Comodo Internet Security

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on August 20, 2012

Comodo Internet Security is a free antivirus and PC security solution that combines a number of effective security tools into one easy-to-use package. It's one of the latest challengers to enter the expanding field of free security bundles, with which it shares some important characteristics, such as cloud-based virus scanning and behavior analysis to counter zero-day threats, a sturdy firewall, sandboxing, and anti-spyware -- all controlled from a single access point that takes the guesswork and program-swapping out of the security equation. Each strives to satisfy advanced users and absolute beginners alike. Comodo Internet Security passes all those checkpoints and adds some unique extras, such as the privacy-enhancing Comodo Dragon browser and SecureDNS service that lets you surf safely and maybe faster, too. We've been using Comodo's free firewall app for some time, and it's proved every bit as effective as the better-known free firewalls. It's a major component of Comodo Internet Security.

The program's System Tray icon accesses the configuration files for Internet Security, Firewall Security, and Proactive Security, and four optional Security Level settings: Antivirus, Firewall, Defense, and Sandbox. We'll skip to the chase and state that Comodo Internet Security cleared the bar for all-around security. And, like the standalone firewall, Comodo Internet Security plays well with other security tools, including some large packages. In functionality and performance, it's much like its competitors, all of which share similarities. It scanned our system, updated itself automatically, and sandboxed new apps for checking and approval. Dragon is an excellent Chromium-based browser that integrates with Comodo's SecureDNS service (other browsers do too) to offer enhanced privacy. SecureDNS changed our network settings; we noticed no difference in browsing, though.

When free antivirus programs started offering the same protection and security (and even databases and engines) as premium antivirus software, the big players responded by bundling other security tools, including firewalls, threat isolation, and anti-adware tools designed to protect your PC from a wide range of critical and potential threats. Now Comodo has stepped up its game and upped the level of competition with Comodo Internet Security. It belongs on any short list of free PC security solutions.