Kaspersky Total Security — Best for YouTube Monitoring + Geo-Fencing 2022

Kaspersky has a great anti-malware scanner and real-time protection. I was able to detect all of the malware samples it detected during my testing.

There are other great protections.

Kaspersky has some great features. Dropbox provides 2GB storage for all users. It’s not worth the cost.

Kaspersky Total Security continues to be a top-rated internet security product. Kaspersky, which was accused of working with Russian intelligence in order to steal US data in 2017, relocated its data processing facilities to Switzerland. Transparency Centers were opened around the world. The Transparency Centers passed an SOC 2 inspection. Since then, Kaspersky has been recertified.

Kaspersky has three pricing options for devices that range from 3-10. The plan includes a 30% discount on your first year and a 30-day money-back guarantee for UK customers ).

Kaspersky Full Review

Kaspersky offers a powerful anti-virus scanner as well as tons more features that will greatly improve your online safety.

Kaspersky is a very easy-to-use interface, making it a good choice for people with limited technical skills.

Kaspersky offers a cheaper option for antiviruses. They also offer affordable payment plans that are competitively priced and come with a 30-day guarantee.

Kaspersky Security Features

Antivirus Engine

Kaspersky utilizes a cloud based virus scanner to detect malware.

A range of signature databases are combined with machine-learning to detect malware.

Kaspersky offers 5 types of virus scanners

• Quick Scan. Quick scans of system startup files and system memory. Also check for boot sector.
• Full Scan. A full scan will check every folder and area in your system.
• Selective scanning. Allows for the scanning of any drive or file.
• You can scan your removable drive with this program. USB sticks, portable hard drives).
• Vulnerability scanning. Your system is scanned to detect vulnerabilities. This applies to out-of-date software as well as software susceptible for malware.

Kaspersky also offers a variety of scan-scheduling choices. You can choose whether to scan immediately after the application is launched or at a specific time after every update.

To test Kaspersky I ran nearly 1000 types test malware on my computer. These malware included trojans and rootkits. This is five times faster than what it took!

Kaspersky Quick Scan was unable to locate any malicious code I had hidden on my computer. It was not surprising, however, since it only scans the critical areas (e.g. those loaded when your OS starts).

Kaspersky suggested I do a “Full Scan”, to evaluate my entire system.

Bitdefender’s one-hour scan took only 45 minutes. Kaspersky was fast — it didn’t slow down my computer while scanning.

All malware files were found in Quarantine after the scan was complete.

Kaspersky gives you the ability to restore files from infections even if they’ve been deleted and quarantined. Kaspersky was a good option.

Kaspersky won’t remove any malware if it isn’t cancelled before the deadline. Kaspersky will continue to warn you if the scan isn’t cancelled before the deadline.

Next Kaspersky’s instant security was tested. The program quietly scans your device 24/7, looking for any viruses and then reports back to you.

My tests showed that real-time protection performed flawlessly. It blocked all of the malware samples that I tried to install onto my computer.

I used a ransomware simulation, but it failed to secure any files until Kaspersky’s real-time protection stopped it.

I then used the “Vulnerability Check”, which identified unsecure software in my system that could be exploited to by hackers.

Although only two instances were found of outdated software in my computer, the vulnerability scan was thorough and detailed. The vulnerability report included details on hackers exploiting the vulnerability and when they did so.

Overall, Kaspersky’s antivirus engine is quite good. It provides a 100% accuracy rate, multiple scans to choose from, great real-time security and doesn’t slow the system down when it runs a full scanner.

Protection Web

Kaspersky’s web protection features are combined with Kaspersky Security to identify and block fraudulent urls.

Web Anti-Virus compares web pages visited against a list that includes malicious web addresses. It also uses Heuristic Analysis for suspicious behavior detection.

Kaspersky Protection browser Extension is also included in the software and detects malware. It can also block tracking, mark websites as safe/unsafe and block ads. Users have access to a virtual keyboard.

I downloaded the anti-phishing extensions on Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox. It blocked a lot of known harmful websites.

Kaspersky’s results are good, but Bitdefender & Norton did a better job of finding all my test links.

Kaspersky Protection’s tracker blocker prevents web analytics and social networking tracking. Anti-tracking can also allow for tracking of ad agencies. The anti-tracking feature allows users to choose to allow data collection only for certain sites. Kaspersky could ask users questions about whether they are satisfied with the extension’s installation.

You can access a virtual keyboard from the browser extension. Panda Dome doesn’t have one, however it works well. Kaspersky’s extra protection against keyloggers is really cool.

Kaspersky’s keyboard works with Safe Money. It loads quicker than Kaspersky Safe Money.

Kaspersky Web Protection features are great. It found the majority of phishing websites in my testing. Kaspersky also has anti-tracking and an ad blocker. I do not like the fact that Kaspersky is disabled on 80+ affiliate sites.

System Cleanup Tool

Kaspersky has many PC cleaning tools, such as Privacy Cleaner, Unused Data Cleaner and PC Cleaner.

Kaspersky’s system cleaner scans your computer to find browser extensions or programs that you don’t use often.

I used the PC Cleaner on my Windows 10 laptop. It took less than 2 minutes for the system to be scanned. The results were incredible.

My PC cleaner found all prepackaged, bloatware. I was given options to either delete, ignore, or run a Google Search to learn more about each program.

Kaspersky’s computer cleaner allows you to select which apps you would like it to clean. This includes apps you don’t consent to, slowing down startup time, and apps with banners.

Kaspersky’s unused data cleaner scans files in Recycle Bins and log files.

The Privacy Cleaner cleans your browser history as well as cookies.

Kaspersky’s system cleanup tools are good, but I’d like to see Kaspersky add more system optimization tools.

Kaspersky’s system cleanup tools enable you to quickly and effectively get rid of unneeded or inefficient files as well traces of online activity.

Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Kaspersky offers a complimentary VPN with all plans. You can use it up to 200MB per day. You can only use 200MB per day.

Kaspersky offers premium VPN services:

• Unlimited browsing data. No data limits daily.
• Kill switch. In case of loss or damage to VPN, data transfer will stop
• Smart protection. smart Protection automatically starts the VPN when you are connected to a network.
• Servers available in 25+ places. Customers are able to connect to any server even the fastest.

I wanted information about how each premium and free VPN performed speed-testing. I first ran speed testing with the VPN off, then I switched to the VPN on.

The Results

As you can see, I was able able to download at normal speed using the free VPN. Although it did increase, I was able to download at a normal speed with the free VPN. I also noticed a marked decrease in upload speeds, especially when I tried to upload files via P2P networks.

Next is the result for the premium VPN version connected to Kaspersky’s fastest server:

Premium VPN caused my upload speed to be even slower. Premium VPN made my upload speed slower.

Kaspersky’s premiumVPN has another benefit: it can work with streaming services like Netflix.

Although the free VPN might not be the best, the premium one has decent speeds and more servers all around the world.

Password Manager

Kaspersky’s password manager secures passwords and any other sensitive information (such as bank card numbers, addresses or notes) using 256 bit AES encryption.

Kaspersky’s password management free edition allows you to store 15 passwords. It is not enough to store 15 passwords.

Kaspersky’s password manager software must be installed separately from antivirus. Kaspersky’s password management program must be downloaded separately from your antivirus. Kaspersky’s account recovery and emergency access options are something I like. LastPass has the same features.

After you have saved your passwords, you’ll need to install a browser extension. This Extension is available for Safari and Chrome Firefox Yandex Edge Safari. Kaspersky’s autosave/autofill features can be used to save passwords or autofill them. In my tests, they worked flawlessly. Mobile is not supported.

Kaspersky’s password manager makes it easy to use. It allows you to organize your passwords into as many folders or as you like.

Kaspersky has a password-generator that you can access through the browser extension or app. LastPass and other password managers can create passwords that are easy to remember or readable.

Kaspersky does not have the same features as other standalone password managers, such as two-factor authorization (2FA), an automatic password changer and encrypted cloud storage.

Kaspersky’s password management program is quite basic.

Parental Controls

Kaspersky’s parental controls (Safe Kids), are a great way of protecting your children online.

Like the password manager, parental control can be downloaded separately. You can also find a tutorial that shows you how to talk with your children about internet safety.

This is what Kaspersky’s Safe Kids looks like

• Restrictions in
• Content filtering sites and applications.
• Social networking monitoring (Facebook & VK).
• GPS tracking (Android & iPhone only).

In my testing, I was capable of setting up weekly computer scheduling. I also had the option to choose to stop the machine from running after the time limit had expired.

Kaspersky’s content filters were also very useful. Safe Search is a great tool that allows you to limit websites based on their categories. You can also set up exclusions. This feature is available on all major browsers such as Google, Yahoo, Bing and YouTube.

You also have the option to block apps by category (not accessible on iOS), and entertainment apps such as games.

I used my Android phone’s geofencing, place tracking, and other features to test them. They were able pinpoint my location and notify me if my phone leaves safe areas.

Kaspersky Safe Kids has social network monitoring. This is a refreshing feature. Although many other antiviruses offer parental control, Kaspersky Safe Kids doesn’t.

Kaspersky parental limits are among the most extensive available. Kaspersky gives guidance on how to speak to your child about parental restrictions.

Additional Features

Kaspersky also provides many other tools such as

• Webcam protection.
• Backup, Restore.
• Rescue Disc.
• Data encryption & shredder.
• Gaming mode.

The webcam protection feature alerted when I accessed an App that used my webcam such as Zoom or Skype. But I’d like to see microphone protection. Bitdefender offers microphone and webcam protection.

Backup and Restore lets users back up files to a removable storage device or online cloud storage. You have two choices: use Dropbox (default) and connect Kaspersky or another service. However this feature does not add much value. Dropbox offers 2GB free storage to all users. Kaspersky does provide a backup option. Norton is more powerful and offers greater storage space, without you having to upgrade.

Kaspersky Rescue Disc has a very useful feature. You can wipe out infected computers immediately after they start. Next, you can disinfect your computer with the Rescue Disc. Panda, ESET, and Panda all offer this feature.

Data encryption protects sensitive files. Data Shredder lets files be permanently deleted.

Gaming mode can pause notifications or scans while you play, or when an application is in full-screen mode. This game booster actually enhances gameplay performance.

Kaspersky also offers many additional tools that are excellent. Kaspersky has a number of excellent additional tools.

Kaspersky’s additional features are a nice touch, considering that most antiviruses provide only basic protection against viruses. Kaspersky offers Rescue Disc functionality to rescue severely infected computers.

Pricing and Kaspersky plans

Kaspersky has 3 packages. These are extremely affordable for the number of features contained in each package.

Kaspersky AntiVirus offers the ability to protect 3, 5, 10 or more Windows computers.

Kaspersky Setup and Use Ease

Kaspersky is easy to install and configure.

Kaspersky has a professional user interface. Kaspersky is very easy to use for people who just need basic antivirus information.

Kaspersky shows only the features that you have. Kaspersky displays only the features that you have access too.

Kaspersky tools can be hard to find. To use PC Cleaner, click on “More Tools”, Clean & Optimize, then click on “PC Cleaner”. I would love to have a sidebar that looks like TotalAV’s.

The Notification Center is a place I like. It provides important information and allows you to make decisions.

The Notification Center makes tampering with the required functions easy. Kaspersky’s Notification Center allows you to quickly and easily resolve security issues.

Kaspersky’s layout may take some time to get used to. Once you’re comfortable with the layout, navigation is simple.

Kaspersky Mobile App

Kaspersky provides a complete Android security app. However, iOS users can only access the most basic security features such as parental controls and password manager.

Security Cloud iOS

• Adaptive Safety Modifies security settings based on user behavior. The public network connection will activate the virtual private network.
• Security live. iOS security patches. A prime example of this vulnerability would be jailbreaking.
• Account check. Checks your email for data breaches.

This device is also equipped with a QR reader.

Android provides many more features. My Huawei Mate 30 Lite worked flawlessly with the Android app.

Kaspersky’s Android app has:

• Antivirus scanner.
• Call blocker.
• Anti-theft.
• Real-time protection.
• App lock.
• Anti-smishing (SMS phishing).
• Protection via browsing.

You can easily start the antivirus scan from within the program.

• Quick scan. Scan downloaded apps for malware.
• Run an extensive scan. Scan the entire device for malware.
• Folder scan. Scanning for a specific folder.

After running a thorough scan, I discovered that my phone had 80 malicious programs.

Kaspersky detected each file in less than 5 minutes. It immediately quarantined them.

The app’s live protection function was great. Norton Mobile Security App Advisor is the one I prefer, however. They will warn you of potential dangers before you download them.

Kaspersky discovered the dangers of app downloadings and quarantined them instantly, keeping my device safe.

Kaspersky offers anti theft protection through its mobile application.

Logging on to My Kaspersky Online Hub allows you to access four anti-theft functions, including the ability of locking or wiping your device, sounding an alert, and taking photos of the person who is using your stolen/lost device.