Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 and Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 were just announced and will be released late June, early July. Review copies will be sent out next week, so expect a full write-up shortly after. The 2012 version has many improvements to existing functionality as well as a few new important additions.
New Features
- Completely redesigned UI, approachable and simple for standard users, but advanced options available securityphiles.
- URL Advisor compatibility with IE 6-9, Firefox 3-4, Chrome 7-10
- File Advisor – Uses Kaspersky Security Network to build a reputation for files.
- Data collection on behavioural patterns of programs, allows other malicious programs with similar behaviour to be blocked.
- Online Banking Saferun feature.
- Smart download of updates – Only download updates for the components your have installed.
Kaspersky has identified around 70 typical patterns of malware behaviour – Part of the Kaspersky Internet Security Suite is a process called System watcher. It monitors your system across multiple sessions for operation that match those 70 defined malware behaviour. Replication, modification, deletion of files, especially operating system files is an example of what System watcher looks for. Once identified, a defined course of action can be implemented to remove the malware and repair the damage.
With the rise of mobile devices and an ever increasing level of sophistication, its becoming apparent that mobile security is something consumers will need to pay attention to. Kaspersky Mobile 10 will have support Windows Phone 7, adding to existing support for devices running Android 2.2 and above as well as Blackberry handsets.
A new product coming from Kaspersky, is Kaspersky Tablet Security, due for release in July as a Technical Release, with a commercial release date around August 2011. Kaspersky believe that tablets pose a unique security challenge as they evolve to become more like standard computers with USB ports and desktop-like operating systems. Personal data is personal data, regardless of the device, so it makes sense to protect it. The challenge being how to do this effectively with comparatively underpowered tablet devices. This explains the need for a dedicated version of Kaspersky for tablet devices.
Apple’s iOS is difficult to get access to for security providers. Apple controls the process from end-to-end, so getting access to low-enough in the system to implement security programs isn’t currently possible. Kaspersky are however working on a mechanism to improve parental control on iOS devices. Something they say is due early next year. Given the current SDK doesn’t allow for this, its possible by then, our Apple devices are running iOS5.
Screen shot gallery
You may not be able to get the product yet, but you can check out the new interface and features in the gallery below.
