AMTSO Introduces Test Guidelines to Standardize VPN Evaluation

The Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO) has unveiled a new set of guidelines aimed at standardizing how Virtual Private Network (VPN) services are evaluated.

The AMTSO VPN Performance Testing Guidelines, officially adopted on February 15, 2025, establish a structured methodology for testing VPN features, performance, security, and resource consumption. This move is expected to bring greater transparency and reliability to the VPN industry, enabling consumers to make better-informed decisions when selecting a provider.

Who is AMTSO, and why its standards matter

AMTSO is a global, member-driven organization dedicated to improving cybersecurity testing practices. It includes cybersecurity vendors, independent testing labs, and industry stakeholders who collaborate to develop fair and objective testing methodologies.

Members include prominent names such as Microsoft, Bitdefender, McAfee, Nord Security, Fortinet, and Palo Alto Networks, along with independent testing firms like AV-TEST, SE Labs, and MRG Effitas. AMTSO plays a critical role in shaping anti-malware and security software evaluation, ensuring that products are assessed consistently and credibly.

VPNs are widely used for privacy protection, secure data transmission, and bypassing censorship. However, there is no universal standard for assessing their effectiveness, leading to discrepancies in advertised vs. actual performance. AMTSO’s new guidelines introduce a rigorous testing framework that evaluates:

• Speed & Latency – Ensuring minimal impact on internet performance
• Security & Leak Prevention – Testing for DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks
• Connection Success Rates – Measuring reliability across various platforms and ISPs
• Resource Consumption – Analyzing CPU and RAM usage to assess efficiency
• Feature Verification – Checking claims related to auto-connect, kill switches, and split tunneling

By formalizing these metrics, AMTSO aims to eliminate misleading marketing tactics and establish a fair benchmark for VPN providers.

Industry impact and adoption

The guidelines were developed by a panel of security experts from companies like Nord Security, Kaspersky, AV-Test, and SE Labs. They are expected to push VPN vendors to improve their services while giving independent testing labs a structured evaluation framework.

For consumers, this initiative means more reliable performance comparisons and greater confidence in choosing a VPN provider that meets their security and speed needs. Meanwhile, VPN companies that adopt AMTSO’s guidelines may gain a competitive edge by proving their transparency and reliability.

Those interested in the complete details of the testing proposal can find everything in this document.