Hi
I’m curious as to how many definitions each antivirus product has. I see CIS has currently 2584895 (1083) and when I last looked, Norton had 3.5 million. How do the other products compare? (i.e McAfee). I’m sure the definition setup is different for each product but I like numbers ;D. How does CIS compare against these now?
Hehe… I think making a list with links to all AV’s that offers this statistic would be a great Idea for this task…
Makes it easier to comparison… so here is what I found:
Norton: http://www.symantec.com/business/security_response/index.jsp
3 379 789 (wtf?)
Comodo: http://internetsecurity.comodo.com/updates/vdp/database.php
2 584 895
Kaspersky: Kaspersky Update Utility 4.0 for Windows
1 963 468
ClamAV: http://www.clamav.net/
534 015
Dr.Web: http://vms.drweb.com/search/
514 603
Kaspersky seems to been adding a LOT latley… and Norton seems to have decreased it’s database…?
maby they removed some oldies. 
Hello Graham 1. I too like to see the numbers when it comes to data bases. However its important not to get too carried away just on data base size alone. My point here is Avira has a spyware/adware/ Virus data base of around 1.3 millions according to the report on my on demand scans, but it still can detect 99.7% in recent tests. It goes to show they must be using top notch Heuristics and other technologies to do that.Kaspersky according to Monkey boy, has over 1.9 millions and in tests is detecting around 97% about the same as Comodo now. It is important ( as Melih wouldnt be adding so many new defs every day in comparison to others, he is on a mission!!) that Comodo have a large data base, but also the means to detect as much of it as possible and new threats as well. Dont forget detection is only part ofthe equation. Comodo has Defense+ and the most effective in my opinion, Firewall ever, period, just part of the Mix. if you want some more numbers… A squared 3.050 millions 99.6% detection rate, Symantec 3.79 millions 98.7%, Spyware terminator 700,000, 65% and Spybot 365,000 arond 50% ( poor the last two) with smaller data bases prove to a point that size does matter ( but only to a point). Technology makes the difference, and Avira and A squared are there or abouts but neither have Boclean or Buffer overflow protection so which Av do you think is likely to be the most effective in protecting you, overall taking data base, and all the other technologies, as well as effects on system performance and scan speed into account?, i know where my moneys going and it aint Avira or A squared, for my maim App,as i keep the faith!!!. Its only a matter of time before i will dump The other apps into the graveyard as soon all i will need is Cis, it just needs the additions to Heuristics ect, to become no1.
Comodo is just about to bring out version 3.9 ( hurry up Melih, i am biting my nails here!!), and it promises to have major improvements to detection via improved Cima Heuristics, Boclean, being integrated, as well as other improvements, which i believe will help Melih in his mission to make Comodo no1 Av out there. and by the time version 4 is up and running the usability side of things should be sorted via the new Gui and help less experienced users in their quest to defeat malware.
Well, i will now jump off my soapbox as its wobbling a wee bit as i am also biting my nails again in anticipation of version 3.9!.
Regards
Dave1234.
Remember, they could also be adding generic signatures and removing redundant ones that are then included in that generic sig.
You can’t tell how great the detection is by the number of signatures, but it does give you a good idea.
Absolutely… agree with you guys… Heuristic and how many of the signatures are detecting multiple things makes some with a smaller database detect more than some with a bigger one…
But its a nice insurance with a BIG database… Detection can’t bee too sucky… having a database of 3 000 000 samples means that it at least catches 3 000 000 threats… But probably more. 