ESET

Author: Jenna Vasquez

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The Good

• High ratings
• Cloud-powered scanning feature
• Great features

To start off, ESET has been awarded more Advanced+ ratings from AV-Comparative than any other anti-virus vendor. The products boast extremely high detection rates and very low false positives rates, indicating a powerful, yet discerning anti-virus technology. ESET's advanced memory scanner enables an improved detection of persistent malware that often employs multiple layers of encryption. ESET employs multiple layers of its own, analyzing code and updating known and generic virus signatures for makeup and behavior. The cloud-powered scanning feature whitelists safe files based on a file reputation database, speeding up scans. ESET's vulnerability shield blocks attacks trying to exploit network vulnerabilities, and the separate firewall further prevents unauthorized users from accessing your computer. A portable device control allows you to prevent unauthorized copying of your data to an external device, such as a USB drive, CD, Bluetooth device, or FireWire. ESET sells a separate USB drive-specific security product. ESET's computer anti-virus, along with its mobile protection, has an anti-theft feature. If your device is lost or stolen, you can send a one-way message to your laptop, track the location from a separate computer, and spy on the thief-if there is one-through your computer's webcam.

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The Bad

• Can slow down the operating system
• No protection for Apple iOS products

ESET's top-tier virus protection comes with the sacrifice of some computer speed. Independent IT lab tests have shown that ESET's Smart Security blocks threats exceptionally well, but it slows down the operating systems used. The company doesn't offer any protection for Apple iOS products.

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The Bottom Line

The facts are clear that ESET will protect your computer from harm-and at a pretty reasonable price. Through the years, the company has made considerable strides in the anti-virus industry and has gained recognition for those achievements. ESET's Smart Security or Multi-Device packages are well worth looking into, even if you have to find your iOS protection elsewhere.