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Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 review

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Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 - main interface

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Verdict

An effective, versatile and highly usable security suite for the technically inclined

Review Date: 30 Apr 2012

Reviewed By: Darien Graham-Smith

Price when reviewed: £18 (£22 inc VAT)

Overall Rating

Features & Design
6 stars out of 6

Value for Money
5 stars out of 6

Performance
5 stars out of 6

Ease of Use
5 stars out of 6

For as long as we’ve reviewed security software, Kaspersky has never been far from the top, and in our most recent tests the Russian brand lived up to its reputation, protecting us from every malware sample.

It fell slightly behind only in the false-positive test, in which it wrongly flagged up 10% of our anodyne samples. In fairness, the program did recommend allowing these applications to run, but the decision was ultimately left in our hands, making Kaspersky an imperfect choice for those seeking zero-interaction security.

That impression is maintained when you delve into the interface. Outwardly, Kaspersky presents a new, breezy front-end, with elegant fonts and tasteful icons. Even the main settings interface, which lets you tweak settings across a remarkable 30 areas of protection and configuration, is accessible.

Many of the features and options, however, tend towards the technical: under Tools, for example, you’ll find the option to audit and change Internet Explorer security settings, not something the everyday user is likely to want to get stuck into. Click Applications Activity or Network Monitor and you can watch processes, traffic and ports in real-time. It’s great for would-be systems engineers; not so great for grannies.

As with older versions, Internet Security 2012 lets you launch programs and websites in a sandbox, so you can try out downloads or visit unknown links without exposing your system to nasties. And the Virtual Keyboard is still there, enabling you to outwit keylogging trojans.

The parental controls also exhibit versatility: when setting a password, various aspects of program configuration can be locked down. Applications can be blocked by schedule, downloads by file type and even specific contacts on social networks. Sensitive strings can be prevented from being sent from the client PC.

All of this is rolled into a package that, when running in the background, occupies a mere 127MB. If the particulars of internet security make your eyes glaze over, you’re better off with Trend Micro or AVG. But for technical mavens, the degree of low-level control that Kaspersky delivers is worth the price.

Author: Darien Graham-Smith

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Comments

User comments

We use the business version of Kaspersky at the office. It is very good and very simple to administer through its security centre.

Maybe a future labs on business anti-virus software?

By james016 on 30 Apr 2012

Kaspersky is a truly odious piece of software

Kaspersky Internet Security has trashed my system more comprehensively than any virus ever could. And, worse, the company just aren't interested in resolving problems with their software. The "take your money and run" attitude is really not acceptable. My advice is steer clear...because if things go wrong, they'll run...

By BoredWithBeingAskedToChooseAnotherScreenName on 4 May 2012

Been using KIS for 4 years but won't be renewing

I’ve been using KIS for 4 years now (tip - buy 2011 or 2010 from play.com because this will allow you to download 2012 free of charge from Kaspersky direct - saves a packet). But it hasn't been without its problems. Firstly scans take forever and really slow down the PC. Secondly, about 3 years ago I made the mistake of switching on the secure banking setting and including Barclaycard in the list. Now Verified by Visa doesn't work properly and despite numerous emails to KIS we haven't got it fixed yet. But I must say Kaspersky support do get back quickly and usually with a fix. But this isn't really a good point because I shouldn't need to contact them so often. I bought another PC last month and despite having a licence for another installation of KIS (I always by 3-PC or 5-PC licences from play.com) I decided to install MSE instead. And a few days ago I removed KIS from my laptop and installed MSE instead. Won’t be renewing my KIS licence this year.

By ScotchMissed on 15 May 2012

Kaspersky internet security 2012

Dear Sir/Madam
Please note that we are going to order Kaspersky internet security 2012 license (just license not the whole package) 1 user &3 user ,200pcs per week with below properties:

-Genuine original key
-no activated -add account
-manage file
-reactive after format
-no limited time for active(like 2 weeks)
Please give me your latest price list,how many days does it take after you received money? How many key that u can sell each day?Thank you in advance for your prompt reply.

Br.
Sara Ryland

By sormeh on 26 Jun 2012

Uninstall of Kaspersky 2013 gone horribly wrong

On uninstalling Kaspersky 2013, from Vista 64 bit, I rebooted, and it's disabled my USB ports! So, can't use mouse or keyboard to log in. It's a known bug but the fix - download and run a program won't work if I can't log in! Can't use their rescue disk as it says not to use with a RAID-system, which is what I have! Grrrrrr. Time for a system rebuild.

By Illrain on 1 Nov 2012

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