In-depth, Independent Research
Updated with 2012 product reviews. Internet security software is the last line of defense between your computer and dangerous viruses, spyware, and hackers. Since the main goal of most malicious activity on the Internet is to steal your personal information, Internet security software can also help prevent identity theft. All of the services we have reviewed offer antivirus and anti-spyware protection and many also offer anti-phishing and spam blocking. The best services also offer a layer of identity theft protection that will help prevent and detect any unauthorized uses of your personal information. Our reviews include data from independent antivirus testing authority AV-Comparatives. One is a historical average of their various anti-malware and antivirus tests; the other is their rating of antivirus software impact on system performance. You can learn more about the various risks to your PC that exist on the Internet and Internet security software in general by visiting our FAQ.
Internet Security Software Reviews & Prices
Updated 01-27-2012
| Service Name & Rating: | Price: | Ease of Use: | Special Features: | Personal Information Manager: | Anti-malware/Antivirus Score*: | System Performance Score*: | Bottom Line: |
 | $69.99/yr for up to 3 PCs | Very easy: excellent layout, clear warnings with a lot of information | Facebook scanner; Scareware eraser; Norton parental controls; Community safety ratings | Yes: Encrypted login and credit card vault |  |  | The best at protecting you and your computer. Updates include a vastly improved performance and several features to make things easier on the user. |
 | $79.95/yr for 3 PCs | Easy: enhanced interface and simple installation | Vulnerability protection; Safe Run area for running unknown programs and sites; virtual keyboard; parental controls | Virtual keyboard foils keylogging software | | | A vast improvement in its interface, installation and performance make Kaspersky a best bet for those who are looking for easy, fast, top-notch security. |
 | $34.99 for 1 year (3 PCs) | Great user-friendly interface, fast downloading | AutoSandbox automates safe browsing; WebRep to rate safety of websites | None | | | Fast, affordable and easy to use. Best for users who want a simple, user-friendly interface. Discount for NextAdvisor users. |
 | NextAdvisor Discount: $49.95 for 1 PC $69.95 for 3 PCs | The user-friendly interface and AutoPilot feature make for an excellent user experience. | AutoPilot silencing feature; Yahoo! and MSN Messenger encryption; phishing detection; PC maintenance tools; automated backup | Yes: Encrypted information theft prevention | |  | For those who want top-rated protection without the interruptions. New features help improve performance and give users a few more options for security. |
 | $59.99/yr Discount: Save 25% for two years of coverage | Very minimal interface can be confusing; installation can prove difficult | Cloud-based detection; blocks removable media; antispam for email | None | | | If you aren't in to all the bells and whistles and just want the simplest security software that will protect your computer, ESET is your best bet. |
| Service Name & Rating: | Price: | Ease of Use: | Special Features: | Personal Information Manager: | Anti-malware/Antivirus Score*: | System Performance Score*: | Bottom Line: |  | $69.99/yr for up to 3 PCs (after discount) | Nice, minimal interface, though scan reports not the best | Parental controls; USB drive scan; antispam; 2GB backup | None | | | Standard PC security with a few new features that could turn heads; exclusive $20 discount |
 | $79.95/yr for 3 PCs 30-day free trial | Very easy: great interface, quick install and fast performance | PC clean-up tool; cloud-based password manager; includes identity theft protection and online backup | Yes: encrypted web-based password and personal information vault |  |  | Good product for those just looking for the basic protection. Easy install, simple interface and quick performance. |
 | $29.95/yr for up to 3 PCs | Good: Well-organized, but not a lot of information | 1 year of free Identity Guard Good Start service; 2GB of online backup space; antispam; parental controls | Yes: Encrypted information theft prevention | N/A | N/A | Full-featured, low-fuss improvement to previous ZoneAlarm software; good value, but hard to measure effectiveness |
 | $41.95/yr for up to 3 PCs | Excellent: Well organized and attractive | Cloud detection; file shredder; Trend Micro Vault; network map; parental controls | No ID vault, but can protect usernames, passwords and credit card info | † | | Best bet for users looking for quality, inexpensive software. New features up the software's game. |
 | $29.95 after $10 discount | Average: Interface can be confusing for average user; fast performance | Artificial intelligence that can detect new, mutated threats | Yes | N/A | N/A | Inexpensive, reliable software with a cool detection feature. Confusing interface and difficult installation downgrades its score. Discount for NextAdvisor readers. |
| Service Name & Rating: | Price: | Ease of Use: | Special Features: | Personal Information Manager: | Anti-malware/Antivirus Score*: | System Performance Score*: | Bottom Line: |  | $43.99 for 1 year (after 20% discount) | Good: much improved over previous versions | PC optimizer, identity protection, link scanner; email protection | Yes | † | | Good security software if you are looking for all the bells and whistles at half the price. |
 | $49.99 for 1 year (3 PCs) $79.92 for 2 years (3 PCs) | Easy: colorful, well-organized; fits in with Windows look and feel | Browser protection; Spyware Doctor; IntelliGuard; spam protection | None | | | PC Tools Internet Security has a nice user interface and is easy to use, but it under-delivers on consistency and performance |
 | $34.99/yr | Fair: Simply UI doesn't supply adequate information | Parental control software; backup manager | None | N/A | N/A | Simple interface but poorly implemented; frequent crashes, indiscriminate program blocking |
*Averaged 2010/2011 scores for each company's antivirus/anti-malware product by independent testing agency AV-Comparatives. Score indicates overall effectiveness in a variety of tests over time. † indicates that company did not take part in all tests. See reviews for details.
**Score indicates impact of antivirus product on system performance. August 2010 test by AV-Comparatives.
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