Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 review

Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 keeps itself updated against the latest threats using a hybrid system of a traditional database on your computer and a connection to a constantly updated online database. It's a well-featured suite with an interface that's easy to get to grips with.

This latest version has been updated for Windows 8. However, at the time of testing the free Modern-style monitoring app was not available in the Windows Store, despite a link to it featuring in the installer wizard. Setup was a pleasantly simple one-click operation taking a couple of minutes.

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The straightforward main screen shows protection status along with a scrolling list of icons for the various modules. A link to the settings is at top right. Although these are quite complex when you start digging down, a useful feature is the ability to save settings and restore them, for example if the program is reinstalled or something is accidentally changed.

There is no online backup or storage feature, but there are other, arguably more useful security features. The Safe Money feature automatically verifies that banking web sites are legitimate and can open these sites in a secure protected browser. Sites can be added manually to the list, too. A virtual on-screen keyboard is available in browsers or the main program for use when typing in sensitive data.

We did get a couple of obscure firewall alerts, suggesting the default settings are perhaps a little over-zealous. There is a silent mode where all alerts and notifications are turned off when you need peace and quiet, but it's buried in the menu settings. One of the more useful extra tools is the ability to create a bootable rescue CD/DVD or USB memory stick.

The parental controls are some of the best around, covering most online activities including scheduled access to the PC or internet and control over downloads of particular types of files. There's also monitoring of chat messages via instant messaging and social networking services while blocking of websites, keywords and sharing of private data can be configured.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 has plenty to keep experienced users happy, but it is still accessible for less technical users. The price isn't too bad either, particularly when buying licences for multiple computers.