The Reviews Factory

Credit: FBI

While most of the world slept after -- or possibly through -- President Barack Obama's announcement late last night (May 1) that bin Laden had been killed in a targeted attack on his Pakistan compound, cybercriminals quickly rushed to the offensive in an attempt to cash in on the earth-shattering news.

Here's what to watch out for in the coming days and weeks, as news of the death of al-Qaida's top terrorist takes over the Web. (This morning it was leading in Google searches and Twitter hashtags.)

A spam message found by the security firm Sophos claims to have the "real" story of how bin Laden was killed, complete with images. Although the message carries an air of legitimacy by purporting to be from a real news source, clicking on the link, however, directs users to an ad for window replacement.

This particular ad won't harm your computer or steal your money, but it's a definite sign of what's to come.

Undoubtedly, as with any news that grabs the world's attention, there are sure to be scores of people who will chase down any potential development on bin Laden's death.

Be careful of news stories -- especially from sources you may never have heard of -- that promise footage of information no other site has. As the saying goes, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If you had the chance to see a live video of U.S. ground forces killing bin Laden, would you watch it?

Cybercriminals certainly think so, and a fake video claiming to have such highly coveted footage is already making its presence known on a Spanish-language website. The website, according to Michael Sutton with the security firm Zscaler, hits visitors first with a gruesome -- but fake -- photo of bin Laden after being shot.

If that isn't enough to lure readers in, the site offers visitors a video of bin Laden's killing. But, as with the fake news stories, the video is a setup -- a clever front. If you click on the video, you are first told to upgrade a Flash Player plugin, which is actually a piece of malware that allows criminals to gain unauthorized access to your computer.

Fake videos, as seen during March's devastating tsunami in Japan, are surefire tactics cybercriminals deploy to capture users' attention following global news events. If you click on a video, make sure its source is legitimate, and not a clever spoof of a real news or video website such as YouTube.

A similar video quickly showed up on Facebook, still ripe new territory for scammers. A link circulating today promised "Shocking NEW VIDEO of Osama Bin Ladens DEATH!!," reported Sophos.

But of course there was no video -- Facebook users who clicked on the link got yet another video that generates ad revenue for the poster, and also had the privilege of the link being broadcast to all their friends.

The hashtags #osama and #obl (Osama bin Laden) are currently the top trending topics on Twitter. And as with all events that draw worldwide online attention, bin Laden's death is spreading quickly through social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook.

You can be sure online criminals are scheming to divert some of that massive Web traffic to their own malicious pages.

As the aforementioned rigged videos and fake news stories find their footing and start spreading virally through the social networking giants, it's important to exercise caution about what you click. Even if your friends' Twitter feeds and Facebook walls are flush with bin Laden-related messages and links, it doesn't mean it's safe to click on those links.

"Don't blindly trust links you see online, whether in emails, on social networking sites, or from searches," Sophos' Paul Ducklin wrote.

Another vector for attack cybercriminals often use is poisoned SEO and images -- the tactic of creating malicious websites and rigged pictures tied to high-profile topics.

Last week's Royal Wedding, for instance, sparked criminals to quickly build phony websites -- including enticing pictures -- aimed at cashing in on search terms such as "Royal Wedding" and "Kate Middleton wedding dress." The Japanese tsunami drew similar scams, targeting people's natural curiosity to back up what they'd been reading about with visual proof.

With a news item as international as bin Laden's death, it's important to remain vigilant while browsing the Web. Online criminals are constantly looking for the next big topic, and this one is sure to stick around for a while.

A new malware campaign is targeting Mac OS X users, trying to convince them their computer is infected with a virus, then trick them into downloading a corrupted version of the popular MacDefender antivirus software, The Next Web reports.

The new malware targets victims of Apple's Safari Web browser via rigged Google Images; when users click on the infected pictures, the bogus MacDefender program automatically downloads onto their systems. Once downloaded, the rogue antivirus software asks victims to pay for protection they don't need.

Luckily for users, this scareware scam goes after only their insecurities; it doesn't actually infect systems with any damaging viruses that will steal sensitive information.

To stay safe and prevent Safari from automatically downloading the fake MacDefender software, The Next Web says, Safari users are advised to select "Preferences," then "General," then uncheck "Open 'safe' files after downloading."

To stop the app from running if it's already in use, check "Activity Monitor" under the "Applications" tab, and "disable anything that relates to MacDefender."

Malware makers largely have spared Macs while concentrating on attacking bigger sellers, but this isn't the only Mac-specific scam on the loose right now.

Ed Bott of the security website ZDNet has spotted a "fully operational kit specifically designed to build malware aimed at the Mac OS platform."

The kit, available on underground malware markets, is called "Weyland-Yutani BOT," according to the Danish information technology firm CSIS Security Group.

Researcher Brian Krebs spoke with the maker of Weyland-Yutani BOT, who told Krebs he designed the exploit kit to target Mac users running the Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox Web browsers.

The malware targeting Mac users could have widespread and damaging implications, Bott explained. And with malware coming from all angles -- Safari, Chrome and Firefox -- Mac users are threatened whichever way they go.

"Only a tiny percentage of Macs run antivirus software,” Bott said, “and Mac users have been conditioned to believe they're immune from Internet threats. That's a deadly combination."

Trend Micro's security software is huge in its native Japan, but it's struggled elsewhere to move out from the shadow of fellow security giants McAfee and Symantec. Since the launch of last year's security suites, Symantec has raised the bar with its Norton Internet Security suite and, while Trend Micro's is an adequate product, it hasn't done enough to surpass its major rival.

All the usual suspects (anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and firewall) are here behind an interface that's easy to use but uninspiring. The big green tick on the homepage is reassuring and the buttons down the left-hand side take you deeper into the software without overwhelming you, but the interface hasn't moved on since last year.

Security suites are becoming leaner and faster all the time and this product reflects that rapid progression. However, the software doesn't have the cutting-edge features of Symantec, such as the ability to scan your files in the background while you're not using your PC. Trend Micro's software is fine, but that's not enough to stand out as the best.

PC Tools has a strong reputation for fighting spyware with its Spyware Doctor software, which has remained at the forefront of commercial anti-spyware software for many years. Unlike most rival anti-spyware companies that have tied their offerings into a comprehensive suite of products, PC Tools also creates its own anti-virus software, firewall and other elements, rather than buying in white-label scanning engines from other security vendors. This is actually a little surprising because PC Tools is now owned by Symantec - you'd have thought it might be granted a little Norton magic, but the two businesses continue to operate separately.

As a result, it suffers from the same problems as most suites at the moment, which is that Norton Internet Security is a step ahead in terms of functionality, technology and quality of interface. The PC Tools front screen shows the basics of your protection and is simple enough to use, but tweaks for its settings are split across two sections, which is where things start to get confusing. First, there's the section labelled IntelliGuard, which includes real-time protection using PC Tools' ThreatFire to offer resistance to unknown viruses. Then you get the generic settings that let you perform various actions, such as schedule scans.

CA is one of those big computer companies that you've probably heard of but don't know that much about. Although CA specialises in corporate software, there's also a consumer arm that has launched two new products for your PC - this internet security suite and the PC Tune-Up software, also reviewed on our website.

The latest version of CA Internet Security has made some big steps toward being more user-friendly. Its interface and the entire user experience has been rationalised, so instead of needing to know what different tasks a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware and parental control perform, it's split into four sections: My Computer (malware scanning), My Files (back-up), My Internet (firewall) and My Kids (parental control).

This is a sensible way of segmenting tasks. The four elements are presented in an attractive rotating carousel with highlights of their work at the front. From here, you can drill down into the settings.

Nice as this is, it all becomes a bit moot when you examine the performance. Recent results in Virus Bulletin's tests (www.virusbtn.com) have been less than impressive – in the Windows 7 test last December, the software missed three of the viruses on Virus Bulletin's list. This is hardly the reassurance you want when looking for protection for your computer.

Internet security suites should have two sides to them. While ease of use and quality of presentation is key, it can't come at the cost of performance. CA has brushed up its appearance nicely but it still needs to ace its exams.

In these times we can’t let our PCs loose with an internet connection without having some sort of protection. This is where antivirus software comes in to play and why it is so popular today. Fix-It Utilities Professional sets out to accomplish this goal and we got our hands on it to test it. If you are thinking about purchasing a new antivirus program then this review could be worth reading.

The whole point of this software is to save you time and money by combining numerous useful tools together into an all-in-one package. This is something we always like to see because most of us live on a budget and even if you don’t you most likely don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars to protect every aspect of your PC. What Fix-It Utilities Pro offers is protection in the form of an antivirus, antispyware, PC diagnostics, and repair. Of course this all means nothing to us without us testing it so that is exactly what we did. We loaded up Fix-It Utilities Pro on a few different test PCs with different problems that we planted on each one. Our first PC was loaded up with quite a few serious viruses so we were most anxious to test this PC. We ran the test and every single virus was detected and cleaned up. This impressed us because some of the viruses we had on the PC would become even more dangerous as time progressed. The second PC we had going was loaded up with over 100 different types of spyware.  We ran through the test and it nailed every single one of them to the wall and removed them from our test PC. It’s worth noting that if we were the average user we could have kissed our identities goodbye if we didn’t have this program. The final test PC we had was just bogged down with errors and was in desperate need of a tune-up. This was fitting for the final test with the Fix-It Utilities Pro software. We went through the process and then opened up some of our bulky programs that normally cause the PC to drag a bit. They opened up much faster, and our PC even booted up and shutdown much faster than it had in a long time. It beat the previous time by at least 25 seconds!

All in all, the Fix-It Utilities Pro software was nothing but impressive. We put it to the test and it passed with flying colors. We never encountered any problems or issues in the time we used this software. I would recommend that anyone looking for protection from viruses and spyware give Fix-It Utilities Pro a try.

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is the perfect virus/spyware combo. The software is easy to use, and features effective protection and performance. AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper combines all the right components to deliver one of the best antivirus software available.

Even everyday computer users need advanced protection from the prevalent computer threats. From viruses to rootkits, to malicious hacking tools and vulnerability exploits; a multi-layered approach is almost essential for everyday protection. Webroot’s antivirus/antispyware software has all the right features and more.

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is a very comprehensive desktop antivirus package. The software protects from threats from several sources, and the several layers of protection keep your computer safe. Webroot protects PC’s from viruses in all forms, as well as worms, Trojans, malware, and rootkits.

Webroot monitors and detects all sorts of malicious files and just plain unwanted programs like adware, dialers, cookies, and keyloggers. The integrated Spy Sweeper is an amazing standalone anti-spyware software that in itself protects from a variety of computer threats.

The software is completely armed to not only detect, but effectively remove malicious files, even ending running processes and removing associated registry entries. Webroot’s defensive technologies help keep your information protected from hackers and identity thieves.

But more than just being on the defense, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper also features proactive technology to find malware before it even has the chance to hit your computer. With today’s newest threats being designed to bypass traditional signature-based scanning, advanced protection is so important. Webroot’s “zero-hour” protection analyzes files for malicious behavior and other incriminating behavior, and blocks files that might prove to be a virus in disguise.

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper revolves around 16 protective “shields” that cover your network, web browsing, Widows, startup programs, and email.

The web browser shields keep you safe online, blocking from Internet Explorer hijacks, exploits, and even unwanted browser “helper” objects. The email shield works for both emails you receive (Pop3 port 110) and messages you send (SMTP port 25), so you won’t accidentally forward along a threat to your friends, family, or coworkers.

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is comprised of two powerful components (antivirus and antispyware, obviously). The desktop antivirus component is powered by business security experts Sophos. The antispyware element is managed by Webroot’s own Spy Sweeper.

Sophos’ antivirus protection is certainly up to par, earning several recent Virus Bulletin VB 100% awards. These certify that the antivirus engine is completely capable of protecting from 100% of known in-the-wild viruses. The reactive and proactive rates were similarly impressive, finding 81.8% (significantly higher than almost all other antivirus software tested).

The software is also ICSA approved, and certified from the West Coast Labs as an effective solution for desktop antivirus, anti-trojan, anti-malware, and antispyware.

The antispyware software included is second to none. Webroot Spy Sweeper provides an impressively high level of protection from spyware and other identity-compromising malware. Combined with antispyware protection from Sophos, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is certainly effective.

Webroot AntVirus with Spy Sweeper is easy to install and implement. In fact, the software walks you through some initial setup while you’re installing the software. While this does add a few minutes to the install process, it gives you control to setup the software exactly how you want it, and makes it so you can essentially leave the software completely unattended after.

The installation process introduces the WARN (Webroot Automated Research Network), the proactive network approach that (if you give permission), allows Webroot to gather anonymous information that helps them keep on top of new threats. Installation also lets users set when they’d like a weekly sweep to perform, and configure the online backup. Users can also take advantage of the Webroot partnership with Ask.com (or not), by installing the browser toolbar and setting Ask.com to be the default search engine.

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper features an intuitive interface and simple tools to accommodate any user level. The clean user interface is organized with tabs for simple navigation and quick access to all the major components of the software. Webroot’s scanning engine includes over 1.5 million (and constantly growing) virus definitions. After the sweep is finished, you can easily place the found threats in a quarantine area while you decide what to do with them.

The antivirus/antispyware scans (or “sweeps”) are straightforward. You can choose between a full sweep (complete and thorough scan of the whole computer) or a quick sweep (optimized to search the most commonly threatened files). The full sweep scans all drives (including external media), the Windows registry, memory, compressed archive files, and executable programs.

Of course you can also set a custom sweep to scan exactly what you want. You can also easily set sweeps to run on a specific schedule.

The sweeps can run in the background while you use the computer for other tasks, and most of the common commands (start sweep, check for updates, turn on gamer mode) can be accessed directly from the windows taskbar notification area (bottom right).

You can also easily scan a single file from anywhere on your computer by simply right clicking on it and sending it the software to check for viruses.

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper has several integrated features that add security benefits as well as convenience. One nice feature is the included local and online backup. The software comes with 1GB of storage space for free, and additional storage space can be purchased separately. As the software is installing, Webroot automatically analyzes your files and lets you choose what to backup. You can securely backup files from your desktop, favorites, my documents or my pictures.

The backup solution is actually fairly robust, allowing you to not only securely store important files and restore them at a moment’s notice, but also lets you access them anywhere. Stop emailing files to yourself, and simply back them up online. You can even send a secure link in an email to friends/family to share files, and don’t have to worry about them getting access to any other files than the one(s) you send.

Another nice feature is the gamer mode. You can turn this feature on with the click of a button, and it will let you enjoy full-screen computer games, videos, presentations and more without annoying interruptions from the software. And while this mode isn’t as secure as having the full system enabled, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to toggle back to full protection, the software will do it by default after 4 hours.

Keeping your security up-to-date is easy with Webroot. The software is setup to automatically check for updates regularly (every hour if you want) and even initiates updates delivered immediately to your system if needs be, with Webroot’s VersionGuard technology.

And even better than constant updates, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper includes real-time proactive protection, analyzing files and keeping an eye out for malicious behaviors that “tip-off” the software that the file is a virus.

Webroot’s antivirus software is very easy to use, but you can also get extra help if needed. In-program help is available, as well as additional resources online. Free phone support is available for on weekdays, or you can send a request via email at any time. The online support center also has product-specific user guides and a FAQs section. There is also a helpful video for product installation.

Premium support is also available for security optimization, virus removal, and even PC tune-ups, but cost extra (prices vary per type of assistance).

Combining a good antivirus scanning engine (from Sophos) and the best antispyware protection available, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is a great security solution. The software combines all the essential features and includes added value with beneficial tools and simple usability. Overall, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is one of the best antivirus programs, and a valuable security solution.

BitDefender has done it again; with Internet Security 2010, they’ve upped the ante as one of the best internet security suites. With new features, improved protection and performance, BitDefender Internet Security 2010 has once again redefined excellence in security software.

Not only does BitDefender 2010 provide complete PC security, but it offers protection on several fronts, all complimented with a value-driven price. For the ultimate internet security solution, including protection from viruses, spyware, phishing, spam and more, don’t overlook BitDefender Internet Security. (For all these features and additional PC tune-up utilities, online backup and storage, consider BitDefender Total Security).  Their antivirus scanner is excellent, but their anti-spyware scanner isn't quite as good as Webroot's.

BitDefender Internet Security 2010 is equipped to protect your computer and your personal information from a variety of identity threats, including adware, trojans, keyloggers, and even browser hijackers. New intrusion detection tools block attacks made by DLL code injection, and stop unauthorized attempts to change your system files and registry keys, access your memory, or attempt to kill BitDefender processes.

BitDefender Internet Security can even encrypt all of your IM conversations for additional security, and will help you effectively reduce or eliminate annoying (and potentially dangerous) spam messages. Furthermore, the software includes anti-phishing, so you don’t have to worry about losing your important information or identity to these scams.

Another advanced feature for keeping your important info safe is available with the File Vault. You can securely store your personal information and/or secret files in this designated “digital safe” and have them completely inaccessible to others.

Virus detection is one of the most important aspects of a robust internet security suite, and BitDefender’s protection is certainly superior. Not only has BitDefender received awards and certifications from third party security testers like ICSA and Virus Bulletin 100, the software has been shown to provide some of the fastest scans while requiring some of the lowest requirements (on-access and on-demand memory) in the industry.

The kernel-level virus protection of BitDefender Internet Security is second to none, and is regularly (read: hourly) updated for up-to-date virus signatures and definitions. One of the reasons BitDefender is so effective is because the software is equipped to scan all (in and out) PC communication, including e-mail, instant messages, and all web traffic. But the scan isn’t just comprehensive, it also runs in real-time to effectively stop threats before they even have a chance to infiltrate your PC.

Another impressive BitDefender technology that keeps your computer safe is Active Virus Control. This extra layer of protection is a proactive, heuristic detection method designed to uncover stealth threats. With security suites and antivirus software gaining strength, some malware has been specifically engineered to sneak around them and go undetected. But Active Virus Control monitors all activity of applications to analyze file behavior and stop even these stealth viruses.

BitDefender Internet Security features a flexible 2-way firewall. Whether you’re at your office, home, or on the road, you can connect with confidence knowing that the versatile firewall will automatically adjust its settings to most appropriately suit your location.

An integrated Wi-Fi monitor is designed to protect you and your computer from attempts made by others to access your (Wi-Fi) network.

The firewall BitDefender uses has been tested, approved, and certified by the West Coast Labs for being among the most effective available.

A disabled firewall won’t do you much good, yet it’s common practice for gamers to turn off firewall settings to access and run computer games. With BitDefender’s gamer mode, there’s no need to disable (and re-enable/forget about) the firewall. Not only will you stay protected while you’re gaming, but the gamer mode stops any interference while you’re in full-screen mode (for games, videos, or presentations).

BitDefender Internet Security includes powerful and flexible parental controls. With customizable web filters and account rules, you can set up individualized restrictions/permissions for each child. You can even get separate email alerts associated with each child.

The improved website filter utilizes specific category definitions and has a better detection rate (without over protecting and blocking legitimately appropriate sites).

Not only can you restrict/enable and monitor your child’s internet content, parents can also choose to limit internet and other application access to specific times or just give a time allowance. Let Timmy access the computer from 3 to 7, but only allow him to play games from 4 to 5. Or let Jane access the internet (with standard teenager web filtering, of course) whenever she wants, but give her an allowance of 3 hours per day. With the flexible parental controls and monitoring tools, it’s easy for parents to maintain control while giving kids some internet freedom and responsibility.

BItDefender is certainly powerful, and has usually been pretty easy to manage, but now it’s even more easy to use than before. With a redesigned interface and flexible layout, BitDefender 2010 can accommodate any level of user.

When you first install and configure the software you will choose from four user types (typical, parent, gamer, or custom) and three interface levels (novice, intermediate, or expert). These choices will help you get the custom interface that will be most appropriate for your specific PC use and what level of interaction you want with your security software. The versatile options allow you to have access to the most in-depth processes, or simply let the software do its job behind the scenes without any direction from you.

Whether you’re a security beginner or an antivirus pro, you can easily manage BitDefender Internet Security and take advantage of all that the software has to offer. Each interface is effectively organized and features an intuitive interface, making program navigation easy and enabling simple use of all the tools.

BitDefender had problems a few years ago with system slowdown, but have made impressive strides to improve speed and performance. 2010’s installment takes advantage of technology to eliminate the need to scan files that are known to be safe, reducing system load, and significantly decreasing scan time (not to mention required resources). Last year’s scans were relatively quick, but now they’re even 30% faster, making BitDefender scan times (and boot time) on par with competing antivirus and security software.

BitDefender Internet Security is simple to install and easy to setup. It is available as an immediate download, or you can purchase a physical disc (which can also be used as a bootable rescue disc to save crashed and unbootable PCs, restoring them to a working state). Installing the software to your computer is easy, and will walk you through each step of the process.

We had the software up and running in no time. Initial scans may take a while to cover everything, but get you started with a clean slate, and will certainly be worth it in the long run (as you remove deep viruses and otherwise improve system performance).

Further working with the software is easy, and doesn’t require constant intervention and annoying interruptions that plague some security software.

Whether you purchase a 3-user license of the software or simply have other BitDefender solutions running on other computers on your home network, you can easily manage them all from a single computer. Backups, scans, updates or other configurations can all be performed (or scheduled) remotely. (For the record, BitDefender updates are already scheduled to run automatically every hour, and even self-repair if for some strange reason they cause problems or file damage).

BitDefender has an impressive support system, complete with easy-to-access professional assistance and a wealth of helpful resources. You can find answers to a number of questions and product specific help online. If you can’t find the information you need or simply need personal assistance, it’s easy to call (24/7), email, or even instantly connect via live chat with a live support specialist.

It’s great to see such an impressive lineup of help available, with a variety of outlets and options. What’s even better?: that you likely won’t need to use them much, if at all because the product is easy to use and effective.

BitDefender Internet Security is a streamlined, solid, and powerful (and don’t forget reasonably priced) internet security suite. The unique combination of features and impressive utility make it one of the most versatile and powerful security solutions. For most users, BitDefender Internet Security 2010 should provide more than enough security while maintaining complete usability. Overall, BitDefender Internet Security is a perfect solution that will keep your computer clean and secure without significantly sacrificing performance.