Hi ,
I'm actually glad you asked this. The story is that we're now indeed having some disagreement with ICSA regarding their testing methodology. The "failed" status doesn't really have to do much with the avast detection rates. Instead, it's about the process they're using, and which doesn't make us too happy.
If you'd like to hear the details, here it is. The on-access scanner in avast is quite selective about what it scans, reducing the system overhead as much as possible. On the other hand, ICSA wants us to scan ALL files on ALL platforms (on-access), even if they're completely benign on a given platform.
We actually always considered the selectivity of the o/a scanner (and hence, avast's relative "lightness") as one of our competitive advanatages. It seems, however, that not everyone agrees with this.
We're now in the process of negotiation with them. I'm sure the issue will be resolved in a timely fashion.
Thanks,
Vlk