Kaspersky Internet Security

Name: Kaspersky Internet Security
Availability: InStock
Author: Kaspersky Lab

Kaspersky Internet Security is an antivirus suite that combines real time malware protection with a firewall, anti-phishing engine, and a secure browser for online banking. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Android under a yearly subscription. Kaspersky Lab, the Russian cybersecurity company behind it, consistently ranks near the top of independent AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives benchmarks.

What it does

The core antivirus engine scans files on access and blocks threats before they execute. Full, quick, and selective scan modes are available from the main window. The firewall monitors network connections and controls which applications can send or receive data. Web Anti-Virus checks every page you visit against Kaspersky's phishing database and blocks known malicious URLs automatically.

Safe Money is the standout feature for anyone who banks or shops online. When you navigate to a banking website, Kaspersky offers to open it in an isolated, hardened browser session that prevents keyloggers and screen capture tools from intercepting your credentials. You can add custom URLs to the Safe Money list so it activates for any financial site you use. Parental Controls let you set screen time limits, block website categories, and monitor activity per child profile. The built in VPN provides 200 MB per day for free, with unlimited traffic available in the premium tier.

Advantages

Consistently high detection rates in independent lab tests
Safe Money browser isolates banking sessions from keyloggers and screen capture
Firewall, anti-phishing, mail scanning, and parental controls included in one package
Cross platform support for Windows, macOS, and Android

Drawbacks

Subscription required, no permanent license option
VPN free tier is limited to 200 MB per day
Geopolitical concerns around Kaspersky's Russian jurisdiction have led to government bans in some countries
Can noticeably slow down older hardware during full scans

Who it is for

I consider Kaspersky Internet Security a solid choice for users who want one subscription to cover antivirus, firewall, and safe browsing without assembling separate tools. The Safe Money feature is genuinely useful if you do online banking on a shared or potentially compromised machine. If the Russian jurisdiction is a concern for you, Bitdefender Internet Security and Norton 360 offer comparable protection. For free alternatives, Windows Defender paired with a browser extension like uBlock Origin covers the basics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kaspersky banned in the US?

The US government banned Kaspersky software on federal systems in 2017 and expanded restrictions in 2024. Consumer use is not illegal, but Kaspersky has announced plans to wind down US operations. If this concerns you, Bitdefender and Norton offer comparable protection.

Is Kaspersky Internet Security free?

Kaspersky Internet Security requires a yearly subscription. Kaspersky offers a separate free product called Kaspersky Security Cloud Free with basic real time protection, but it lacks the firewall, Safe Money, and parental controls.

What is Safe Money in Kaspersky?

Safe Money opens banking and payment websites in an isolated browser session that blocks keyloggers, screen capture tools, and clipboard sniffers. It activates automatically when you visit a known banking URL, or you can add custom sites to the list.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	Computer scanning 9	Main window › Scan › Full Scan (entire disk), Quick Scan (critical areas), or Selective Scan (selected folder) › Start Scan.
2	Virus database updates	Main window › Database Update › Run Update › Databases also update automatically every few hours.
3	Phishing site and dangerous link blocking	protection enabled by default › Web Anti-Virus scans visited pages › Blocks phishing and infected sites › Notification when attempting to visit a blocked site.
4	Real-time virus protection	protection enabled by default after installation › System tray icon › Green shield = active protection › Automatic threat blocking.
5	Online banking transaction protection	Main window › Safe Money › Add bank or shop address › A secured browser with an isolated connection opens when visiting the site.
6	Email threat scanning	settings › protection › Mail Anti-Virus › Enabled by default › Scans incoming and outgoing messages in Outlook and other mail clients.
7	Network firewall management	Main window › settings › protection › firewall › Rules for applications and network packets › Block or allow connections.
8	Using VPN for privacy protection	Main window › VPN › Enable Kaspersky VPN › Free limit of 200 MB/day or unlimited in the Premium plan › Encrypts network traffic.
9	Parental control for children online	Main window › Parental Control › Set up child profile › Time limits › Block website categories › Monitor activity.