As PC users frequently on the net, we are faced with a lot of cyber threats. Depending on who’s counting, there may be over 150,000 computer viruses threatening our computing safety, along with tens of thousands of types of spyware, as well as countless scams to steal our identity or money. Many users also find the scourge of a mailbox full of spam emails a time wasting irritant that reduces our computing enjoyment. Now imagine that there is a single reasonably priced software product that can provide protection from almost all major computing threats, including those referenced above. One product that can provide such protection is the newly released Trend Micro Internet Security Suite 2007, the latest in a series of software products containing the proven PC-cillin antivirus engine.
I recently installed the 2007 Suite. The install process took several minutes, as well as a reboot, while the installation utility scanned my computer for malware prior to the final steps of the installation process. This verified that it was a clean install, and that there was no malware on the computer to interfere with the process. Once installed, I was prompted for a serial number, a typical part of the process. One feature included in this new version is the ability to install the software on up to three computers, or “seats” using the same serial number, as described in the documentation. Online registration is necessary in order to utilize the update and support services and this registration process also reports on the number of seats installed with the serial number.
Once installed and registered, the software goes online and downloads any updates. The default settings provided at install are adequate for most users, but substantial customization is possible. The software places a “blue and white medicine capsule” icon on the desktop and by the clock, which indicates that the software is loaded and protecting the computer. Clicking on either icon allows the user to open the “Main Console” which displays an easy to follow list of properties and options. The “Overview” shows the protection status, date of last update, most recent full scan, and the expiration of the subscription (typically one year from date of original installation). On the left side of the console are tabs which can open additional features.
The “Virus and Spyware Controls” allows the user to customize what is monitored for viruses and spyware, and how any risks and threats are dealt with. The virus protection will protect against files bearing viruses, emails with viruses, bugs which may be received during online chat sessions, and malware which may be spread over a network connection. This new version also provides protection for the newest type of threat, rootkits, which may be a type of spyware resistant to most traditional methods of detection and removal. One interesting feature selectable by the user is the “Prepare for Virus Outbreaks”, where if enabled, will popup warnings of major new virus threats and attacks, and automatically download any new updates or patches to provide rapid protection from those new threats.
No suite would be complete without a firewall to protect the computer from cyber intruders and to prevent anything that might have slipped through the perimeter defenses from transmitting sensitive information. This suite includes not just a reliable firewall, but also utilities to protect a wireless network by displaying other computers which may be connected, and another utility which checks connected computers for threats, and provides updates as appropriate in order to secure the network.
Phishing and other forms of identity theft and online fraud have become endemic on the internet. Internet Security Suite 2007 contains frequently updated and comprehensive protection from those threats. To test the system, I intentionally clicked on the deceptive links of several phishing emails that I received; rather than opening the fraudulent website, the browser displayed a bright red warning that the site was a known phishing site. While the warning could be overridden, allowing for the fraudulent site to be loaded, it is wise to comply with the warnings. Other “Internet and Email Controls” allow for the management of spam emails by either labeling suspicious emails with a “Spam” prefix to the title, or by creating a new folder in most major email programs where spam emails are placed for review and deletion. In some email programs, such as Outlook, an optional spam toolbar may be selected to allow for the reporting of spam which slipped through the filter, the feedback of items reported as spam which are not (“false positives”), and the reporting of phishing or other fraudulent emails that may have slipped through the filters. Another protective feature displays a warning popup if suspicious websites are visited, displaying the potential threat type of the website. Many people are reluctant to use the internet because they fear their personal information may be stolen. The “Data Theft Prevention” selection alerts the user if personal data such as social security numbers or credit card numbers are being transmitted, and selectively blocks the transmission if unauthorized by the user.
“Other Settings” allows the user to customize the operating features, such as the frequency of updates. I recommend a one hour check for updates, but frequency of updates from one to 48 hours can be selected. Trend Micro typically posts several updates daily, updating the antivirus signatures, spam information, suspicious website list, and other features. If selected previously, critical updates may be automatically “pushed” to the computer if the “Prepare for Virus Outbreaks” was selected earlier.
Recent additions to the suite, not available in earlier versions, are a series of online tools to enhance computing safety and security. One is a “Remote File Lock” where critical files can be locked remotely if the computer is ever lost or stolen. The “Trend Mobile Security” provides antivirus and anti-spam protection to most cell phones using Windows Mobile or Symbian operating systems. “Transaction Guard” provides a virtual keyboard that is resistant to keylogging Trojans and spyware, and provides protection for logins and passwords used online.
A user of the previous version of PC-cillin Internet Security Suite 2006 who still has time left on his subscription can get a free upgrade to the 2007 version by going to www.trendmicro.com/download and clicking on the link for PC-cillin Internet Security in the Update Center. The 2007 version will function until the expiration date of the original version.
Trend Micro Internet Security Suite 2007 has a retail price of $49.95, and can be installed on up to three computers in a household. Since most households now have multiple computers, this makes the product even more cost efficient. The new version requires Windows 2000 or XP, with service packs 1 or 2 installed.
I have used trend Micro’s Internet Security Suite since version 2005, and have found it to be reliable and trustworthy. Free technical support, which I have rarely needed, is available live via phone, or online, and is from Trend employees, not outsourced. I especially like the very frequent updates of the signatures and other data, as well as the frequent updates of the software itself. For those who would like to try the product before they purchase it, a trial version is available for free download. Consider trying this product. As a user, I can recommend this product.
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