Webroot Secure Anywhere Internet Security Plus Review

Full review

Webroot has built quite a reputation for providing quality antivirus software and they continue to provide three tiers of packages (AntiVirus, Plus and Complete), which are all tailored to suit different needs and budgets. Internet Security Plus software is the mid-range package and it includes such improvements as an advanced cloud-based subscription model that continually updates itself, ensuring current protection from emerging threats, and a redesigned low-key interface. But are these new features enough for Webroot to compete with other security suits we tested?

Setup

One of the positives of Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus is the installation process. Webroot's revised interface makes installation as simple as possible: Open the installer, input your license key, and away you go; quick and simple. The main interface is clean and well designed, with five tabs that let you access the suite's main features. The advanced settings screens of course offer more technical options, but these are also well laid out and easy to navigate.

Protection

Anti-virus - Detection on the Internet Security Plus is as we would expect on a modern security suit, as it will detect standard viruses, spyware, Trojans, keyloggers and rootkits competently. Unfortunately, there is no spam prevention module here, and the lack of a dedicated email scanner for malicious attachments was disappointing.

Webroot have opted for cloud-based protection here, as the majority of modern security suits now employ. However, where SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus excels is in its use of the cloud-based subscription model only (ie. It dispenses with any databases stored on the computer). Webroot's servers are updated continuously as new threats are discovered, which therefore means that everything is done remotely and very little of the computer’s resources are taken up. This again means that Internet Security Plus is very fast, but more importantly that the protection is constantly evolving to counter any new threats. Once a new virus is classified by Webroot, all users of the software are protected instantly, and without downloading any updates.

Firewall – A standard Firewall is included in the package.

Parental controls – Not included. You will need to install a separate Parental Control application if this is required.

Effectiveness

Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus is not tested by either AV-Comparatives oR AV-TEST, so we are unable to bring you any independent test results.

Performance

Due to the lightweight nature of this package, computer performance is barely affected by the Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus. Scan speeds are some of the quickest we have seen in tests, with the full system scan completing in just over 2 minutes. Boot and shutdown time were also barely affected by Webroot’s package.

Features

Identity and Privacy protection – Wipes any trace of online activity.

Personal File Protection – Automatically backs up files with 6GB of storage online.

Advanced Threat Protection – Stops unknown threats based on suspicious behaviour.

Help & support

Support is available from Webroot via telephone, email, Facebook and Twitter, and they also offer remote system diagnoses and repair, virus removal and installation assistance if needed, but please note these are paid services. Unassisted support comes in the way of the usual user guides, FAQs, and also a neat threat blog.

Overall

Webroot have produced a internet security suite that will satisfy users looking for fast scans and un-hindered computer performance. Its ease of use makes the package particularly attractive, while the cloud-based protection is very effective and is a great improvement on previous packages. However, insufficient malware detection and repair, combined with a lack of parental controls and antispam system, could make the more advanced users a little wary of this product.