I. Introduction
Kaspersky is one of the leading cybersecurity companies, providing protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats for over 20 years. With the growing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks, having robust security software protecting your devices is more important than ever.
Kaspersky offers a range of security solutions for home and business users. Two of their most popular consumer products are Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Antivirus. Both provide essential protection, but they differ in their features and capabilities. Understanding those key differences will help you determine which is the right solution for your needs and budget.
Choosing inadequate security software leaves your devices and data vulnerable. This article will compare Kaspersky’s premium security suite, Kaspersky Internet Security, with their baseline antivirus software, Kaspersky Antivirus. It will analyze the scope of protection, feature differences, operating system compatibility, and consider factors to help you select the ideal security solution for your situation.
II. Kaspersky’s security solutions
Kaspersky Security Cloud, Kaspersky Internet Security, Kaspersky Antivirus, and Kaspersky Total Security comprise Kaspersky’s personal security software product line.
Kaspersky Security Cloud is their lightweight, entry-level software focused on essential anti-malware protection with a simple interface designed for low performance impact.
Kaspersky Antivirus offers solid, basic real-time scanning and removal against viruses, spyware, rootkits and other types of malware.
Kaspersky Internet Security builds on the antivirus foundation by adding extra security layers like a firewall, anti-phishing, privacy tools, parental controls, and more for safer online activities.
Kaspersky Total Security provides their maximum level of protection by combining everything in Kaspersky Internet Security along with additional features like password management, file encryption, backup software and PC optimization.
In terms of subscription options, Kaspersky provides flexible plans to suit different budgets and needs. Their antivirus and Internet Security suites can be purchased on a monthly, yearly, or multi-year (2 or 3 year) basis. The longer the subscription, the lower the effective yearly cost. For example, a 1-year Kaspersky Internet Security license covers 3 PCs and costs $29.99 if paid monthly, or $44.99 total for an annual 1-device license. Significant discounts are offered for 2 or 3 year subscriptions.
III. Kaspersky Internet Security versus Antivirus
When evaluating Kaspersky Internet Security vs Antivirus, two major factors should be analyzed closely – the scope of protection and differences in features.
In terms of malware detection and removal, Kaspersky Antivirus and Kaspersky Internet Security offer very similar levels of reliable, real-time protection against viruses, Trojans, spyware, rootkits and more. They both utilize signature-based detection as well as advanced heuristics that can identify never-before seen threats.
Independent testing repeatedly confirms Kaspersky’s antivirus engine as among the best in the industry when it comes to protection rates. Both Kaspersky Antivirus and Kaspersky Internet Security integrate that same, proven anti-malware engine.
However, Kaspersky Internet Security offers a substantially wider scope of protection by adding layers like a two-way firewall, anti-phishing tools, privacy protection, safe money and payments, parental controls, and more. So you not only get the robust core antivirus defense, but extra security for online activities, financial transactions, kids web use, and defending the network perimeter against unauthorized access.
In terms of platform compatibility, Kaspersky Antivirus and Kaspersky Internet Security share support for the latest Windows, Mac OS, and Android operating systems. Specific supported OS versions differ slightly between the two solutions, with Kaspersky Antivirus having a somewhat wider backwards-compatibility for older Windows OS editions. But in general, both can protect computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones running up-to-date Windows, Mac, Android or iOS platforms.
When it comes to unique features included with Kaspersky Internet Security but not found in Kaspersky Antivirus, key extras include:
- Two-way firewall – Monitors inbound and outbound network traffic using pre-configured or custom rules. Prevents access by hackers, blocks malware communications.
- Safe Money – Protects financial data when banking or shopping online using enhanced encrypted connections to web sites and data scrambling when entering sensitive info. Prevents capture of login credentials, payment info by keyloggers, screen capture tools and other spyware.
- Privacy Protection – Prevents access to your webcam by untrusted applications to stop secret video recording. Also blocks tracking of your web browsing activities across sites by ad networks and data brokers.
- Parental controls – Allows parents to restrict web access for kids to limit exposure to inappropriate or dangerous sites and content. Can also enforce time limits, prevent launching of certain applications, and monitor activity.
- Network attack blocker – Detects network vulnerability scans and common exploits like SQL injections used by hackers to identify weak points and infiltrate business, government agency, or home networks. Automatically blocks detected attack patterns.
So in summary, while Kaspersky Antivirus and Kaspersky Internet Security share the same malware protection engine, Kaspersky Internet Security expands the scope of defense with firewall, web security tools, parental controls, network attack blocker, and more premium features.
IV. Factors to consider when choosing between Kaspersky’s security solutions
When selecting between Kaspersky’s personal security products, key factors include:
User needs and preferences – Kaspersky Antivirus provides robust malware protection for a low cost, but lacks extra features. Kaspersky Internet Security offers a wider array of security tools for safer online activities, though at a higher price. Consider which specific capabilities are most useful for your needs.
Budget – Kaspersky Antivirus is the most affordable option and still provides essential security against viruses and other threats. But the premium tools in Kaspersky Internet Security offer much more value for the money. Multi-year subscriptions reduce the yearly cost.
Level of protection required – While both utilize the same proven malware detection engine, Kaspersky Internet Security includes additional layers like anti-phishing, privacy protection, parental controls and more for greater security. Evaluate your risk profile and determine if you require baseline antivirus or more advanced security tools.
For the majority of home users, Kaspersky Internet Security strikes the best balance between robust protection and added security features for safer online activities at a reasonable price. But Kaspersky Antivirus can still meet essential security needs for a low cost, especially when deployed vigilantly by knowledgeable users. Weigh your requirements, priorities and budget when deciding between these two solutions.
V. Conclusion
Kaspersky Antivirus and Kaspersky Internet Security are both highly effective at protecting Windows PCs from viruses, spyware, Trojans and other threats. They leverage the same proven, real-time malware detection and removal engine that achieves top scores in independent testing.
However, Kaspersky Internet Security expands protection beyond the core antivirus platform with extra tools for safer online banking and shopping, controlling kids’ activities, preventing webcam spying, blocking network attacks, and more security layers.
Consider whether you need just fundamental malware protection, or more fully-featured security capabilities when determining if Kaspersky Antivirus or Kaspersky Internet Security is the right choice for your situation. But for most users, Kaspersky Internet Security delivers robust defense and additional online safety features that justify its higher cost, especially when licensed on a 2 or 3 year discounted subscription. By understanding key differences between these two solutions in scope, features, compatibility and cost, you can select the ideal Kaspersky product to secure your home PCs and devices.