Program I am going to review below is definitely one of the greatest, if not the best of security market curiosities.
Let's have a look at the following applications:
- G Data, a well-known double-engine AV
- F secure, lightweight and effective
- Bullguard, valued in many tests
- Trustport 2013 version, awesome and respected
- something less known, f. ex. E scan and a few more
What do they have in common?
The answer is simple for anyone who is interested in security&protection theme.
Bitdefender's engine is used by so many companies that we can assume new definitions added to the producer's database are at a premium.
A number of recent tests indicate a verity: it's Kaspersky's main opponent.
Both programs are trying hard to outdistance the competition.
What's worth noting is the fact that in all tests programs with 'bit' are placed near the podium. I assume reason for that is a huge threat definition database, which by itself is a very strong barrier to pests. However, I've decided to look at the whole Bitdefender Internet Security 2013 package.
Is there anything that outclasses the competition?
Well, I’ll try to find out.
INSTALLATION AND FEATURES
Both using downloader manager and installation are fast and easy. What draws attention is an interesting interface. Desktop is getting darker, individual alerts shine like neons.
The main window is divided into a number of scrollable tabs.
Everything seems to be polished up and gives the impression of modernity. This is certainly easy on the eyes.
In my opinion, Bitdefender has the best design among all applications I had chance to review.
However, it's not design what counts but the quality of protection so let's take a closer look:
ANTIVIRUS,
or the latest engine of Bitderender. Program has a real-time protection so it scans each runned application/file during user’s activity.
Interestingly, there are 3 variants of the same module settings:
- Permissive (the lowest quality of protection)
- Normal (default and recommended mode)
- Aggressive
As we will see, our system security depends on modes configuration.
ACTIVE VIRUS CONTROL
It is the strongest part of the program, designed to fight with new malware.
Heuristics controls absolutely each runned application and if it monitors any abnormity, it will stop it immediately.
All modes in Bitdefender have the same 'scale' of settings options.
AVC alerts appear in the lower right corner and have no mercy for new viruses.
VULNERABILITY
Bitdefender Internet Security protects user's privacy in various ways.
For example:
- by automatic vulnerability scan
- checking Windows updates
- application updates
- blocking autorun
USB PROTECTION
In addition to blocking startups, all external drivers are scanned.
ANITSPAM WITH CLOUD
Like in other functions, there are 3 levels of protection. Antispam checks all mail delivered. You can determine the degree of heuristics and block some e-mails, f. ex. those written in Cyrillic script.
What is essential, program sends samples to spam cloud.
WWW PROTECTION
A well-known addition appeared in browsers also in the latest version.
Each site you visit is monitored for the presence of malware and phishing threats.
What is more, there are also functions of SSL scan and safe search.
You can get the impression that visiting any site is now totally risk free.
FIREWALL: AUTOMATON OR PARANOIA?
This is the choice left to user by Bitdefender's Firewall.
By default it is automatic and from time to time there are single alerts.
In the paranoid mode we are dealing with real HIPs.
When it comes to the protection quality, the difference is enormous.
Obviously, you can check which applications are connected to the Internet, control network access and set the module by choosing one of three variants (already described by me).
There is also port scan blockade and Wi-Fi monitor.
SAFEPAY: IS BITDEFENDER THE FIRST ONE?
In the comprehensive package do not lack a separate, protected from loggers browser, serving to bank transfers. There is also a virtual keyboard available.
And we cannot forget about Parental Control in such an advanced package.
AUTOPILOT OR MAXIMUM?
It is an interesting question for Bitdefender's users. Each of main protection modes can be configured using 3 variants or according to one's own taste. There are huge differences in package quality.
F4z proved that in special test, carried out at my request.
http://forum.safegroup.pl/test-bitdefender-internet-security-2013-t7006.html
Apparently, strong Bitdefender can slip into total misery fighting against the Trojans, whereas viruses have no chance to survive with aggressive settings. Quid pro quo.
MEMORY CONSUMPTION
What can I say: it's good even on older machines.
However, it changes during scanning.
SUMMARY
Legendary program, whose engine is used by many other well-known applications, firmly and uncompromisingly protects the computer.
On the other hand, it's a pity that so much depends on settings.
As far as only the base of definitions is concerned, it will provide standard protection against malware and secure bank transfers by SafePay browser.
In total version, there are also: browser sandbox, Safebox or Backup and file protection.
Well, that's all for now. In general, the package doesn't cause problems, is great, light, and (after changing some settings) very effective.
That is the program with a hundred per cent effectiveness, if you believe the tests.
Thank you.
Artemis
(malwaretips.com)McAlex (forum.safegroup.pl)
