Trend Micro Internet Security Suite Pro 2010

Trend Micro Internet Security Suite Pro 2010 offers all the latest buzzwords, but how well it delivers may be a mixed bag. The Trend Micro Smart Protection Network, which Trend dubs as "cloud-based" or "in-the-cloud" protection, is a re-adaptation of reputation monitoring services such as Microsoft SpyNet (in Windows Defender). The difference, however, is that Trend Micro relies on the Smart Protection Network for the bulk of its protection. Given that most modern day malware immediately cripples communications with security vendor sites and services, this heavy reliance may be misplaced.

Trend Micro Internet Security Suite 2010 combines antivirus, antispyware, and a firewall with parental control features and spam filtering. But to get protective features standard in most other Internet security suites - including Wi-Fi, phishing, and identity theft protection - you'll need to get the Pro version of the suite.

Smart Protection Network is the key component of Trend Micro Internet Security, included in both the Pro and vanilla version. The Smart Protection Network sets up a continuous communication channel between your PC and Trend Micro's servers, reporting file activities and other system activities on an ongoing basis. Trend Micro's servers analyze the data, create signatures as necessary, and push back the updates to users.

The Smart Protection Network successfully blocked 70% of the 3,243 known malicious URLs on first encounter in an August 2009 test performed by NSS Software. But its success with file execution was a disappointment - Trend Micro detected and blocked only 5.5% of the actual malware at runtime. As long as the communication channel with the Smart Protection Network is enabled, protection is on par with other Internet security suites. But for those without an always-on connection, or if there's a pre-existing infection or malware slips through that disables that connection, actual protection performance may plummet.

The Pro version provides 2GB of remote backup storage and features a remote locking feature in the event of a lost or stolen laptop. Parental controls are robust and enable customizable settings by age group, including the ability to impose time limits on surfing.

Trend Micro Internet Security Suite Pro 2010 retails for $69.95 for use on up to 3 PCs. The vanilla Trend Micro Internet Security 2010 retails for $49.95, also for use on up to 3 PCs.