What is an Internet Security Suite?
Lesser experienced users may refer to all of these threats simply as "viruses". Because of that, they might think that they only need a quality anti-virus software in order to keep themselves safe from them. This is simply not true.
Modern anti-virus software has come a long way, and though it does feature additional modules such as anti-spyware and anti-malware detection, some of the threats are made to operate in a completely different way. They do not even need to attack the computer itself. They only need to engage users in order to trick them in giving away personal information of any kind.
Internet security suites recognize these problems and offer a more complete solution.
A good security suite will feature a regularly updated database for all of it's modules. It can update itself either on daily schedule or fully automatic. It will also provide a good user interface with clear descriptions of what it does and how. The application should be fast and reliable, and it should never slow down the computer or degrade the user's experience.
Firewall
Usually considered as a first line of defense in computing, a firewall is a must have feature in every top quality internet security suite. A computer with a firewall installed on it is much less likely to be compromised by unauthorized access.
Firewall will stop any application of using the internet connection until the user explicitly allows it. This means that most of the malicious applications will be unable to communicate back to their sources over the internet once you have installed and activated a firewall. It also applies to any security breach attempts outside of your network.
Imagine a firewall as your personal bodyguard who doesn't let anyone in or out of the house until you say so.
AntiVirus and AntiSpyware
Obviously, the anti-virus and anti-spyware modules are the backbone of your security application. They are able to scan and protect your computer in real time for any malicious threats picked up by their constantly updated definition databases.
Although spyware is probably a bigger issue in today's environment, viruses are still sitting around waiting to be picked up by users with no protection. They can mess up their operating system's configuration, cause serious data loss and even alter the driver settings thus potentially rendering some of the hardware useless while tricking users into thinking that they probably need to buy a new component or a whole computer.
The most dangerous type of spyware can monitor and report back complete internet activity as well as sensitive information. It can also make the computer more vulnerable by changing the operating system settings and getting it infected by additional spyware such as perhaps rogue security software.
Internet Privacy and Parental Control
Phishing is a common tactic of making users give away their personal data without a hassle. Scammers can emulate genuine websites in a number of different ways. They can send out emails promoting the fake websites, promote altered links to those same websites via social networks or instant messaging systems, and also compromise other legitimate websites for these purposes.
Internet security suites will be able to detect anomalies that most users might not, plus protect the kids and teens from any type of content that the parents might not want them to see.
AntiSpam
Spam is often a synonym for "fraud" and "scam". If we were to ignore all of the "harmless" bogus or real product advertising done over the internet through mass mailing, there is still the possibility of being scammed in a number of different ways.
Malicious applications are also promoted through email, usually attached to free or shareware programs of any nature. By having an internet security suite, you can minimize the chances of being scammed this way.
These are just some of the reasons why an internet security suite is one of the most important investments one could make.
Table of Comparison
Please see the table below for a feature comparison as well as pricing. You will not make a mistake by purchasing any of these internet security suites.
| Product | BitDefender Internet Security | Webroot Security Essentials | Kaspersky Internet Security | Norton Internet Security | AVG Internet Security |
| Price (1 year) | $69.95 (3 PCs) | $59.95 (3 PCs) | $59.95 | $69.99 (3 PCs) | $69.99 (3 PCs) |
| Included Modules | |||||
| AntiVirus |  |
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| AntiSpyware | |
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| AntiPhishing | |
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| Parental Control | |
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| AntiMalware | |
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| AntiSpam | |
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| Firewall | |
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| Email Scanner | |
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| Data Filters | |
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| Heuristic Scans | |
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| Detailed Reports | |
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| Port Monitoring | |
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| Automatic Updates | |
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| Real Time Protection | |
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| Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7 | |
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| (32/64 bit) | |
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| Customer Support | |||||
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| Phone | |
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Although the AVG internet security suite does not support parental control by default, the module can be purchased at the company's official website.