Thread: Top Internet Security Suites

OK, so online security is a serious business and we all have to protect our PC's, servers, laptops and networks against security threats. The choice of products out there that claim to secure our computers are bewildering, and they all claim to be the best. Which security software is good? There's a very respected organisation called AV-Test ( AV-Test.org Tests of Anti-Virus- and Security-Software ) that recently reviewed and tested nine brand-new programs in the areas of malware detection and removal, (outbreak) response times, size of the updates, performance (incl. scan speed), rootkit defense, the behaviour-based protection (HIPS) and issues related to false positive testing. The result of their testing is as interesting as it is important, and the list of recommended solutions as follows :

1. Symantec Internet Security 2009
Performance: Superior
Ease of use: Superior
Features: Very Good
Bottom Line: This strong security suite costs a little more than most alternatives, but it's easy to use and good at blocking malicious software.

2. BitDefender Internet Security 2009
Performance: Very Good
Ease of use: Good
Features: Very Good
Bottom Line: BitDefender's suite gives you good protection for a great price, if you're willing to put up with a couple of interface annoyances.

3. Panda Internet Security 2009
Performance: Very Good
Ease of use: Very Good
Features: Good
Bottom Line: The Panda suite covers all the bases with its features, and it scans quickly, but in tests it lagged some rivals in malware detection.

4. McAfee Internet Security Suite 2009
Performance: Very Good
Ease of use: Very Good
Features: Superior
Bottom Line: Its mix of pluses (such as good detection rates) and minuses (such as slow scan speed) lands McAfee's offering in the middle of the pack.

5. Avira Premium Security Suite 8.2
Performance: Superior
Ease of use: Good
Features: Poor
Bottom Line: Avira's suite is a good choice for more-technical users who want the best detection but don't need phone support or parental controls.

6. Kaspersky Lab Internet Security 2009
Performance: Superior
Ease of use: Good
Features: Good
Bottom Line: If Kaspersky wants to charge the highest price, the suite should have the best protection and a smooth, intuitive interface. It doesn't.

7. F-Secure Internet Security 2009
Performance: Very Good
Ease of use: Very Good
Features: Poor
Bottom Line: F-Secure's package provides decent detection and a clear, informative interface, but other suites offer stronger protection.

8. Webroot Internet Security Essentials
Performance: Very Good
Ease of use: Good
Features: Poor
Bottom Line: Webroot's first foray into security suites needs some work--and better malware detection--before it becomes worthy of consideration.

9. Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2009
Performance: Good
Ease of use: Very Good
Features: Good
Bottom Line: Trend Micro's latest suite fails at the most basic task of detecting and blocking malicious software. Not recommended.

What's your experience with any one of these products?

You can read the entire review here:
Top Internet Security Suites: Paying for Protection - PC World