Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 Review
** Kaspersky Antivirus and Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 Editions Available Now!!**
Kaspersky Lab
Kaspersky Lab is a leading brand software company specialising in Computer security. Their products are 'Information Security Solutions'
that protect home and business computer users against all forms of IT threats and allow them to manage risk.
Founded in 1997, Kaspersky is an International Information Security company. As well as their headquarters in Moscow they have offices in UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Japan, China, Korea, Romania and the United States.
Kaspersky products always score highly in independent tests. They have achieved an enviable 47 passes in the VB100 test over the last 11 years, most recently in June 2009. |
Kaspersky Lab Product Range
The latest Kaspersky products available are:
Kaspersky AntiVirus vs. the Competition Click Here
What's New in the 2010 Versions?
The 2010 Kaspersky product range is excellent with some innovative features, so it was challenging for the Kaspersky Labs developers to come up with something new.
Most of the changes are subtle - slight alterations to the user interface to make navigation easier and antivirus protection for Instant Messaging. The main new addition is a safe running mode, or 'sandbox', to run programs safely. This allows programs, including Internet Explorer, to run safely when isolated from the operating system.
To select safe running mode, right-click the program shortcut and the following choices appear among the options:
When a program is in safe running mode a luminous green outline encloses the program window to show that Kaspersky is
protecting it:
PC Antivirus Solutions
The two PC programs (Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 and Kaspersky Internet Security 2010) have slightly different features - The Anti-Virus 2010 package has the award winning Kaspersky Antivirus engine with protection against viruses, trojans, spyware and other types of malware. The Internet Security 2010 package is a comprehensive tool designed to completely protect your computer against threats.
For a more detailed comparison click here.
** New - Mobile Antivirus Solution **
Kaspersky Anti-Virus Mobile - Protect your mobile from malware and spam today! Click Here.
It is no longer the case that PCs with the Windows Operating System are the only targets for virus writers and hackers. These are now being targeted because of the growing popularity of sophisticated mobile devices that can access the internet. Kaspersky Lab has responded quickly to this growing threat by launching Kaspersky Anti-Virus Mobile.
As well as dealing with malicious software targeted at smartphones, Kaspersky Mobile Security also has anti-theft measures. If your smart phone is stolen, who has access to your data and personal information? Kaspersky Mobile Security can remotely block a stolen smartphone or delete the data stored on it. You will also be able to trace your smartphone if the SIM card has been replaced. |
What are the differences between the PC editions? Here is a feature comparison between Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 and Kaspersky Antivirus 2010:
Kaspersky Lab has leading brand Anti-Virus products with an excellent reputation in the Industry, so expectations are high. Independent tests consitently rate them at or near the top for performance. The 2010 versions have been given a complete overhaul and have more integrated features than previous editions - keylogger detection and spam detection for example. Improvement have been made to all areas, so we now have straightforward, easy to use programs that are also effective against a broad range of threats.
Kaspersky are also near the top of the price range compared to competitors, but they consistently deliver results. How you view their price depends on what value you put on your data remaining intact. Our view is that they offer exceptionally good value for money.
Ease of Installation
In our tests the download speed was very fast (41MB for the Internet Security edition) and the entire installation process was completed in a few minutes. The installer detects and warns if another Anti-Virus program is already installed and asks for it to be removed prior to installation. This is a useful warning as having more than one antivirus program can cause conflicts preventing either of them working properly. A reboot is required after installation.
Using Kaspersky Antivirus Products
Building on the success of the 2009 edition, Kaspersky Labs have simplified the user interface to make it more accessible and easier to operate. It is a lot more straightforward than previous editions, although existing users will find it familiar. Novice computer users should be able to obtain updates and run scans without difficulty.
The update procedure is automatic and it is easy to alter the time for the automatic update process to run. Manual updates are also straightforward.
While a scan is running, Kaspersky keeps the user informed of progress:
If something malicious, or a security flaw, is detected during the scan a popup will appear in real-time notifying the user of the problem. Importantly, the scan continues and does not pause while waiting on the user to acknowledge the alert.
A summary of the scan is displayed when complete. Real-time information can also be accessed during the scan by clicking the "detected" button at the bottom of the main screen:
How Effective are Kaspersky Antivirus Products?
A new feature in the 2010 edition is that, as well as detecting direct threats, both the Anti-Virus and Internet Security editions also identify security vulnerabilities on your computer and tell you how to fix them. This is a welcome addition and a unique feature. It allows you to identify potential security flaws and fix them before any malware takes advantage of them. These vulnerabilities may be security flaws in Windows (if the latest updates are not installed), but also in other programs.
The latest Windows updates were already installed on our test computer before running the scan, but security vulnerabilities were identified in Microsoft Office and some Adobe applications. These were resolved by downloading updates from Microsoft and Adobe. Even if there is no malware on your computer, running a scan alerts you to these security vulnerabilities and tells you how you can fix them. In our opinion, this feature alone sets Kaspersky apart from competing Antivirus software.
Kaspersky Labs has built up an excellent reputation in the industry for market leading products. The anti-malware engine is the same for both the Anti-Virus and Internet Security versions, so detection rates are high on both. It usually rates very highly in independent tests, such as the VB100 and ISCA.
Automatic plugins for popular email programs are pre-installed and emails are scanned as they arrive. This means that you do not run the risk of having potentially malicious material in your inbox - messages you have not yet read or opened the attachments.
Although the Anti-Virus edition has a lot of features we still recommend Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 because of the additional features it offers. The most important ones are the firewall (2-ways), the virtual keyboard for entering sensitive data, the security controls over unknown applications and the improved anti-spam features.
Positive Points
Every feature you can think of, and more
Straightforward, easy to use interface
Emails scanned in real time as they arrive
Hourly updates
Good support
One of the best anti-malware engines on the market
Negative Points
Nag screens on trial version (N/A on licenced version)
Conclusion
Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 is our No.1 choice out of all the anti-malware programs available today. The Company have been market leaders in the fight against malware for more than 10 years now and are often the first to detect and devise a cure for new viruses and malware soon after they are discovered. In our opinion Kaspersky Lab offers the best combination of features, performance and value for money.
It is important to make sure your computer is protected against malware and other attacks by installing an Antivirus program that works and gives you 100% confidence. The good news is that you can download and install it today.
30-day Free trials are available on both editions. Follow the links through to the on-line shop then click the "Downloads" tab on the shopping page and follow the links to free trials.
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