- Virtualized browser guards privacy and protects from malware
- Hard drive encryption protects against data theft
- Keylogging and screen captures stopped by ForceField
- Uses Kaspersky scan engine SDK
- Firewall assigns "Super" trust and access automatically
- Backup and tune-up requires preset access permissions
- Full hard drive encryption ensures data is kept safely locked down in the event of a lost or stolen laptop.
- Advanced download protection guards against hostile drive-by and intentional downloads resulting from social engineering.
- Timing Attack Prevention guards against process hijackers that try to piggyback on legitimate program permissions.
It was a bit disappointing to discover than in order to take advantge of ZoneAlarm Extreme's backup and tune-up options, both Generic Host Process and the browser must be granted carte blanche permission to access the Internet. For a firewall that derives its strength from permission-based access controls, this departure was surprising at best.
For Web browsing, ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010 provides multiple layers of download protection. User downloaded files are first subject to traditional signature scanning. If nothing is found, an additional layer of protection is available which sequesters the download in a virtual sandbox until the user releases it. Properly used, this additional layer of protection can protect against both hostile drive-by downloads and malware downloads that occur as a result of a lapse in judgement (perhaps as the result of a social engineering scam).
ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010 provides full hard drive encryption using 256 bit AES. A wizard enables the easy creation of a recovery USB/CD coupled with a 24/7 recovery service for accidental lockouts resulting from forgotten passwords. If the hard drive encryption feature is enabled, the entire drive is encrypted - making it easier and more seamless for users who won't have to worry about whether a specific file was protected or not.
Overall, ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010 may be the perfect fit for home and SOHO users who need secure online backup, encryption, and robust anti-malware protection.
