Review: Kaspersky Labs Internet Security 2013

What's New in Kaspersky Labs Internet Security 2013?

This week, Kaspersky Labs announced the availability of Kaspersky Labs Internet Security 2013, the latest version of its flagship consumer security product. It arrives ready to protect users of the new Windows 8 operating system, as well as those who use Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7. Here's my review and rundown of the new features in Kaspersky Labs Internet Security 2013.

Safe Money, the financial protector, replaces the Safe Run feature in previous versions of Kaspersky Internet Security. It streamlines the process of accessing banking sites safely. Just go to your banking site, and Safe Money’s browser plugin will ask if you want to open the site in sandbox mode, isolated from other processes that are running on your PC (including, potentially, keyloggers and other malware). You also have option of using a virtual keyboard to safeguard against hardware-based keyloggers. Safe Money relies on a database of financial sites, to which you can add your own if necessary.

The Automatic Exploit Prevention engine relies heavily on Address Space Layout Randomization, or ASLR. Many malware packages rely on finding vulnerable data at specific memory addresses where such data is customarily stored. ASLR randomly shifts such data around in RAM, thwarting malware’s attempt to find it. Kasperky claims that Automatic Exploit Prevention blocked the BlackHole exploit pack 100 percent of the time. That kit drives 95 percent of phishing exploits, according to company. Kasperky is the first security firm to include ASLR in its products for Windows 7. It’s already in iOS, Android, and will be included in Windows 8.

In addition, Kaspersky now blocks Duqu and other malware that attempts to install itself during boot, before most antivirus software loads. Other features that are offered by Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 include:

• Real-Time Protection from viruses, including the ability to detect previously unknown malware. Because their products are used by millions of people worldwide, the Kaspersky Security Network can gather quickly information about new, potential, and emerging malware threats. This real-time database is used to protect other Kaspersky users from the latest threats.
• System Watcher looks for suspicious activity by programs, and rollback (undo) any harmful actions taken by malware.
• Automatic Exploit Prevention scans your hard drive for software programs that may be compromised or infected.
• Two-way firewall blocks both inbound hack attempts and outbound privacy leaks.
• Parental Control feature can monitor, limit or block online activities, such as games, apps and websites. It can also prevent your child from transmitting your phone number, credit card and other sensitive data.
• Anti-Spam feature scans incoming email and filters dangerous & unwanted emails.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 is a 30-day free trial offer. Continued use normally costs $79.95 for one year, or $119.95 for two years. (Both allow you install the product on up to 3 computers.) An introductory offer of $59.95 for the first year is running as of this writing. There's also a 14-day "no questions asked" money-back guarantee.

Is Kaspersky Internet Security the Best?

One question that I hear often is "Which anti-virus is the best?" I can't say with certainty that Kaspersky is the best Internet security product. But it's certainly one of the best, and I have no qualms about recommending it. I like that it provides proactive malware detection, and that it includes firewall, anti-phishing, anti-spam and parental control features in one package. The SafeMoney and ASLR features are unique, and should provide a useful extra layer of security. I'm convinced it will do an excellent job of protecting most users.

Other popular anti-malware and Internet security suites include Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, ESET, Microsoft Essentials, McAfee, Norton and Panda. Many of them offer both free and paid versions. I've written about all of those and others on this site, and you can find them quickly by using the search box at the top of this page. You may also find the independent lab tests from AV-Comparatives (http://www.av-comparatives.org/) useful in comparing the effectiveness of these products.

Have you tried Kaspersky Internet Security 2013, or other Kaspersky products? I'd like to hear about your experience, and of course other online security tools that you find useful. Post your comment or question below...