify and mitigate threats effectively.
Tested Products and Methodology
Sixteen leading antivirus products were subjected to rigorous testing in the February/March 2025 Real-World Protection Test. Tested products include Avast Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free, Avira Free Security, Bitdefender Total Security, ESET HOME Security Essential, F-Secure Internet Security, G DATA Total Security, K7 Total Security, Kaspersky Premium, Malwarebytes Premium, McAfee Total Protection, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Norton Antivirus Plus, Panda Free Antivirus, Quick Heal Total Security, Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus, TotalAV Antivirus Pro, Trend Micro Internet Security, and VIPRE Advanced Security. The test utilized over 200 malicious URLs, covering a diverse range of current threats to provide detailed insights into the protection capabilities of each product. Additionally, the factsheet report includes results from the false-positive test, offering a comprehensive overview of product performance.
Continuous Updates and Monitoring
The Real-World Protection Test is conducted on an updated Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit system with the latest third-party software. This test remains a leading method for evaluating consumer security solutions. AV-Comparatives continually updates its website charts, showcasing the protection rates of tested products over recent months, ensuring consumers have access to the latest information for making well-informed decisions.
Accessing the Factsheet
The interim factsheet for the February/March 2025 Real-World Protection Test is now available, offering important insights into the current capabilities of leading antivirus products. Be sure to check back for the full report in June, where comprehensive findings and recommendations will be provided to help consumers select robust cybersecurity solutions.
Empowering Consumer Security
At AV-Comparatives, we remain dedicated to empowering consumers with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed choices about their cybersecurity.
