Labs

This program started on exactly the right foot. Installation was straightforward, taking us through the steps of downloading the most current definition files and checking for software updates before performing an initial system scan.

What we didn't expect was to be confronted by Webroot Spy Sweeper. Steganos has actually licensed a version of Spy Sweeper and then rebranded it, but otherwise

ADVERTISEMENT

the interface remains pretty much identical. As a result, we need to look at the differences between the two.

These are subtle, but important. We suspect this is effectively Spy Sweeper 3.5, not version 4 as also reviewed this month, because certain enhancements are missing. You still get real-time protection against browser hijacks, DoS service agent detection, keylogger protection and excellent quarantining capability, though.

Steganos confirmed our suspicions that it provides its own database definition updates, which helps to explain why the two apparently identical solutions produced differing results in our tests. Unfortunately for Steganos, Spy Sweeper came out on top in every one, including speed of scanning. That said, the Steganos performance was far from shabby with detection (76 per cent), removal (73 per cent) and blocking (42 per cent) good enough to place it fourth for accuracy. But when Steganos costs more than the superior Webroot, it's hard to recommend.