Bitdefender Internet Security 2012 Review

Today we are going to pay attention to one of the newest antivirus software updates in 2012 – Bitdefender Internet Security 2012. Using (internet with) Windows without any security program is like rolling out red-carpet welcome to hackers and malware.

Bitdefender Internet Security  includes what they call autopilot. If you turn autopilot on you don’t have to configure anything. You will not see security pop-ups, and most importantly, you don’t have to worry about your security or privacy. Autopilot will make the optimum security choices for you, automatically quarantine dangerous files and block malware. On the other hand, if you want to fine-tune how the security software reacts you can take it off autopilot and configure the software based on your preferences.

Update January 2012: Bitdefender Internet Security 2012 is getting stronger and stronger with its new updates. Bitdefender also provides excellent security. They continually test well with third-party test labs. In fact, in the latest AV-Test, they scored higher than all competitors and in the July 2011 report, AV-Comparatives gave them 99.1%. These stellar efficacy scores are the kind awarded to top antivirus products. When it comes to billions of potential malware threats, even a small percentage of error is too much.

Recommended System Requirements :

•  Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (32 bit), Vista (SP2), Microsoft Windows 7 (SP1)
•  CPU: Intel CORE Duo (1.66 GHz) or equivalent processor
•  Memory (RAM): 1 GB (Microsoft Windows XP) and 1.5 GB (Microsoft Windows Vista and 7)
•  Available free hard disk space: 2.8 GB free space (at least 800 MB on system drive)
•  .Net Framework 3 is required.

Security Features

The BitDefender Internet Security suite provides an exhaustive list of easy-to-use, helpful security tools for protecting your identity, your children and your PC. When you use a search engine, BitDefender gives each URL a security rank. The website filter uses specific category definitions to block suspicious sites. You can also restrict, enable and monitor your child’s internet activity. You can configure the parental filters to block or allow websites, IM contacts and emails that contain flagged words or phrases. In addition, you can limit internet and application access to specific times or just give a time allotment to each child. With the parental controls and monitoring tools, it’s easy for parents to maintain control.

This security suite can quickly run full system scans, and you can schedule scans as well. Scans do not interfere while you are using your computer; scheduled scans only run when your system is idle. This tool is called the Scan Dispatcher and it will only trigger a system scan when the PC resource usage falls below a set point. It also has a vulnerability scanner that checks for outdated software and needed Windows updates.

Consistent with its multi-layered approach to defenses, BitDefender includes a free credit monitoring service for customers in the United States. The service provides you with real-time alerts if any changes appear on your credit reports.

Other features :

•   Includes Trafficlight, the real-time web safety rating tool.
•   Protects you on Facebook and Twitter from malicious websites.
•   From a single computer, you can manage BitDefender products on other computers in a network.
•   Encrypts Yahoo messenger chat.
•   Parental Control protects your kids online.

The Good

Great detection rate combined with a pretty good firewall and the possibility to sandbox your default browser make from this security a wise choice. Rescue Mode allows you to run scans before booting into Windows, without burning a bootable disc.

Also, it comes with Safego utility, which is designed to keep your Facebook social life safe from online threats. The intuitive interface makes every module easy to handle and configure.

When in Auto Pilot mode you will not be bothered by messages or alerts. All events are handled automatically based on the current settings and actions are recorded; you also have the possibility to correct misclassification of files and actions.

The Bad

BitDefender Toolbar gave us trouble with the latest Opera and failed to launch a sandboxed instance of the browser on multiple terms. Also, there is no virtualization for running suspicious programs.

Setting up web access schedule in Parental Control module could be done in an easier fashion.

The Truth

BitDefender Internet Security 2012 has everything a user needs to keep the computer safe from malware. It is designed with the home user in mind but does not neglect the needs of a savvy computer user, either.

In terms of features there is little it falls short of compared to other security suite on the market, but compensates through ease of use and the Auto Pilot which takes good decisions automatically.

Compared to other antivirus programs

According to many sources – Top Ten Reviews, AV Test’s Malware Protection Test, Choice Magazine, ConsumerSearch.com and Which? Magazine (UK). – Bitdefender Internet Security 2011 is ranked very well on the first position (#1).
It is difficult to say, since it is still 2011 and many companies are now preparing their “weapons” against viruses. However Bitdefender Internet Security 2012 will remain one of the best antivirus programs on the market. As you may know, the Bitdefender software have won many awards in the past, and we are sure that they will keep the good work.

Summary

Bitdefender Internet Security 2012 makes a convincing pitch as an easy Windows security option. It’s got an enormous selection of features, but the best one means you’ll never see another security notification again unless you get infected. And the price is competitive, striking a good balance between value-added features and cost.