Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0
The name Kaspersky may not be widely recognized to most consumers when it comes to software. Founded in 1997, the company has mainly been involved in antivirus solutions for home and business users. Their antivirus scan engine can be found in over 50 software security products from different manufacturers, so they're no slouches when it comes to virus protection.
Their first effort as a security suite was Kaspersky Personal Security Suite 1.0. This was a rather awkward combination of antivirus, antihacker and antispam modules that weren't truly integrated to work in harmony. With the introduction of Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0 they've combined their very effective antivirus capabilities with a bidirectional firewall and an antispyware component that work seamlessly together.
And they work very well.
Setup is quick and easy. Not only are hackers stopped dead in their tracks, but your email and personal information are also secure. This gives protection from phishing "expeditions" by unscrupulous characters who are only too eager to con you into divulging your banking and financial information, passwords, social security numbers and credit card details. With identity theft becoming all too common this is an important feature. In addition, you get HOURLY antivirus updates on the latest threats that may compromise your pc.
Technical support is via email 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. Despite its relatively high cost, overall this product is a very adequate performer with plenty of features.
Antivirus Features
- Incoming and outgoing email scanning
- Intenet traffic scanning
- File system protection
- On demand and scheduled scanning
- Real time protection
- Hourly antivirus updates
Firewall Features
- Protection from hackers
- Spyware blocker
- Protection from spam
- Protection against phishing attacks
- Phishing protection when opening web pages
Building on their excellent antivirus capabilities Kaspersky have put a lot of thought into useful security features with this software package. We have to knock off a few points in there rating due to the following. In one of our tests we went to WhenU.com, a site purported to bundle adware in with free downloadable software. Kaspersky wouldn't let their page load, but didn't tell us why. Apparently, the Anti-Spyware feature felt there was some kind of threat from this website. It would have been helpful to have a popup window inform us of its action. When we disabled the Anti-Spyware feature the web page was displayed. At least Kaspersky was on the ball.
A few more points have to be subtracted for the lack of Wi-Fi intrusion detection. We consider this feature very important with more users installing wireless networks in their homes.
On the plus side, Kaspersky Internet Security is frugal with your system resources when it performs scans. You won't be frustrated with a slow running computer as you perform other tasks. In short, this is a well thought out product, worthy of consideration.
