Any computer security strategy must include an evaluation of the performance of antivirus. There are numerous online resources that allow you to assess the performance of antivirus software however the most accurate method is by testing real malware samples across a variety of operating systems. These tests make use of a combination of virus databases and content behavior analysis to give an accurate assessment of how well an antivirus program can detect new threats.
The AV-Comparatives lab is an independent testing company that reviews anti-virus software, Internet security suites, and other cybersecurity products based on their security, performance and usability. They offer PDF files of their results and also an interactive chart on their website to give an overview of the results.
The AV-Comparatives tests have demonstrated that the top free antivirus software programs perform extremely well. In their June 2023 test, Avast Free Antivirus for Mac from the company scored 100% in Mac Malware Protection and 99% for Windows PUA Protection. Its performance is comparable to some paid-for antivirus programs, and the product is easy to use.
AVG’s Mac antivirus is the ideal choice for serious PC gamers who require an all-encompassing cybersecurity solution. The program’s heuristic algorithm is designed to only search crucial areas of the system where malware hides, thereby reducing the amount of time needed to scan and also reduces the impact on your system. This approach can miss the latest viruses and malware and is why it is crucial to keep up-to-date with the most recent detection techniques.