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Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 Review: Internet Security Software |
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| Slick, essential new features added on to last year's major update, making this one of the best security software suites of 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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[Editor's Note: Kasperksy is offering $20 off Internet Security to NextAdvisor visitors, no coupon code required. Just follow any link to Kaspersky from NextAdvisor to receive the discount.]
At first glance, Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 hasn't changed much from last year, which isn't surprising considering last year's version was a complete overhaul. However, once you dig a little deeper, you can see all the subtle, sophisticated changes that Kaspersky has made to take the 2013 version of their security software to the next level. Installation The installation for Kaspersky was just as easy as it was with last year's version. No annoying questions. No restarts. The only thing that might slow you down is having to enter your activation code, but even that takes less than a minute. No muss, no fuss. Interface Kaspersky's interface is identical to the 2012 version, save a few minor superficial tweaks. Each of the different components of the product has its own icon on the main page, starting with the four most important features. The main section of the front page also offers an easy-to-digest quick list of how the software is operating and if there are any current threats. You can continue using the software even as it's running a scan, which is a helpful feature. It also gives you an option to see the Cloud Protection, which gives real-time data on protection activity from Kaspersky, taken from computers worldwide that the software is installed on. The most impressive update is the fluidity of the new interface. It transitions beautifully from one feature to the next, in a quick and flowing manner, which makes using the software easy and efficient. Antivirus and Antimalware
Kaspersky has never had any problems with performing well in the independent antivirus and antimalware tests. They scored 3 out of 3 stars in this summer's AV-Comparatives Whole-Product Dynamic Test, which takes into account the sum of the product's parts in protecting PCs. It consistently scores 3 out of 3 stars in all of AV-Comparatives' battery of tests, and scores higher in some cases than the most trusted security brands. As expected, Kaspersky also thwarted all of the test viruses we threw at it. When blocking websites, it conveniently leaves a warning on the web browser and sends a pop-up warning, in case you aren't looking at the browser window. As far as extras go, Kaspersky has updated most of its features, including Parental Controls and Safe Mode, which is now called Quarantine. It includes features that monitor both the applications that you have on your computer (Applications Activity) as well as your networks (Network Monitor). For its 2013 version, Kaspersky has added the Safe Money feature that allows you to use your online banking services in a protected browser, much like BitDefender's SafePay. You can also choose to do your online shopping in the browser to further protect your identity. As for scanning, Kaspersky has its usual Full Scan and Custom Scan (which offers a drag-and-drop option), but has also added a Critical Areas Scan, which scans only the programs that are loaded during your computer's startup. The most interesting scan that they've added is the Vulnerability Scan, which not only scans the computer for vulnerabilities, but will also analyze and, in certain cases, take over control of certain programs to rectify any issues. Performance
Kaspersky has also been solid when it comes to performance. In the last three AV-Comparatives' independent tests that focus on performance, Kaspersky scored 3 out of 3 stars, the top score a security software suite can get. Kaspersky is also very good at not disturbing your computing with lots of annoying pop-ups or warnings. In addition to not slowing down your computer, the 2013 interface itself seems to be much faster and more responsive than previous versions. Conclusion While the 2013 version of Kaspersky looks very much like its predecessor, it offers users many new subtle yet sophisticated updates, including the quicker and more fluid interface, two new scanning options, and the Safe Money feature, which keeps your banking identity safe. Overall, it's one of the top security software suites we've seen for 2013. System Requirements: Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 AV-Comparatives ratings on a variety of tasks related to the antivirus and anti-malware product. "Known Malware" refers to a product's ability to catch pre-identified viruses, while "Unknown Malware" refers to its ability to detect brand new viruses. Older scores may reflect previous software versions. Visit Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 Website | Compare to Other Internet Security Software |
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**Score indicates impact of antivirus product on system performance. Average of performance tests by AV-Comparatives. 
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