| |
As lawmakers consider giving the president emergency powers in case of an online attack, many in the field are offering scenarios for how to define a cybersecurity emergency and how far the government should reach to contain an attack…
(More at Foxnews)
The effects of cybercrime are far reaching. It would be a difficult task to find someone who has never been affected by malicious Internet activity, or who does not at the very least know someone who has been negatively impacted by cybercriminals…
(More at PCWorld)
Ever see all the software that vendors load up on new PCs? Right after Vista goes through setup and registration you can watch the system tray fill up with icons as program after program loads. While most of that stuff can be removed to help speed up the operating system, some of it is useful security software that needs to be up and running at all times.
(More at ComputerWorld)
Fewer than half of all home computer users protect their systems from viruses, cyber crime and other hacking, a leading federal police officer says. Commander Neil Gaughan has told a parliamentary committee that awareness of cyber crime is severely lacking across the country.
(More at Sydney Morning Herald)
What is rogue antivirus?
The web has evolved greatly since its inception but there are real online threats lurking. It has made our lives easier and more manageable. We can complete many tasks all at the same time. We pay our bills, we shop, download music and even order food online. What do all these common activities have in common?
(read more)
Parents nowadays have to keep a close eye on what their children are being exposed to on the internet. Most of the population did not grow up with a personal computer in their homes. So expecting parents to accurately pinpoint the many online threats children face is a difficult task to accomplish on their own.
(read more)
Additional Resources:
Wikipedia Antivirus
cNet Antivirus
About.com Antivirus
US-cert.gov
|
|
|
|
What is Internet
Security Software?
As the internet has grown over the years, the different forms of threats to web surfers have increased dramatically. The days of a single virus making the rounds across the internet for weeks only to then fade away are gone. Threats are being manufactured daily to attack systems under the guise of viruses, spyware, rootkits, Trojans, keyloggers, spam and more including specific threats to child surfers. Internet Security Software Suites takes a proactive approach against all of these threats. Running Antivirus software alone or just a spam filter is no longer enough protection to ensure your security online. While Internet Security Software is often more costly than Antivirus software, it is a significantly more prepared to handle the variety of threats and it is less expensive then purchasing all the components as individual software.
Technology within Internet Security Software has improved dramatically over the years. The suites leave a lighter footprint, are faster and more effective than previous releases. Today's Internet Security Suites are complete comprehensive protection packages.
Do I need Internet Security Software?
Internet security experts would recommend complete protection solutions for all users. At very minimum surfers should have up-to-date protection against spyware and viruses but complete protection against all threats is highly recommended for all levels of users. Common users do not understand the forms of active threats roaming the internet. Their privacy and sensitive data could easily be compromised without warning. Letting a complete security package remove that concern the best suggestion we have.
|
|
Security Shield 2009
Security Shield 2009 is loaded with features and options that provide the ideal combination of comprehensive protection and ease-of-use. During our testing we found that it had no trouble handling any Internet threat we threw at it. From root-kit detection and parental controls to comprehensive virus protection and removal Security Shield 2009 provides a value that is unmatched and in our opinion priced much cheaper then it should be.
Updates Hourly
Intelligent Scanning
Real Time Threat Detection
The only con we could conclude from our testing with Security Shield 2009 is that since the product is so robust there is a learning curve with getting comfortable with all the features. Although once the program has been mastered we feel that we would be hard pressed to find a better program for the price.
Security Shield 2009 earns the Top Grade spot with an A.
 Go To The Security Shield 2009
Back To
Chart
|
 |
|
CA Internet Security
CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2009 offers comprehensive protection from Internet threats as well as integrated parental
control features and backup and restoration tools. Unfortunately, it is a bit slow to install and operate and it does seem
to bog the system down a bit.
Protection Up To 5 PCs
Up-to-the-Minute Internet Threat Reports
Gaming/Movie Mode for Added Convenience
That being said, some users will likely find the slower system speeds well
worth the added protection and features.
There were some big improvements made this year and the integrated help and tutorials definitely makes the product easier to use.
Customer support has also seen some improvements with better phone support, although email support is still lacking.
While we definitely feel CA offers a solid Internet security product, there is still some room for improvement
if they want to be the best. CA gets a Grade of a B+.
Go To CA Internet Security
Back To Chart |
 |
|
BitDefender Internet Security 2009
BitDefender Internet Security 2009 did quite a bit to impress us. From its ease of use to the comprehensive
protection it offers, the company seems to have all of their bases covered. The only thing we'd have liked to have
changed was the significant loss of performance when certain tasks were running, such as system scans.
Real-Time Threat Scanning
Identity Theft Protection
Instant Messaging Encryption
As for pricing, BitDefender isn't the cheapest out there but it's pretty darn competitive for a comprehensive
Internet security suite. Overall we really can't complain about the price, especially considering the fact
that customer support is definitely above par.
Whether you're an advanced software user or someone who needs
to rely on a simple, yet effective default installation, BitDefender is definitely worth a try.
BitDefender earns a B+ Grade.
Go To Bit Defender Internet Security 2009
Back To Chart |
 |
|
Norton 360 Version 2.0
If you're looking for extensive protection for your PC you can't really go wrong with
Norton 360 Version 2.0. Yes, it's a bit of a pain to get up and running (especially if you have a prior version
of Norton on your system) but it's well worth it in the long run.
Enhanced Performance
Identity Safe Protects Personal Information
Networking Monitoring Capabilities
We experienced little system lag, if any at all and really appreciated the software's
identity safe, network monitoring and online backup and restore features. Scans ran when our system was idle and we didn't experience annoying
interruptions. Customer service also improved by leaps and bounds, offering free phone support for one year.
Norton is now one of the only companies to do this, going from the worst in service to one of the best in a few short years.
We think that Norton 360 earns an excellent B+ Grade.
Go To Norton 360 Version 2.0
Back To Chart |
 |
|
Trend Micro Pro
Trend Micro's Internet Security Pro 2009 is honestly one of the most comprehensive Internet security products the market has to offer.
Combining powerful anti-virus and anti-spyware technology with feature-rich tools like remote file lock, smartphone protection and parental
control capability, Internet Security Pro is going to give the other software suites a run for their money.
Wi-Fi Advisor Identifies Legitimate Wi-Fi Hotspots
Improved Parental Controls
Not only is this product chock-full of features, it's also easy to use.
We didn't run into system complications when running the program and navigating the interface was painless and hassle-free.
Customer service was also a pleasure, with friendly and knowledgeable reps readily available to address our concerns.
The only thing we would have changed about Trend Micro Internet Security Pro is the price. No, coming in at just
under $70 it's not the most expensive and you do get your money's worth, but we'd like to see this valuable product made affordable
to more people. If it could come in at under $50, it'd definitely be a top pick.
Trend Micro Internet Security Pro is well deserving of a B+ Grade.
Go To Trend Micro Pro
Back to Chart |
 |
|
Trend Micro
Trend Micro's Internet Security Pro 2009 is honestly one of the most comprehensive Internet security products the market has to offer.
Combining powerful anti-virus and anti-spyware technology with feature-rich tools like remote file lock, smartphone protection and parental
control capability, Internet Security Pro is going to give the other software suites a run for their money.
Wi-Fi Advisor Identifies Legitimate Wi-Fi Hotspots
Improved Parental Controls
Not only is this product chock-full of features, it's also easy to use.
We didn't run into system complications when running the program and navigating the interface was painless and hassle-free.
Customer service was also a pleasure, with friendly and knowledgeable reps readily available to address our concerns.
The only thing we would have changed about Trend Micro Internet Security Pro is the price. No, coming in at just
under $70 it's not the most expensive and you do get your money's worth, but we'd like to see this valuable product made affordable
to more people. If it could come in at under $50, it'd definitely be a top pick.
This is a wonderful product, easy to use and gets a solid B Grade totally worth the $49.99 price.
Go To Trend Micro
Back to Chart |
 |
|
Panda Internet Security
Panda Internet Security 2009 isn't the best security software on the Web and it's not the
cheapest. The company does not offer the highest level of support and we found it to be a bit of a system resource hog.
That all being said, Panda still does have a place in the world of Internet security software.
Web Content Filter
Anti-Spam Tools
Specialized Heuristics to Protect Online Transactions
There were quite a few perks offered by this product including the remote
data backup, parental controls and a quick and comprehensive system scan process. The question is, do the pros outweigh the cons?
For some they may, but overall we feel there are other,
better products on the market at comparable prices. Based on this review we give Panda a solid C+ grade.
Go To Panda Internet Security
Back to Chart
|
 |
|
Webroot
Webroot's Internet Security Essentials isn't the easiest product to use and it's not the
fastest, but it is one of the cheapest. If you're shopping based on price alone, this is the place to be. If, however,
you want fast system scan times and a product that doesn't suck up your resources, this is not your best bet.
Vista 64 Bit Compatible
Disc Cleanup to Enhance PC Performance
Free US-Based Customer Support
We did like the fact that Webroot offers free US-based support. We didn't have any
problems when contacting the company's customer service department. That being said, they do need to work on speeding up their scan times,
fine-tuning their firewall
and creating an easier install process.
They earn a Grade of C+.
Go To Webroot
Back to Chart |
 |
|
Norton Internet Security
Norton Internet Security 2009 is one of the best Internet security products
we looked at. It offers its users access to a wide variety of new technologies such as the pulse updates that
actually keep the program current with the newest security threats within few minutes. As well as offering improvements
on many of its traditional features like network security, makes Norton Internet Security 2009 nearly one the best.
Pulse Updates
Contains Intelligence-driven Norton Insight technology
Multiple Layered Protection technology
The only thing that really brings this software down is the lack
of proper customer service. We feel that given the seniority that Norton has in the marketplace that outstanding customer
service should be a given and not something that still needs work after all this time.
Norton receives a C+ for this effort.
Go To Norton Internet Security
Back to Chat |
 |
|
McAfee
McAfee Internet Security 2009 is a good basic Internet security offering that can definitely
secure a user's computer from most of the threats that are out there.
Faster Scanning
Lighter Impact on Computer Resources
Improved Detection and Removal
Our biggest points of contention with McAfee Internet Security 2009
is the fact that we feel that the product could have been made a little more user-friendly than it currently is.
The interface was a bit hard to follow and we felt more extras should have been added to the product. It just doesn't measure
up to some of the competitors in the field. Overall we have to say that McAfee Internet Security 2009 can do its job,
but there may be other products on the Web that can do it better.
We give McAfee a C.
Go To McAfee
Back to Chart |
 |
|
|
625 N FLAGLER DRIVE FLOOR 9
WEST PALM BEACH FL 33401
|
|
|
