Bitdefender Internet Security 2020 — a revisit to the autopilot

[Parsh]

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
I'll keep adding my observations for a few days.

Spoiler: TL;DR | RATINGS

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 simplicity	novice with ^ learning appetite / advanced users wanting control
Experience	9.5/10	8.5/10
Security fulfillment	9.5/10	8/10
Privacy features	9.5/10	9.5/10

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

Spoiler: Main GUI

Password-protection

Tray icon menu (over-simplified)

Spoiler: Vanilla settings

Spoiler: Profiles

One for everyone!

Spoiler: Notifications

Well categorized levels

Protection

Spoiler: Antivirus | Advanced Threat Defense

Antivirus settings

Scan & Quarantine

On Threat Detection


Advanced Threat Defense Improved!

Spoiler: Firewall

FW Alert

Spoiler: Online Threat Protection

Blocking

Spoiler: Vulnerability | WiFi Advisor

Vulnerability Scan

WiFi Advisor Improved!

Spoiler: Anti-spam

Spoiler: Safe Files

Application Access sub-module

Protected Folders sub-module, and a safe test

Misc blocking event

Spoiler: Ransomware Remediation

Privacy

Spoiler: File Vault | Encryption

Spoiler: Safe Pay

Improved!
The 1st image is a capture from my phone, since SafePay allows no screenshot

Spoiler: Password Manager | Wallets

ID & Passwords, heck you can store so much!

Misc configuration

Spoiler: Webcam | Microphone access

Captured below!

Spoiler: VPN

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!

Spoiler: Parental Control

Improved!
Available through Bitdefender Central

The Portal

Spoiler: Bitdefender Central

Wait ...,

Spoiler: Did I miss a lead

You get the privilege to sport the BADASS Logo!!

A BugDefender no more?

 

[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

Spoiler: RATINGS | TL;DR

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 ...

Factor	novice / users wanting automated simplicity	novice with ^ learning curve / advanced users wanting control
Experience	9.5/10	8.5/10
Security fulfillment	9.5/10	8/10
Privacy features	9.5/10	9.5/10

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 -->

Spoiler: Main GUI

View attachment 235930View attachment 235936View attachment 235935View attachment 235937
Password-protection
View attachment 235931
Tray icon menu (over-simplified)
View attachment 236007

Spoiler: Vanilla settings

View attachment 235986View attachment 235987View attachment 235988

Spoiler: Profiles

One for everyone!
View attachment 235989

Spoiler: Notifications

Well categorized levels
View attachment 236001View attachment 236002

Protection

Spoiler: Antivirus | Advanced Threat Defense

Antivirus settings
View attachment 235938View attachment 235939View attachment 235940View attachment 235941
Scan & Quarantine
View attachment 235942View attachment 235943View attachment 235970
On Threat Detection
View attachment 236000

Advanced Threat Defense Improved!
View attachment 235954View attachment 235953

Spoiler: Firewall

View attachment 235949View attachment 235946View attachment 235947View attachment 235948
FW Alert
View attachment 235945

Spoiler: Online Threat Protection

View attachment 235952View attachment 235950
Blocking
View attachment 235951View attachment 236008

Spoiler: Vulnerability | WiFi Advisor

Vulnerability Scan
View attachment 235955View attachment 235956
WiFi Advisor Improved!
View attachment 235958View attachment 235957

Spoiler: Anti-spam

View attachment 236005View attachment 236003View attachment 236004

Spoiler: Safe Files

Application Access sub-module
View attachment 235960
Protected Folders sub-module, and a safe test
View attachment 235959
Misc blocking event
View attachment 235961

Spoiler: Ransomware Remediation

View attachment 235962View attachment 235963

Privacy

Spoiler: File Vault | Encryption

View attachment 235964View attachment 235966

Spoiler: Safe Pay

Improved!
The 1st image is a capture from my phone, since SafePay allows no screenshot
View attachment 235967View attachment 235969View attachment 235968

Spoiler: Password Manager | Wallets

ID & Passwords, heck you can store so much!
View attachment 235975View attachment 235973View attachment 235974View attachment 235980View attachment 235971View attachment 235981
Misc configuration
View attachment 235972View attachment 235976View attachment 235978View attachment 235979View attachment 235977

Spoiler: Webcam | Microphone access

Captured below!
View attachment 235983View attachment 235982

Spoiler: VPN

200MB/day.
You get unlimited traffic and premium support in Bitdefender Premium Security. Just another version!
View attachment 235984View attachment 235985

Spoiler: Parental Control

Improved!
Available through Bitdefender Central
View attachment 235995View attachment 235994View attachment 235999View attachment 235996View attachment 235997View attachment 235998

The Portal

Spoiler: Bitdefender Central

View attachment 235990View attachment 235991View attachment 235992View attachment 235993

Wait ....,

Spoiler: Did I miss a lead?

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

 

[Dave Russo]

Bitdefender was and still is a top rated program,but I just do not want a set it and forget it...

 

[dark_wielder]

Very good review thanks but unfortunately, I do not want to use it permanently because of the level of ram usage.

 

[oldschool]

Fantastic overview! Extremely thorough!

Here is BD Free:



Simple, set-and-forget goodness with excellent web protection! Definitely not for tweakers!

And you get to sport this badass logo!

 

[Parsh]

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!

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

 

[CyberPanther]

Very good review thanks but unfortunately, I do not want to use it permanently because of the level of ram usage.

I am using Bitdefender Total Security for a month on my new notebook. Kindly find attached image for your perusal.

 

[Parsh]

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?

 

[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]

Excellent review 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]

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.

 

[oldschool]

BD Free updates painlessly and more than once per day AFAIK. I don't even notice it.

 

[SeriousHoax]

BD Free updates painlessly and more than once per day AFAIK. I don't even notice it.

It checks for update every hour and updates quite a lot, 8-10 times a day I think.

 

[dark_wielder]

I am using Bitdefender Total Security for a month on my new notebook. Kindly find attached image for your perusal.

I am not using Bitdefender right now, but for now I am sharing the status of KES.
When using BTS, my ram usage was 300-400 mb. The only feature I dislike is that it uses a lot of resources.

 

[oldschool]

When using BTS, my ram usage was 300-400 mb. The only feature I dislike is that it uses a lot of resources.

BD Free is usually about 250-350 MB here, but my system is fast. RAM is to be used or it's kind of wasted.

 

[Divine_Barakah]

Bitdefender was and still is a top rated program,but I just do not want a set it and forget it...

Well that is its strongest point. Offering decent protection with little to no user interaction.

 

[fabiobr]

Someone know if Bitdefender Password Manager fills automatically on Android devices? And the app is good?

 

[RoboMan]

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]

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.

 

[Parsh]

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