What is the difference between antivirus and smart security? Review of the new version of ESET NOD32 Smart Security Family (2018)
It was developed as a comprehensive, full-featured solution to protect your computer from digital attacks and threats.
Key Features
Protection against viruses and spyware;
- protection against phishing;
- proactive HIPS technology;
- device control;
- expanded compatibility of the mail module;
- exploit blocker;
- additional memory scanning module;
- antispam;
- parental control;
- firewall
ESET NOD32 Smart Security 7 is the vendor's flagship product. It contains all the levels of protection available in NOD32 Antivirus and additionally includes a network protection component to counter web attacks.
Price comprehensive antivirus is 1690 rubles (1 year for 3 PCs), but users also have access to a 30-day trial period without functional limitations.
The latest release of the antivirus solution includes a vulnerability screen - an effective component that complements the built-in firewall and allows you to detect most threats (including those from the list of CVEs) on network level.
The operating principle of the module is based on constant monitoring popular protocols (SMB, RPC and RDP) and countering attacks that exploit vulnerabilities that have not yet been fixed.
When trying to update NOD32 Anti-Virus to Smart Security, the installation proceeded normally at the beginning, but when the process was completed, a message appeared stating that not all protection modules were active. Rebooting the system solved the problem.
Installing Smart Security is practically no different from installing a separate NOD32 antivirus; the main steps are identical. Any user can join the Live Grid during the installation process and allow detection of potentially unwanted software.
However, in the case of Smart Security, you must perform additional configuration of the network protection and anti-theft component when completing the installation.
Once installation is complete, ESET NOD32 Smart Security suggests the active network type (public, home or work) to determine the trust level for individual connections.
Then you configure the Anti-Theft module, during which you need to log into your ESET account and enter the computer name for subsequent communication.
This function creates a separate limited account on the Windows system. This profile becomes available when you indicate in the web interface that the device is lost or stolen.
In this case, ESET blocks access to other accounts and data and begins to collect information for subsequent device recovery. The component takes screenshots from the desktop and also uses the device's built-in camera to capture images.
All options are available via the web console. There the user can find information about the IP address and possible location of the device.
In terms of the interface and menu layout, there have been no major changes compared to the previous version. Unlike the NOD32 antivirus, Smart Security has a separate “Training” option in its menu, designed to teach Internet security issues. IN this moment Training is available to users in North America.
An exploit blocker and an additional memory scanning module are also included in the comprehensive antivirus. They are responsible for protecting applications with a high risk of vulnerability to exploits (browsers, email clients, viewing programs PDF files) and for detecting unknown malware that uses obsessive code to bypass protection.
When testing ESET NOD32 Smart Security, we used the same collection of malware as in the NOD32 Antivirus tests. In the case of a comprehensive antivirus, the detection rate was higher, mainly due to updates to virus signatures.
The firewall has become more flexible by adding exceptions for the intrusion prevention system (IDS). As a result, control over the type of detections has improved, and the behavior of the firewall has become more personalized.
With default settings, the firewall switched to hidden mode 986 service ports, 70 of them were closed. However, some leak tests have proven that the protection can be bypassed and it is possible to send information to a remote server or run Internet Explorer.
Antispam module ESET NOD32 Smart Security 7 is not compatible with latest versions Thunderbird, but works fine in Microsoft Outlook. All settings are very simple. The user can scan individual email folders or cancel emails sent to spam by mistake for further use. In testing, ESET only blocked 111 emails out of 3,151 trusted messages in the initial scan.
During subsequent scanning, when one reliable message was manually excluded from spam, the number of false positives decreased to 96. When you mark a message sent to spam as reliable, the antispam module automatically adds addresses to White list and doesn't repeated mistakes. On the other hand, extra manual check won't hurt.
The parental control module has not undergone significant changes. There are still no options to limit the time spent on the computer or network use, or to limit the launch of applications.
Processes in parental controls are fully automatic. First you need to determine the user's age (5,8,13,16 and 18), then the component applies content filtering, and HTTPS secure protocols are also supported.
Several settings are available, for example you can block individual pages and domains and make exceptions.
ESET NOD32 Smart Security 7:
Advantages
The firewall has become more flexible and allows you to customize IDS detection. Influence at system resources extremely little.
Once activated, the Anti-Theft function will protect data on the device in case of theft, limiting access to files and directories and helping to detect the location of the device.
Flaws
Parental control has not been improved. There is still no ability to control access to individual applications for any user and there are no restrictions on the time they can use the computer or the Internet.
The antispam module does not work with the latest versions of Thunderbird.
Overall rating
ESET NOD32 Smart Security 7 provides reliable protection against malware. The product received an improved firewall, a much-anticipated update. This antivirus solution is not suitable for inexperienced users, but overall Smart Security does its job well.
| Interface: 4/5 Features: 4/5 Ease of use: 4/5 Price/quality: 4/5 Overall rating: 4/5(Very good) |
It is very rare for vendors to radically change the line of their comprehensive antivirus products, but ESET did it anyway. is a completely new application that has found its niche between a standalone antivirus and ESET NOD32 Smart Security. The product has all the expected security features, but, unfortunately, some of them do not cope with their direct responsibilities.
ESET NOD32 Annual License Internet Security to protect three computers will cost 1,950 rubles. For comparison, in the US you will have to pay $79.99 for a similar license.
All 5 labs monitored by PCMag include ESET in their testing program. Basically, the product receives good grades, although it failed two MRG-Effitas tests. However, these tests do not have a gradation of results, so their weighting factor in calculating the aggregate indicator was reduced. Overall ESET score is 8.8 out of 10
During testing, the product showed a very high scanning speed. The initial check lasted about 20 minutes. After optimization carried out during the first scan, the system was analyzed in 30 seconds. F-Secure Anti-Virus scanned the system for the first time in 11 minutes.
ESET blocked 97 percent of malicious samples in PCMag's own test. Some of them were blocked immediately, some after launch. The overall score of 9.5 is good overall, although some products did better. was able to earn the maximum 10 points.
In a test for blocking malicious links, ESET neutralized 89 percent of online threats, which is a good result. Half of the samples were blocked at the network level, and the other half were blocked at the download level.
In the anti-phishing test, the result was disastrous. ESET trailed Norton by 33 percentage points, although it still outperformed all three browsers' built-in filters.
Other General Features
The standalone antivirus includes the HIPS intrusion prevention system. In a test against 30 exploits, ESET detected and blocked more than half of them, which is better than the results of Bitdefender and Kaspersky. Norton blocked two-thirds of the attacks, all of them at the network level.
Sophisticated device monitoring is more suitable for enterprise environments than for ordinary consumers, although the product itself is more aimed at home users. Tech-savvy people can prevent external devices from connecting, including card readers, Bluetooth, and external USB devices. For trusted devices exceptions can be created.
On the “Service” page, the user has access to event log files and a list of files added to quarantine. The remaining tools are intended for technical support agents when remote elimination problems. Among such utilities are running processes, activity graph file system and a tool for creating system snapshots for later comparison.
Basic firewall
During testing, the firewall correctly switched all system ports to hidden mode and successfully resisted web attacks. However, ESET failed a test that used queries ping commands- this means that a cybercriminal will be able to find out the real IP address of the computer. Quick Heal Internet Security 17 also failed this test.
Another test of the operation of a two-way firewall is the test to block abuse attempts network connections. ESET software control can operate in several modes. Standard auto mode allows all outgoing traffic and blocks suspicious incoming traffic.
When switching to interactive mode, ESET behaves like a traditional firewall, i.e. every time someone tries to access the network unknown program, the product displays a user prompt for further action. Nevertheless. The control function has several advanced options. The firewall can apply your choice once, create a permanent rule based on it, or remember the choice until the program exits. By default, the selection is not remembered, i.e. the user will have to respond to requests every time.
After clicking on the detailed information link, the user is shown information about the publisher, file reputation and remote computer and ports. When you select advanced settings, you can edit firewall rules using individual IP addresses and port numbers. Regular users these features will not be useful.
Many products, particularly Norton and Kaspersky, make decisions program control independently and do not rely on inexperienced users. ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2017 uses a massive database of known trusted files to process applications and automatically configures software controls. In interactive mode, ESET firewall needs to manually define rules for all programs and even for Windows components- not the best approach.
One way to avoid the endless stream of requests is to use learning mode. In this mode, ESET monitors all programs that access the network and creates rules for allowing access. The training mode will automatically end after two weeks, although this period can be changed. After this, there will be noticeably fewer requests. You might also consider choosing a policy-based mode, which blocks all connections except those allowed by the firewall rules.
Network protection in ESET NOD32 Internet Security is enhanced compared to the capabilities of a standalone antivirus. However, in the exploit test, both products performed identically.
At least ESET's firewall successfully resisted direct targeted attacks. The comprehensive antivirus has two visible processes and one service, but during testing it was not possible to find a way to disable them using malicious techniques.
The ESET firewall was a real disappointment. It was unable to protect against leakage of the real IP address, and software control does not fully cope with its task. In interactive mode, the program floods the user with requests. This is a traditional firewall based on outdated technologies. Many modern products offer more advanced solutions.
Home network protection
When you select the “Home network protection” panel, an image of a network map appears in the main antivirus window. Detected devices are displayed as icons in concentric circles. In this case, the router and local device are shown in the very center. The next circle shows recently connected devices, and the furthest circle shows devices connected in the last month.
If ESET cannot obtain the name, it displays the IP address. The Network Wizard lets you figure out what's behind the IP address and helps you add a clear name. From the detailed view, you can select the troubleshooting link to view traffic blocked by the firewall from this device.
Click the “Scan router” button to have ESET check your router’s security settings. Several penetration tests will be run, targeting the router. If problems are detected, ESET will immediately offer to fix them.
Bank payment protection
ESET is focusing on this feature because one of the three panels on the main screen is dedicated to banking security. Selecting the panel opens the default secure version of your browser with a green border and a “Protected by ESET” banner on top panel. The browser opens to a page that explains the purpose of this feature and recommends using it only for online banking and financial transactions, and not for regular surfing. After installing the antivirus, you need to restart your computer so that the protection bank payment earned. The function supports work with Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Users of Opera, Vivaldi and other browsers will not be able to use it.
Just like the Safe Money feature in Kaspersky Lab products, bank payment protection is automatically activated when you visit a well-known financial site in a regular, unsecured browser. ESET will prompt you to launch Secure Browser and ask if you want to remember this choice permanently.
Limited Parental Controls
Access to ESET's parental controls is hidden deep in the settings. In the left navigation menu you need to select the “Settings” item, and then you need to go to the “Security Tools” section. Once enabled, you will see a list of accounts Windows entries. To complete the configuration, you need to specify which accounts belong to adults and which to children.
Depending on the child's age, ESET determines which of three dozen content categories will be blocked. Upon closer examination of the rules, you can see that each category has age restrictions - for everyone, 12+, 18+ or prohibited. Please note that even adult accounts will be blocked from the Crime and Malware categories. There are only three categories in the scope at a time, so setting up the system causes serious difficulties.
In testing, the content filter worked reliably. The filter works in any browser and cannot be disabled simply network teams, which were successful with some competitors. During the test, it was not possible to detect sites that escaped blocking. When blocked, ESET displays a simple warning in the browser, similar alerts are displayed when a phishing threat or malicious site is detected. A child will not be able to request to view a blocked site, as can be done in Symantec Norton Family Premier.
ESET handles HTTPS protected sites differently. It can't replace the blocked resource with an information page, so an error message appears in the browser and a pop-up notification explains what happened.
Mostly ESET app parents can view a list of blocked sites indicating the date and time of the visit attempt, account and content categories.
This is where the parental control options end. Here you will not find the function for managing contacts in instant messengers, analytics social networks or controlling video games based on their ratings. In addition, you cannot manage your Internet and computer usage time. Parental controls are very limited, but work well.
Accurate antispam
ESET Standalone Antivirus has effective built-in email protection. The component scans incoming POP3 and IMAP mail and outgoing SMTP mail for malware. ESET supports integration with Outlook, Outlook Express/Windows Mail or Windows Live Mail for advanced control. When malware is detected, the tool removes the dangerous attachment and adds its name to the subject of the message. The comprehensive antivirus also has a full-fledged spam filter.
To enable antispam, go to Settings > Internet protection and select the gear icon next to the “Antispam” section. There aren't many settings. The user can enable advanced antispam protection, which should improve accuracy. This feature is disabled by default because it seriously reduces mail processing speed. You can change the default label and enable spam scoring.
By default, antispam imports the list of contacts and recipients of your messages into exceptions. Emails that have been manually identified as not spam are also placed there. Available manual editing white and black list of recipients.
IN modern conditions Not everyone needs a spam filter, because many mail providers already have this function. If you still need a separate antispam, then ESET does a great job.
Webcam protection
Reports of webcam surveillance are emerging with alarming regularity. Of course, you can tape your camera, but if you do a lot of web conferencing, the constant taping and unsticking can get tiresome.
ESET's webcam protection is an addition to software control, but easier to use. The user can block any attempts to access the camera and disable protection only during using Skype. If you spend a little time setting it up, you can control which programs can access the camera and enable an alert to display before granting access. It was not possible to test the function in action, but for webcam users it can be really useful.
Minor performance impact
ESET showed a moderate impact on system resources. In a test measuring system boot times, the antivirus slowed boot times by just 11 percent, which is better than average.
Test script that copies large collection large files between drives with ESET active took 20 percent longer. Another script that checks the work with archives was executed in the same way as with active protection, and without it.
ESET NOD32 Internet Security is a new product and it is not fair to compare it with last year's versions of other ESET products. Nevertheless, previous version ESET NOD32 Smart Security seriously slowed down system performance - 39 percent in three tests versus 11 percent for ESET NOD32 Internet Security.
Components of different quality
Despite the fact that antivirus protection is undoubtedly the best component this decision, some components also deserve attention. Webcam protection is an unusually useful feature, bank payment protection reliably protects online transactions, and a router scanner helps identify problems on your home network. On the other hand, the firewall failed basic tests, the parental control system was severely curtailed, and phishing protection was ineffective.
The title of “Editor's Choice” in the comprehensive antivirus category still remains with Bitdefender Internet Security and Kaspersky Internet Security.
ESET NOD32 Internet Security 10 review:
Advantages:
- Very good results in laboratory tests and in our own tests;
- HIPS blocked many exploits;
- high speed scanning;
- useful map networks;
- secure browser for online banking;
- simple spam filter for POP3 and IMAP processing.
Flaws
- The firewall did not pass standard tests;
- mediocre protection against phishing;
- limited parental control.
Overall rating
Antivirus protection is the best feature of ESET NOD32 Internet Security 10. Other additions include an outdated firewall that failed standard tests, and a parental control system that can only filter content.
And the NOD32 antivirus from the Slovak developer – ESET – is one of the most worthy representatives of security software on today’s software market. The main advantages of this antivirus are reliability, high speed, pleasant user interface. NOD32 is the choice of many professionals. This antivirus is recommended to their users by many providers, this antivirus is used in computer classes, this antivirus in cases with low-power computer devices is perhaps the only way to have high-quality protection while surfing the web, which will take up a minimum of already scarce resources for its functioning systems.
NOD32 – flexible and customizable. A huge number of settings will allow the program to be used by users with different experience in working with a PC, with different needs for the level of protection.
Below we will consider not NOD32 itself in its “solo version”, but the ESET NOD32 Smart Security antivirus system, into which the antivirus has evolved today. ESET NOD32 Smart Security provides comprehensive protection, software package“All in one” type, which, in addition to antivirus, also includes a firewall, antispam, parental control, protection against phishing and vulnerabilities, cloud technologies to protect your PC.
So, what options does ESET's comprehensive protection offer us? But first, let’s look at the features of installing the program.
Installation process of ESET NOD32 Smart Security
We go to the official website of NOD32 Smart Security and download the installer in accordance with the bit capacity of the system.
We launch the installer, follow the installation progress, and if desired, omit the intrusive offers from Yandex.
In the window for entering license data, enter the user name and key to activate NOD32 Smart Security, if any, of course, exist. You can receive them by subscribing to an antivirus system via SMS. Following the instructions, you need to send a paid message to receive data. Or you can do it differently - click the “Install trial version” option. In any case, license data can be entered later in the program interface itself.
After the window with the standard acceptance form license agreement The installation wizard will prompt you to join ESET Live Grid, a web-based, reputation-based threat detection system. By streaming Live Grid web data to user computers you can check your reputation running processes or files directly in the antivirus window. We agree with the proposal.
The next step in the NOD32 Smart Security installation process is to choose whether to install the detection feature potentially unwanted applications. You should not refuse this opportunity, because not every program offered for download on the Internet (especially free ones) can be safe and truly useful. A potentially unwanted application does not necessarily have to further the malicious intent of its developer. These are often harmless but useless programs that can waste system resources. Typically, such potentially unwanted applications are installed in addition to useful programs, which users install purposefully.
So the function of detecting potentially unwanted applications will clearly not be superfluous, especially if the computer’s resources leave much to be desired. Press the button "Install".
At the end of the installation wizard, click the button "Ready".
But that is not all. You need to specify a couple more parameters to NOD32. Specify the type of Internet connection — home or public network.
In the activation window, if there is no NOD32 Smart Security license data, select "Activate trial license» , which will allow you to test the antivirus 30 days free .
Enter your email address, confirm it in the adjacent field, then click the button below "Activate".
Click "Ready" to complete the activation process.
NOD32 Smart Security will offer module activation "Anti-theft". If we are talking about portable computing devices - laptops or tablets - this function can be very useful. The Anti-Theft module allows you to locate a stolen laptop or tablet by tracking Wi-Fi signal so that the device can be returned.
NOD32 Smart Security will launch and scan your PC. The antivirus system icon will be located in the system tray. By clicking on this icon, we get access to frequently used functionality and, of course, the ability to call the main window.
Organization and functionality of NOD32 Smart Security
Well, the program is installed, let's look at its internal organization and functionality.
In the NOD32 Smart Security window we will see tab sections neatly placed on the left, and the contents of each of these tab sections will be displayed on the right. The main window is the so-called Homepage NOD32 – provides access to frequently used functionality. It also displays the status of the antivirus and the date until which the entered license data is valid.
In the tab "PC Scan" We will see, accordingly, options for starting the scanning process - « Scan Smart» , during which the antivirus will check everything local disks computer and will remove all detected threats, "Selective Scan", during which only a certain user-specified area of the computer will be scanned, "Scanning removable media" and automatic repeat last mode scanning.
In addition to the template scanning modes, here, in the tab-section "PC Scan" You can view the scan log and set your own computer scan mode by selecting the part to be scanned and certain parameters in "Computer scan settings".
Update antivirus database and the version of NOD32 Smart Security can be found in the corresponding tab-section "Update".
Tab-section "Settings" allows you to disable active computer protection modules and enable inactive ones.
At the very end of the settings section, functions for activating NOD32 Smart Security and importing/exporting settings will be available. The latter allows you to configure the anti-virus system once, export the settings file and later when changing the device or after reinstalling operating system import this file, thereby setting NOD32 Smart Security desired condition— with the necessary active modules and set parameters. The very last option in the settings section tab is the option to go to the advanced program parameters.
Advanced settings allow experienced users to flexibly customize the operation of the antivirus to suit their preferences - enable or disable malware and rootkit detection modes, enable system integration modes for individual software functions, configure the firewall that comes with NOD32 Smart Security, set protection parameters for email clients, configure the program interface and notification settings, and also “play” with other options of the anti-virus system.
Tab section "Service" contains simple, useful utilities that will certainly be useful to experienced users when working with a computer.
IN "Log Files" You can view what operations the antivirus performed and what infected files it detected. Detected files using the appropriate command in context menu we can delete it. "Scheduler" will allow you to schedule tasks in advance for their execution by the antivirus at a designated time in the future. Using the utility "Protection system statistics" you can see how many infected objects were detected and how many were cleaned. "Send file for analysis" is a utility whose name speaks volumes about its essence. Anyone can send to the developer - ESET - suspicious file or, conversely, a verified file, but with false positive antivirus.
If there is another computer device, in which a virus is in full swing and blocks the launch of the antivirus, and, perhaps, Windows does not start at all, it will help to cure this computer, laptop or tablet rescue disk system recovery - SysRescue. It can be created using the tab-section utility "Service" — "ESET SysRescue".
"Quarantine"— files that are classified by the antivirus as threatening objects are placed here. This is where you need to look for keygens and other files that NOD32 considers dangerous in order to restore them.
Concluding the review...
NOD32 Smart Security is a paid solution, and the developers made sure that from the device on which ESET’s brainchild is running, the user in no case ends up on a site where antivirus activation keys are distributed for free. However, it is possible to use a free antivirus system, although you will have to tinker a little with it. software settings to manually add the required sites to exceptions.
Many antivirus vendors have long switched to the concept of protecting all devices and offer users antiviruses for different platforms within one license. Simply put, you buy one key and activate protection on any of your devices and the devices of your loved ones. This logical step, since cybercriminals have actively begun to attack not only our computers and laptops, but also smartphones, tablets, and also turn home “smart” devices into botnets. The well-known international company ESET has been offering its users ESET NOD32 Smart Security Family for several years now, which allows them to use ESET protection on Windows, macOS, Android, Linux. But today we will not talk about the entire ESET NOD32 Smart Security Family kit. I would like to focus on the updated antivirus for WIndows included in this kit.
Meet the new version ESET antivirus NOD32 Internet Security - comprehensive solution for maximum protection for Windows computers. The product includes all the main components of a comprehensive antivirus: protection against phishing and exploits, antispam, protection against network attacks, personal firewall, anti-theft module. As in previous version, there is a parental control module, webcam protection, online payments and protection against encrypting viruses. What’s new is an improved home network protection module with the ability to check the router and smart devices connected to it, and a UEFI firmware interface scanner; we’ll look at them in more detail below.
The program interface remains familiar to current users and intuitive for new ones. It is easy to navigate, because the main functions are displayed on the main window: protection status, scanning, updating, bank payment protection and home network monitoring. The user does not need to configure the program; all recommended protection settings are applied by default.
During the initial installation, the program offers to additionally configure the “Parental Control” and “Anti-Theft” modules. You can make the adjustment immediately or leave it for “later” as the need arises.
Activation
At the end of the installation, ESET NOD32 Internet Security prompts you to activate the program using a license key. Appeared and absolutely new opportunity– use the “License Manager” to activate the program. To do this, you need to have an account on my.eset.com, link to this portal your license and activate the antivirus program on different devices, simply by entering your username and password for your account on my.eset.com.
Select “Use license manager”:
Enter your login password in the appropriate fields:
The Activation Wizard shows the available licenses, the number of activated devices, expiration date and license ID:
This function is convenient when installation is carried out on different devices, computers of relatives and friends, because you do not need to constantly search for a letter from ESET with a license key. Just enter your username and password, and the program is activated.
At the same time, on the portal you can view all computers with activated protection, add new devices, download distributions, disconnect devices (for example, when replacing it with a new one), and share the license with your loved ones.
Components antivirus protection
Home network protection
Let's move on to the new and most interesting features new version– firstly, I would like to note the improvement of the “Home Network Protection” function, which was first introduced in the previous generation of products. Now it is possible to scan for vulnerabilities not only the routers themselves (as in the previous 10 version), but also all devices connected to it - smartphones, laptops, and even a smart refrigerator or washing machine. When scanning connected devices, the program finds out whether the ports are open, what services are running on them, whether there is anything suspicious or atypical for a home network, and checks passwords for resistance to hacking.
After going to the “Home Network Protection” module, the user is prompted to select a network. Selecting your home network.
ESET NOD32 Internet Security automatically displays a list of devices and their current status.
The program gives you a choice: scan everything, scan only the router, or scan only connected devices. You can run a scan of devices connected to the router - the antivirus will scan the port and check whether it is open, what service is running on it, and check the password.
You can also check the router itself, which will allow you to find out about the presence of known vulnerabilities (weak passwords, vulnerabilities in the firmware, etc.) and get tips on how to fix it possible problems. A deep scan includes scanning for port vulnerabilities, firmware vulnerabilities, malicious domains, checking the reputation of the DNS server, the strength of the password on the router itself (whether the default password of the “admin” type is still used), malicious infections and the presence of web vulnerabilities -router server (for example, malicious code or code for remote control).
Finally, you can view the directory of devices connected to the network. Here you can see a list of all devices, sorted by type and name, and by clicking on the device icon, you can get detailed information about him. This is convenient because... you can see a complete picture of your entire home network and check whether your neighbors are surfing the Internet at your expense.
Computer protection
Here I would like to note another worthy update - a UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) scanner has been added. This interface replaced the BIOS; it is faster and more flexible, and as a result, more vulnerable. Attackers can use this to infiltrate malware, remaining in the system even after complete reinstallation OS. For example, you can intercept or steal data, install hidden channels communications with C&C servers, creating hidden areas of PC flash memory, etc. The built-in scanner works proactively in the background, scanning starts immediately when the computer is turned on.
For the paranoid, the webcam protection feature remains, allowing you to control the access requested by applications. When you try to gain access to the webcam, a corresponding notification pops up.
Internet protection
Everything is standard here - the antivirus quickly blocks malicious and phishing sites, scans email and protects against intrusive spam.
Parental control
You will have to search a little for this function - it is hidden in “Settings” -> “Security Tools”.
As in the previous version of the product, you can independently configure a profile for a child’s account, unlike solutions from other manufacturers, where profiles are already configured. So, you can set the child’s age and manually block categories of websites.
There are 36 of them in total, among the unwanted ones - “For adults (18+)”, “Aggressive content”, “Alcohol and tobacco”, “Services” anonymous access”, “Criminal activity”, “Chats and social networks”, “Shopping”, “Harmful content”, etc.
Online payment protection
This function does not lose its relevance over the years, but on the contrary, it becomes more and more necessary. When installing ESET NOD32 Internet Security program creates a shortcut to a protected browser on the computer desktop. The “Online Payment Protection” function is available directly from the main window, as well as in the “Service” menu.
When you access your online bank in your usual browser, the antivirus automatically suggests opening it in a secure browser. If you often visit the same site, you can enter the address manually, then everything will happen automatically. Address bar painted in green color, the message “Protected by ESET” appears.
***
And a couple nice bonuses Finally.
Scanning individual files has become more convenient - you can simply manually drag the one you need into the scanning field:
Manufacturers have not forgotten about visually impaired users - when developing the new version, all wishes were taken into account, and now the antivirus is compatible with familiar screen reading tools (JAWS, NVDA, etc.).
conclusions
PROS -
License for the whole family, for 3 or 5 devices at once on different platforms (Windows, MacOS, Android)
Does not affect system performance (the product recently received the highest ADVANCED+ award from the independent laboratory AV-Comparatives)
Free update to new versions
MINUSES -
Poor functionality of the Parental Control module in the program for Windows - only site control is available
There is no built-in function to disconnect “neighboring” devices from the home network; for now, only changing the password on the router will help
PRICE - from 1,190 rubles per year