ESET Smart Security is a complete suite. It provides Antivirus, Antimalware, Antispam, Anti-Theft Firewall, Parental Controls, Anti-Phishing, and rootkit removal. It has spam filters, and scores very high in scanning efficiency.
When I started this review, I thought that there would be no pictures of the installation of the application because it is already installed. We (and I and others from the iGuRu.gr editorial team) have been using the program for several years, but I will still try to be objective.
Objective of course where necessary because we can't help but mention the good things. We use ESET because it's "light". Because we know that the computer it's installed on is safe, without affecting its performance. No, it won't crash your system, and if you ever think about removing it, it won't leave a bunch of junk like other "big" programs do. We won't mention names, but it has nothing to do with Norton. 🙂
Protection
The list of malicious software types that ESET can actually protect your computer from is very long: viruses, spyware, adware, spam, rootkits, keyloggers, phishers, Trojans, browser hijackers and almost everything else that hackers develop every day. Using cloud-based ThreastSense technology, the company seems to show amazing results in tests. The most recent test conducted by the independent testing company AV-Test, from January 2013 to February of the same year, ESET brought a percentage of 100% in protection against known malware and a 98 to 97% in protection against attacks with new 0day malicious software. This practically means a very well-updated database with everything new that is released. See the image from AV-Test.
We should make a special mention of the new feature added to the security suite 6 application as well as the simple antivirus. Anti-phishing. If click accidentally on a link that leads to a phishing site, the application will notice it and warn you before you reach the malicious website.
Another new feature worth mentioning in version 6 is ESET's anti-theft system. The application requires settings to manage anti-theft protection. Your system should be secure for this, but once you're done with the basics (setting a password, creating a "ghost" account), the Anti-Theft will protect you in the event of a possible theft of your machine. The additional account you created, if your computer is ever lost, as soon as it connects to the internet, will start sending data to where you have specified in your settings. This data can be photos of the thief from your computer's camera, or the exact location of the stolen machine. The new feature impressed us.
Our observations can be added to the easy management of the program even by a user without much computer skills. This does not mean that there are no management screens for the very demanding and experienced users.
Security Features
- Antivirus (ThreatSense ® technology) for Windows, Mac and Linux, protection against viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits and other malicious programs.
- Antispyware protects your online privacy and identity
- Host-Based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) Blocks unauthorized changes to programs on your computer.
- Cloud-Enhanced Whitelisting (Cloud-Powered Reputation technology) enables faster and more accurate malware detection.
- Removable Media Control prevents malware from reaching USB flash drives, CDs, and DVDs. Allows locking of devices.
- AntiRootkit detects and removes types of malware that hide from the operating system.
- Antispam blocks unwanted emails and images. Spam filters are for POP3 and IMAP accounts.
- Intelligent Firewall shields from remote attacks with adaptive technology.
- Gamer Mode suspends pop-up notifications and scheduled scan tasks if someone is gaming.
- Parental control restricts access to websites by category or by URL. Protection also on
HTTPS - Internet Security Training teaches you techniques to make your online experience even more secure.
Help & Support
ESET provides extensive support through articles, video tutorials, news, forums, quick guides and regular user guides. Not to mention the very frequent updates of the malware database.
The company also provides telephone support from 09:00 to 17:00 weekdays at 210-7759270 as well as email support at support@esetgr.com.
More information is available at www.eset.com/gr which is the official Greek site or www.eset.com/gr-en which is the English version for Greece and Cyprus.
Many times they also provide remote support (e.g. with Teamviewer, Ammyy, ShowmYPC).
ESET Smart Security 6 Quick Start Guide (1.1 MB)
ESET Smart Security 6 User Guide (3.5 MB)
[box style=”black info rounded” ]The price of ESET Smart Security 6 is €29.00 per user for one year.[/box]
Positively
Lightweight. Does not affect the performance of the system that uses it. Works seamlessly with Windows Firewall.
Impeccable protection and behavior.
The impressive new Anti-Theft feature.
Negatives
We noticed that the Antispam is not what we were used to using Google's Gmail, but perhaps it's a bit unfair to use this as a yardstick for comparison. In any case, the Antispam could use some improvement.
A full scan takes a long time. (This of course also depends on how many files you have stored on your computer.
Direct support is lacking as it is not available 24 hours a day.
Summary
I have been using ESET since 2005. From 2005 until today I have not faced any problem with the security of my personal computer. The program is very simply made to work, quietly, discreetly and provide security. Easy to use with a simple design that prioritizes security. The Anti-Theft function was something that was missing and is finally here. The set of features of the application can cover even the most demanding user.
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