Breaking News: Qld govt IT to be raked by audit

ZDNet / Mcafee / Review

McAfee Internet Security 2009

By Michael Palamountain, Enex TestLab on November 26th, 2008 
Submit

Overview

Computer and data protection at a very reasonable price.

Editors' rating:

7.5/10

RRP:

AU$100.00

The good

  • Easy installation
  • Excellent range of security tools
  • Provides plenty of onscreen tips for configuration options
  • Licence covers three computers

The bad

  • Content filter does not protect computer administrator
  • Configuration screens need a 'back' button

McAfee Internet Security 2009 does a reasonable job, but it also leaves room for improvement.

Features
McAfee Internet Security 2009 is a complete Internet security package for Windows-based computers. It includes antivirus, firewall features and Internet content filtering.

Installation proved to be a simple process. (Install options also enabled installation from the web.)

The main control panel divides the protection features into four categories: Computer & Files, Internet & Network, E-mail & IM, and Parental Controls. The menu system for these is reasonable but at times we wished there was a 'Back' button. Simple and advanced versions of the menu also exist (meeting the needs of power users without bewildering the rest of us).

The interface also grants access to logs, account details and Windows tools, including Scheduler and Disk Defragmenter. Each menu item offers a brief description along with its on/off buttons, a great support feature for novice users.

Importantly, the firewall can easily be configured to allow access to new applications. It also includes a lock-down feature to completely block internet access in an emergency. (Although Enex should point out here that pulling the network plug might be an even faster security measure.)

Virus protection can be applied to standard emails and files delivered via instant messaging applications. Email services are also protected by a spam filter. A privacy filter can be applied to emails and instant messaging services preventing unwanted dissemination of critical data such as addresses or credit card numbers.

Another good feature is for old, unwanted files to be absolutely removed by secure deletion. The Shredder feature ensures deleted files are completely wiped rather than simply making their storage space free for use, as per a standard file deletion.

Password vault circumvents the need to remember a proliferating number of passwords.

A backup and restore feature (requiring download and installation of .NET 1.1) provides a last line of defence in the event of a serious security breach. When all else fails it's good to know that lost information can be restored after a machine is back on its feet.

A network management tool allows local computers to be identified and monitored to ensure each is protected by the latest version of McAfee. System administrators will be pleased to able to instantly check the protection status of machines under their control.

Internet content filtering is included in the McAfee Internet Security 2009 package (under parental controls), but it is crippled by a couple of unhelpful features. McAfee have an extensive list of undesirable sites captured by their filter, but the trick to good filtering is categorisation.

McAfee allows users to assign different age ratings to Windows user accounts, but does not allow parental control over what subject matter should be excluded from a child's viewing. Parents will need to experiment to determine the best age level to assign to individual users according to their own standards.

With the government wanting to enforce the blocking of illegal 'blacklisted' sites at the ISP level, it might also be worth considering the implementation of a whitelist, given that the McAfee IS filter (and others tested by Enex) blocks sites such as www.kidshelp.com.au — a site which should be accessible to children. Furthermore, many parents are unlikely to follow recommendations and create Windows accounts for their children.

This product does not allow for content filtering of the main administrator account. That said, options do exist for restricting web surfing by time, and search engines can be automatically set to safe mode, restricting the types of sites returned.

With drive-by downloads a nasty reality, McAfee's Site Advisor is a welcome inclusion in this package. During testing, dangerous sites were identified and the browser was redirected to a warn page. Warnings can be overridden if the user wants to visit the particular page (and has appropriate permission). It's good to see that even pages with links to dangerous sites are marked with caution messages.

Verdict
A user interface needs to provide a balance between offering the user adequate information, and being easy to use. McAfee IS 2009 does a reasonable job, but it also leaves room for improvement. Enex suggestions include a back button for configuration screens, and a more accessible firewall-lockdown button.

The internet content filter appears to have a high level of accuracy. We would prefer filtering to be category-based rather than age-based, because parents should be able to decide specifically the categories their children need to avoid.

The McAfee IS 2009 package is very easy to install and provides an excellent range of system protection tools. Configuration is not arduous and, once completed, the user should be able to relax (of course, Enex recommends vigilance for suspicious emails and staying informed about warnings provided by Internet Security).

Overall this was a very pleasing package, and importantly it is offered at a reasonable price. Its support channels include FAQs, a virtual technician and, for stickier problems, communication with a human. Communication with a real person is free if by email or chat; a telephone service is also available.

Specifications

Platform
Windows Yes

(Back to top)

Talkback

Add your opinion

In order to post a comment, you need to be registered. (Sign In or register below)

Post your comment

Terms of Service - As a ZDNet registrant, and by using this service, you indicate that you agree to our Terms and Conditions and have read and understand our Privacy Policy.

Tech Blueprint

IT Priorities Special Report: Security

Emerging Technologies, and the New IT Security Landscape

IDC White Paper on Consumerisation Security

Get expert advice for developing or improving your BYOD security strategy.
Read white paper >

Mobile Trends and Perceptions

Survey by Decisive Analytics exposes the good and bad realities of BYOD.
Read analyst report >

ZDNet Australia Live

NBN users opt for 100Mbps http://t.co/ftKGRzye

#IT Priorities: #servers and #storage: webinar sponsored by @IBM http://t.co/BGq8LYd5 via @zdnetaustralia

Post 'social' improved speed to information and context: By Oliver Marks | May 24, 2012, 9:47pm PDT... http://t.co/VGN2hxtp #socialmedia

RT @zdnetaustralia: Should bug hunting for biometric systems be restricted to govt and industry? http://t.co/oj0oOkv7 ^ML

Exploring: http://t.co/WzikDISk

There's trouble with three major Linux desktop application developers. #Linux http://t.co/uR07K9W6

IT Priorities: servers and storage http://t.co/BGq8LYd5 via @zdnetaustralia

Couple of things: Firstly the most important one: "We expect to see that ratio shifting around a bit,"- well says it all almost. Basica...

6 minutes ago by AWY on NBN users opt for 100Mbps

Exploring: NBN users opt for 100Mbps: Customers are picking the top fibre plan that is available o... http://t.co/9PwLO0NU #ICTChallenge

Exploring: NBN users opt for 100Mbps: Customers are picking the top fibre plan that is available o... http://t.co/JWTrVow1 #ICTChallenge

Exploring: http://t.co/8iFmRUbZ

NBN users opt for 100Mbps http://t.co/atP8fi1L

Can #Windows Phone bring a new challenge? http://t.co/CpTjZ2lk via @zdnetaustralia

NBN users opt for 100Mbps - ZDNet Australia http://t.co/eVVB5xyS

NBN users opt for 100Mbps - ZDNet Australia http://t.co/4oaTruaN

Where's Mathew whats-his-face complaining about how the secret nasty NBNCo plan is all about "forcing" people onto higher ARPU? Sounds l...

34 minutes ago by Gwyntaglaw on NBN users opt for 100Mbps

Story filed for @zdnetaustralia. Please don't tell @engochick that I've waffled on for 1200 words. I'm exhausted now.

RT @markjohnston_au: Australian Privacy Laws catching up with the world http://t.co/OCU7uwqe but will this help change tickbox security to real protection?

Given the early priority given to Tasmania, it is around 90% likely that the entire state will receive the full NBN rollout as originally...

37 minutes ago by Gwyntaglaw on NBN's Tassie upgrade to cost $1.3 million

NSW outlines datacentre migration plans - ZDNet Australia: NSW outlines datacentre migration plansZDNet Australi... http://t.co/MosIfczQ

NBN users opt for 100Mbps - ZDNet Australia: Brisbane TimesNBN users opt for 100MbpsZDNet AustraliaCustomers are... http://t.co/T5oBSVZQ

A relevant lesson for NZ - NBN users opt for 100Mbps http://t.co/KScaSdRI via @zdnetaustralia

RT @zdnetaustralia: #NBN users are opting for 100Mbps plans on fibre more than any other, according to NBN Co http://t.co/oTl5R1UY ^jt

RT @ninefold: Interesting Q&A on #cloud security, debating Patriot Act & more: ZDNet Australia http://t.co/qc933yKJ

#DataCentre NSW outlines datacentre migration plans - ZDNet Australia: NSW outlines datacentre migration plansZD... http://t.co/ViOllBWa

Interesting Q&A on #cloud security, debating Patriot Act & more: ZDNet Australia http://t.co/qc933yKJ

NBN users opt for 100Mbps http://t.co/YwwtyyNP

NBN users opt for 100Mbps http://t.co/5pkGDfHq via @zdnetaustralia

RT @zdnetaustralia: #NBN users are opting for 100Mbps plans on fibre more than any other, according to NBN Co http://t.co/oTl5R1UY ^jt

If you’re running 1:1 then whoever it was that did the original design did not future proof. You should aim to 10:1 for small use stati...

58 minutes ago by amckern on 30 servers to 7: BUPA redoes virtualisation

NSW outlines datacentre migration plans - ZDNet Australia http://t.co/uM54858G

NSW outlines datacentre migration plans - ZDNet Australia http://t.co/2F4qnFnF

RT @zdnetaustralia: #NBN users are opting for 100Mbps plans on fibre more than any other, according to NBN Co http://t.co/oTl5R1UY ^jt

RT @zdnetaustralia: #NBN users are opting for 100Mbps plans on fibre more than any other, according to NBN Co http://t.co/oTl5R1UY ^jt

RT @zdnetaustralia: #NBN users are opting for 100Mbps plans on fibre more than any other, according to NBN Co http://t.co/oTl5R1UY ^jt

Yes, after all when you do your personal tax return, you don't say to your accountant: "oh, give the government a couple of thousand out...

1 hour ago by meski on Much ado about Google's tax

That would be Ayn, not Ann. And if you read Atlas Shrugged and came away with the impression of selfish, there's not much I can say to c...

1 hour ago by meski on Much ado about Google's tax

by http://t.co/vmlLt4bh: NBN users opt for 100Mbps: Customers are picking the top fibre plan that is available on... http://t.co/5GJcYYte

NBN users opt for 100Mbps: Customers are picking the top fibre plan that is available on the National Broadband ... http://t.co/dvPawsBi

RT @zdnetaustralia: #NBN users are opting for 100Mbps plans on fibre more than any other, according to NBN Co http://t.co/oTl5R1UY ^jt

NBN users opt for 100Mbps: Customers are picking the top fibre plan that is available on the National Broadband ... http://t.co/3rJ41YBn

Download Angry Birds Space free

1 hour ago by EminnyAssence on iiNet undercuts Internode with NBN pricing

I think the CBA point here is fairly much moot now. There was some, limited, argument for it before the NBN began, but as many people hav...

2 hours ago by seven_tech on NBN cost-benefit analyses are so 2011

Reading this article is like stepping back in time. If I was Paul Berryman I would hang my head in shame. How embarrassing!!! I can’t b...

5 hours ago by MikeSkoey on 30 servers to 7: BUPA redoes virtualisation

The registration sticker provided a visual reminder to the driver to renew regardless of what happened to the renewal letter. The experie...

5 hours ago by dccharron on NSW ditches rego stickers for tech

"xfire: Why is telecommunications being treated different to roads, water and electricity?" Good question, my guess is AUS is far behind...

5 hours ago by ngoctranminh on Five pros and cons of the NBN

Thanks for the response Luke, Given that the quotes are accurate, then the person in charge of the Vic Health App needs to find another j...

5 hours ago by butterflyeffecs on Android fragmentation steers Vic Health

Nice analogy. Another factor is whether you can find 50 people with powerful enough weapons. Minassian's argument is essentially that the...

5 hours ago by Mukimu on National Botnet Network coming: Earthwave

It's nice to see Tas finally get some decent internet connectivity, for too long Tas has been stooged on decent internet connectivity but...

6 hours ago by Jingles on NBN's Tassie upgrade to cost $1.3 million

Who is Luke Hartsuyker? He must be the Apprentice FUDster. As PaulPC has already said regional consumers want, deserve and are entitled...

6 hours ago by dickster on Regional review highlights NBN, mobile

Its good to see the NBN keeping up with the latest equipement & letting the people benefit from it. After all thats why it was a trial, ...

6 hours ago by fibretech on NBN's Tassie upgrade to cost $1.3 million

Shadow Minister for Regional Communications Luke Hartsuyker has got it wrong. Regional consumers want improved mobile services AND the NB...

7 hours ago by PaulPC on Regional review highlights NBN, mobile

Just remember that Google haven't broken any laws here, they're just doing what all their other multinational competitiors do; minimise t...

8 hours ago by Pachanga on Much ado about Google's tax

ルイヴィトン バッグ : http://www.lovebagjp.com/ Louis Vuitton bags, Louis Vuitton pretension nose about，Louis Vuitton daydre...

8 hours ago by bundLourb on Reservoir blogs: Fan fakes Tarantino diary

シャネル バッグ : http://www.bagssalejp.org/ Chanel trap,chanel shekels,gucci bags,direct purse，poor recent Louis Vuitton keep...

10 hours ago by bybrinkLync on Reservoir blogs: Fan fakes Tarantino diary

This story has been voted 12000 times in the last 24 hours!

1 day ago, Is Bill Gates a great leader?

This story has been voted 10 times in the last 24 hours!

2 days ago, CeBIT 2012 opens: photos

This story has been voted 15 times in the last 24 hours!

2 days ago, Lenovo ThinkPad 3G tablet (32GB)

Facebook Activity

Keep up with ZDNet Australia

LinkedinLinkedin Join our network

RSS FeedsRSS Feeds Subscribe now

NewslettersNewsletters Subscribe today

AlertAlertsSubscribe now

ZDNet Events Calendar

ZDNet Events Calendar

Plan Comparison

Prev Next
Loading...
Deals powered by WhistleOut

Sponsored resources