[ISN] Computer Security Companies Agree To Testing Standards

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http://www.informationweek.com/security/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=206103904

By Thomas Claburn
InformationWeek
February 4, 2008 

Despite their business differences, computer security companies are 
coming together to standardize testing for anti-malware products and 
services.

In Bilbao, Spain, on Monday, more than 40 security researchers and 
anti-malware testers convened to formalize the charter of a new 
Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization.

AMTSO was formed in Reykjavik, Iceland, last May during the 
International Antivirus Testing Workshop. Its aim is to provide a forum 
for malware-related discussions, to develop and promote objective 
testing standards and methods for anti-malware solutions, to provide 
tools and resources for approved testing, and to review and analyze such 
tests.

"AMTSO brings together the industry's leading security and risk 
academics, vendors, and testers to provide testing methodologies and 
standards better suited to evaluate the protection available to combat 
today's malware and related security threats," said Vernon Jackson, 
manager of virus prevention systems at IBM Global Technology Services, 
in a statement. "This will in turn benefit end users, who will be 
empowered to make more informed decisions about the particular security 
solutions that match their needs."

Jimmy Kuo, principal architect of the Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) Malware 
Protection Center, expressed similar sentiment, noting that the 
increasing sophistication of malware threats has made it more 
challenging to evaluate the capabilities of anti-malware products and 
services. He welcomed AMTSO as a way to promote more accurate and 
comprehensive methods of evaluation.

Hosted by Panda Security, the AMTSO event included ALWIL Software, 
AV-Comparatives, AV-Test.org, AVG Technologies, Avira, Bit9, 
BitDefender, Dr. Web, ESET, F-Secure, G Data Software, Hispasec 
Sistemas,IBM (NYSE: IBM), Kaspersky Lab, McAfee, Microsoft, Norman, PC 
Tools, Sana Security, Secure Computing, Sophos, Symantec, Trend Micro, 
and VirusBuster.

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