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AV-Comparatives Publishes Results of Real-World Protection Test for 2026

AV-Comparatives, a leading independent cybersecurity testing organization, recently released the findings of its Real-World Protection Test covering the period from February to May 2026. This evaluation scrutinized 20 widely-used consumer security products under conditions that closely mimic the real-life threats users face, especially from malicious URLs.

Key Findings

The test highlighted crucial insights regarding the efficacy of consumer security software:

• - Out of the 20 evaluated products, seven achieved the prestigious ADVANCED+ rating, demonstrating consistent and reliable protection.
• - These results are timely, as users globally are confronting an increasingly diverse range of malware originating from unexpected sources.
• - For complete access to the testing report, users can visit AV-Comparatives' website without any registration or fees.

Why Independent Security Testing Matters

The landscape of threats targeting individuals has evolved significantly. In early 2026, researchers at AV-Comparatives identified a notable Python-based worm, MEL/Vacphage.A, embedded in Autodesk Maya binary files disseminated via Fab.com, a renowned creative resources platform trusted by many professionals and enthusiasts alike. Before this discovery was announced, AV-Comparatives responsibly disclosed it to Epic Games’ security team.

This incident underscores a broader trend where cybercriminals are embedding malware within files shared on platforms that users typically regard as safe and reliable. Andreas Clementi, founder and CEO of AV-Comparatives, commented, "Our find on Fab.com serves as a reminder that malware can stem from trusted sources, not just dubious downloads or suspicious links. The Real-World Protection Test aims to assess security software performance under such unforeseen scenarios."

Details of the Real-World Protection Testing

Conducted between February and May 2026, the Real-World Protection Test evaluated 20 popular consumer security solutions. Each product underwent analysis against a specific set of real-world internet threats, focusing on whether a given threat could compromise the test system. The products were also tested for false positives to ensure they can accurately identify legitimate files without generating unnecessary alerts. Products with higher false positive rates had their rewards adjusted accordingly.

The evaluated products included:

• - Avast One Free Antivirus
• - AVG AntiVirus Free
• - Bitdefender Total Security
• - ESET HOME Security Essential
• - F-Secure Internet Security
• - Fortect PC Suite
• - 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
• - Sophos Home Premium
• - Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus
• - TotalAV Premium
• - Trend Micro Internet Security
• - VIPRE Advanced Security

Top Performers

Seven security products received the ADVANCED+ distinction, the highest honor awarded in AV-Comparatives' consumer tests. Listed alphabetically, these products included:

• - Avast
• - AVG
• - Bitdefender
• - Kaspersky
• - Microsoft
• - Norton
• - TotalAV

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the test report available to the public?
Yes, AV-Comparatives provides free access to all its test reports without any registration or payment.

What does the ADVANCED+ certification signify?
ADVANCED+ is the highest level of recognition in AV-Comparatives' consumer testing program, awarded to products that deliver robust and consistent protection against real threats while maintaining a low false positive rate.

How often does AV-Comparatives publish its real-world protection test results?
The Real-World Protection Test is part of an ongoing series of consumer-focused evaluations that take place throughout the year. This report focuses on the first half of 2026.

Read the Full Report

For detailed insights into the Real-World Protection Test conducted from February to May 2026, access the full report here.

About AV-Comparatives

AV-Comparatives is the leading independent cybersecurity testing organization evaluating security solutions that extend beyond traditional antivirus software. Their thorough testing assesses modern endpoint protection, threat detection, and mobile security across PC, Mac, Android, and IoT devices. By using one of the world's most relevant and sophisticated threat collections, AV-Comparatives creates real-world testing environments for comprehensive evaluations. The results are readily available globally, and its certification is recognized as a quality standard for proven cybersecurity performance.