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Public methodology · /methodology/antivirus

How IndexFair profiles antivirus software

Independent profiles based on verifiable ownership and incident facts, independent lab detection records, and user-reported service quality — with privacy-core dimensions firewalled out of review scores.

Active methodology · v2.1·Last recompute · 19 Aug 2026 · 10:38 UTC
§1

What this page is

This page explains what IndexFair shows for antivirus products: lab-aggregated detection efficacy from independent test houses, verifiable corporate facts, user-reported UX and support quality, and which dimensions require audit evidence rather than review sentiment.

§2

Lab detection efficacy

v2.1 · Global · Block M · measured

Detection efficacy Independent lab test results (detection rates, false positives, performance impact) aggregated from AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs. Shown as a factual lab record — IndexFair does not fabricate a 0–10 lab score from a single headline number.

§3

What we score from reviews

v2.1 · Global · Block B · service quality · Σ 50%

Genuine user reviews aggregate across four service-quality aspects. Weights below are indicative and not yet certified in the active methodology version.

Service-quality aspect weights
AspectIndicative weightWhat it measures
App UX
15%
Onboarding friction, scan scheduling, and how the product feels to use day to day.
Support quality
13%
Response latency and resolution quality for subscription, false-positive, and removal issues.
Pricing & billing
12%
Clarity of pricing tiers, renewal handling, and refund-request outcomes as reported by users.
Uninstall friction
10%
Whether users can remove the product cleanly — residual files, registry entries, and billing after cancellation.
Weights are PROPOSED — shown as indicative; final values will be confirmed and dated at /changelog before go-live.
§4

What we do not score from reviews

v2.1 · Global · privacy-core · Block-A only

Three privacy-core aspects are firewalled out of Block-B — they require verifiable records, not user sentiment:

Privacy-core criteria not scored from reviews
AspectWhy not scored from reviews
Incident historyDocumented security incidents and product failures are a verifiable factual record — shown in the profile, not scored from reviews.
Data handlingWhat telemetry and personal data the product collects must be assessed from privacy policies and audits — not review sentiment.
Ownership transparencyCorporate ownership and beneficial-control structure is a verifiable fact — shown in the factual profile, not scored from reviews.
§5

The factual profile

v2.1 · Global · facts · not scored

Each product profile shows verifiable facts: corporate ownership where publicly known, documented incident history, and data-handling posture from published policies. Lab detection results come from AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs — shown as factual records, not a fabricated headline score.

§6

Sources

v2.1 · Global · signals

Service-quality scores are built from genuine user reviews across multiple platforms. We retain aggregate metrics only; verbatim review text is discarded after extraction.

§7

What we do not do

  • We do not accept brand payment to alter, reorder, or suppress scores.
  • We do not surface review text verbatim — aggregate metrics only.
  • We do not promote brands by ranking position. Order is computed; placement is not for sale.
  • We do not use marketing language. Words like "the best", "leading", "trusted" do not appear.
  • We do not recommend a brand by name in editorial copy.
Information accurate as of 19 Aug 2026. Always verify operator T&Cs directly.
Independent analytical platform — IndexFair does not accept brand payment to alter scores.
For data subject rights inquiries, contact /privacy/contact.