Blog, Emsisoft Blog
Emsisoft Anti-Malware Earns VB100 Certification with Zero False Positives
Emsisoft Anti-Malware successfully achieved VB100 certification in the final Virus Bulletin test cycle of 2025, demonstrating strong malware detection performance while maintaining a clean record against legitimate software.
The product received a Grade A rating, reflecting high detection accuracy combined with zero false positives in the clean file assessment.
What the VB100 Test Measures
The VB100 program, launched in 1998 by Virus Bulletin, is designed to evaluate the fundamental effectiveness of endpoint protection solutions. The test focuses on two core criteria:
- Accurate detection of widespread, file-based malware
- Minimal false detections on legitimate files
To achieve certification, a product must:
- Detect at least 75% of the official malware test set
- Maintain a false positive rate below 0.05% on a large clean file collection
Products that exceed the minimum detection requirement are assigned grades ranging from A+ (99.5% or higher detection) down to D (75%). A Grade A classification requires detection of at least 97%.
Testing is performed in alignment with the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO) guidelines, ensuring standardized, transparent, and repeatable evaluation procedures.
December 2025 Test Results
The most recent evaluation was conducted on December 1, 2025, using VB100 methodology version 1.7 on a Windows 11 Pro environment. The tested build was Emsisoft Anti-Malware version 2025.9.0.12689.
Malware Detection Performance
- Total malware samples: 1,891
- Threats detected: 1,843
- Detection rate: 97.46%
- Certification grade: A
Clean File Assessment
- Total legitimate files tested: 100,000
- False positives: 0
- False positive rate: 0.000%
The absence of false alarms highlights the product’s emphasis on detection precision without interfering with normal system operations.
How the VB100 1.7 Test Operates
The VB100 methodology evaluates how a security product responds to real-world attack scenarios through a structured, automated process.
1. Real-Time Protection Stage
Malware samples are downloaded and written to disk. When applicable, Windows PE executables are executed in a suspended state. The security product may intervene at several stages, including:
- Network download
- File write operation
- Process creation
2. On-Demand Scan Stage
A system scan is performed to identify and remove any remaining malicious files that were not blocked during real-time execution.
3. Validation Phase
The system is reviewed to confirm whether any malicious files remain intact. Undetected samples are recorded accordingly.
This multi-step approach measures both immediate threat blocking and post-execution remediation capabilities.
What This Means for Users
The December 2025 VB100 certification confirms that Emsisoft Anti-Malware delivers:
- High detection accuracy
- Consistent real-time protection
- Zero false positives in a large clean file test
For home users and small office environments seeking dependable antivirus software validated by independent testing, this result serves as a clear performance benchmark.


Cybersecurity Engineered for Humans
Emsisoft brings the human experience back into the spotlight by providing smart virus and malware protection with personalized service and expert support.
Emsisoft Anti-Malware Free Trial
Get your free trial today with the Antivirus software from the world’s leading ransomware experts.


