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Key Features: This is a powerful security suite with proactive malware blocking and timely updates over the Internet. |
$59.99 (one year for three PCs)
F-Secure
(888) 432-8233
www.f-secure.com
F-Secure asserts the newest version of its security suite, Internet Security 2010, is its most robust yet unobtrusive offering yet. After spending some time with it, we are inclined to agree. With the release of 2010, F-Secure has moved many of its processing functions from the user’s PC to an Internet-server-based query system. For users, this means several things.
First, the program can block malware and other invaders in real time, and it can update itself on the fly as new threats emerge (within one minute, per F-Secure). Second, the company has integrated the product with its massive testing labs, which means that both dangerous and innocuous samples submitted (hundreds of thousands per day) are filtered and can be compared with files and programs the user encounters. This setup enables the program to work completely in the background—according to F-Secure, with a much lower rate of false positives—rather than continually prompting the user for decisions.
Finally, the company asserts this approach greatly reduces the drain on system resources. Specifically, in its new release, F-Secure has reduced the suite’s running processes from 24 to 9, and the idle-mode memory requirement from 300MB to approximately 50MB. In our tests, we couldn’t detect a noticeable performance impact. (Results will vary based on a user’s system.)
 All-Encompassing
Internet Security 2010 includes real-time virus and spyware protection; manual scanning of viruses, spyware, and rootkits (programs that gain and mimic administrator access, often for destructive purposes); and spam, phishing, and parental control. It also includes a firewall that shields against intrusion, application control, and unauthorized dial-up Internet connection.
With this release, F-Secure has also integrated and enhanced its formerly standalone, free browser-scanner tool, Exploit Shield. Exploit Shield scans Web sites and search results and assigns a rating of safe (green), possibly hazardous (yellow), dangerous (red), or unknown (question mark). Users who think F-Secure has it wrong can even request a site be reanalyzed.
Easy Does It
At all levels, Internet Security 2010 is built for ease of use, from the giant green check mark on its main interface (which lets you know you are fully protected) to use of comprehensible terms, such as Status, Tasks, and Statistics, for program elements. (In a telling example, users now turn features on or off rather than opting to enable or disable them.)
Installation is fully automated, although F-Secure also offers a “step-by-step” mode. This mode lets the user configure such behaviors as whether to install Parental Control (installed by default, but a wizard gives you full setup control), where to store files, and whether to overwrite existing security products. Unless you have other securing programs running on your system at installation (not a good idea), automated setup will be the easiest and fastest way to get going.
Gaining Control
Despite its high level of automation, Internet Security 2010 makes it easy for users to open ports if necessary, unblock programs F-Secure erroneously marked as dangerous, and make other adjustments. However, the program will warn—and even block—users if they attempt to enable access that F-Secure’s lab has determined can invite trouble.
The program is too new to have been rated by virus labs, but based on F-Secure’s reputation, we expect it to offer strong protection. Overall, we were very impressed with its high level of intuitive, seamless functionality.  by Jennifer Farwell
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