Kaspersky Lab presents new version of its flagship consumer security solution with enhanced data protection features

Photo shows Marilen Young (left), Consumer Sales and Marketing Manager at iSecure Networks and Anthony Chua (right), Business Development Manager for the Philippines and Singapore at Kaspersky Lab Southeast Asia present to the media the charged up Kaspersky Internet Security 2017.

Kaspersky Lab has presented the new version of its flagship security solution Kaspersky Internet Security, which provides users with additional opportunities to manage their Internet protection and to ensure their data safety.

Kaspersky Internet Security is the security solution for the whole family; it protects Windows, Mac, and Android users against malware, dangerous sites, online tracking, fraud and money theft.

This year Kaspersky Lab products for Windows have integrated several new functions. Now users can protect their data from being intercepted during an unsafe Internet connection with the help of Secure Connection. In addition, they can patch potential "holes" in their device security with Software Updater and Software Cleaner.

"At Kaspersky Lab we believe that IT security is not only about the effectiveness of a security solution. It is also about the user’s own cyber savviness. Cyber savvy people behave carefully and watchfully online, and they are also ready to apply the latest technological achievements to protect what is most important for them – whether that’s personal information, files, privacy, their devices or peace of mind for their family members. We are striving to offer the user these possibilities with each new version of our solutions", commented Sylvia Ng, General Manager at Kaspersky Lab Southeast Asia.

Secure Connection
Secure Connection allows users to connect to the Internet safely, by encrypting all data sent and received through the network . This is especially important when performing financial operations, authorization on sites, or transferring confidential information, as in these cases traffic interception by a stranger could cause users serious (for example, financial) losses.

This function is especially useful while traveling, when many people are increasingly connecting to insecure Wi-Fi networks to stay in touch.

According to the Kaspersky Lab study, every fifth (18%) user has fallen victim to cybercriminals when traveling. This is not surprising considering the fact that – what a coincidence! – one in five (18%) travelers does not take any steps to protect them online. Secure Connection is now a necessary protection measure when connecting to a public Wi-Fi.

The Kaspersky Lab protection component, Secure Connection, can be launched from the main window of Kaspersky Internet Security. It can also be activated automatically when the device is connected to public Wi-Fi or the user is inputting confidential information online, such as on banking websites, online stores, payment systems, e-mail, social networks, etc.

Within the security product’s license, users have 200 MB of encrypted traffic at their daily disposal, and for an additional monthly or annual fee they can get an unlimited volume of traffic.

Software Updater
One of the common methods of malware penetrating the computer is the use of errors (so-called vulnerabilities) in the programs installed on it. Developers regularly update their products, however not all users regularly update these on their devices.

Software Updater can automatically find the applications that need to be updated and, if the user agrees, install the latest versions from vendor sites on their computer. The user can also request the update of an application manually or add any of them to the list of applications that should not be updated (for example, if the older version is required).

Software Cleaner
According to the Kaspersky Lab study, 37% of users store programs that they do not use on their device. In addition to the fact that this overloads the device memory, it also provides extra opportunities for cybercriminals to penetrate the system.

Software Cleaner scans all applications installed on the computer and marks those posing potential risk. Users sometimes do not even know about these applications being installed on their devices or are unaware of their negative effects.

Software Cleaner will inform users of a program if it has been installed without their awareness or clear consent (for example, as additional software during the installation of another application), or if it slows down the user’s device, provides incomplete/incorrect information about its functions, operates in the background mode, shows banners and messages without permission (e.g., advertising), or is rarely used.

Upon receipt of a report from Software Cleaner, the user can either remove or leave the application in question.

In addition to the new functions, Kaspersky Internet Security has been enhanced with improved advanced technologies such as the multi-level protection of financial transactions (with Safe Money), the prevention of the installation of unwanted applications (with Application Manager, part of the former Change Control feature) and the blocking of advertising banners in the browser (with Anti-Banner).

“Filipinos are heavy mobile and internet users. Filipinos are also known as one of the most active social media users. Through social engineering or hacking of the human mind, careless and unaware Filipinos could be easy prey for cybercriminals. Kaspersky Lab Internet Security 2017 is equipped with new features designed to protect Filipinos and their devices. But more than installing an awesome security product on a device, being cyber savvy online matters the most. It is highly important to behave carefully online. Think security at all times,” adds Anthony Chua, Business Development Manager for the Philippines and Singapore at Kaspersky Lab Southeast Asia.