Well, this is encouraging. Techrepublic’s Michael Kassner, rather than recycling the ‘AV is dead’ mantra, took the trouble to interview Simon Edwards, Technical Director of Dennis Publishing’s testing lab (which specializes in system and anti-malware product testing) and chairman of AMTSO‘s Board of Directors.
Surprising, given some of Kassner’s previous curate’s egg commentary, but a pleasant surprise. It’s less surprising that Edwards gave a good account of himself. After all, he’s been notable among testers for his willingness to discuss his testing philosophy and methodology publicly:
Good to see someone actually discussing some of these issues wearing an AMTSO hat. 😉
Unfortunately, Bloomberg’s Jordan Robertson shows little insight into the malware scene or any technical grasp in The Antivirus Industry’s Dirty Little Secret. (Yes, that title again.) Though both the question “what’s the difference between a virus and a malware” and his answer provided a little sour amusement. As did one of the comments lower down the page:
A computer virus is a type of malware. So, to ask what the difference is between the two is like asking what the difference is between a squirrel and an animal.
(Hat tip to Andy Hayter for drawing my attention to the Bloomberg article.)
David Harley CITP FBCS CISSP
Not representing anybody’s opinion but his own.
Anti-Malware Testing 
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