Kaspersky Internet Security 2009

When picking security software most people choose between an anti-virus package or a complete security suite that includes a firewall and other tools.

Russian firm Kaspersky’s Internet Security (KIS) 2009 includes a firewall, protection against spyware, parental controls and other tools.

One advantage of paying extra for a security suite is that all the settings and reports can be found in one place. KIS does a good job of this, with just one window that can be summoned by clicking the Kaspersky icon in the Notification Area. This shows, at a glance, whether all the protection systems are working properly, and tabs down the left side allow users to get more information on the different tools.

As well as scanning for viruses using definitions that are updated at least daily, KIS monitors the programs installed on the computer for any security holes. If it finds any programs that could be exploited by a virus it’ll warn the user, allowing them to update them and fix the problems.

Newly downloaded programs are automatically scanned when they are first run, and all applications are sorted by the program into groups according to how trusted they are. Programs known to be safe are allowed to work as usual, while any known to be dangerous are effectively quarantined. Other programs that are unknown are treated with caution, allowing them to run but preventing them from performing actions that could be damaging. This all takes place automatically – it is possible to switch into a mode that gives you more control, but we’d recommend this for expert users only.

The program will also block known phishing attacks and, once properly trained, spam emails. If you use a dial-up modem it’ll prevent the computer from dialling premium rate numbers. There’s also a tool for blocking online adverts.

The whole package works well, and we liked the way it offers both a simple interface and a range of advanced tools for anyone who wants them. At £40 for a single computer it’s fairly expensive, but the three-computer licence for £50 is excellent value if you have two or three PCs.