Software

Anti-virus software

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Review summary

Full review

Over the past twenty years Kaspersky has developed a great reputation for providing world-class virus protection. Members of its research team are leading experts at identifying and removing the latest virus threats.

Setup

To setup the Kaspersky antivirus you simply purchase and then download the software from their website. If you are unsure how to set the software correctly, Kaspersky offers a expert installation that they carry out through a remote connection at the point of purchase.

You need to make sure you don’t have an existing antivirus on your computer because Kaspersky doesn’t check. We found the installation process fairly awkward and we've read several other reviews where the software refused to install itself because it detected conflicting antivirus software. The software had actually been removed and Kaspersky had incorrectly read the registry files. For a reputable software developer, this type of problem should be solved.

Protection

If you have been using Kaspersky for several years you will notice there are very few additions to the latest version, but you will probably notice a smoother performance and better protection than with previous versions. Kaspersky uses heuristics-based analysis to monitor, restrict and block suspicious program behavior. The Kaspersky system boosts its algorithm method with virus information gathered from other users all over the world in a cloud process. We appreciate the new File Advisor feature that tells you what Kaspersky knows about a suspicious file.

Internet – Kaspersky has a URL Advisor and we like the upgrades, which include being able to mark the security status of links not just on search results but on all internet pages. However, the software doesn’t do anything about the suspicious web links it categorizes other than displaying the status in a pop-up window. Kaspersky Anti-Virus provides great data and identity protection by disabling links to phishing websites. We tried out the Virtual Keyboard feature and we think it makes a good addition to the antivirus package. This tool is good for logging into internet banking sites or checking email as it prevents hackers from logging your keystrokes and finding out your passwords.

Malware – Kaspersky Anti-Virus offers a number of features to counter malware attacks, including website and email scanning for malicious code, anti-malware technology that allows the program to install on even infected PCs, and a rescue CD to disinfect your system after a malware attack.

Effectiveness

Kaspersky Anti-Virus is certified by all of the major virus/malware testing laboratories and the results once again have been impressive.

Recent Performance Test conducted by AV-Comparatives for April 2022 Kaspersky Anti-Virus earned the Advanced rating.

In the most recent tests conducted by AV-Test in February 2022, Kaspersky received a score of 18/18 for the malware it detected and unsurprisingly received the much deserved "Top Product" badge.

Scans & updates

Kaspersky works in real-time and if it comes across something damaging it can actually roll back your system to get rid of malware.

There are four major Kaspersky Anti-Virus scan types including a full scan, a critical areas scan (which scans files uploaded when you start your PC), a vulnerability file scan (for installed applications and operating systems), and an individual file scan (you can drop the file into Kaspersky’s scan function to see if it has any problems.) Every time you plug in a USB or other attachment you are prompted to run a full scan.

Kaspersky updates its virus definitions every hour and is often one of the first to spot viruses in the wild. Updates are automatic, so no intervention is needed and the process runs in the background. We didn’t experience any problems with the updates affecting PC performance. The updates highlight actions taken so you can read which updates have been installed and change settings that might be affecting your security.

If you stumble into something that Kaspersky doesn't recognize, it will automatically send the unknown samples to its labs, to help them keep their virus protection as up-to-date as possible.

Features

Backup disk - There is a facility that lets you create a back-up disk just in case your computer is hit by a system attack that makes it unbootable.

Gamer mode – The gamer mode on Kaspersky Anti-Virus was also included in previous versions of the software and allows you to view full-screen games or movies without interruption.

We think Kaspersky has a great little feature in its desktop security gadget, which rests on your desktop and changes color if anything comes in that affects your security. The gadget also includes links to the most used and important aspects of the anti-virus software. For quick manual scanning of files, drag and drop your file into the desktop gadget.

Ease of use

Despite being highly regarded for its anti-virus technology, Kaspersky Anti-Virus had always let itself down with a cumbersome interface. However, with this latest release, Kaspersky has dramatically improved their interface – it’s both clear and fresh and there are color-coded graphics that immediately show you your security status. It's their most approachable antivirus yet, with all the advanced features located under the 'settings' button.

The system is professional to look at and easy to use – a big improvement. We like that you can let the software do its own thing without having to monitor it or give it instructions. But you can also customize the program to schedule scans and personalize your security levels.

Help & support

Kaspersky's support is pretty impressive. A toll-free telephone support number is available and you can go through the online troubleshooter to solve your problem, ending with a live chat if you haven’t got to the bottom of your issue. Kaspersky also comes with useful context-based help files. Email support, FAQs, a user forum, and a Knowledge Base are also available.

Overall

Kaspersky Anti-Virus offers an excellent level of virus detection. The spyware, malware, and virus capabilities are strong. Its new interface is neater and simpler than previous versions, although we feel the advanced options need more attention to detail in the usability department.

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