Comodo Internet Security Plus from Comodo Group (Jersey City, New Jersey) frustrates the hacker community.

In general, all firewall software can scan, filter, block and stealth ports, making it difficult for cybercriminals to access the sensitive information on any personal computer. Since the Windows operating systems come with some form of firewall as part of the system, it's up to users to determine if that is sufficient to the task of ultimate protection. Because there are regular virus outbreaks and subsequent security updates issued within the Windows community on a regular basis, there seems to be evidence to suggest that augmentation or replacement of the standard Windows firewall security is still beneficial. Comodo is our TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award winner in personal firewall software.

Firewall Performance
There are differences among Windows firewall-software products. And although they all meet a minimumperformance standard to filter incoming and outgoing data packets, as long as the creative genius of evil evolves, firewall technologies must evolve. There may come a day when we connect to the Internet with absolute assurance of security. But there are no known limits to human creativity and intelligence, so the competition to deploy the most secure firewall is a metaphor for the struggle between order and chaos. The Comodo firewall passes leak tests that attempt to connect with internet servers in order send data. For example, Comodo successfully filters ICMP traffic as well as outbound TCP and UDP traffic. Comodo has control over the launching of Windows Explorer and it can prevent a suspected process from changing or launching the default browser. Some hackers attempt to replace the executable code of the default browser, but Comodo prevents such a thing. If a malicious HTML page attempts to execute, Comodo can deny the attempt. Spying tests such as keyloggers and packet sniffers attempt to discover patterns in order to deduce information to exploit. The Comodo firewall successfully squelches spying tests with relative ease. If a keylogger repeatedly scans for the key-code status to infer which keys the user is pressing, Comodo detects and stops the action. Another hack tactic is to install system infections that survive reboot. Comodo passes autorun tests. If malware attempts to install itself in the system registry so that it can run whenever the user invokes Windows Explorer, Comodo clobbers it. The Comodo firewall also prevents malware attempts to remain persistent in the system by altering machine-wide registry settings for the Command Processor. System-integrity tests check whether a security product defends against attempts to modify the system to allow sufficient privilege to subvert it. One example is that Comodo will not allow malware to load a driver to the kernel of the operating system. Comodo protects registry keys if any process tries to manipulate the security descriptors associated with the registry keys. When all else fails, hackers construct attacks designed to crack specific security products. Hackers know that each security product relies on specific registry entries and files. Therefore they attack known product components with the intention to damage certain files or terminate the processes that are necessary to the product. Comodo protects its own processes and processor threads from termination. If a suspicious process attempts to terminate a product by sending a shutdown message, Comodo does not kowtow.

Additional Security Features

Because Comodo Internet Security Plus is more than a firewall, it has the wherewithal to detect and block viruses, Trojan horses, worms, keyloggers, rootkits and other malware in real time. For any program that attempts to run on the PC, the product checks the signature against a database of files known to be good or bad. Comodo runs unknown files in a virtual sandbox until their behavior reveals whether they should be released or removed. Even though the product includes an antivirus component, it is modular so that it can be installed independently of the firewall. Users can opt to leave Comodos antivirus module uninstalled in favor of an antivirus product from a different vendor without losing interoperability with the Comodo firewall. In order to protect users while surfing from public Wi-Fi networks, Comodo provides an encrypted internet proxy service (128-bit encryption). To encourage users to back up data on a regular basis, Comodo provides 2GB of online storage space.

Help and Support

The user guide is a wonder to behold: excellent, precise and complete. Every user has 24/7 chat access (LivePCSupport) to support technicians from within the product console at no additional cost. If chatting proves insufficient, the support person can remotely access the users desktop. If the PC is not functioning, a toll-free number in the user manual (and confirmation email) provides telephone access. Comodo Group has such confidence in Comodo Internet Security Pro that if any PC becomes infected while under Comodo protection, the vendor will rid the PC of viruses for free. Furthermore, if the vendor fails to disinfect the PC and get it up and running, the user receives up to $500 toward repair. The offer applies to USA residents only and requires that the user must have installed the antivirus component along with the firewall component and Comodo LivePCSupport. The offer is also contingent on the user having run and passed a scan from the latest Comodo Antivirus signature database.

Summary
The performance of the Comodo firewall under extreme security testing demonstrates that not all Windows firewalls are created equal. Comodo Internet Security is a firewall with an antivirus module that conveniently and graciously allows the user to install one or the other or both. Comodo gathers and maintains a database of threat signatures to automatically protect users without unnecessary alerts, if they so choose. Comodo anonymously monitors threat responses from the volunteer ThreatCast community and aggregates response percentages in real time so that all users benefit from the wisdom of the collective response trends. Comodo directs unknown files to a virtual sandbox until their true character is revealed so that they can be categorized or exterminated. Online chat and the ability for support technicians to remotely access a problem installation are available all day and every day. For residents of the United States, the vendor will restore an infected PC or contribute money toward repair.

Comodo Internet Security Plus is an excellent personal firewall software choice. System Requirements Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Firewall Comodo's Firewall consistently ranks among the highest in industry tests. Defense+ Technology Proactive protection to automatically isolate threats from suspicious files so they can't cause harm actually preventing infections not just detecting them. Auto Sandbox Technology To reduce interruption to the user, unknown files can only run in a secure virtual environment where they can't damage Windows, its registry, or important user data. Minimal Interruptions Comodo Internet Security Pro relieves you of the responsibility of deciding whether to block or allow untrusted files it makes the decisions for you. Updating Real-Time access to update virus definitions.

TrustConnect Hot spot protection that encrypts all data transmitted over both wired and wireless Internet connections. Remote Security & Anytime System Support Tier 2 livePCsupport service offering 24/7 live chat support to assist with everything from setup to virus removal and Windows issues at no additional charge. Virus-Free Guarantee If a PC that has Comodo Internet Security Complete installed becomes infected with a virus or malware and cannot be restored to working condition by our support team, we will cover the cost of repair by a Comodo certified service up to $500. Compatibility With Windows XP, Vista and 7 32 and 64 bit.

Bitdefender Internet Security 2012

Bitdefender Internet Security from Bitdefender (Bucharest, Romania) is an excellent example of a security suite that offers much more than firewall software. It is for users who require more than the Bitdefender AntiVirus product and less than the Bitdefender Total Security product (which adds data backup, file shredding and tune-up). Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and the Bitdefender product brand is so well established and trusted that hackers (using a domain name registered in the Ukraine) have attempted to trick people into downloading a product called ByteDefender, which is actually a rogue antivirus utility. Bitdefender Internet Security features Quick Scan, which uses cloud technology for better detection. Designers also added convenient dashboard shortcuts, safety ratings, personalized suggestions and video tutorials. It wins the TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award for personal firewall software.

Firewall Performance
The Bitdefender Internet Security suite includes a two-way firewall and other security features. It can secure a local area network and protect itself from intrusion via wireless networks. It is possible to manage all computers with Bitdefender installations on the same network from one computer. The firewall reliably blocks, filters and stealths ports with no glitches.

Additional Security Features

Parental controls block web sites and specify when gaming and internet access occur. There is an option for Bitdefender to track childrens internet activity. A parent can receive an email every time the Parental Control module thwarts a childs attempt to reach a blocked site. It can also provide a parent with the history of websites the child has visited. Bitdefender encrypts instant messaging from Yahoo Messenger and Windows Live Messenger as long as the IM contact is also using Bitdefender and Yahoo Messenger or Windows Live Messenger. Another instant-messaging feature specific to Yahoo Messenger and Windows Live Messenger lets parents specify the instant message contacts with whom a child may chat. Parental controls, antiphishing and antimalware are part of the toolkit. The product automatically detects when a removable storage device connects to the computer, so it can protect against attacks that might come from CDs, DVDs, network drives or USB storage devices. It is possible to suppress the alerts for storage-device detection if the user deems them unnecessary.

The product gives antispam protection for any POP3/SMTP email client and offers antiphishing protection for:

Internet Explorer Mozilla Firefox Yahoo Messenger Windows Live Messenger

Help and Support

The documentation is of extremely high quality, complete and well arranged with excellent graphics and wellwritten text. Bitdefender Internet Security lays on a full complement of help and support in the form of a user forum and online knowledge base as well as online chat, email and telephone access to technicians.

Summary
Good personal firewall software is the most important component of a security suite because it stops unwanted visitors at the front door. In case intruders sneak in through the window, the firewall detects them and traps them inside of the house so that they cant leave with anything valuable. Bitdefender Internet Security starts with a two-way firewall to block and filter ports and to shield from internet detection. It also monitors Wi-Fi to frustrate access by unknown entities and aspiring hackers. Bitdefender Internet Security suite adds layers of protection above and beyond the firewall such as parental controls, antispam, antipharming, antiphishing, antimalware and instant-message encryption. Gamer and laptop modes that minimize contention for resources plus high-quality documentation and a full complement of support methods contribute to the excellence of the Bitdefender Internet Security suite. It is a dangerous world out there. The firewall in Bitdefender Internet Security is an improvement over the firewall native to XP. Windows Vista and 7 include a two-way firewall, but in order to enjoy complete security, additional security features such as those included in the Bitdefender Internet Security suite are required. BitDefender Internet Security 2012 provides protection against viruses, hackers, spam, and identity theft without slowing you down! Features include:

Firewall iPhone-friendly Parental Controls, to monitor/control what websites your kids visit and who they IM,
24/7 IM Encryption, for private chatting QuickScan, to detect viruses in just 60 seconds Video Tutorials, to keep you in the know about your security a customizable dashboard that lets you choose how much or how little you want to see automatic hourly updates Home Network Management Laptop Mode, to prolong battery life Gamer Mode free 24/7 technical support and more!

Confidently download, share and open files from friends, family, co-workersor even total strangers

Protect against viruses and other malware using industry-leading technology Scan all Web, e-mail and instant messaging traffic in real-time Receive advance warnings about risky websites, displayed right in your Google and Yahoo! search
results

Get unmatched detection of new threats, thanks to the use of two different proactive technologies

 Block spyware programs that track your online activities

Protect your identity: shop, bank, listen and watch, privately and securely

Stops attempted identity theft (phishing) Prevent personal information from leaking via e-mail, Web or Instant Messaging Blocks concealed programs that track your online activities
Get fine-tuned performance from your computer

QuickScan utilizes in-the-cloud technology to uncover viruses in 60 seconds, with minimal strain on
system resources

Laptop Mode prolongs battery life, while on the go

Guard your conversations with top-of-the-line encryption!

Instant Messaging Encryption (Yahoo! and MSN Messenger)

Connect securely to any network at home, in the office, or on the road!

Automatically modifies firewall protection settings to suit location Wi-Fi monitor helps prevent unauthorized access to your Wi-Fi network
iPhone-friendly Parental Controls!

Lets you view where you kids go online and who they chat with on IM from the convenience of an
iPhone, smart phone, or PC

Blocks access to inappropriate websites Schedules and limits kids access to Internet and to applications, such as games
Gamer Mode!

Reduces the system load and postpones scans/updates, allowing for secure gaming at top speed Be in control, stay in control! Manage the security of your entire home network from one PC Use the dashboard to fix security issues with just one click Automatically decides best security actions to take

Choose your view

Match the dashboard to your level of PC knowledge by selecting between Basic, Intermediate, or
Expert settings

Quickly and easily create shortcuts to your most frequently used features and controls
Get FREE technical assistance, 24/7!

Step-by-step Video Tutorials help you navigate through common security challenges Built-in Help Desk finds solutions to the most frequently asked security questions Context-based tips guide you in the right direction when managing your security

BitDefenders online Knowledge Base contains a full library of articles at your disposal, and puts you in contact with phone support (1-954-928-2780) if you dont find the solution you are looking for System Requirements: Minimal System Requirements:

Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (SP2 for x64), Vista (SP1), Microsoft Windows 7 Available free hard disk space: 1 GB free space CPU: 800MHz processor Memory (RAM): o 512 MB (Microsoft Windows XP) o 1 GB (Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Windows 7)

Recommended System Requirements:

Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (SP2 for x64), Vista (SP1), Microsoft Windows 7 Available free hard disk space: 1 GB free space CPU: Intel CORE Duo (1.66 GHz) or equivalent processor Memory (RAM): o 1GB (Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows 7) o 1.5 GB (Microsoft Windows Vista)

Software Compatibility:

Internet Explorer 6 (Internet Explorer 7 recommended) Yahoo Messenger 8.1 Microsoft Windows Live Messenger 8 Firefox 3.x Thunderbird 3.0.4 Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010 Outlook Express Microsoft Windows Mail Adobe Flash Player 10.0.45.2 Net framework 2.0

Kaspersky Internet Security 2012

Kaspersky Internet Security from Kaspersky Lab (Moscow, Russia) is a suite of impressive security products built around an extremely secure two-way Windows firewall. The products approach to security is inventive and comprehensive. Kaspersky Internet Security includes a firewall software module that has accumulated an impressive list of awards and acquitted itself well in comparative tests at multiple independent research centers. Eugene Kaspersky, founder, studied mathematics and physics at Moscow State University when he was a high school student. The inspiration for the Kaspersky Lab business stems from Eugenes discovery of a virus that infected his computer. He analyzed the virus and then wrote a disinfection utility.

Firewall Performance
The market for third-party personal firewall software for Windows stems from the early days of Windows XP, which included a firewall to protect from incoming traffic only. The Windows Vista firewall filters incoming and

outgoing traffic and Windows 7 includes a two-way firewall with lots of good features and configuration options. In order to compete with Microsofts ever-improving built-in Windows security, third-party vendors of firewalls for Windows are creating security suites with firewall and additional security modules. The standalone Windows firewall software market is morphing into a security-suite market. Vendors who continue to market standalone Windows firewall software products are addressing XP and Vista users as well as any Windows 7 users who havent yet realized that the Windows 7 firewall is a perfectly good alternative to firewall products from third-party vendors. A firewall, however, is not a complete security solution. In keeping with the current evolution of the security market, Kaspersky Internet Security is a two-way firewall and more. The firewall monitors every network connection to the computer. When the product detects a new network, the user can assign a status based on whether it is a public network such as the internet, a local network at home or in a corporation where access to files and printers is required, or a trusted network where it is safe to allow all traffic to flow unchallenged. When subjected to port scanning by the Nmap Security Scanner, the firewall component in Kaspersky Internet Security scans, filters, blocks and stealths in an acceptable manner.

Additional Security Features

In addition to a firewall, Kaspersky Internet Security includes the standard features of many security suites such as protection from Trojan horses, viruses and worms. It also blocks adware and spyware and scans files, email messages and Internet traffic. The way in which the product scans for objects that might require quarantine and disinfection is to compare each object to entries in a database of malware with known signatures. If a new object appears, which is not yet in the database of known threats, the program analyzes the behavior of the new object. If the behavior conforms to objects that have proven to be malicious in the past, the product can classify the new object as suspicious, even if it is not yet registered in the known malware database. Parents can define inappropriate content categories, prevent access to unwanted websites and define the time periods that children can be online. Kaspersky also secures wireless networks and virtual-private-network connections. The product blocks malware and phishing sites as well as keyloggers, and it protects against spam. The program automatically maintains a current threat-signature database updated via the Kaspersky Security Network (a global-threat monitoring system). Kaspersky Internet Security goes above and beyond the call of duty in a number of ways. For example if a computer is already infected, the program can be installed to remove malicious software and restore the correct system settings. The product provides tools to create a rescue disk and it deletes temporary files and cookies to destroy traces of user activity. A safe-environment sandbox isolates applications and prevents them from accessing private data. Even though the program can block keyloggers, as an extra measure it offers a virtual keyboard so that users can enter logins and passwords without typing on the physical keyboard.

Help and Support

The user guide for Kaspersky Internet Security is comprehensive and written and organized such that security novices and experts can extract necessary information. It is obvious that Kaspersky Lab dedicated talent and resources to the development of the user guide. Excellence in help and support extends to the online knowledge base, user forum and the enlistment of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to enhance Kasperskys customer-support reach. Email and telephone support are available 24/7. Technical support chat is available twelve hours per day on weekdays.

Summary
As the market for standalone third-party Windows firewalls dwindles in response to improvements in the Windows 7 firewall, security suites such as Kaspersky Internet Security provide the comprehensive security features that necessarily augment the firewalls role. The Kaspersky Internet Security firewall can scan, filter and block ports, and hide IP addresses. It can also defend against threats that are delivered via local area

network or Wi-Fi. The product updates itself so that the user always has the latest version and, more importantly, the latest database of known threats. The suite provides a complete protection package to prevent phishing, spam and malware. Instant messages are analyzed for threats and parental control features are strong. Although the product protects against keyloggers, users can choose to bypass the physical keyboard altogether and use a virtual keyboard whenever it is necessary to enter sensitive personal data. The Kaspersky Internet Security suite stood up to our attempts to expose vulnerabilities using the Nmap Security Scanner. According to various third-party testing results, the Kaspersky Internet Security firewall performs better than the Outpost Firewall Pro and almost as well as the firewall in Online Armor Premium . The excellence of the modules, the beauty and elegance of the user interface, and the completeness of the additional security features work together to position Kaspersky Internet Security among the top the best. Specifications System Requirements Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Kaspersky Internet Security Kaspersky Internet Security a Kaspersky Lab product for home users that provides complete protection of personal computers from all Internet threats. The solution includes HIPS (Host-based Intrusion Prevention System), an advanced application activity control technology which assigns security ratings to new, as yet unknown programs. It is the first antivirus product to include sandbox technology, which uses virtualization to provide a secure isolated execution environment for applications. Kaspersky Internet Security also offers users the advantages of Kaspersky Security Network, an innovative distributed malware control system. About Kaspersky Lab Some companies put on a big show, while others simply create great products. In any area of business only companies that are fully dedicated and remain focused on one thing achieve success. For us this means the battle against computer malware. Kaspersky Lab has always put all its resources and know-how into preventing these threats from spreading, and educating the community at large on best practices to ensure the greatest possible online security. The success of the Company's mission has resulted in Kaspersky Lab emerging as the world's largest privately held anti-malware company. Founded in 1997, the Company offers its products and technologies to industry and consumers in virtually every country around the globe. Today, more than 300 million users worldwide are protected by Kaspersky Lab's technologies. And every week, 150,000 new users are added. Today, Kaspersky Lab is firmly positioned as one of the worlds top four leading IT security software vendors for endpoint users.

Norton Internet Security 2012

Norton Internet Security from Symantec Corporation (Mountain View, California) has the same features as Norton 360 minus the backup, restore and PC tune-up capabilities. Norton 360 includes 2GB of online storage, something that is not included in Norton Internet Security. Norton Internet Security is a suite of security modules built around two-way firewall software. Firewall Performance We used Nscan Security Scanner to attempt to uncover any anomalies between vendor claims and actual product performance and we were able to confirm that the firewall works at basic and intermediate levels. The firewall blocks and filters ports, scans for threats and hides IP addresses. Other tests that employ advanced hacker techniques have detected a few esoteric vulnerabilities in the Norton firewall (fewer than BitDefender but more than Outpost). The protection offered by a firewall alone only goes so far. The firewall is one component of a comprehensive security solution and Norton Internet Security is more than a firewall.

Additional Security Features At the core level of protection, Norton Internet Security goes beyond firewall protection to block bots, rootkits, spyware, Trojan horses, viruses and worms. Every five-to-fifteen minutes, the product refreshes itself with signatures of the latest threats. The threats are gleaned via the Symantec Global Intelligence Network, which is Symantecs initiative to collect and analyze threats in real time from computers whose owners have volunteered to be part of the threat-detection network. The product authenticates websites that can be trusted and it blocks websites that attempt phishing expeditions. At the advanced level, Norton Internet Security filters spam and includes parental controls. It is aware of the network environments in which it finds itself. The product can monitor and provide security on the network. It automatically secures a computer detected to have joined a public wireless network. The product also scans instant messages for malware. In addition to defensive security tactics, Norton Internet Security can also go on the offensive. If a computer is already so badly infected that it will not boot, the Norton Bootable Recovery Tool repairs and resurrects the infected computer. Help & Support Symantec updates the Norton Internet Security software with new product features and protection updates when they become available during the subscription period. In order to prevent interruption of service, there is an option to renew the yearly subscription automatically. Symantec provides a good online knowledge base, educational videos and 24/7 support via chat, email or telephone. Symantec also hosts an interactive user forum and makes appropriate use of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube in support of the customer base.

Summary
Ever since Peter Norton founded Peter Norton Computing in 1982, Norton products have assisted PC users to solve various problems. With the power of Symantec behind the Norton brand, Norton firewalls and security suites enjoy a good share of the market. Although Windows Vista and 7 include two-way firewalls, Microsoft never intended the firewall to be the only means of protection. Norton Internet Security has the additional security features to defend against spam, malware and phishing. It protects in network and Wi-Fi environments and monitors instant messages for threats. Norton and Windows have evolved in tandem with one of the product results being Norton Internet Security.

McAfee Internet Security 2012

McAfee Internet Security from McAfee (Santa Clara, California) is firewall software that stands in between McAfees AntiVirus Plus and McAfee Total Protection products. It contains all of the features of AntiVirus Plus except for the anti-theft file protection, home network defense protection and the enhanced McAfee SiteAdvisor Plus, which offers improved protection from dangerous websites. Firewall Performance The core of McAfee Internet Security is a two-way firewall that is designed to block attempts to hack the system from without or within. If a threat breaches the firewall, McAfee contains the threat and doesnt allow it to talk to the sender. Unfortunately, the McAfee firewall does not exhibit a high success rate when subjected to simulations of advanced hacker techniques. It often fails to protect from malicious code that attempts to survive system reboot. It fails many leak tests designed to trick the firewall into allowing a threatening file to communicate with its sender. And it often shows weakness in protecting itself from attacks intended to exploit the processes that McAfee depends on to run itself. Additional Security Features Because the product is more than a firewall, it also finds and takes out adware and rootkits. A variety of scan types are available to discover viruses and spyware. Whenever the PC operator (or applications within the PC) uses a file, McAfee Internet Security checks the file to determine the level of threat. The product also scans based on a schedule that the user can configure.

The product discovers and blocks spam. Antiphishing features provide alerts in case a user is about to access a site that is designed to steal identity. And websites associated with malware threats trigger warnings so that the user can avoid risk. If the users McAfee-protected PC is on a network of other McAfee-protected PCs, the user can see a map of the network and respond to security situations that occur on the networked PCs. The included parental-control features allow the user to restrict what a child can do or see. A parent can apply a password to the administration of the parental controls so that nobody can alter the settings. The suite contains additional useful tools such as the ability to delete unnecessary files that are affecting system performance. It can shred files that contain sensitive information so that they are permanently deleted and unrecoverable. The product also includes a disk defragmenter to optimize disk storage. Help & Support McAfee Internet Security includes a virtual technician that attempts to diagnose and then solve issues. If it fails to fix a problem, it provides the user with relevant information to enable useful searches of the online knowledge base. Tech support via email and chat is available for free. Telephone support is free for the first 30 days of a subscription. McAfee also hosts a blog and a page on Facebook.

Summary
In spite of being surrounded by many additional useful security features, the firewall at the core of McAfee Internet Security cannot go toe to toe against the current generation of hackers.

Exclusive McAfee Active Protection technology Revolutionary McAfee Active Protection technology provides the fastest protection against malicious threats to your PC. Unlike the competition, new and emerging threats are analyzed and blocked in milliseconds, so you don't have to wait for regular updates to arrive. Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware Detects, blocks, and removes viruses, spyware, adware, even rootkitsinsidious programs designed to tamper with your PC. Two-Way Firewall Blocks outsiders from hacking into your PC. McAfee SiteAdvisor Helps you know about a website's risks before you click to stop malware threats. Advanced "phishing" protection alerts you to websites that may try to steal your identity or gain access to your financial information. Provides site ratings in 22 popular search engines.