"The most interesting aspect of Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 is the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN), Kaspersky’s very own security database"
Matthias Scherer
Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 is Kaspersky’s latest online security software package. It was released this summer and combines different measures into one very good all-round protection suite that covers all the main threats that come with browsing, shopping and working online.
What we like best
Installation of the Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 is mercifully quick and doesn’t require an instant re-start, which is a big plus.
From there onwards, the software does the most important things right, and very smoothly so. An all-encompassing scan of our PC’s entire contents took about an hour and a half, and the impact on other applications and CPU (we watched a couple of YouTube videos and bashed out emails and word documents) was minimal. Users can also scan individual items with a simple drag-and-drop feature.
The most interesting aspect of Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 is the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN), Kaspersky’s very own database from which it draws information to flag up dangerous applications to the users. It’s nicely laid-out and easy to use – you can use it to gain an insight into any file’s potential threat via right-clicking it and selecting the File Advisor. This cloud-based approach means that scanning takes less time and CPU power.
The KSN is also the source of information for Kaspersky’s unique firewall. Programs are associated with a level of restriction according to the trust it is given by KSN.
Apart from the KSN, the real clincher for this software is probably the parental control mode. Pretty much all aspects of internet use can be monitored: from the search terms and the types of application that are used to the type of content that is downloaded and the time spent online, parents can set up a large list of restrictions to ensure their children use the web responsibly.
The interface has undergone an overhaul since the last Internet Security version, and we like it a lot. It is fairly reminiscent of the way you can flip around between sets of apps on an iPhone (minus the multitouch technology) and the icons are well-designed and self-explanatory. Even the most security-conscious users, who might want to take a more detailed approach to online protection, will not be confused by Kaspersy Internet Security 2012. It’s all very intuitive and unobtrusive, and, once identified, threats are dealt with very quickly.
What we like least
In-browser security tools are often a bit cumbersome, and Kaspersky’s own version isn’t much of an exception. The URL advisor seems like more of a token gesture which we could take or leave, but that goes for link scanners in general.
Software updates are the bane of most software users’ lives, and sadly Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 completes those updates very slowly, with a distinct impact on CPU. If you do have to do an update, you might want to go make a cup of tea because it’s unlikely you’ll be able to work while the software is doing its thing.
Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 is a fine improvement on the 2011 version, which took a lot longer to install and had an interface that was neither very inviting nor intuitive. These flaws have been remedied and a few core new features (KSN, a new and improved firewall) have been added. Internet Security 2012 only rarely makes its existence known to the user, which is a great characteristic for any security software, but it also has a good ratio of identifying and eradicating threats. Highly recommended, especially for family households.
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System Requirements
- System Watcher - Protects your PC against unknown threats and lets you roll back system changes made by malware Improved
- File Advisor - Allows you to check file safety with a single click of the mouse New
- Kaspersky URL Advisor - Marks web links with a color-coded tag to advise you of their danger level Improved
- Anti-Phishing module - Warns about phishing sites that steal personal data Improved
- Task Manager - Allows you to monitor malware scanning activities as they happen New
- Completely redesigned interface - Makes navigating around the PC security program quick and easy New
- Desktop gadget - Lets you see your computer’s security status instantly and gives you quick access to essential security settings inside Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 Improved
Features
Kaspersky URL Advisor -Marks web links with a color-coded tag that shows their danger level and allows you to choose whether to open them Improved
Kaspersky File Advisor - Checks file safety with a single click of the mouse New
System Watcher - Monitors suspicious application activities and allows you to roll back system changes made by malware Improved
Application Control - Restricts program access to personal data and system files according to the level of danger that each program presents Improved
Safe Run Mode - Lets you launch suspicious applications and websites in a special, isolated environment where they cannot harm your computer
wo-way personal firewall - Protects against hacker attacks
Anti-Phishing and Anti-Spam technology - Provides reliable protection for your personal information and guards against unwanted spam and adware Improved
Parental Control - Provides flexible and effective settings to keep children extra-safe when they use computers and the Internet Improved
Completely redesigned interface - Makes navigating around security settings inside Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 quick and easy New
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