Bitdefender Internet Security 2020 — a revisit to the autopilot

Product name
Bitdefender Internet Security 2020 (b20.0.16.95)
Installation (rating)
5.00 star(s)
User interface (rating)
5.00 star(s)
Accessibility notes
+ Clean. Beginner-friendly
+ Comprehensive organization of modules
+ Ideal set of color contrasts for focus on the essential elements
Performance (rating)
5.00 star(s)
Core Protection (rating)
5.00 star(s)
Proactive protection (rating)
5.00 star(s)
Additional Protection notes
+ Consistently ranked high in independent tests (take it with a pinch of salt)
+ Engine is borrowed by a number of other AVs
+ Fairly powerful protection for everyday use
https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/enhanced-real-world-test-2019-consumer/
https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/real-world-protection-test-july-october-2019/
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-10/february-2020/bitdefender-internet-security-24.0-200506/
- Dynamic protection including anti-ransomware seems slightly on the weaker side, unless manually fortified
Browser protection (rating)
5.00 star(s)
Positives
    • Many features
    • Minimal setup required
    • Low impact on system resources
    • Simple and non-intrusive
    • Ransomware protection
    • Strong and reliable protection
    • Detects or blocks in the wild malware
    • Virus signatures are updated daily
    • Excellent scores in independent tests
    • Well designed, clear and easy to use interface
    • Multi-layer protection approach
Negatives
    • Advanced users may want more control
    • Not as many features as some competitors
    • Can be complex in some situations
Time spent using product
Reviewed over a 30-day period
Computer specs
Intel i5 4th Gen (upto 2.3Ghz Turbo) | 8GB DDR3 | 1TB HDD | AMD Radeon 8670M Graphics (2GB)
Overall rating
5.00 star(s)

Parsh

Level 25
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Malware Hunter
Well-known
Dec 27, 2016
1,480
Ex: Kaspersky, BIS 2018, Comodo, ESET. I am currently trying out BIS 2020 since 4 days on my loaded machine.
Note: I have not conducted malware tests on the product recently. The ratings are based on cumulative experiences of myself and from forums, and independent test results (y)
I'll keep adding my observations for a few days.

It's a sepoy that takes over the command and lets the King (the user) focus on eating the grapes, with a messenger by his side!
Generalized as below
novice / users wanting automated simplicitynovice with ^ learning appetite / advanced users wanting control
Experience9.5/108.5/10
Security fulfillment9.5/108/10
Privacy features9.5/109.5/10

The awfully amazing (+)
  1. Usability
    1. Install-and-forget
    2. Light on system thanks to adaptive Photon
    3. Clean UI
    4. Configurable dashboard in-app
    5. Highly configurable profiles
    6. Many old bugs fixed including FW and surfing issues
    7. Online portal for remote monitoring
    8. Mobile app for remote monitoring and scan initiation
    9. Less options + less alerts = less headache
  2. Security
    1. Has some of the most usable security & privacy utilities (screenshots below)
    2. Strong offline protection compared to some AVs that rely heavily on online processing
    3. Some of the best signatures, uses cloud engine for heavier processing
    4. Overall real-time protection regarded as one of the best in 3rd party tests
    5. Firewall alerts for each app (optional)
    6. Early boot scan (common but important)
    7. (Remember to enable) scan scripts option
    8. Windows & vulnerable apps updater
    9. Safe Files & Ransomware Remediation offer decent configurability for data protection (if some app from Steam is failing in fullscreen, check the notification screen if it was using some of the protected folders along)
  3. Privacy
    1. Your files are NOT uploaded for their cloud scan
    2. File Vaults to encrypt sensitive data
    3. No relying on another app for secure File Shredding
    4. VPN upto 200MB/day
    5. SafePay asks to open a secure window for financial transactions with autofill and a VPN toggle
    6. Has a rich wallet with ID and password management
    7. Parental Control with remote monitoring a boon for some parents (1)
The minor crises ()
  1. Usability
    1. Threat alert popups are neither interactive nor informational (details can be seen in notification screen)
    2. Parental Control currently has a small glitch - opens webpage with a 404. Removing 404 from URL fixes it
    3. Minor glitch in showing Windows update size
  2. Security
    1. Signatures do not seem to be coping with the competition
    2. Behavior Blocker ATD is not configurable (for advanced users)
    3. Has no HIPS/ anti-executable/ app control features like ESET/ Avast/ Kaspersky to rate and restrict applications (for advanced users)
    4. Firewall control granularity not as good as in the likes of ESET/ Kaspersky (for advanced users)
    5. PUP detection is deliberately weak
    6. FW screen shows a default adapter for populating rules against it, instead of showing the currently used adapter by default
    7. I could delete a folder from a Protected Folder with a simple cmd script, without a block. Likely, it blocks only unknown/ suspicious apps, though everything should be block except the manually allowed apps (screenshot of Safe Files below)
    8. Dynamic protection has shown lesser might in the last Malware Hub testing here (take it with a pinch of salt)
  3. Privacy
    1. Anti-tracker, Wallets are limited to Chrome, Firefox and IE. Chromium browsers are not supported
    2. TLS 1.3 apparently not yet supported
    3. Free VPN has no location options or encrypted connection
    4. Password Manager (Wallets) not available on smartphones
A definitely maybe (recommend) for -->
  1. Your novice friends
  2. Users tired of using advanced witchcraft configs
  3. Parents for their kids
  4. For your spouse
  5. For your (grand)parents living miles away (1)
  6. People using anti-exes/SRPs and alongside need a chilled out antivirus
It would be great if other BD users could share their experiences :)

Bitdefender through the eyes of a user -->
Overview
Autopilot your ride.pngProtection tab.pngPrivacy tab.pngUtilities tab.png
Password-protection
Password Protection.png
Tray icon menu (over-simplified)
Tray menu.png
settings 1.pngsettings 2.pngupdate.png
One for everyone!
Profiles.pngSample profile.png
Well categorized levels
Noti 1.pngNoti 2.png
Protection
Antivirus settings
AV settings 1.pngAV Settings 2.pngAV Settings 3.pngExceptions.png
Scan & Quarantine
Manage scans.pngQuarantine.pngScan details.png
On Threat Detection
Threat detection.png

Advanced Threat Defense Improved!
ATD.pngATD Exploit Protection.png
FW settings.pngFW config 1.pngFW config 2.pngFW new rule.png
FW Alert
Firewall Alert.png
Web Protection.pngNetwork protection.png
Blocking
Web blocking.pngWeb background blocking.png
Vulnerability Scan
Scan preview.pngVulnerability scan settings.png
WiFi Advisor Improved!
Wifi Advisor details.pngWifi Advisor categories.pngUnsafe WiFi advisor.png
Spammers list.pngFriends list.pngAntispam settings.png
Application Access sub-module
Application Access.png
Protected Folders sub-module, and a safe test
A safe attempt.png
Misc blocking event
Block-eg.png
Ransomware protection.pngRW Exceptions.png
Privacy
File Encryption_Vault.pngFile Vault mapping.png
Improved!
The 1st image is a capture from my phone, since SafePay allows no screenshot
Safe Pay - cameraClicked.jpgSafePay settings.pngSafePay prompt.png
ID & Passwords, heck you can store so much!
ID.pngBanking.pngEmails.pngWeb login.pngApps.pngWiFi.png
Misc configuration
Autofill settings.pngImport data.pngSupported apps.pngSync wallets.pngPM Settings.png
Captured below!
Webcam.pngMicrophone.png
200MB/day.
You can get unlimited traffic, encryption and country selection from a huge list in BD Premium VPN.
And premium support in Bitdefender Premium Security. Just another version!
VPN 1.pngVPN limitations.png
Improved!
Available through Bitdefender Central
Create profile.pngAdd device.pngRemotely triggered install.pngData 1.pngData 2.pngParental Block.png
The Portal
BD Central 1.pngBD Central 2.pngBD Central 3.pngBD Central 4.png
Wait ...,
You get the privilege to sport the BADASS Logo!!
BD2015_Wallpaper_2560x1600-V2.jpg
A BugDefender no more?
 
Last edited:
F

ForgottenSeer 55474

Having used the older version of BIS 2018, and Kaspersky, Comodo, ESET later on. I am currently trying out BIS 2020 since 4 days on my loaded machine.
Note: I have not conducted malware tests on the product recently, and the ratings are based on cumulative experiences, info from forums and independent test results (y)

It's a sepoy that takes over the command and lets the King (the user) focus on eating the grapes, with a messenger by his side!
Generalizing ...
Factornovice / users wanting automated simplicitynovice with ^ learning curve / advanced users wanting control
Experience9.5/108.5/10
Security fulfillment9.5/108/10
Privacy features9.5/109.5/10

The awfully amazing (+)
  1. Usability
    1. Install-and-forget
    2. Light on system thanks to adaptive Photon (perhaps lighter than the recent ESET update)
    3. Clean UI
    4. Highly configurable profiles - battery/public/movie/work/game
    5. Many old bugs fixed including firewall problems
    6. Online portal for remote monitoring
    7. Less options -> less alerts -> less headache
  2. Security
    1. Has some of the most usable security and privacy utilities (screenshots below)
    2. Strong offline protection compared to some AVs that rely heavily on online processing
    3. Some of the best signatures, uses cloud engine for heavier processing
    4. Overall real-time protection regarded as one of the best in 3rd party tests
    5. Firewall alerts for each app (optional)
    6. Windows & vulnerable apps updater
    7. Safe Files & Ransomware Remediation offer decent configurability for data protection (if some app from Steam is failing, check the notification screen if it was using some of the protected folders along)
  3. Privacy
    1. Your files are NOT uploaded for their cloud scan
    2. File Vaults to encrypt sensitive data
    3. No relying on another app for secure File Shredding
    4. VPN upto 200MB/day, huge list of countries
    5. SafePay asks to open a secure window for financial transactions, autofills details, VPN toggle is included
    6. Has a rich wallet with ID and password management
    7. Parental Control with remote monitoring a boon for some parents (1)
The minor crises ()
  1. Usability
    1. Privacy Control currently has a small glitch - opens webpage with a 404. Removing 404 from URL fixes it
    2. Minor glitch in showing Windows update size
  2. Security
    1. Signatures do not seem to be coping with the competition
    2. Has no HIPS, and the Behavior Blocker (ATD) is not configurable unlike ones in Kaspersky/ESET
    3. Has no anti-executable / app control features like Avast / Kaspersky to rate and restrict applications
    4. Firewall control granularity not as good as in the likes of ESET & Kaspersky
    5. PUP detection is deliberately weak
    6. FW screen shows a default adapter for populating rules against it, instead of showing the currently used adapter by default
    7. ? I could delete a folder from a Protected Folder with a simple cmd script, without a block. Likely BD blocks only unknown or suspicious apps, though everything should be block leaving the exceptions. (See the test screenshot of Safe Files below)
    8. Dynamic protection has shown lesser might in the last Malware Hub testing here (take it with a pinch of salt)
  3. Privacy
    1. Anti-tracker, Wallets are limited to Chrome, Firefox and IE. Chromium browsers are not supported
    2. TLS 1.3 apparently not yet supported

A definitely maybe for (recommend) -->
  1. Novice users
  2. Advanced users tired of their advanced witchcraft configs
  3. Your friends who always complain about their PC
  4. Parents for their kids, parents for their spouse, and for one's grandparents who might be living miles away (1)
  5. People who use anti-exes/SRPs and alongside want a chilled out antivirus
I request BD users to share their unique experiences :)

Bitdefender through the eyes of a user -->
One for everyone!
View attachment 235989
Protection
Application Access sub-module
View attachment 235960
Protected Folders sub-module, and a safe test
View attachment 235959
Misc blocking event
View attachment 235961
Privacy
Improved!
The 1st image is a capture from my phone, since SafePay allows no screenshot
View attachment 235967View attachment 235969View attachment 235968
200MB/day.
You get unlimited traffic and premium support in Bitdefender Premium Security. Just another version!
View attachment 235984View attachment 235985
The Portal
Wait ....,
You get the privilege to sport the BADASS Logo!!
View attachment 236009
A BugDefender no more?
Thanks for the outstanding review, but I will always love Bitdefender
 

Parsh

Level 25
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Malware Hunter
Well-known
Dec 27, 2016
1,480
Fantastic overview! Extremely thorough!

Here is BD Free:

View attachment 236030View attachment 236031View attachment 236032View attachment 236033

Simple, set-and-forget goodness with excellent web protection! Definitely not for tweakers!
So BD free has remained the same pixel by pixel!
It's actually good for someone looking for a FREE set-and-forget. Well, KSC Free is not bad either 😁
And you get to sport this badass logo! ;):LOL:

Capture4.PNG
It's an absolute killer wall! In fact their entire collection has been that word.
And my other favorite was the Malware Morghulis (ALL MALWARE MUST DIE). Sometimes I feel like keeping that wallpaper after replacing their logo with that of my suite ;)
 

Parsh

Level 25
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Malware Hunter
Well-known
Dec 27, 2016
1,480
I am using Bitdefender Total Security for a month on my new notebook. Kindly find attached image for your perusal.
Resource utilization may largely vary for various activities and also from PC to PC.
I agree that in general, Bitdefender did not feel heavy at all for any program launches and had insignificant delay in browsing speed.
Scrolling through folders is also a breeze unless there are tons of executables inside.

Thanks for the outstanding review, but I will always love Bitdefender
We know your love for BD :)
and it really feels like it's taking your PC's responsibility.
Care to share your experience of all these years in terms of protection?
 
F

ForgottenSeer 55474

Thanks Parsh, but no, I do not think I am Technical Good Enough, I really mean that.
But it is not the first time I have had Bitdefender as my AV, it is the 4 year. I had Bitdefender for 3 years then I was so stupid to shift to Avast Premium Security+VPN+Cleanup Program, and like that is not enough, I could have purchased even more Fancy programs from Avast, I will not mention them here, but you perhaps know what I am talking about(snakeoil). I think the 2020 version of Bitdefender is much better than the 2018 performance wise and it is keeping up with the best in AV-Test.
Thanks.:)
 

SeriousHoax

Level 47
Well-known
Mar 16, 2019
3,630
Excellent review (y) Bitdefender is definitely the best set and forget solution.
The only problem I had was their update. I mean it just wouldn't update on mine when other apps or other family members on the network was using bandwidth. The same happened with Bitdefender free, actually it was even more problematic. I had to disable Wifi on the router for it to update. I guess it has an issue on how it optimizes the available bandwidth for the update process but users don't notice this because most users have better internet than mine.
 

Parsh

Level 25
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Malware Hunter
Well-known
Dec 27, 2016
1,480
But it is not the first time I have had Bitdefender as my AV, it is the 4 year. I had Bitdefender for 3 years then I was so stupid to shift to Avast Premium Security+VPN+Cleanup Program, and like that is not enough, I could have purchased even more Fancy programs from Avast, I will not mention them here, but you perhaps know what I am talking about(snakeoil). I think the 2020 version of Bitdefender is much better than the 2018 performance wise and it is keeping up with the best in AV-Test.
Thanks.:)
Hey thank you for sharing!
I really am curious about experiences with BD since it's like a sealed book. It is difficult to know what potential it carries... since there's not much granular control or info on its dynamic modules.
I am getting the vibes that this should be my AV, but I really need something like HIPS / App Control also.
The app literally screams "leave it to me!" 😄
The only problem I had was their update. I mean it just wouldn't update on mine when other apps or other family members on the network was using bandwidth. The same happened with Bitdefender free, actually it was even more problematic. I had to disable Wifi on the router for it to update. I guess it has an issue on how it optimizes the available bandwidth for the update process but users don't notice this because most users have better internet than mine.
Thanks buddy :)
I see. Didn't experience such an issue yet. It's possible that the issue got resolved in newer builds. Will check this for myself and report to them if this exists.
 
Last edited:

RoboMan

Level 34
Verified
Top Poster
Content Creator
Well-known
Jun 24, 2016
2,399
Congratulations on such a fantastic thread @Parsh!

Straight to the points, well structured, informative and neutral. I like it a lot. Despite I'm currently protected, you suddenly generated a NEED in me to use this product, so we have a salesman everybody.

BitDefender 2020 is an amazing suite. Just one thing I dislike that I don't see on your thread: after BitDefender scans or finds a threat (can't remember) it bugs your hidden files/folders options, and if you had this option enabled to see hidden folders/files, you'll need to reboot in order for it to work again.
 

Parsh

Level 25
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Malware Hunter
Well-known
Dec 27, 2016
1,480
Someone know if Bitdefender Password Manager fills automatically on Android devices? And the app is good?
Good that you asked! I searched for that app only to find out it doesn't exist. Neither does it exist in the BD Mobile Security app.
I found a reddit thread where a user posted 4 months back:
Hello! At the moment Bitdefender Password manager is not compatible with Android devices, however we received such requests and we`re working on a solution. Thanks!
Though the user has deleted the comment (it stays visible, only the username gets dissociated), if it was really someone from BD, a password manager for Android might be on its way.
 
Last edited:

Parsh

Level 25
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Malware Hunter
Well-known
Dec 27, 2016
1,480
Congratulations on such a fantastic thread @Parsh!
Straight to the points, well structured, informative and neutral. I like it a lot. Despite I'm currently protected, you suddenly generated a NEED in me to use this product, so we have a salesman everybody.
BitDefender 2020 is an amazing suite. Just one thing I dislike that I don't see on your thread: after BitDefender scans or finds a threat (can't remember) it bugs your hidden files/folders options, and if you had this option enabled to see hidden folders/files, you'll need to reboot in order for it to work again.
Thanks Roboman, appreciate it!
I browsed through some threads here and there. Seems the issue is expected to occur when a restart is required by BD after some detection. Someone has faced this even in regular usage.
I tried a few things:
  1. Web shield OFF --> download eicar file --> threat detected (disinfection in progress)
  2. Web shield OFF --> Resident AV OFF --> download eicar file --> contextual scan and threat detected (disinfection in progress)
  3. Run a quick scan
After each case, my hidden folders were visible (not blocked) and I could enable/disable the 'show hidden files/folders' option.
Perhaps the issue might occur in case of dynamic behavior detection. Or perhaps the issue is now gone :)
 

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