Find the perfect gift for everyone
Best known for its ZoneAlarm firewall, Check Point Software has announced updates for ZoneAlarm's more full-featured security suites. Available in two versions, ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2010 gives users a robust firewall, antivirus and antispyware, and parental control package for $50, while ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010 adds Web browsing protection, system tune-up tools, backup options, and anti-phishing technology for $70.
ZoneAlarm is still best known for its firewall, but it currently offers users much more than that. See what's available in ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010, which is similar to but has more features than ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2010.
ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010 in picturesZoneAlarm is claiming faster performance in its antivirus and antispyware scans because it has unified them, something that its competitors did awhile back. The company says that users should expect scans to be 80 to 90 percent faster. The Internet Security version lacks access to a free add-on for laptop hard drive encryption, doesn't have keylogger protection, is missing browser-based safeguards, and has far fewer anti-phishing options.
Other features in the Extreme Security edition include an identity protection module to encrypt personal information and alert you when it leaves your computer--as well as helping you set up an eBay fraud report, if you're an eBay user. There are also an outbound e-mail alert, in case your account gets hacked, parental controls, and the browser toolbar for Firefox and Internet Explorer. Unfortunately, the browser protections only work in those two browsers. The toolbar comes with a private browsing option, but it's not entirely clear how it's different from the ones that already come with the host browser.
ZoneAlarm's main interface tucks quick access to key features at the bottom of the left nav.
(Credit: Screenshot by Seth Rosenblatt/CNET)Of course, ZoneAlarm's well-known firewall is included, and after spending half a day with it on a Windows 7 computer I didn't notice any of the usability problems that have notoriously plagued it. That doesn't mean they don't exist, of course, but I didn't experience them on the latest version during a short period of testing.
In terms of threat detection and removal efficacy, independent data isn't available yet for this version. On ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2009, the program scored better than average but not in the upper percentiles on malware detection, removal, response times, and only average on false positives. In my empirical testing of scan times, I noticed that the quick scan was extremely fast--it took less than 30 seconds. The full scan was fairly quick, too, taking about 20 minutes. The two deep scans that are available scan all data on the computer including archives, and appropriately they both took upwards of 90 minutes.
ZoneAlarm's trial period is shorter by half than its competitors, but if you're looking for brand-name protection ZoneAlarm isn't a bad place to start.
Tell me about your security suite preferences in the comments below.
The year 2010 may still officially be some months away, but that's not stopping security vendors from releasing major 2010 software upgrades to their antivirus apps and security suites. Just this week, Check Point Software released ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2010 and ZoneAlarm Extreme Security. What's the difference? The former is a complete suite with the familiar ZoneAlarm firewall, plus antivirus, antispyware, and parental controls. It costs $50. The latter lays on extra padding with Web browsing protection, antiphishing technology, and backup and system tune-up tools. It costs $70 for the complete set. How did the apps do? Read more in this hands-on review.
ZoneAlarm's offering is hot on the heels of Trend Micro, which itself unveiled its three new security products, ranging in price from $40 to the $70 pro suite.
Don't overlook Kaspersky when contemplating your antivirus needs for the coming year. Two new security apps have come out of the company's labs. As with competitors, one is the more customary antivirus armor and the other has many more robust tools and features. Read an in-depth review here.
On Tuesday an update for AVG 8 suggested that a Windows system file is a Trojan horse, and users who delete the file form the system could leave their Windows XP systems endlessly rebooting or unable to reboot at all. The problem only affects users of AVG 8 products running the Dutch, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish language versions of Windows XP. AVG immediately sent out a corrected update to its customers, including those using the free editions of AVG.
A representative for AVG said, "AVG is actively working to remedy the problem some users are experiencing related to the most recent update to commercial and free versions of AVG 7.5 and AVG 8.0 in some languages. A number of users who installed the update mistakenly received a warning that the Windows system file user32.dll product version 5.1.2600.3099 was infected with a Trojan virus and were prompted to delete a file essential to the operation of Windows XP."
In response, the Czech antivirus company has posted details and a fix tool on its site.
For users unable to use their Windows XP machines, AVG says they "should contact their AVG reseller or ask a friend to download the information and fix tool for them."
AVG has suffered some embarrassing glitches of late. Last month, an AVG update declared some ZoneAlarm firewall files to be part of a Trojan horse. In July AVG had to reconfigure its Linkscanner tool after various Web sites complained about the increased traffic as a result of the tool's proactive scanning for malware.
Grisoft, makers of AVG antivirus, on Wednesday released a new update addressing a false positive in another security product.
On Tuesday, AVG users reported desktops warnings that their desktop was infected with something called Trojan Agent r.CX. Some files within zlsSetup_70_483_000_en[1].exe, a compressed file containing dormant set-up files for Check Point's ZoneAlarm, apparently set off the alarm. The ZoneAlarm user forum soon filled with concerned users.
Grisoft did not respond to a request for comment.
Laura Yecies, vice president and general manager of Check Point's ZoneAlarm consumer division said, "as soon as Check Point learned that AVG's recent antivirus update was mistakenly flagging a ZoneAlarm file as a virus, we contacted AVG and they issued an update within hours that corrected the problem. AVG users will automatically get the update that corrects the issue."
In July, Grisoft modified its free AVG 8 due to complaints about a proactive scanning of a Web site feature. The feature that had been enabled in the paid version of the product did not scale with the free release causing spikes in Web traffic.
Every computer user needs security software to keep him or her safe on the Web. Along with antispyware and antivirus programs, a good software firewall is a must-have to keep hackers away from your data. Firewalls also are useful for determining which programs are making contact with outside sources. If you're looking for a solid software firewall, look no further than ZoneAlarm .
For a quick rundown of how the ZoneAlarm firewall protects your computer, check out this First Look with CNET Download.com's Jason Parker.
Recent attacks on legitimate Web sites may have left some end users vulnerable. But on Monday, Check Point Software Technologies released ZoneAlarm ForceField, which might provide some with the safe surfing protection they need.
ZoneAlarm ForceField sells for $29.95 (for a single user license) or $49.95 (for a three-user license) and currently works only with Internet Explorer 7, Firefox 2, and the Firebox 3 beta. In tests at CNET, ZoneAlarm ForceField did not work with Apple Safari for Windows or Opera 9. Installation doesn't require a reboot. When you open your Internet browser, the edges will be fuzzy, like a halo or a forcefield, around the edges to remind you your browsing sessions are safe.
The key feature in ZoneAlarm ForceField is its two-way virtualization technology. This is designed to stop drive-by downloads. However, the idea of vitalizing your Internet browser can be annoying at first. Any file downloaded while ZoneAlarm ForceField is active lives only within the virtual state; when you close the browser, the file vanishes from your hard drive. We had a few instances where we forgot ZoneAlarm ForceField was active and lost the resulting downloads. There is a way to open a non-protected browser, but at this point that workaround seems clunky. Perhaps future downloads could be flagged--trusted or not--and then dealt with accordingly.
Also included within ZoneAlarm ForceField is the same award-winning antiphishing and spyware site-blocking technologies found within ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite. Additional features within ZoneAlarm ForceField include site rating, scanning to prevent dangerous downloads, and keylogger and screen grabber jamming. There's also a private browser mode which prevents a user's personal information from escaping on Web forms.
(Credit:
CNET Networks)
As users of the Internet we face security threats every day. Nefarious hackers (not all hackers), viruses, and spyware are rampant when online, and not taking precautions can mean lost data or even worse, identity theft. Frankly, if your computer is unprotected, you are rolling the dice every time you go online. Certainly many users already know this and are already using trusted software, or have other security measures in place to ensure safe surfing. This Killer Download is for those who don't or anyone who has questions regarding their safety online.
Whenever I get a new system or get the call to "fix" a friends computer (which more often than not is infected with some sort of system-slowing malware), I always download software from the security categories I refer to as The Big Three. The Big Three includes an antivirus program, an antispyware program, and a software-based firewall. There are certainly other, even safer methods (like using a secure external router instead of a software firewall), but most people can surf safely with these three program types on their system. At the bare minimum, every Windows user should have The Big Three covered.
There are several applications you can buy to fulfill these needs, but there are plenty of free alternatives which will keep you just as safe. Clearly, if your information is of the national security variety, or the plans for a working time machine, you may want to consider higher-end methods for protecting your data. But if you're just a regular computer user who surfs the Web, plays online games, downloads software, or does some occasional banking and bill paying online, this Killer Download is for you.
I should point out my favorites change as I find and test new applications, and you may have an even better solution to use as one of your Big Three. If so, make certain to let us know in the comments so we can all benefit. Here are my current Top 3 free applications I use at home.
The summary screen lets you know your firewall is up to date and operational.
(Credit: CNET Networks)Comodo Firewall Pro offers solid protection against threats by learning your computing habits and what applications you use. This way, if something out of the ordinary occurs, you'll get a notification giving you the option to block suspicious connections to your computer. The interface is easy to understand and guides you through the setup process to make sure you're protected. It's important to note that you will get a lot of notifications in the beginning as Comodo Firewall learns your habits. However, after awhile a window might pop-up which seems suspicious and you'll be glad you have the ability to lock out a potential threat. As an alternative, the free version of ZoneAlarm Firewall is another solid firewall.
Use the tabbed interface to get to all of this applications features.
(Credit: CNET Networks)Spyware Terminator is my current favorite for antispyware applications. It has a slick interface, performs relatively fast scans, and includes free real-time protection. So many antispyware demos scan, but don't remove malware before you pay the registration, or they do scan and remove, but the real-time protection is locked. Spyware Terminator has all the features of the paid applications, but it's absolutely free. One word of caution: I'm not fully sold on the real-time protection in Spyware Terminator because it seems to notify me a lot, even to the point of repeat notifications. Whether you choose to have real-time protection on or off, if you stick to a scan schedule, this application will keep your system clean. Another great alternative is the ever popular Ad-Aware 2007, but you won't get the real-time protection without paying.
Check this summary screen often to make sure you're up to date.
(Credit: CNET Networks)Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition rounds out my Big Three with solid antivirus protection at no cost. This reliable application quickly scans drives for every form of virus, trojan, and worm, letting you delete or quarantine anything it finds. It lets you focus your search to specific types of scans, and select drives if you have a hunch about a particular problem. This application also offers a real-time guard, so you can stop a virus before it takes root. Like any antivirus program (or antispyware program for that matter) AntiVir will only remain a contender if they keep updating their virus definitions, and so far they are perfect. Your alternative for the third slot of The Big Three is the well known AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition which is definitely worthy of any home computer security system.
If you don't have a program which fits each of these three security types, download and install them now. Though no security system can be foolproof, once you have the Big Three covered on your home computer, you'll be able to surf much more safely.
(Credit:
CNET Networks)
With the holidays over and only a few days to go in 2007, Power Downloader decided to take a look back at the year to relive some of his more exciting adventures. Always knowing which software to download in a given emergency is never easy, but having Download.com at his disposal definitely helps when on the trail of an Internet bad guy.
Looking through his case files, Power Downloader remembered the time when he had to get a new laptop computer. As with anytime Power needs to get a new computer, he knew he wouldn't be comfortable until he headed over to Download.com to pick up his must-have apps for security and major everyday tasks. Security programs are especially important on that first run of a new computer, and he knew just what software standbys to download.
As Power Downloader continued to flip through page after page of past exploits, he came upon the time he was out in the field when suddenly he realized his hard drive was almost completely full. Fortunately, like any emergency situation, Power Downloader always knows where to find the best software to make space on his hard drive.
Among the great events of 2007, Power Downloader can't forget his niece Kitty Kilobyte. With her away at school for much of the year and sometimes in need of his help, he was always happy to find the perfect download in hopes that it would make her life a little bit easier. On one occasion she needed a way to easily distinguish between high-res and regular images from her digital camera. Always quick to help out his niece, Power Downloader knew the perfect program to sort through images for free.
With the clock ticking down on 2007 and another year to capture criminals just ahead, Power Downloader reflected on how glad he was to be able to do the things he loved. Keeping folks safe has always been his mission, but the ongoing search for great software would continue to be his passion.
ZoneAlarm is offering its CNET Editors' Choice-rated Anti-spyware program for free today, until 7 a.m. Wednesday morning.
The $20 program battles spyware from a different approach than most other antimalware apps. Using its extensive knowledge of firewalls, ZoneAlarm Anti-spyware uses firewalls as a basis for providing protection. Unlike most popular antispyware software, ZoneAlarm scans commonly affected system areas rather than your entire computer.
While this method scans faster than other options and is mostly effective for catching intruders, I find a comprehensive system scan to be more desirable. Still, people familiar with the popular ZoneAlarm firewall software will recognize the intuitive tabbed interface and newcomers should acclimate quickly.
(Credit:
CNET Networks)
A couple of weeks ago, I gave you some of the top antivirus apps for your PC. The programs I listed were my picks for reliable free and shareware antivirus software that you could use right away.
Though having a good virus program is crucial to online safety, it's not enough to stop all intruders. Another extremely important line of defense is the software firewall. Some believe you need a hardware firewall (like as a function of your router, for example) to keep all intruders away from your system. But for most people (me included), a good software firewall offers plenty of protection against attacks and also against software on your hard drive that might be trying to contact "the mother ship" without your knowledge.... Read more
