Security Vendors Team Up on Malware

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

January 30, 2006, 11:08 AM

Five security vendors said Monday they were joining forces to improve spyware detection software, as well as standardizing methods to create a single benchmark from which consumers and enterprise customers could judge the effectiveness of various software programs.

These standards would be the first collaboration between McAfee, Symantec, Trend Micro, ICSA Labs, and Thompson Cyber Security Labs. Eventual plans call for cooperation in antivirus research, sharing of best practices, and working on guidelines for the dissemination of antivirus information.

The group said that the volume of malware continues to nearly double year over year, and cooperation is needed to limit confusion among the consumer over what solution best fits their specific needs. According to ICSA Labs' Larry Bridwell, consumers neither understand spyware or the effectiveness of tools meant to prevent it.

"This agreement is an important first step in maturing the industry to the point where it can effectively combat the proliferation of spyware on behalf of customers, providing a safer and more efficient online environment for everyone," Bridwell said.

Standards in testing the effectiveness of spyware solutions will lead to better software and smarter choices by the end consumer, the group says.

"The successful industry practices previously established for sharing virus information demonstrate the effectiveness of cooperation among Internet security experts," said Vincent Weafer, senior director of development, Symantec Security Response.

"By standardizing methods for sharing spyware samples and testing anti-spyware solutions, customers win."