- Price: Free to try (30-day trial); $79.95 to buy
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP
- Date added: August 18, 2009
Protecting your computer from viruses is not something to take lightly, so we’re glad to say Kaspersky Internet Security does a better-than-average job of keeping your PC safe. Three new features along with expected upgrades to their antivirus engine keep Kaspersky competitive.
New features in the 2010 edition include a behavioral-based detection system called the Urgent Detection Sytsem. The UDS uses tthe anonymous data Kaspersky customers who choose to participate in submitting their system scans for analysis. In fact, the UDS must be opted-out of–there’s a check box and data collection statement to read when you install the program. Also new, the Safe Run sandbox nearly doubles the amount of RAM the program uses, but provides a secure environment for launching programs. Safe Run also comes with a sandboxed folder into which you can save files without worry. Programs can be launched into Safe Run manually through the Kaspersky Security Zone panel, or launched on the fly using the context menu.
A gamer mode, somewhat superfluous virtual keyboard to avoid keylogging, and auto-run disabling are the less-impressive new features, joining stalwarts like antivirus protection for files, e-mail, HTTP traffic, and instant messaging. There are protections against spam, phishing, and banner ads, firewall control, and a network monitor to track network activities for users who like to drill down deep into their system’s behavior. There’s also a parental control filter, with options to customize for children or teens. Kaspersky is a strong security suite, but the extra features only available in Internet Security make it worthwhile to pay for.
Publisher’s description
The advanced Internet security software with premium protection from viruses, spyware hackers and spam. Also includes comprehensive identity theft and phishing protection, parental and privacy controls, and superfast performance. Key features: Complete PC Protection–Green means your computer is up to date and completely safe and secure from malicious threats. Kaspersky Urgent Detection System–Offers the ultimate real-time protection when you surf the web, use web mail, or download files. Kaspersky Security Analyzer–Scans all applications to ensure you’re running the latest and safest software. Kaspersky iSwift and iChecker Scanning–Automatically adjusts scanning as your activity increases for superfast performance. Efficiently scans only files that have changed since your last scan. Automated Hourly Updating–Kaspersky delivers especially small signature updates directly to you for highly-efficient computing and premium protection. Kaspersky Virtual Keyboard–On-screen keyboard makes entering data completely secure. Kaspersky Security Network–Every Kaspersky user benefits from the immediate global threat intelligence gathered by the Kaspersky Security Network, which links millions of participating Kaspersky users from around the globe. Kaspersky Whitelisting and Application Control–Delivers up-to-the-second threat intelligence to determine security privileges for every application you launch. Kaspersky Anti-Spam and Two-Way Firewall–Keeps out hackers and annoying spam attempting to infiltrate your system. Parental Controls–Protects your children online by limiting time and access to inappropriate sites, instant messaging, games, and online auctions.
New in version 2010: Kaspersky Safe Run–Lets you run your applications and browsers in an isolated location on your PC, preventing access to your private data or computer resources. Auto-Run Disable–Prevents peripherals like portable USB drives from automatically executing when they are plugged in to the machine, prompting users to scan the drive for any hidden threats. Kaspersky URL Advisor–Plug-in for Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox to warn you of links to dangerous web sites.