Security Software: Top Packages
That'll Keep Your System Safe Online

The more we get into the Internet, with our fast, always-on connections, the more we have to protect ourselves from the bad guys trying to hack in to our PCs, infect them with viruses or steal private information.

This is the downside of having a 24/7 fast Internet connection. Judging by the speed at which modem viruses sweep the world, it's clear that we're not doing a great job on the Internet security front.

Would you ever leave your house with the front door left open, or even unlocked? Of course not. But that's exactly what a PC with a broadband connection is. The only way to make your computer 100 per cent secure is to turn it off or disconnect it from the Internet.

However, Internet security software can provide excellent levels of protection because most attacks are impersonal - that is, attackers aren't targeting you or your computer specifically, but are scanning for any vulnerable online PCs. If you make it difficult for them to find and access your computer, the odds are they'll pass by, looking for easier prey.

Internet security software typically consists of a bundle of programs. First, a personal firewall will protect your system from unsolicited scans coming from the Internet and offer some sort of outbound control' (inbound' port scans look for dormant Trojans on your system - outbound controls stop Trojans from calling home).

The next component, anti-virus software, will scan your hard disk and email to detect and remove viruses. Since most infections enter your system via email, it makes sense to choose a product that includes an email scanner which is compatible with your email software. You might also want some spyware protection too.

Last but not least, the best security bundles come with a range of extras to help spring-clean your browser, reduce spam, filter content for kids, catch Web bugs, manage cookies and block banner, pop-up and pop-under ads.

In this group test we've focused on security suites for PCs. Viruses are less of a problem for Mac users but many people use McAfee Virex or Norton Anti Virus for Mac.

F-Secure Internet Security

F-Secure makes a wide range of products -- from those designed to protect home PCs right up to those for securing an enterprise, including VPN clients and distributed firewalls.

This lack of polish is repeated in the firewall module -- easy to use, hand-holding wizards are conspicuous by their absence, which can make the task of adding a new firewall rule a bit intimidating for the novice. You won't find things like intrusion detection or IP tracing either. Worst of all, there's no online help, an unforgivable state of affairs -- if you want support, you have to be a paid-up subscriber.

McAfee Internet Security 5

McAfee Internet Security will be familiar to many Internet Magazine readers. The latest release continues to play catch-up with the market leader, Norton Internet Security, and it now represents a compelling alternative.

McAfee IS 5 comes equipped with a wide array of tools, including McAfee Firewall 4 and VirusScan 7. You also get a smattering of extras, such as tools to automatically wipe your browser cache and prevent personal information, such as credit card numbers, from being discovered on your PC.

Norton IS Pro Edition

The basic setup is much as before -- NIS is a bundle of Norton Personal Firewall and Norton AntiVirus, together with a smattering of useful security extras. This year's model includes a range of minor improvements, including intelligent intrusion detection that sniffs out suspect data transmissions, and 'productivity controls' which are aimed mainly at small business users and prevent staff from using the Internet inappropriately.

Along with the firewall comes Norton Anti Virus, plus accessories to block pop-ups, banner ads, unwanted cookies, JavaScripts, ActiveX controls and even outgoing personal info. There's also a new 'Spam Alert' tool, which prefixes 'Spain Alert' on to the subject line of suspicious incoming mail, though it did this to email from our friends so it may be too sensitive!

Steganos Internet Security

Unashamedly aimed at the budget market, Steganos Internet Security 5 comprises a collection of previously separately-packaged products aimed at enhancing your Internet security.

The firewall element is Steganos Online Shield, a bread and butter affair but reasonably effective. Like its rivals, it prompts you when new programs attempt to connect to the Internet. It also provides logging facilities, and makes your PC invisible to other users. In ShieldsUP! tests, it did a good job of preventing intrusions, but the audible alerts quickly grated. Steganos Anti-Virus includes weekly updates for the first year, although weekly updating is really a bit too infrequent.

Trend PC-cillin

Trend Micro has been a respected name in the anti-virus game for many years now -- its boot sector protection is often built in to PC BIOSes, and it also offers a free online anti-virus scanning service at http://housecall.trendmicro.com.

PC-cillin includes an easy-to-configure firewall that's integrated nicely into the program's interface, to the point where it's almost invisible. The firewall aced the ShieldsUP! Firewall test and incorporates a rudimentary site filter, letting you restrict access to specific websites.

VCOM SystemSuite 4

SystemSuite 4 promises 'Seven Great Utility Products -- One Simple Interface', and it certainly does appear to only lack the kitchen sink, as it includes anti virus protection, Registry maintenance, system monitoring and even 'crash avoidance' among its features.

The most recent version adds the NetDefense personal firewall, while virus protection is now extended to cover your email. SystemSuite 4 is actually fairly long in the tooth -- it was previously sold by Ontrack, and could now do with updating.

Security Software: Top Packages That'll Keep Your System Safe Online