Kaspersky Internet Security 2009
Manufacturer: Kaspersky Lab Part number: KIS803121
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 provides adequate protection, but the program itself could use some work in telling the user what's going on.
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CNET editors' review
Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 price range: $24.95 - $75.99
- Reviewed by: Robert Vamosi
- Reviewed on: 11/13/2008
- Released on: 08/04/2008
The good: Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 includes a fast malicious software engine, Secunia vulnerability database, and built-in system restore capabilities.
The bad: Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 results messages were unclear, the installation could have been a lot smoother, it leaves behind registry file after uninstall, and it needs more security tools to justify the price.
The bottom line: Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 provides adequate protection, but the program itself could use some work in telling the user what's going on.
We were disappointed with Kaspersky Internet Security 2009. While there are significant improvements to the anti-malicious-software engine in Kaspersky Internet Security 2009--it is faster--we only saw evidence of that during the file scan test. In our application and boot tests, the numbers were actually worse than last year. This highlights our dilemma. The problem is not so much with malicious software detection (it does that very well), but with the execution of the overall program. Our installation process required a few too many reboots, and we also experienced more than the usual system glitches on our Windows XP test machines. The interface is a little clunky, and messages regarding updates and scans are very unclear. Some of the new features didn't seem to be fully developed. For a world-class software vendor, we expect better.
Installation
Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 requires Windows XP or Windows Vista. The price, which is about $20 higher than other Internet security suites, does include use on up to three PCs.
Our installation on a Windows XP test machine wasn't neat. First, Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 identified both ZoneAlarm and AVG 8.0 as potential conflicts that needed to be removed--however, only one was currently installed on our machine. Turns out, KIS 2009 read the registry files and found an old installation of AVG 8.0 that had been removed, but not completely uninstalled (that's why products need to be uninstalled completely). Kaspersky technical support, we were told, offers a tool--avg8.zip, which includes KLeaner.exe, that you can download from their site to remove old installations; however, installation of a security application should not be this complicated. Once we removed these, we needed to reboot and restart our installation.
Once the files were loaded, Windows XP asked us whether the Windows Firewall should block Kaspersky. Shouldn't KIS 2009 be accepted by Windows? When we tried to register with the product code--which we copy and pasted--we were unable to do so. We kept getting a message that only manually entered numbers and Latin characters would be accepted. Kaspersky representatives said the latter scenario should not have happened, but it did. Customers who order online will get a file that you can point to during installation. Then, once the program was installed, we had to reboot.
Two reboots of the computer and 20 minutes later, we were up and running. (Note: We also experienced boot lockup problems after our installation and configuration of both Kaskpersky Anti-Virus 2009 and in KIS 2009. We're willing to attribute this to early code, but even in November we continued to experience minor glitches.)
Should you decide to remove KIS 2009 from your system, there is an All Programs icon to Update, Modify, or Remove the program. However, after uninstalling the program, and rebooting the system, we found more than a few traces of Kaspersky within the system registry--the exact problem we experienced during the installation with residue from another antivirus product lurking within the registry. Representatives of Kaspersky blamed the Microsoft uninstaller for the residue, citing a similar problem with AVG Technologies AVG 8, but Kaspersky didn't offer an explanation why it doesn't provide its own uninstaller such as the one found with Check Point ZoneAlarm products.
Interface
The KIS 2009 interface didn't initially win us over. The first thing you'll notice is a scary red alert. That's good because you notice it; it's bad because usually it's flagging not a problem with your machine, but with the program itself. Click the Fix Now and, in most cases, you'll discover that you only need to download the latest updates. This is automated and probably halfway done by the time you realize it. The fact the system is self-updating is clear if you look to the left; there's a percentage indicator showing how the update is progressing.
Messaging for system scans is also confusing. After running a quick scan, we were simply taken back the scan screen, not a results page. Even if there were no results, we expected to see some indication that we had a clean system (most products show a blank results screen). Instead, it appeared as though we hadn't run the Quick Scan (which takes less than 1 minute). In fact, we had run the test several more times before we realized there is a report button. Many of the screens within KIS 2009 have hard-to-see buttons that will reveal details if asked. In this case, however, the button only displayed the times at which the scans ran with no real confirmation that our system was clean. Kaspersky representatives said they'd take our suggestions under review.
Features
Like most Internet security suites today, KIS 2009 includes antivirus, antispyware, a personal firewall, antiphishing, antispam, and even antirootkit protection. The extras set it apart. Unfortunately, not all the extras feel fully baked.
KIS 2009, like KAV 2009, includes something called Post Infected System Restore. It's a wizard that helps restore a system to a previous state when a virus or malicious software has caused a problem. In the case where malicious code has deleted system files, KAV 2009 includes the capability to create a Rescue Disk. Of course, you need to do that advance, and KAV 2009 never prompted us to do so. Also to create a Windows XP rescue disk, you need a Windows XP SP2 disk, which some users (if they updated from Windows XP SP1) won't have. A Linux Rescue Disk for Windows XP and Vista can also be downloaded.
While we really like the idea, the execution of Kaspersky's new Security Analyzer needs more work. It's good that it checks with the Secunia database for the latest reported vulnerabilities and vendor updates. But it's bad that upon our first run our test system had 481 vulnerabilities. Bad because there is no one-stop shopping here--we needed to click on each alert individually. We also had to download the correct patch for our system, but which version of the vulnerable software are we running? It gets confusing and tedious even for someone relatively tech savvy. It would be good if the scanner also identified not only that you are running vulnerable software, but also which version of the software you are running. Sometimes fixing one removes others, but the current implementation leaves the process unclear.
KIS 2009 includes Parental Controls at a time when some vendors are still making this an optional download.
KIS 2009 also includes a virtual keyboard; however, security experts have for years warned that onscreen keyboards do not diminish the risks of keyloggers stealing your passwords. We're surprised to see this included within a serious security product.
Missing are the nearly instant or more frequent malware signature file updates available from Norton, Trend Micro, and McAfee this year. Kaspersky still sends out hourly updates.
Performance
In CNET Labs' performance tests, Kaspersky Internet Security 2009, in general, scored worse than last year. However, it managed to halve its individual file scan time. In third-party, independent antivirus testing using live viruses, Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 scored in the high upper ranks, although not always at the top position. On the CNET iTunes test, Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 came in dead last at 276 seconds; the test system was able to load iTunes in 268 seconds. On the CNET Microsoft Office test, Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 also finished dead last at 1,535 seconds. In a test scanning a single folder with compressed and media files, Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 had better results, 245 seconds, competitive with other security suites. Although in terms of boot speed, Kaspersky was among the slowest (34.84 seconds) when compared with other suites (McAfee only took 30 seconds)
To find out how we test antivirus software, see CNET Labs' How we test: Antivirus software page.
In terms of whether Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 will protect your PC, we cite results from two leading independent antivirus testing organizations. In results from AV-test.org Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 found 98 percent of the malware and 98 percent of the spyware on the test system. In the latest test results from earned an Advanced (second-highest) rating, although Kaspersky produced very few false positives compared with other antivirus applications in the same test.
Support
Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 provides an excellent context-sensitive help file. For example, if you are on the Data Files page and you click Help, you're taken to the entry for Data Files entry within the help file. It's a small touch, but one we don't see often enough. Kaspersky also delivers an excellent online FAQ and knowledge base. There are also active user forums. Finally, you can e-mail or call a toll-free number for live technical support.
Conclusion
Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 includes some significant changes to its malicious software engine and new security tools. However, we think the interface and the messaging around the new security tools could be much better. And for the price, we like to see more security tools. We look forward to next year's release.
User reviews
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Still the Finest Overall Package
by dlauber on November 19, 2008
Pros: Excellent live tech support based in the USA. They pay attention to user suggestions and incorporate them into the new product. Free update to new version during license period. Does not slow down your computer.
Cons: Integration with Mozilla's Thuderbird email is a bit spotty. False positives tend to involve "not-a-virus" being identified incorrectly,
Summary: After suffering through a decade of Norton and then Trend Micro's PC-Cillan, we've been using Kaspersky Internet Security for 3 years. Sure, we sometimes run into a problem, ...
Summary: After suffering through a decade of Norton and then Trend Micro's PC-Cillan, we've been using Kaspersky Internet Security for 3 years. Sure, we sometimes run into a problem, but the phone tech support has been fantastic with actual follow-up. All in all, KIS has worked for us better and more reliably than its competitors. I recommend it to all my clients.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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<Best AV out there>
by bhishk on March 13, 2009
Pros: best detection rates,effective on-access scanning,less resource hungry
Cons: boot times,slow on-demand scanning,unclear reports
Summary: I have used avast,avira,avg,norton,nod32,zone alarm internet security suite(ISS).
KIS 2009 is the best ISS i have came across.i have been using it for ...Summary: I have used avast,avira,avg,norton,nod32,zone alarm internet security suite(ISS).
KIS 2009 is the best ISS i have came across.i have been using it for 3 months now & no viruses,trojans,spywares or any other malware even get a chance to enter into my system.
Installation takes time but it's a one time process & can be compromised.It really gets into your every single file & finds if it's infected.on access scanning is great & when you are surfing it warns & blocks u whenever u enter any malicious site.It is also less resource hungry when you are copying,archiving,opening apps...
But the most dissapointing of all is the booting time which it takes,it's the weakest point of KIS.during on-demand scanning it slows other working processes but it's ok.also after scanning,updating,detected threats reports are unclear.
Inspite of it's cons it provides the ultimate protection a user can get.it incorporates some of the latest security features which most ISS won't have.u just install it & forget about ur security.if anyone going for a paid version i recommend to buy KIS 2009.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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SLOWS DOWN YOUR SYSTEM
by C-TOWN-MOM on April 1, 2009
Pros: can be used on up to 3 comuters in your home
Cons: hard to understand some parts and slows down and frezzes your computer up.
Summary: i dont believe i would tell anyone to get this anti virues. i have tried others and will go back to macafee, this one slow down the computer so much ...
Summary: i dont believe i would tell anyone to get this anti virues. i have tried others and will go back to macafee, this one slow down the computer so much it makes it hard to do anything on it
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Hard to understand the results but powerful enough.
by mrsmunro on January 17, 2009
Pros: It's got lots of features and it feels like it's doing the job. I think my laptop worked better after I ran everything.
Cons: Had no idea what to do with the results, why I should be doing something, so kept rescanning as I thought the PC was still infected. No virus vault and it doesn't say clearly that the problems are dealt with. Installing was a nightmare.
Summary: I do like it but don't understand it. I clicked on something, the scan said 'user skipped' and I don't know how to undo it as it was ...
Summary: I do like it but don't understand it. I clicked on something, the scan said 'user skipped' and I don't know how to undo it as it was a threat, I installed Windows Defender to find it! AVG8 left traces and it took about an hour of searching the PC and the Net, wading through KIS phone menu etc to solve it and it didn't like the activation code we had. It has done the job but I don't know the relevance of things it tells you so have no idea what to do. You need to be a bit 'techy' to know what will happen eg. when you use a right click option. The Help stuff typically tells you what you can do but not why you should or shouldn't do it. One one hand I'm impressed but confused on the other. Now I find out that keyloggers can use a virtual keyboard!!! Great. Someone HELP?
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Internet does not work after installing Kaspersky 2009
by Mikie001 on January 11, 2009
Pros: Quick, can't tell if security protection is on while browsing the net. Protection seems okay and do not feel as secured about going online unlike using Norton 360.
Cons: Internet does not run after installing kaspersky.
Summary: I bought the Kaspersky because it was on sale and it seemed it had more security features than Norton, as shown on the cover. local settings on my coputer also ...
Summary: I bought the Kaspersky because it was on sale and it seemed it had more security features than Norton, as shown on the cover. local settings on my coputer also disappeared after deleting threats. Had to restore it to get it working again. Weird, complicating. Norton is expensive but easier to understand what's happening for the users.But overall, I am not completely happy with Kaspersky. If Norton was cheaper, I would definitely buy for myself and would recommend it to everyone. And any help in fixing my internet problem would be greatly appreciated.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Serious fatal error with OS
by wyo2008 on November 21, 2008
Pros: Download, installation, and activation was a snap. Couldn't have been eaiser.
Refund obtained with no troubleCons: Caused a fatal error with Windows Vista Basic
European phone lines to customer service kept disconnectingSummary: I downloaded this software online based on the rave editor reviews from CNET. I had no problems at all downloading, installing, and activating the product. This software was for my ...
Summary: I downloaded this software online based on the rave editor reviews from CNET. I had no problems at all downloading, installing, and activating the product. This software was for my HP Mini laptop, brand new out of the box, with no other programs installed settings changed. Within minutes of activation, the computer suddenly shut down, then restarted. Once restarted, it would detect that Kaspersky needed to update, bring up the update screen, and the OS would shut down again and restart. I was only able to break this cycle by getting the machine to boot in safe mode, where I was able to uninstall Kaspersky. Once uninstalled, the OS operated normally again. I don't know what was causing the problem but I have since downloaded Norton and have not had any problems at all. The customer service people were nice- a little hard to understand the Russian accents, but they issued me a refund promptly. The phone lines, however, kept disconnecting so it was tedious to get a hold of them.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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finest among all other antivirus
by ramprakash_theboss on December 19, 2008
Pros: best technical support and faster updates
Cons: makes system slow if RAM is less than 1gb
Summary: i liked it very much but it costs more among all other antivirus
Summary: i liked it very much but it costs more among all other antivirus
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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DIFFICULT TO TELL IF MY PC WAS INFECTED OR NOT
by legoluke on July 25, 2009
Pros: Kaspersky Internet Security 09 is a decent antivirus package that has a good amount of features to protect your PC.
Cons: Kaspersky is difficult to understand if my PC was infected or not, it says detected but that is only when you click on the detected button after a scan. When I did that it says things like vulnerability with my PC, I do not know if my PC is infected
Summary: Kaspersky needs to make the 2010 version a lot clearer because I do not know if my PC is infected or not. Also the Firewall needs to be easier to ...
Summary: Kaspersky needs to make the 2010 version a lot clearer because I do not know if my PC is infected or not. Also the Firewall needs to be easier to use because there are a lot of options that it is difficult to know if you should block something or not. I would look at getting a free software package as a second opinion because, for example the free version of Spyware Doctor found around 20 infections that Kaspersky missed.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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hard for me to compare i dont understand scan results--
by basicknowledge on April 5, 2009
Pros: easy download..no problems.
Cons: resulting scan information is not clearly explained or defined based on lack of understanding for what kaspersky is doing i cant appreciate how superior it is to for example, the free version of avira i had and always thought was very good.
Summary: needs to be written for users that are less advanced than the program writers...
Summary: needs to be written for users that are less advanced than the program writers...
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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If you enjoy confusion you'll love this product!
by JimBavers on March 18, 2009
Pros: Easy installation thats it
Cons: Unless your an expert user or computer geek its very hard to know what to do with the results and customer service is poor.
Summary: Have only had software for one and a half weeks and feel online free programs are just as good.
Summary: Have only had software for one and a half weeks and feel online free programs are just as good.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Manufacturer info
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- Website: http://www.kaspersky.com/
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