Symantec opts-out of AV-Comparatives testing.

[HeffeD]

Symantec has decided not to participate in the latest AV-Comparatives testing because they didn't want to participate in the file detection test.

Source

It appears that more vendors are coming to the realization that detection is becoming irrelevant when facing todays security threats.

 

[Valentin N]

Symantec has decided not to participate in the latest AV-Comparatives testing because they didn't want to participate in the file detection test.

Source

It appears that more vendors are coming to the realization that detection is becoming irrelevant when facing todays security threats.

Good morning vendor! :bravo: Time to celebrate arty:

 

[McLovin]

A bit surprised that they don't want to opted in. Soon you will get all the companies doing this.

 

[HeffeD]

Soon you will get all the companies doing this.

Yes, I expect this will be the case. These testing organizations need to change with the times or they will be out of business. I suspect that the act of one of the industry leaders jumping ship will cause others to rethink their participation in such tests. This action should be a bit of a wake-up call to organizations like AV-C.

In this thread, a Symantec rep stated:

Symantec has long been an advocate of independent “whole product” or “real-world” tests that most closely represent the interests of consumers and utilize all of the proactive technologies provided with a product, as opposed to “static” tests that only test an individual component. Currently AV-Comparatives does not offer a subscription focused solely on these “whole product” or “real-world” types of tests. At this time, Symantec has chosen not to subscribe to AV-Comparatives’ testing program for 2012. Our philosophy is to participate in tests that have high relevance and meaning for consumers, and most accurately align with their real-world need for comprehensive protection and machine cleanup from evolving online threats. We will continue to seek out and participate in a range of tests that meet these standards to measure our products’ efficacy and performance.

In other words, it appears Symantec feels that AV-Comparatives is placing too much focus on AV detection, not how well a suite prevents you from getting infected in the first place...

While I don't necessarily agree that detection isn't 'real world', (there are still too many physical infection vectors in 'real world' computing...) I definitely agree that too much weight is being put behind detection tests and detection 'ratings' by the security industry.

There is just so much more than detection when it comes to system security.