ZoneAlarm Security Suite Editor's Review

ZoneAlarm Security Suite is a complete security solution featuring antivirus, firewall, protection against identity theft and much more.

ZoneAlarm Security Suite is quite easy to use: if you are using it as a beginner, ZoneAlarm Security Suite will automatically configure the protection settings for your machine. As for advanced users, they have full control over program access rights, they can add or remove programs from the monitoring list.

The structure of this security suite is extremely well designed and covers every level of your PC’s security: inbound protection (programs trying to access local resources), outbound protection (programs trying to access the Internet), protection against spam, instant messaging protection, parental control, privacy and email protection.

The inbound and outbound protection are insured by the Program Control center which identifies all the programs which require access to trusted resources (Windows applications, other programs) or to the LAN or Internet.
The users can manually configure program access as the firewall asks for permissions every time a program or a component is trying to access the trusted zone or the Internet.
The level of security for the Internet zone and the Trusted zone can also be manually set. Users can choose between three levels of security: off, medium and high. The e-mail security includes filtering of junk email, inbound and outbound email protection.
Besides the blocking of spy websites, ZoneAlarm Security Suite protects your privacy by filtering cookies, blocking ads and filtering mobile code.

I tested the program using the EICAR (European Expert Group for IT Security) test files. ZoneAlarm Security Suite passed the test regarding files downloaded using HTTP and HTTPS protocols. The firewall has passed the online test provided by hackerwatch.org.

Pluses: An extremely comprehensive tutorial for beginners. ZoneAlarm protects you against identity theft, for example it warns you in case you try to submit your eBay password to a fake eBay site; this is possible through the Cooperative Security Alliance – on organism which features security technology suppliers, service providers, OEMs, and systems integrators. Instant messaging security and parental control filters included. Explorer context menu integration and scheduler for automatic scans provided.

Drawbacks / flaws: It takes a bit longer to load all the components at Widows startup and the scanning process uses a significant deal of resources.

In conclusion: An excellent Internet security and antivirus solution which protects you from viruses, spyware and other malware, hacking attempts or other unauthorized intrusion attempts.

version reviewed: 8.0.059.000