

However, when my results don't jibe with the labs, I defer to the work of the dozens of dedicated researchers in the labs. Kaspersky took 9.3 of 10 possible points in my hands-on malware protection test, a score that’s good, but not great. System Watcher only missed one, a simple screen-locker ransomware, and that sample caved to Kaspersky’s dedicated lock-breaker keystroke. For testing, I turned off the regular antivirus protection and hit the test system with a dozen real-world ransomware samples. The System Watcher behavioral detection component aims to catch malware, including ransomware, that gets past other protective layers. Bitdefender Internet Security did even better, with 9.9 points, though only three of the four labs included it in their latest reports. My aggregate score algorithm gives Kaspersky an overall lab rating of 9.7, with 10 being the maximum possible. In the latest set of reports, Kaspersky earned perfect or near-perfect scores in every test. Furthermore, all these security components do their jobs well.Īll four of the independent antivirus testing labs I follow include Kaspersky in their regular reports. Kaspersky Internet Security takes an award-winning antivirus and adds firewall, spam filtering, parental control, a VPN, and more. A full-scale security suite offers protection on many other levels. Setting up antivirus protection is a must, but you don’t have to stop there. You could pick up a nasty virus, have your bank accounts hacked by a trojan, or find your important documents locked by ransomware. Going without antivirus protection is just asking for trouble.

Because we have not found or been presented with any hard evidence of misdeeds on the part of Kaspersky, however, we are leaving our original review in place for those who wish to decide for themselves. However, based on the increasing censure and criticism of Kaspersky by US government agencies, foreign agencies, and informed third parties, we can no longer recommend Kaspersky’s products. How to Set Up Two-Factor AuthenticationĮditors’ Note: PCMag rates and evaluates all products, including Kaspersky’s, based on their merits and effectiveness, not on any political or other considerations.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.
