AV-TEST evaluates parental control software effectiveness

IT security firm AV-TEST has released a comprehensive evaluation of 13 parental control software packages designed for Windows operating systems. The study also examined the child protection features integrated into Windows 10.

The primary goal of the test was to determine the actual effectiveness of these software solutions in shielding children from inappropriate online content. The assessment used a simulated 7-year-old user profile, identified as Timmy. Key evaluation criteria included the software's website filtering capabilities, the ease with which its security features could be bypassed, and the utility of its reporting functions.

Several prominent providers, including Kaspersky Lab and Symantec, were among the tested companies. Their products achieved the "APPROVED Parental Control Windows 07/2017" certification, signifying a high level of performance. Other software suites analyzed in the test came from developers such as Bitdefender, ESET, McAfee, and Trend Micro. In contrast, the native child protection tool within Windows 10 was found to filter only pornography.

Parental control software aims to assist parents in restricting children's access to potentially harmful online material, encompassing categories like pornography, gambling, drugs, and violence. The AV-TEST evaluation required the software to effectively filter a set of 7,300 distinct websites deemed unsuitable for minors.

AV-TEST concluded that the efficacy of parental control applications can vary significantly. While many offer extensive protective measures, ongoing monitoring and regular updates are crucial to ensure comprehensive safeguarding against all forms of inappropriate online content.