The independent test labs has conducted a new research on Windows 8.1

Jan 21, 2014 10:15 GMT  ·  By

Windows 8.1 is indeed a more secure operating system than its predecessors, but it’s pretty clear that users still need a fully-featured anti-virus product to protect their computers.

Independent test lab AV-TEST has conducted another research to determine which are the best anti-virus products for Windows 8.1 users, comparing both business and consumer software solutions.

All but one security products involved in the tests received certification (AhnLab: V3 Internet Security 8.0), while Microsoft’s Windows Defender has been used as the baseline of anti-virus solutions.

“During November and December 2013 we continuously evaluated 25 home user security products using their default settings. We always used the most current publicly-available version of all products for the testing,” AV-TEST noted.

“They were allowed to update themselves at any time and query their in-the-cloud services. We focused on realistic test scenarios and challenged the products against real-world threats. Products had to demonstrate their capabilities using all components and protection layers.”

On Windows 8.1, the best protection is being offered by F-Secure: Internet Security 2014, MicroWorld: eScan Internet Security Suite 14, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2014, Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security 2014, Panda Security Cloud Antivirus Free 2.3, Bitdefender Internet Security 2014, Avira Internet Security 2014, G Data Internet Security 2014, and Kaspersky Internet Security 2014.

Surprisingly, Avast! Free Antivirus 2014 doesn’t offer such a high level of protection, but instead excels when it comes to usability. As far as performance is concerned, Bitdefender and Kaspersky make the top security products.

Microsoft’s Windows Defender blocked 76 percent of the malware attacks in December and detected 93 percent of new forms of malware. It received 5 stars (out of 6) for performance, and a maximum of six points for usability, returning no false warnings or detections during the tests carried out by AV-TEST in November and December 2013.