As with rival collections from Symantec and McAfee, Steganos Internet Security 7 claims to provide everything you need to surf the internet in safety. The package includes antivirus, anti-spam and firewall software, along with an 'anti-dialler' and trial versions of its 'offline' security utilities.
Each product needs to be loaded separately, with no option to simply install everything. Once running, the products need to be managed individually as well, which is annoying.
The firewall uses a slider to set the level of security, and a one-click stealth option can keep your PC hidden on the net. Despite some tiny and confusing icons, configuring internet access for applications is straightforward and the features are comprehensive, including intrusion detection to counteract common hacking tools.
Steganos' spam killer runs separately from your email package and works with both POP3 and web-based email accounts. Existing account details are imported during installation, bar passwords, but the package failed to spot our BT account in Outlook. Anti-Spam cleans out junk before it ever troubles your inbox, and can filter out messages with key words in the title or body.
Steganos' anti-virus solution is licensed from Kaspersky. Options are easy to use and the program provides 'always-on' protection, email integration and the ability to schedule virus scans or quarantine files for examination.
Impressively, it also offers hourly updates, so you'll be well protected. Finally, the anti-dialler looks for nasties that attempt to run up huge phone bills by connecting to premium rate lines.
While all the utilities do the job, this is a collection, not an integrated suite, and lacks the polish of its competitors. There's also a lack of printed documentation and online help is inconsistent.
Contact:
Steganos (no UK number)
www.steganos.com
See also:
All Privacy Tools



