Webroot vs. Kaspersky

By Jessica Drew
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In the Webroot vs. Kaspersky comparison, we take look at the most important factors to consider when purchasing anti-virus software. These factors include how well a software suite protects against future threats, the scope of protection and how well it cleans up pre-existing malware on a computer. Other less-important factors to consider include ease of use, features, ease of installation and updates. Here's how Webroot stacks up compared to Kaspersky.

Webroot vs. Kaspersky: Effectiveness

Many anti-virus software manufacturers claim that their brand protects against nearly 100 percent of future threats. In many cases, this is far from the truth, which is why there are several independent labs that test and rate anti-virus software for effectiveness. Kaspersky blows away almost all of the competition in this consideration. One reputable and independent anti-virus software tester, AV-Test.org, says that Kaspersky software protects against 100 percent of all future threats. Be sure to realize that AV-Test.org does not say nearly 100 percent, but rather certifies that Kaspersky offers perfect protection against all types of malicious attacks. This is an important distinction, because for the $59.95 that Kaspersky will cost you, you can expect total and complete protection.

Almost every other independent anti-virus software tester in the world also gives Kaspersky their highest ratings and accolades for effectiveness at preventing future threats. Webroot is also very effective at preventing future threats and is lower in price ($39.95), but it cannot match Kaspersky's effectiveness. Independent testers reveal that Webroot protects against about 99 percent of future threats.

Webroot vs. Kaspersky: Scope of Protection

In this Webroot vs. Kaspersky comparison, scope of protection represents a tighter race. Webroot is not only anti-virus software; it includes a full-out anti-spyware suite called Spy Sweeper. Spyware represents one of the greatest security threats on the internet today. Spying software allows hackers to steal identities and credit card numbers when users make purchases online, so having top-notch anti-spyware software is an asset to your security arsenal. Spy Sweeper employs advanced technology to detect the first hints of phishing behavior and alerts you to them before any damage is done.

However, Kaspersky has excellent anti-spyware capabilities as well. In fact, Kaspersky has more than just anti-spyware components. West Coast Labs has certified Kaspersky as having full-out anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-Trojan and anti-malware suites. This verifies that Kaspersky has a fuller scope of protection than Webroot.

Webroot vs. Kaspersky: Clean Up

Cleaning up pre-existing infections on a computer poses a greater challenge to any anti-virus software than preventing future threats. Neither Kaspersky nor Webroot are completely effective at removing all pre-existing infections. However, in one independent test, Kaspersky was able to remove nine out of 10 pre-existing infections, while Webroot only removed eight out of 10 infections.

Webroot vs. Kaspersky: Other Considerations

In the Webroot vs. Kaspersky comparison, other factors to consider include, ease of installation, ease of use, features, updates and help and support. Both Webroot and Kaspersky receive equally excellent marks in all of these categories, according to professional reviewers.

Webroot vs. Kaspersky: Overall

Webroot is very effective and easy-to-use anti-virus software with anti-spyware protection. However, Kaspersky, which is a little more expensive, offers superior protection, according to independent testers and reviewers.

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