What do you make of the MRG zero-day threat test with reference to Avast

It states, "All security applications are installed with default settings and the most recent build and signatures used in each test."

Avast did well in it, one of top 6: http://www.mrg-effitas.com/current-tests/flash-test-results/

At default settings, Avast does not check for PUPs. I assume some of the zero-day threats were PUPs or would that not be the case?

 

I wouldn't think any of the threats used could be classed as PUP's
These are the results of the individual tests and the Malware used for them

http://www.blog.mrg-effitas.com/page/2/

just click older entries at the bottom of each page to see them all.

 

I'm more concerned about methodology if some apps do not fail anything at all. Sure Kaspersky is good but i doubt it's THAT good. And same goes for all others that never failed...

 

Without re-scouring all their methodology postings (much of which gone when they abandoned their forum), my best recollection is they target the exploits aimed at banking and commerce. So, PUPs probably not so much. Even so, there's more to PUPs than "unwanted" and MRG's lack of detail makes it unclear which of Avast's Shields snagged the bad guys.

As a best practice for the savvy, Avast's File and Web Shield Sensitivity settings should be bumped from default to max.

 

Those tests are 3 months old .

 

New results should be forthcoming soon as the 2nd quarter of 2013 approaches.
http://www.blog.mrg-effitas.com/mrg-effitas-tests-2013-list-of-participants/

 

Thank you lonewolf.