Table of Contents
Kaspersky Anti-Virus Overview
Kaspersky Anti-Virus Review
Editors Rating: 9.7/10
What We Like
The best performing arts virus scans on the market
Higher level of management over the temporal order and details of scans
Affordable evaluation
What We Don’t Like
Risk of knowledge exposure to foreign governments
Contracts start at one year in length.
Bottom Line
Antivirus costs change all the time. But one problem remains constant with Kaspersky: It’s always smart at its job of detecting malware. He detected the 5 malicious programs that we usually hide on our computers, and independent antivirus tests jointly show Kaspersky’s excellence in detection work and no inflections. Even with the most recent varieties of malware.
By this point, we’ve all heard terrifying tales about malware or computer viruses that steal identities and corrupt crucial files. Although we have done all possible to keep our gadgets secure throughout the years, hackers are always one step ahead.
For this reason, we’ve reviewed some of the best antivirus programmes available, including Kaspersky Anti-Virus. We put our 2014 Lenovo ThinkPad through a rigorous testing process, and we’re prepared to share the results.
Kaspersky Antivirus Features
| Malware Scans | Yes |
| On-demand Scans | Yes |
| On-access Scans | Yes |
| Scan Options | Quick, Full, and Selective |
| Quick Scan Duration | Around 7 Minutes |
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Coverage for up to five devices
- Free antivirus software available for Windows, Android and iOS devices
Company Background: Security Concerns?
First things first: let’s tackle the elephant inside the space. We think it is important to note directly that the Kaspersky Lab name is not clean. Some background: The company itself, back in Russia in 1997. Could be a global leader in distinctively rising malware and web security threats.
They have even known that hacking plots outflank governments. But, in recent years, we have seen disturbing accusations of links between the company and therefore the Russian government.
Kaspersky’s Alleged Russian Ties
Rumors about Kaspersky began to spread in 2012, once Bloomberg uncovered a pattern of recent hires with connections to the Russian military establishment. In 2017, the independent agency of the US Department sued shortly once. Twitter banned Kaspersky’s science lab from advertising on the site.
And Best even stopped trading in the company’s products, and thus the US argues that Kaspersky hacked the Security Agency contractor’s laptop National through its system in 2015.
Kaspersky has denied ties to the Russian government and claimed that the bans accurately measure the results of US-Russian tensions. Kaspersky has denied ties to the Russian government and claimed that the bans accurately measure the results of US-Russian tensions.
While that timing is difficult to prove, we find it reassuring that starting in 2018. Kaspersky began moving its data centers with non-Russian data from Russia to Switzerland. Finished relocation in 2020.
Exposure of User’s Browsing Data
In 2019, journalists discovered that the way Kaspersky protects users online, by injecting a snippet of code into URLs, could allow other companies to track a computer’s browser traffic for advertising functions. We tend to assume that this cannot be However, a reason to stay away from Kaspersky:
Advertisers strive to find our information where they can. And very significantly, Kaspersky updated its code so that individual computers cannot be tracked. If it still makes you nervous, you’ll change your settings to choose code insertion.
What Did Kaspersky Find?
Despite these considerations and accusations, Kaspersky remains one of the best-known antivirus companies in the world. As digital security advisers and advocates, it is our responsibility to check and review Kaspersky, therefore we tend to go ahead and install Kaspersky antivirus resolution on our computers.
What specifically did Kaspersky notice on our computers? Nothing related, thankfully, when it scanned our laptops and desktops for these threats:
- Viruses (including tricky rootkits and botnets)
- Malware
- Spyware
- Data hijacking
- Adware
- Keyloggers
- Network attacks
- Phishing emails
It’s worth noting that Kaspersky Anti-Virus doesn’t offer a firewall, child controls, or data storage, though these are all available in alternative computer security packages like Web Security and Total Security. Except for the goal of finding and stopping any nasty computer bugs, Kaspersky Antivirus coverage was comprehensive and reassuring.
Testing Kaspersky for Viruses
But would we all know if the software system worked or if we were just lucky and didn’t have viruses on our computer? We tend to establish that this was a problem that we tend to respond to. We tend to download 5 dangerous files that contain adware, spyware, malware, and more, but don’t worry, we don’t open them!
Since there are all kinds of threats, we needed to use these same files in all the antivirus systems we tested to see how they worked. Kaspersky Anti-Virus successfully passed this test. It was one of only 2 software systems out of 40 that we tested to detect all 5 viruses.
Testing Kaspersky for Malware
Just to make sure our results were correct, we tend to jointly verify information from A.V Labs’ independent science lab. This test, which was carried out on an associate degree robot, showed that Kaspersky had 100% detection of identified malware and achieved 99.9% protection against them. Kaspersky is too strict when it comes to its core virus and malware detection features.
Purchasing & Installing Kaspersky
We thought that getting Kaspersky was easy and that their sales techniques were less aggressive than some competitors. The company’s website lists a variety of computer security options for every home and business, following the upsell model that many companies are sharing these days. It highlights 3 options:
Kaspersky Anti-Virus, which we usually choose; Kaspersky Web Security; and Kaspersky Total Security. As expected, the most expensive option (Total Security) is “recommended”.
However, for our features, Kaspersky Anti-Virus offered a lot of conveniences, so we tend to buy the product with an associate degree at a starting price of $39.99 per year. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that Kaspersky also offers a 30-day free trial which, uncommon in the world of subscriptions, doesn’t require a master card. While we were able to move on and get the software system, we thought it was a compelling offer for a customer on the fence.
Once we purchased the license, the transfer went smoothly and took less than a moment, even on our laggy computer. Unlike other tiered pricing software systems, we were happy to learn that Kaspersky couldn’t attempt to sell directly in the US – best of all, there was no visible pop-up.
Our Experience Using Kaspersky Anti-Virus
Kaspersky Anti-Virus has a simple and clean interface primarily aimed at its main job of virus detection. It is divided into four main sections: Scanning, Data Refresh, Reports, and On-Screen Keyboard, and also has links to additional settings and tools. We will review them from the easiest to the most difficult.
On-Screen Keyboard
We were hit by the inclusion of AN on-screen keyboard, a feature that addresses a vulnerability that the general public doesn’t think they need. Hackers are beginning to use keylogger programs to extract personal information, such as social security numbers or master card details, as people enter that data on websites.
Kaspersky has come back with an original answer with its on-screen keyboard, a clickable image of a keyboard that appears on the screen. we tend to order one more bottle of hand sanitizer by clicking the characters on the keyboard image, with no trace of keystrokes for hackers to look for. We found this method quite tedious, but it’s nice to have the option in case you notice anything fishy.
Reports
Just like it sounds, the Kaspersky Reports section showed US details on the software’s file scans, Internet traffic, network threats, and more. It is also where we find information on one of Kaspersky’s additional advanced features, System Watcher. While we, fortunately, didn’t fall victim to a malware attack while testing the products, System Watcher gave America the power to reverse the impact of a malware attack, such as remote file locks.
Database Update
Just as simple was the Information Update section. It made it clear to us that the package had all the most recent danger information and was set to update automatically regularly. Although we could have scheduled it to update at specific times, we decided it would be better to keep the suggested car updates in place. A manual update is another option.
Scans
In the most important part! The scans section is the meat and potatoes of this package. The scan menu offers a ton of options, the most prominent of which is the quick scan. This scan, which we tend to run quickly, took seven minutes. It focused on the areas of our PC most prone to viruses and malware. If it found something distressing, the package would run a full scan of every piece of data on the machine.
We chose to manually run a full check even though Kaspersky warned that it “may take a short time and overload your computer” because our rapid scan failed to find anything on our PC. That’s a gentle golf swing, in our opinion.
The full scan took hours to complete (we started it in the middle of the night and went to bed before it was finished), and our computer, which was already older and slower than average, was essentially at its lowest point. having. Although we cannot conclude that Kaspersky did not warn the United States, this was unquestionably unacceptable. Unexpectedly, everything was uncontaminated!
Our Tip:
Starting full scans in the hours of darkness minimizes disruption from a slow computer.
Other scanning options include a selective scan, in which we usually look at individual files and folders, and a removable drive scan to protect against any danger on a USB or disk drive. we tend to set each type of scan to run on a schedule from our alternative (options included every hour, every week, or when the app starts).
Once we have experience with the full scan, we appreciate that Kaspersky offers the option to line up the package so that it only runs once the computer is idle, so it won’t load the necessary work. Ultimately, we configured the package to run a quick scan every day and a full scan once a month once the computer was not in use.
Despite the convenience of adjusting settings, we were surprised that the default setting on transfer was manual (on demand) for basic and full scans. Although a warning stated that Kaspersky did not suggest setting it to the manual, we would not have found that information if we had not checked the settings. We tend to find this strange. a variety of alternative settings are enabled by default (such as removing malicious tools and automatically launching the package at computer startup). However, we did notice that the “Background Scanning” mode, which scans sections of the computer like system memory every six hours, was turned on by default.
That’s a start, but it’s not enough for full protection. Kaspersky should probably make the schedule settings clearer so that users of newer antivirus packages don’t inadvertently leave their computers unprotected.
In general, we tend to find Kaspersky Anti-Virus customizable. we tend to especially cherish the fact that there is a setting known as “Gamer Mode”. This mode automatically postpones regular scans if the computer is running an application such as a game on full screen.
As avid gamers, we hate being interrupted by pop-ups or slowed down by programs running in the background, {and we tend to|and that} we’ll report that we weren’t interrupted in the slightest during our stint.
Tip: Click the gear icon at the bottom of the app or the icons next to each of the scan options to customize the scan program.
We also appreciated that the package mechanically delayed its tasks when the computer was running on battery power or when the drives were running at high speed, reducing slowdowns. and that we appreciated that Kaspersky made it easy for the United States to opt into special offers or receive advertising from the company at intervals in the app. Overall, the app provided AN experience that we tend to find easy and customizable, and we appreciated the simple, easy-to-navigate style.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus Pricing
While Kaspersky offers many different levels of protection that combine antivirus with capabilities like VPNs and kid-friendly settings, we specialize here in providing straightforward antivirus (but if you want to learn more about VPNs, explore our VPN guide or our list of options). most effective VPNs).
FYI: Kaspersky has many antivirus packages, along with Net Security and Total Security. Total Security, as the name implies, offers general protection, along with a GPS child locator, which you will install on your children’s smartphones, and a secret administration tool.
We paid $39.99 for a year of Kaspersky Anti-Virus, which covered both our Lenovo ThinkPad and 2 other Windows computers. However, that value could be a first-time customer offer, so we’ll be sure to keep an eye on the renewal, which costs $54.99.
ye on the renewal, which costs $54.99.
| Number of Devices/ Duration of Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 year/1 Devices | $37.99 |
| 3 years/1 Devices | $44.99 |
| 1 year/2 Devices | $75.99 |
| 2 years/3 Devices | $90.99 |
| 1 year/5 Devices | $51.99 |
| 2 years/5 Devices | $104.99 |
As you’ll see on our Kaspersky Pricing page, this value may be a bit below many of the major competitors, which, combined with Kaspersky’s ability to control viruses and malware, makes it an attractive alternative.
Note: Kaspersky offers a 30-day free trial of each of its security packages, no master card is required!
Kaspersky Anti-Virus Customer Support
While we tend not to have any real problems with the code on our computer, we do tend to have a few questions about how to maximize its effectiveness on our laptop, so we tend to check out their support online. page. Like several corporations, Kaspersky 1st asked the North American nation to review its frequently asked questions before moving any. The page was also combined with a robust customer discussion section, where we tend to find questions and answers on all kinds of viruses and issues. but we were happy to learn that, unlike some products, Kaspersky provided how to achieve an associated real creature if needed.
Kaspersky offers 3 options for this type of help: online chat, support tickets, and phone support. All 3-area units are available 24/7, although Kaspersky asks that non-time-sensitive things move to a price tag, and also the phone is reserved for real emergencies. Since our interest probably didn’t meet that bar, we tend not to call, but we tend to be glad to know it was available.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus App
While we tend to try Kaspersky’s Windows app for this review, it’s also available for auto and iOS devices, though we tend not to be included in the Kaspersky Anti-Virus package we buy. in the Google Play Store, it appears under Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus: AppLock & internet Security, with a brilliant client rating of 4.8. With a rating of 4.7, the iOS app will be found under the name Kaspersky Security Cloud & VPNWare in the app store. While we tend to only test the desktop app, that review area unit is a strong sign that the phone versions are well-designed.
How Much Information Does Kaspersky Collect?
Given the issues surrounding Kaspersky’s ties to Russia, we tended to want to see what information the app is adding. Here’s what they collect, as disclosed by their privacy policy:
- Name
- Phone range
- license data
- Product statistics (duration of scans, etc.)
- Threats detected
- Information about installed programs
- Device Information
- Visited URLs
- Emails (all content)
- WiFi data
- OS alerts
- Information provided to Kaspersky Technical School Support
- Expiration date and last four digits of the credit/debit card used for the purchase
- Statistical data on the type of browser
- Interactions with the Kaspersky website
- Stolen device information
Various alternative things could return to this list in certain situations; As an example, the app can track location information for United Nations agency users who purchase a package that has the GPS feature for kids. We all know this seems like a lot of information, but it’s normal for antivirus computer code. Since all our files and URLs must be accessed by computer code to check for malware, this information may be necessary. However, Kaspersky’s privacy policy will expressly state that they do not sell user information. Please note that this privacy policy refers to the desktop version we reviewed and should not be equivalent to Android or iOS.
Be prepared: Kaspersky Anti-Virus wants a minimum of one RAM of memory and a minimum of 1500 MB of storage space on a laptop.
Recap
We won’t lie; even while it’s less likely to have an impact on private citizens than it is on businesses or governments, we continue to have concerns about Kaspersky’s alleged ties to the Russian government. However, it is difficult to contest Kaspersky’s functionality. In tests, it performed better than almost all of its rivals, and its capacity to repair damage brought on by malware is very intriguing.
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