ESET Smart Security Feature overview
Antivirus & Antispyware Features
SysInspector Integration
SysInspector is a powerful diagnostic tool allowing for in‐depth analysis of aspects of the operating system, including running processes, registry content, startup items and network connections. Making the operating system processes more transparent, SysInspector is a useful tool for home and business users alike and will provide invaluable for IT experts and analysts in diagnosing potential sources of problems. Comprehensive SysInspector Logs can be submitted immediately to IT personnel.
Document Protection
Document Protection (previously known as DMON) is now an improved module for scanning MS Office documents. Document Protection Module checks all MS Office documents for infiltrations before opening or downloading via Internet Explorer.
Portable Computer Support
This feature enhances the usability on portable computers (notebooks, laptops, etc.). Version 4 is able to identify whether the computer is running on battery and automatically postpone some scheduled tasks, alerting the user before downloading a large update.
ESET SysRescue
ESET developed an entirely new wizard for creating CD and USB key for system boot‐up. After installing the Microsoft Windows Automated Installation Kit v1.1, the wizard is able to create bootable image with the installed Antivirus. The ISO image is burned on CD or any bootable mass storage device, such as USB key. Users can subsequently boot the computer from this recovery medium, scan as well as clean the infected system and reboot afterwards.
Exchangeable Media Access Control
Exchangeable media is increasingly used to spread viruses and malware. When plugged‐in a USB key can be used to transfer a hidden virus, affecting even computers without internet access. Therefore, it is crucial to control the use of exchangeable media. and stem this vector of infiltration. Prevention of exchangeable media‐borne threats is especially important across companies, where a lot of data is transferred physically between workstations. Version 4 offers a solution whereby the access to exchangeable media (USB devices, floppy disk and CD) can be refused by the administrator – a policy that can also be administered across large networks via ESET Remote Administrator console. Furthermore, automatic scanning option for files executable from exchangeable media is included by default; the use of Advanced heuristics option can be selected for enhanced protection.
HIPS
Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) protects your system from malware or any unwanted activity trying to negatively affect its security status. It utilizes advanced behavioral analysis, coupled with the detection capabilities of network filter to monitor running processes, files and registry keys, actively blocking and preventing any such attempts.
Kernel Features
Self‐Defense
Self‐Defense is a useful feature protecting our processes and registry keys against malware trying to disable or negatively affect computer’s protection status.
Support Request Enhancement
The user can rely on the support of ESET specialists via form included in ESET NOD32 Antivirus and ESET Smart Security. Version 4 provides the option to also attach the ESET SysInspector Log containing the summarized information crucial for identification of potential problems.
E-mail Clients Features
E‐mail Clients Support
Besides POP3, support for IMAP is available via plug‐in, not as a POP3 scanner. Furthermore, Windows Mail, Windows Live Mail and Mozilla Thunderbird e‐mail clients are also supported extending advanced protection to users on the go. Additionally, ESS features an improved and integrated anti‐spam capability.
Graphic User Interface Features
Last Scanned Files Statistics
Displays useful information on scanned files when anti‐virus protection is activated.
Informative Graphs and Statistics
Graphs depicting network communication (uploads/downloads), disc operations (writing on and reading from disc), as well as virus and anti‐spam statistics are included and easily accessible from the GUI.
New Personal Firewall Features
Encrypted Communication Control and Learning Mode
Encrypted communication for Windows XP and Windows Vista via HTTPs and POP3s protocols is checked for malware. The firewall is equipped with “learning mode.” When activated, it allows for all communication and rules to be created automatically. The user (administrator) can check the rules for correctness, make necessary changes or switch to another firewall mode.
New Anti-Spam Features
Optimized Engine
The anti‐spam engine included in version 4 was optimized both for high performance and low system footprint. Now, better spam detection capabilities go hand‐ in‐hand with even smaller impact on system resources.
Improved Features
Real‐time File Protection and Advanced Settings
Checks removable disks the moment a file stored on them is opened. This operation utilizes all advanced methods of file‐scan including virus signature databases and heuristics. Now files previously identified by Advanced heuristics as potential threats are temporarily cached. In case of repeated attempt of execution, the file is checked by Advanced heuristics automatically, even if turned off in the scan settings. Version 4 gives the user the ability to enable and disable Real‐time File Protection, using a tray icon in the context menu.