Kaspersky Antivirus Uncovered: An Unbiased Review

Kaspersky Antivirus has been regarded as one of the top antivirus solutions over an extended period. It consistently secures high rankings in independent lab tests, flaunting its core antivirus engine that delivers exceptional protection and an impressive range of security features.

During my test, I used Kasperksy Premium. However, in this review, I will briefly analyze the software's effectiveness alongside its two other subscription plans (Kaspersky Standard and Kaspersky Plus). Here's my comprehensive Kaspersky Antivirus Review.

Kaspersky Antivirus Review: Is it Safe?

While Kaspersky's threat-detection abilities are widely respected, the product has encountered multiple security controversies that have made users question its safety.

In 2017, allegations started to show up, asserting that it has closed ties with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), which the company denied. Consequently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security banned its use in federal agencies, Twitter stopped its ads in 2018, and Best Buy removed its products. In 2022, Germany advised against using Kaspersky due to concerns amid the Ukraine conflict.

Although Russian-based, Kaspersky claims fairness and transparency, denying any accountability for wrongdoing. It moved operations to Switzerland in 2018. Also, according to Kaspersky's Transparency Report 2021, the company refused Russian government data requests that year. Kaspersky operates transparency centers across the globe to ensure reliability. 

Apart from being highly controversial and blacklisted by some countries and organizations, its security software consistently earns top rankings globally. However, you can learn more about their privacy policies and safety measures on their official FAQ page. Ultimately, what matters most is that you feel safe using the product. If you don't trust Kaspersky's product line, you can choose other reliable and affordable options, such as Bitdefender Total Security, Avast Ultimate, Norton 360 Deluxe, and F-Secure Total.

Quick Review Summary

Despite being a highly controversial Antivirus Security program, Kaspersky stands out as a strong security suite that provides real-time protection against numerous dangerous threats. In my Kaspersky Antivirus Review, I observed its fairly impressive performance, even when tested on a low-specified virtual machine.

What I find commendable about the platform is its customization feature for every security tool, which further enhanced flexibility and provided a sense of security throughout the test.

Kaspersky has six exceptional scanning features that efficiently conduct deep scans to identify potential security loopholes.

Though Kaspersky includes additional features like Password Manager and Identity Protection, they are quite basic. However, they were efficient enough to get the job done. In contrast, certain features proved useful as they offer substantial control over security, including Keylogger Protection to safeguard against data breaches, a Secure Browser, and more.

Based on my tests, I thoroughly enjoyed using Kaspersky for its effective features and competent performance.

Pricing Plans

Kaspersky comes with free and paid subscription plans. Three paid subscription packages are available - Kaspersky Standard, Kaspersky Plus & Kaspersky Premium. With a paid plan, you can protect up to 10 devices.

The basic package is the Kaspersky Standard, which includes features like Real-time protection, online payment protection, and PC optimization. The Kaspersky Plus plan includes all the Standard plan's features and additional features such as unlimited VPN and Password Manager. The top-tier Kaspersky Premium plan comes with all the features of the Standard and Plus plans, with extra features like Identity Protection, Parental Control, and more.

All the plans come with a free trial. However, you will need an individual Kaspersky Account for the test drive for each plan.

Product Line Overview

Kaspersky offers three packages: Standard, Plus, and Premium, catering to varying numbers of devices.

Kaspersky Standard

It is a multi-device security solution that defends your system against the most recent threats and effectively prevents harmful websites from infiltrating your system when you are not around. Its core antivirus is designed to protect against dangerous malware, ransomware, and spyware attacks, maintaining its security standards. Beyond its antivirus capabilities, it includes features such as PC Optimization, Webcam and Audio Protection, Online Payment Security, Crypto Threat Defense, and more. 

For the best offers, look at our Kaspersky Standard Coupon Codes.

Kaspersky Plus

Although the core antivirus engine and its functionalities remain the same in all three Kaspersky plans, a few changes exist in the Kaspersky Plus subscription model. It offers a variety of added features for enhanced device protection compared to Kaspersky Standard, including a Hard Drive Health Monitor, Backup and Restoration feature, Kaspersky VPN, and a Password Manager. If you plan to subscribe, you can save a lot of money using our Kaspersky Plus Promo codes.

Kaspersky Premium

Highly trusted by numerous users, Kaspersky Premium is the flagship product within the Kaspersky antivirus security range. It combines the crucial features of both Kaspersky Standard and Kaspersky Premium while including additional features such as Identity Protection, a WiFi Analyzer, Safe Kids, and more. You can get the best discounts with Kaspersky Premium Coupons if this is your preferred antivirus.

Note: I have provided a comprehensive comparison list of the products below to better understand the features you get with each plan.

Kaspersky Antivirus: Setup and Interface

Installing Kaspersky

Kaspersky carries out a very easy installation process with guided installation prompts. Here's how you can install Kaspersky on your Windows computer: 

1. Download the installation file for your chosen Kaspersky plan (Standard, Plus, or Premium) from the official website or your My Kaspersky account.

2. Run the installation wizard after the download completes.

3. During installation, you can install additional Kaspersky features like Secure VPN and Password Manager (applicable to Kaspersky Plus and Premium plans).

4. Once the installation finishes, enter your "My Kaspersky" account details in the application to activate it and strengthen the security of your online activities.

Note: My Kaspersky account is necessary for subscription activation.

Interface

Apart from the easy installation process, I had a great time using the application, especially because of its visually clean design and intuitive approach.

When I entered the platform for the first time, a big checkmark on the home screen grabbed my attention. The check mark identifies the current security status of your system. It usually shows a green checkmark when everything is in good order and a red checkmark when your device is susceptible to threats. During my test, the check mark appeared in orange, as the system detected an outdated database, which served as a warning sign.

Beneath that section, you'll notice three tiles representing functions like Quick Scan, PC Optimization, and Kaspersky VPN. 

The Smart Home Monitor function under the quick tiles tab compiles a comprehensive list of devices connected to your network.

Furthermore, the interface showcases informative cards containing details about the number of devices safeguarded by your license and a scanning timeline.

On the left side of the main window, there are various tool options available:

• Home
• Security
• Performance
• Privacy
• Identity (Premium Only)
• Smart Home (Premium Only)
• My Kaspersky account

You'll discover two additional toolsets in the My Kaspersky account section: Settings and Customer Service.

Each option provides specific features that can be tailored to suit your security preferences. Kaspersky also offers extensive customization options, providing complete flexibility to personalize your experience according to your preferences. 

Impression: Interestingly, Kaspersky's dedicated search bar at the top of the screen makes it convenient to access necessary tools.

Kaspersky Antivirus: Features Review

Security Features

With features designed to protect your privacy, secure your transactions, and manage digital parenting, the cybersecurity suite is tailored for comprehensive digital well-being.

Real-Time Protection

The Real-Time Protection feature is included in all Kaspersky Subscription models. This feature continually scans opened files and apps installed in real-time on the device for potential threats and blocks them.

Impression: I was particularly impressed with its ability to personalize the security settings, allowing me to toggle specific components ON/OFF based on my preferences.

Firewall Protection

Kaspersky's Firewall Protection feature offers robust defense for your WiFi network by actively monitoring incoming and outgoing network requests and safeguarding it against intrusion and exploit attacks. This firewall protection is enabled by default, although you can turn it off (Not Recommended). 

What I like the most about Kaspersky's firewall protection features is that it provides:

• Comprehensive insights into applications connected to the internet that offer detailed breakdowns of their identities.
• User prevalence on computers.
• Trustworthiness based on Kaspersky security network users.

You can further personalize settings by creating exclusions for specific applications. 

Furthermore, customizing network packet rules and connections grants you greater control over their network security.

Smart Home Monitor

Although basic, the Smart Home Monitor feature is an interesting addition to the program. This feature is only available for Plus and Premium subscription models and effectively displays devices connected to your home network.

During my test in the Kaspersky Antivirus Review, the feature displayed two unknown devices connected to my home network and the PC in use. Upon selecting any unknown device, Kaspersky provided details on the device's operating system, IP, and MAC addresses. However, instead of providing a direct option to deny access to any device, Kaspersky offers a knowledge-based guide, which I found inconvenient.

Although beneficial for monitoring connected devices, I would greatly appreciate enhanced control over the feature in future updates.

Stalkerware Detection

It is a useful feature that identifies and alerts you when suspicious apps and processes on your device monitor your activity and attempt to steal your data.

Scanning:

Kaspersky offers 7 range of virus scanning options tailored to different needs:

• Quick Scan: Scans files from system start-up, memory, and boot files.
• Full Scan: As the name suggests, this scans every part of the system.
• Selective Scan: Scans specific files or folders.
• Removable Drive Scan: Inspects removable drives (USB sticks, hard drives, etc.).
• Application Vulnerability Scan: Identifies application weaknesses that malware could exploit.
• Instant File Scan: Allows file scanning directly from the context menu.
• Background Scan: Conducts thorough checks of system memory, partitions, boot sectors, and start-up elements, including rootkit detection.

Apart from that, Kaspersky also provides a diverse array of scan schedulings. 

Impression: What I liked about Kaspersky's scanning feature is its customization for each scan category. The file icon accompanying each scan option provides detailed reports graded by importance, ranging from high to low significance.

During my Kaspersky Antivirus Review, I tested both the Quick Scan and Full Scan features. Please keep reading to get detailed insight into scanning and its performance below in the article.

Intrusion Prevention

This feature monitors installed programs, ensuring they follow specific guidelines and blocks any suspicious actions, such as accessing critical files, folders, registry keys, and network addresses. 

Impression: What I found interesting about this feature is its ability to manually modify application rules per your preference, which is commendable.

Performance Features

Hard Drive Health Monitor

(Available only for Plus and Premium Subscription Models)

The Hard Drive Health Monitor feature is a thoughtful addition to the program. The feature scans internal and external hard drives connected to your system and alerts you if their health worsens. If the app identifies a failing hard drive, you can safely transfer your data to a secure storage medium.

PC Optimization Tool

Kaspersky offers various performance tools to tune up your system, enhancing its performance seamlessly and efficiently. These tools help eliminate unnecessary items and ensure your applications stay updated.

Quick Start-up

The quick start-up tools give you a list of apps that initiate when your device boots up. From there, you can deactivate rarely used or unnecessary apps from starting up during boot to enhance your system's performance.

PC Speed-Up

The PC Speed-Up feature in Kaspersky scans for unused system files, including temporary files and items in the recycle bin and Windows registry problems that could be removed and fixed to enhance your system's performance. 

During my Kaspersky Antivirus Review, the feature performed well by completing the scan within seconds, revealing 197.37 MB of unused system files, and identifying 5 Windows registry issues that needed fixing.

Duplicates and Large Files

The Duplicate and Large Files Checker tools are useful for identifying and removing files that take up a significant amount of your system's space without your knowledge.

What's interesting about these features is that I could direct the program to scan specific folders for duplicates or large files. You can set a size range, starting from over 100MB up to more than 5GB (for Large Files), and the program will scan and delete these files accordingly. This process helps free up space and improve the performance of your device.

Privacy Protection

Web Protection Features

Kaspersky provides effective web protection features, including decent, safe browsing protection, Keylogger Protection, and coherent Payment Protection features.

Safe and Private Browsing

Kaspersky Safe Browsing works on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox browsing platforms. This tool effectively scans for various links using heuristic analysis that are prone to phishing and prevents you from visiting those links if potential threats are found. 

What caught my attention is Kaspersky's URL Advisor putting a green symbol next to safe websites in search results. The Safe Browsing feature customization also gave me the flexibility to enhance my security needs.

While testing the Safe Browsing feature for Kaspersky Antivirus Review, it successfully blocked the download of malicious files onto my device. It provided a detailed description of the harmful contents in the downloadable file.

On the other hand, the Private Browsing feature prevents social media networks, web analytics, ad agencies, and web beacons from gathering your data. This feature displays the number of data collections made within the application. Additionally, it acts as an anti-tracker to protect you from intrusive websites. It also allows you the flexibility to block data collection when necessary.

Keylogger Protection

This feature protects your system using hardware virtualization. You can open the on-screen keyboard from Kaspersky's Privacy menu setting and manage categories of data and websites for which the on-screen keyboard shortcut will be displayed in the browsers to protect you from Keyloggers. It is a clever inclusion that most antivirus programs do not offer.

Safe Money

The Safe Money feature protects your payment details and financial information against cybercriminals. Hence, it provides a separate secure browsing environment to initiate these websites, preventing nefarious websites from interfering.

The interesting part about the feature is that when you run the feature, a green illumination surrounds the browser, offering a reassuring sense of security.

Password Manager and Secret Vault

You can install this feature separately while installing the program (Available only for Plus and Premium Subscription Models).

During my Kaspersky Antivirus Review, Kaspersky's Password Manager felt very basic compared to dedicated password manager tools. Although basic, the feature is efficient enough for storing unlimited passwords and other sensitive data in the vault secured with a master password.

The vault has an intuitive and well-organized interface, simplifying storing passwords without unnecessary complications. Alongside passwords for websites and applications, you can also add bank cards, documents, addresses, and notes into the vault. Kaspersky allows for the creation of multiple folders to organize passwords as needed to organize your passwords better.

Moreover, what's interesting about the feature is that it actively notifies users on their devices about weak passwords and suggests improvements in strengthening them. Furthermore, it utilizes robust 256-bit AES encryption and a strict zero-knowledge policy to safeguard all passwords and sensitive data, including bank cards, addresses, and

However, unfortunately, the password manager lacks features like 2FA ( Two Factor Authentication), which would have made the platform more secure.

Backup and Restore

Kaspersky allows you a convenient way to safeguard your media and document files by enabling you to create backups, offering restoration options in case of data loss.

This feature allows you to generate backups not only on online platforms but also on specific drives. Additionally, it enables including network storage and linking to existing storage locations for backup purposes.

While relatively basic, this feature proves valuable in critical situations. I am particularly impressed after working with the advanced backup settings that allowed me to select backup frequencies ranging from on-demand to daily, weekly, or monthly backups. 

Furthermore, Kaspersky provides an option to implement password protection for their backup files to make them more secure. You can also control the number of backup versions retained and set storage periods for these copies.

Unlimited Secure VPN

(Available only for Plus and Premium Subscription Models)

This feature effectively improves browsing security by assessing the safety of the WiFi networks you connect to. If it detects an insecure network, it prompts you to activate a secure connection through a dedicated server from its extensive network of 2000+ servers across 100+ locations.

What caught my attention was that even in the 30-day trial, the app offers unlimited encrypted VPN connections, ensuring protection against data tracking while browsing. Moreover, the app's customization options for smart protection, split tunneling, and website configurations add flexibility and usability to this feature.

Other Notable Features

Identity Protection: (Premium Only)

Kaspersky offers added security to safeguard your digital identity. You can secure vital documents and sensitive information with Kaspersky Premium's Identity Protection. Identity Protection is an amalgamation of three tools:

Identity Protection Wallet

This feature ensures the safety of your important documents by securely storing them using the Password Manager's vault (in PDF or JPEG format), preventing third-party access to your documents. 

Remote Access Detection

This tool aims to prevent identity fraud by detecting and alerting you of any attempts by hackers to gain unauthorized access to your devices and steal personal information.

Identity Theft Check

This tool checks if your phone number has been compromised for data leaks, including on the dark web. It shows leaked accounts linked to your phone numbers, like your bank account and social media, so you can see if hackers are using your number to steal your identity and tell you what to do if there's been a leak.

Impression: In my experience, these features performed basic functions, lacking depth and sophistication. I would welcome enhancements to these features for more advanced and comprehensive security measures.

Safe Kids: (Premium Only)

Kaspersky Safe Kids offers effective parental control features, including content filtering, app and screen time restrictions, and location tracking. Based on my experience, it efficiently blocked websites categorized by type, including time scheduling and app usage reports, which proved valuable in overseeing children's activities. 

However, the limited social media monitoring restricted to VK (a Russian-based platform) was a drawback. I hoped for broader coverage for network monitoring, including mainstream platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Another downside of Safe Kids is that although it comes with the Kaspersky Premium Package, it is only valid for a year. It is a limitation I encountered compared to other antivirus programs like Bitdefender, which don't have such limiting restrictions on their parental control feature.

Overall, in my test, Safe Kids functioned well. However, there is ample room for improvement.

Kaspersky Antivirus Review: Performance

Opting for software that consumes a huge amount of disk space and causes system lag during multitasking is less than ideal. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly evaluate an application's performance before making a purchase decision. In my Kaspersky Antivirus review, I conducted a detailed examination of its performance to offer a comprehensive overview to help your decision-making process.

Note: I used Virtual Machine to conduct the test for Kaspersky Antivirus Review, and it is important to note that the application's performance may vary based on your physical system configuration.

Performance (AV-Test)

According to AV-Test's latest assessment in August 2024, Kaspersky demonstrated strong performance, achieving perfect scores of 6 out of 6 across Protection, Performance, and Usability metrics.

In protection against 0-day malware attacks, Kaspersky performed well, scoring 100%. It also successfully detected 100% of widespread malware during AV-Test lab evaluations.

How long did the scan take, and it's impact on my CPU?

Despite my virtual machine's low specifications, the application booted swiftly. Kaspersky didn't significantly impact CPU or RAM usage. However, I encountered occasional lags, likely due to testing it on a virtual machine.

My System specifications are:

• ‌Processor - AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, 2100 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 8 Logical Processor(s)
• RAM - 12.0 GB
• OS - Windows 11 Home Single Language
• Graphics - AMD Radeon Vega 8 (Integrated)

Full Scan Resource Consumption

The Full Scan took more than 6 hours, after which I lost my patience to complete the scan. However, the scan successfully found 16,31,144 files and didn't find any threats. The full scan consumed 718 MB RAM Consumption on average and 24.30% of CPU resources.

Quick Scan Resource Consumption

On the other hand, Quick Scan took 41 minutes and 35 seconds to complete the scanning process, during which it scanned 3504 files and did not detect any threats. During a quick scan, the CPU consumption fluctuated between 16-24% and utilized 394 MB of RAM resources.

In addition to monitoring Kaspersky's performance stats, I tested whether basic browsing stays stable in combination with Kaspersky. In that regard, the app operated quite well and did not strain the system much.

Customer Support

Kaspersky provides responsive support through various ways, such as forums, FAQs, setup tips, and tools accessible within the application. Users can report issues via video or trace files within the app, and live chat support is available through their website. Their official resources offer detailed guidance on the platform's features, enhancing overall efficiency.

Premium users enjoy additional benefits, including 24/7 remote IT support. Kaspersky offers expert virus checks and removal services for devices infected before installing the antivirus, ensuring the highest level of protection. Regardless of the preferred contact method, be it a call or chat, requests from premium users receive top priority.

During my Kaspersky Antivirus Review, I frequently contacted the live chat support. I received prompt and patient assistance in resolving queries. While there are occasional longer wait times for support agents to respond to chats, they are not likely.

The most helpful part of the support was Kaspersky's official resources. It is filled with valuable information which helped me enjoy a hassle-free experience to navigate the program effectively.

Things I Like and Don't Like

Although I thoroughly enjoyed using Kaspersky as my primary antivirus tool, some features and functionality were worth the praise, and some were disappointing.

What I Liked

• One of the main things that caught my attention during the review was its sleek and clean user interface. It is adeptly organized, and the customization configurations for most of the tools are commendable. Apart from that the search bar on the top of the display to quick search for tools made the platform more convenient.
• The VPN was impressive; offering unlimited bandwidth even on the 30-day trial version is something noteworthy that not many antivirus solutions offer.
• Quick Responsive customer, on the other hand, made the whole experience easy along with Kaspersky's useful official resources.
• The antivirus solution has rich features, making it a one-stop shop for all security needs.

What I Disliked

• I am disappointed with Kaspersky Safe Kid's one-year subscription plan included in the Kaspersky Premium package.
• Additionally, the Social Media Monitoring feature is restricted and noninclusive to mainstream social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. It provides network monitoring only for VK (Russian social media platform). 
• The Identity Protection Wallet is basic and operates with the Password Manager.
• Unfortunately, the Password Manager lacks a 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) feature. Adding this feature would have significantly enhanced the security of password protection.

Kaspersky Alternatives

Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender Total Security is a robust and effective alternative to Kaspersky Antivirus. Kaspersky and Bitdefender boast strong core antivirus engines, efficiently identifying and blocking potential threats to safeguard your device.

They both feature user-friendly user interfaces, but Bitdefender's interface excels with its quick access buttons on the dashboard for essential functions like scanning, VPN, etc. Furthermore, they both have additional features such as Password Manager and VPN. However, Bitdefender's Password Manager is a paid feature. In contrast, with Kaspersky, you get it as a part of the package and unlimited VPN bandwidth. Learn more in our Bitdefender Total Security review.

Read our Bitdefender vs Kaspersky article to learn more.

Norton 360 Deluxe

Kaspersky and Norton stand out as top-notch antivirus solutions, offering comprehensive multilayered protection in a single package. Renowned for its exceptional virus detection rates, Norton has demonstrated its robust capabilities in identifying and handling malware effectively. However, it has a higher price tag compared to other antivirus solutions.

Avast Ultimate

Kaspersky Antivirus and Avast Ultimate stand out as robust antivirus solutions, effectively safeguarding systems against ever-rising malicious threats. While both provide a solid core antivirus system, Avast distinguishes itself with potent security features like Advanced Firewall, Email Security, and WiFi Inspector. However, unlike Kaspersky, Avast does not offer many security features. Both antivirus programs boast intuitive user interfaces and are efficient primary solutions for antivirus protection.

FAQs

Is Kaspersky safe?

Despite facing various allegations due to political conflicts, none of the accusations against the company have been proven. Apart from that, Kaspersky is secure and effectively scans and blocks viruses to protect your device.

Which version of Kaspersky should I buy?

Kaspersky Plus is generally recommended for most users, offering a balance of security and additional features like Unlimited VPN and Password Manager. If you need robust parental controls, you can opt for Kaspersky Premium. However, it's important to note that the Safe Kids parental control subscription with the Kaspersky Premium version is only valid for one year.

Is Kaspersky Antivirus free?

No, it is not. However, you can install the fully functional 30-day free trial versions of Kaspersky Standard, Plus and Premium to assess the products before purchasing.

Note: Yes, a free version of Kaspersky Antivirus is available with limited security features like File Anti-Virus, Mail Anti-Virus, Safe Browsing, Anti-Phishing, etc. However, kindly note that using the free version does not provide access to customer support assistance. 

Conclusion

Although faced with multiple controversies and allegations, Kaspersky's security protection stands out as one of the best among leading antivirus solutions. Kaspersky has an extensive range of security features and strong core antivirus protection. The fundamental features prove highly effective in securing your system and blocking potentially harmful websites proficiently. The application also monitors network activity, enhancing overall security. It safeguards various aspects of your online life, including secure web browsing, accounts, and passwords.

The Plus and Premium subscription models also offer extra features to improve safety and anonymity. If you're seeking strong protection for your home device, the Kaspersky antivirus solution is a viable choice. However, it's essential to thoroughly compare the product with other antivirus solutions in the market before making a purchase.