Gone are the times when every newly developed technology is based on old devices that are already out on the market. It’s time for something new. Bitdefender came up with a smart security solution in the form of Bitdefender BOX, the one unified and independent solution for your home network security. The dependency of users upon antiviruses only is now obsolete since the BOX can handle it all.
What is Bitdefender BOX?
Imagine an antivirus software in physical form, where all your data is flowing in and out of the network is under constant supervision from the filters installed due to the hardware.
Adding a bit of intelligence to a small piece of networking hardware, Bitdefender Antivirus has now created a device for the security of all the devices under the Internet of Things, as a part of your home network. What’s more is that the BOX provides you, irrespective of your geolocation, BOX administration control and intrusion notifications on your Android and IOS devices through VPN.
The device must be connected to the internet in order to provide uninterrupted protection. Every packet flowing in through the net ports is scanned and verified for signs of any malicious or fake phishing packets. One can either use the BOX itself as the router or simply connect it to the router. The service is provided only to those who are registered with Bitdefender, or will be after purchasing the device.
Specifications
It is a small, sleek, shiny and lightweight box with measurements 1.1″ x 3.5″ x 3.5″. Small enough to fit in a corner of the table, and adding to the scene too with its LEDs. Feel proud if you already own it, because every multinational company building has large security boxes with a quite similar purpose but with great maintenance cost.
Packed with 64 MB DDR2 RAM, 16 MB flash memory and a single core 0.4GHz MIPS processor, it is surprising how this small device can handle all these tasks with such efficiency. Technology has really gone to the limits, and if you think you are in enough awe, wait till you hear about its VPN service out of your home network. Hardware wise, the device has a reset button (backside), two 10/100 Ethernet ports, and a very shiny cover, plus the Alien-eye LED. Under the hood, the chipset holds all the configurations and management interfaces, plus the connection modules to the cloud, handling all traffic monitoring.
Cost
Bitdefender is going to provide a free one-year subscription included in the $199 purchase for the device. After another $99 per year for the subscription update, once again you are free to live under its protection for one more year. Along with the BOX, if you really are a security guy, then there goes another $69.95 well spent.
Setup
The device seems simple enough, but as we know, some simple devices tend to confuse people more than complicated ones. How are you going to connect the device to your home network connection without disrupting your network service? Bitdefender thought of that too. Detailed Quick setup and User-brief instructions are provided with the device and are also present online to make installation easier.
You might think that this makes it more complex, but you are wrong. Decide whether you want to use the BOX as the default router or add it as an overhead protection to the router. After that make the connections, and setup a few usernames and password, an optional change in DHCP settings of the router, and if you are special, then maybe a bridge mode conversion of your default router, to connect to the box , and that’s it!
But remember, In order to complete the setup, you will require an interface. How were you thinking of configuring it? The download of the Bitdefender iOS or Android app is required to complete the setup. After this setup only, you can monitor the security of your home network, even when you are out of your home network range.
Bitdefender Box is also special because it provides the feature of VPN connectivity service to its users. All data streaming out of your mobile phone will be tunneled to the BOX at your home, which will forward it to cloud and thus providing your device with a constant link to the Home network security issue and configurations. Finally, Network Security solutions right in your hand, isn’t that cool?
Look out for this device wherever you can get your hands on it. Seriously
The Mac is marketed as a computer that’s virus free. But this is 2013, where the Hackers want to get into as many computers as they can and the NSA’s personal hobby is to collect everyone’s private information. This is the time when you can never be too safe.
I’ve used my Macbook Pro without an Antivirus for a better part of a year now and not once have I encountered any sort of problem. No slowdowns, no infections whatsoever. Except that one time, it slipped from my hands and the Hard Drive got damaged (damn you brushed aluminum casing!). But after reading multiple reports about Mac security being compromised again and again I thought it might be time to safeguard myself from the ugly corners of the internet.
The installation process is relatively easy for a Mac Software. If you have used the mac for more than an hour, you know how to Install an app. Before we get started, you’ll need a Mac with OS X 10.7 or later installed. You’ll also need to have 1 GB of RAM and 400 MB of empty disk space. And of course, a working internet connection to download the Antivirus and to keep it updated.
Just download the 176 MB DMG file from the official website, which is relatively smaller size. Your bandwidth will be thankful and it’s also easy to install. Once it’s installed, Bitdefender will update the virus database in the background automatically, you don’t need to fiddle with any settings at all.
Once it’s downloaded, open up the DMG file, it will decompress, and open up a new window. The installation window is remarkably close to what a windows installation looks like.
Usually just dragging the DMG icon into the Applications folder installs the application. Instead, here we have to press ‘next’ a bunch of times.
Interface
Mac is known for it’s beautiful interface and its simplicity. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac follows along on the same principles. While the Windows counterpart might look like it was designed by people wearing hipster glasses, leather jackets driving a Dodge Viper, BFM has a bit of sophistication to it.
Bitdefender’s designer was probably listening to some Jazz, sitting on his upholstered turn of the 20th-century chair sipping some white wine.
When you open the app you are presented with everything you might need from an Antivirus program. You don’t have to mess about with bazillion menus and drop downs, nor do you need to press the right key four times to get anywhere (a common complaint with the Windows Version). You can perform a System scan, quick scan or a critical scan all from the main window!
Right from the first boot, it updates itself in the background automatically, so you don’t have to push any buttons to get there, there isn’t even an Update option on the main screen, you’ll have to dive into the menu’s to find one. Rest assured, you’ll rarely need it.
Simplicity comes at a cost
Although bitdefender for Mac works mostly in the same way as its Windows version, it’s feature list is quite small. There is no Bitdefender Wallet which stores your login details and other important passwords securely. (Although I use Lastpass which in my opinion is way more powerful with its cloud sync service and multiple device support).
The BitDefender Widget is missing, But again it’s something no Mac user would want to use. This one goes to Pro column instead of a Con.
When you look at it closely, a lot of features that you normally find in an Antivirus software like a Firewall are missing from Bitdefender for Mac. But do you even need it? The biggest source of infection in a Mac is virus infested program installs. And as you’ll see later on, Bitdefender Antivirus works wonderfully there.
Scanning
The Bitdefender interface is incredibly clean and focuses only the important parts. So fittingly there are only three options for Scanning your Mac:
Scan Critical Locations: This will scan all your system files, your Mac installation and other programs that you may have installed. This scan was very fast for me. It was over in about 5 Minutes.
Full System Scan: As the name suggest, this will scan your whole system. This may take a long time, depending on the amount of Data you have.
Scan a Custom Location: If you want to scan a particular file or a USB from a friend you don’t really trust, you know where to go.
Web Protection
I recommend you turn this on. Fun fact: you don’t need BitDefender for Web Protection to work. I installed the TrafficLight Chrome Extension on my Mac and when I switched to my PC, lo and behold, it was installed and working on my PC! Props to Bitdefender there.
This will come in handy when you are tempted to browse those dark corners of the internet, out of curiosity or some definite purpose ( don’t be shy now, we all do it). It blocks Malware and phishing sites very well.
Test
I ran the malware test, visited more than 10 blacklisted sites and Bitdefender was more than happy to block my mischievous activities. Full marks for Bitdefender there.
We like to test everything thoroughly here at DigitFreak and when it comes to security, there is no one we trust more than ourselves. Which why we put Bitdefender through our own rigidly designed test which has everything from Malware to deadly viruses. DigitFreak’s Antivirus test performed flawlessly as you can see in the Screenshot below. A Bitdefender popup was flashing on the screen as soon as the rar file was done unpacking. When I say Bitdefender is really fast, I mean it.
What about scary Trojan horses and deadly Viruses you ask? Don’t worry, we here at DigitFreak are just enough freaky to willfully inject deadly viruses into our system. And now for you to breathe out in peace, Bitdefender performed exceptionally well. Every deadly virus that we threw at it was caught and quarantined before it could even start spreading its legs ( just an expression). So as an Antivirus it works exactly like it should.
Verdict
Bitdefender for Mac works like it should. It keeps you out of danger and when you choose to willfully walk into it, it has your back. Although some might think it’s too basic, it has everything an average Mac user would need to be safe on the Internet. Yes, a built in Firewall which many of it’s competitors offer would have been nice, it but it’s not a deal breaker. We’d recommend you turn on Mac’s own Firewall from Security & Privacy in System Preferences if you haven’t already. Overall we think that with Bitdefender, your prized possession is in safe hands.
Pros
Cons
Clean interface
Relatively Cheaper
Background monitoring keeps your Mac safe all the time
Bitdefender is a behemoth in the Antivirus industry, but before trusting an antivirus with your inestimable data, you need a solid background check (Just like you need with your kid’s nanny, yeah I said it, data is as precious as one’s own kid).
I installed the new Bitdefender 2014 in my laptop and ran an extensive background check, which included- downloading viruses, visiting malware webpages, inserting pen drives/hard-drives infected with viruses and installing keyloggers.
Bitdefender has been selected as no. 1 antivirus on top10reviews — proving to be a strong competitor to the Russian security giant – Kaspersky. Here is a detailed review and test of the new Bitdefender Internet Security 2014.
The initial download is 5.44 MB, which seems very small, isn’t it?
Well, unless you have bought a hard copy of the software by your retail shop, you’ll need to download the actual setup with the help of the installer that you’ve downloaded, which requires you to download additional file of size ~400 MB (which is original setup file).
Real troublesome? Not really! You just need to run the intial setup file you downloaded from their website and it controls the rest.
After the whole setup is downloaded, you see a screen where you can choose if you want to share your scan results and the virus logs with Bitdefender (the screen also includes Bitdefender patting itself on it’s back, just saying).
Well, I know that no one reads the End User License Agreement, so here is a summary-
Bitdefender does not collect your personal data/information.
You are not supposed to sell the software.
You will get into trouble if you tamper with the verification process.
The installation is a piece of cake, you just need to hit the install button.
Then BOOM, another freaking download, yeah this gets a little annoying, they could have just given one installation step which includes download, for the sake of common sense.
But then, you don’t need to press many “Next” buttons (only if you didn’t choose the “Customize my Installation” option, if you did they just ask you the directory where you want to install the antivirus). You are done with the installation, restart your computer and you’re good to go.
Tour:
Not the tour you were expecting, it’s just the tour to the security tools and options the antivirus has to offer!
When you run the antivirus for the first time, it asks to run an update, this will not take long if you have downloaded the software from their website, for it is regulary updated, but if you purchase the CD it may take long. After running the update you can freely use the software, you are greeted with the screen shown below.
To get to the screen on the right, you need to hit the right arrow four times (how convinient).
The good thing about the Home-Screen of this antivirus is that it’s fully customizable, you can choose the order in which the options are shown, by clicking the “Grid” icon next to the scroll bar.
The antivirus comes with an interactive and rather useful widget, which can be used in Windows Vista, 7 and 8. The widget has the following options:
Events: When clicked, this takes you to the virus detection log, where you can choose to delete or allow specific files, it also shows the virus details and the known threats. (When connected to the internet.)
Settings: Here you can customize the usual antivirus settings, like creating scan exception locations and setting automatic scan timings.
My Bitdefender Login: You can login to your Bitdefender account from here, but you can choose not to, no restrictions there. I would recommend signing in, they have 24 hours support.
Firewall Settings: Here you can change the firewall settings, turn it on or off, create exceptions or block specific websites.
The Virus Scanner:
Now, the most important part of an antivirus and an Internet security program, “The virus scan.” The process is comparatively faster than most of the antivirus softwares available in the market. The scan process is pretty simple and just one click away, you can scan specific folders and files by right-clicking on them, or you can create custom scan and add the drives you want to scan.
You can also select the “Quick scan” option, it just scans the C drive (The one with the OS installed on it.) And it shows the threats found in realtime. You can also click on the “Events” on the widget and choose the action to be taken on the file while the scan is in progress.
The antivirus also comes with a “Bitdefender Wallet” feature, this feature securely stores your billing information which includes your credit/debit card number and the code. They do not access the information, it’s just securely stored, eliminating the risk of Keylogger programs, as many of the premium keyloggers are immune to antivirus softwares.
You just need to allow the “Bitdefender Wallet” extention on the Chrome browser, the extention also comes for Mozilla Firefox.
Hope, you enjoyed the tour, now comes the most IMPORTANT part, the test.
THE TEST:
The test, as important as it is, it puts the computer to a great risk. But then, as mentioned earlier, it is the most important part of determining the worth of an antivirus. I downloaded two deadly viruses, one “not-so-known” virus and one virus created by the digitfreak team, the software performed exceptionally well.
It detected the two viruses as soon as they were downloaded and quarantined them (It also showed a warning just before the download was started.) The antivirus also has more than three brain cells, it could tell the difference between a software crack and a virus. It did warn about the crack being harmful. The antivirus performs well when it comes to the virus detection.
After the scan has been completed, you get a screen which shows the scan results, which includes the list of viruses detected and it also shows if a file needs your attention. It also shows an option to check the antivirrus logs, which is vividly detailed. The log includes the viruses detected in the last scan, number of files scanned and the number of threats detected.
The screen below shows the events screen, which is just the non-detailed summary of all the viruses detected.
The firewall also performs really well, I went to a ton of popular malware infected webpages and a couple of very discrete malware webpages. It instantly displayed a warning page even when Chrome didn’t show a security risk page. The firewall is completely customizeable, you can create exceptions and block specific websites.
THE VERDICT:
Well, honestly, I’m impressed, the only thing I didn’t like was that, the installation included two downloads. The antivirus performs exceptionally well, the firewall is good and customizable, the Wallet feature is really thoughtful, considering the amount of online shopping these days, the antivirus also has parental controls. It detects viruses in realtime and we can also choose the action to be performed on them, by clicking on the widget events while the scan is still in progress.
PROS:
CONS:
Impressive User Interface.
Exceptionally well antivirus performance.
Bitdefender Wallet.
The widget.
24 hour support.
Two downloads during the setup.
Need to press the right arrow four times to get to the new home screen. (Each click displays just one new option.)
TrustGo is the one of the most popular free mobile security for android platform, while keeping the things little far at the good side – the security tool is pretty effective. On, the other hand bitdefender provides faster and light weight app, which is full of features, but comes at a price.
Lets determine which one proves to be a better option for a range of users based on different factors.
1. Scan Speed and impact on user’s device
Unlike any other antivirus or malware detection tool – TrustGo tries to detect malware and other virus intrusion, based on apps installed on your device. The security tool scans the installed apps on the device and matches it with the database of trusted apps, which has been approved by TrustGo using the information gathered from 400 app marketplaces around the world. This gives the app faster scan speed and better protection from malicious apps being detected before they are actually installed.
Bitdefender, on the other hand uses the traditional virus and malware detection algorithm that scans the full system files and apps in order to detect any intrusion or security breach.
It took TrustGo an average of 39.02 seconds to scan 187 apps and other assorted files while a dozen other apps were running. This was well behind the much faster Bitdefender, but still fast enough to where it wouldn’t impact the user.
However, Bitdefender scanned all my files on the device within 17.38 seconds while I was playing subway surf to kill the time for a while. That almost seems surprising because Bitdefender’s on-demand scanning is so fast that I wasn’t entirely sure it was doing anything at all. The developer explained that during a scan, Bitdefender extracts information from only the files that could harm your device—apps, apks, and others—and then performs the analysis on the cloud.
As nearly all other Android security apps, Bitdefender automatically scans any new apps loaded onto the device. When loading a suspicious penetration testing app, I noticed that it took two seconds before Bitdefender’s warning appeared on the screen. Be careful not to move too fast, or you might launch a dangerous app – which is not the case with TrustGo, as it is app dependent antivirus.
I would give 3/5 for TrustGo for comparatively slower scan speed and 4/5 for blazing fast scan speed & impact on user’s device.
2. Download size and Bootup time
Both device comes with the pretty small file size to be downloaded from playstore – 3.89MB (TrustGo) and 2.44MB (Bitdefender) for a security tool is really sleek. They don’t bother users for updating the app annoyingly and can perform the job silently at the background.
Both security tool doesn’t slow down your device, provided your gadget has enough ram to handle some extra tasks. I never experience any lag on my Samsung Galaxy S4 during general tasks and boot up time. I even installed both apps at the same time and I could play any game on my device without any issues.
With the TrustGo installed, it takes an average of 22.3 seconds to boot up the phone, and only another five seconds after that before the TrustGo logo appears on the top bar. Likewise, rebooting the phone with Bitdefender installed took an average of only 22.1 seconds, about as long as it takes to reboot a Galaxy S4 with other security software running.
TrustGo : 4/5
Bitdefender : 4.1/5 (due to low app download size on Google play)
3. Identifying and removing suspicious files/apps
To see how TrustGo handled potentially malicious apps, I installed a penetration testing app that is frequently flagged as malware. After I installed the test app, TrustGo popped up a warning which I was pleased to note categorized it as a low threat, and also included information about the app. Most security apps do not provide information about why they flag the apps that they do. However, enough time had elapsed that I could have easily opened the suspicious app before TrustGo’s warning appeared.
From this warning I could uninstall the app or add it to my list of ignored apps. Once ignored, TrustGo will not include the app in its list of possible threats during a system scan. Tapping delete here, or in the scan results, opens the Android uninstaller and removes the app.
On the other hand, Bitdefender automatically scans any new apps loaded onto the device. When loading a suspicious penetration testing app, I noticed that it took two seconds before Bitdefender’s warning appeared on the screen. Be careful not to move too fast, or you might launch a dangerous app.
Other apps require you to run a system scan before generating an alert on the security app’s main page. However, Bitdefender immediately altered its main page to warn me of the suspicious app before I performed a system scan. Once a threat is identified, Bitdefender makes it easy to uninstall the offending app.
TrustGo: 4/5
Bitdefender: 4/5
4. App control
Both security tool provides extensive way to manage your apps and determine which one might be harmful for your smartphone under a different name. Bitdefender organize and lists the app under the “Application Audit” tab where as TrustGo provides similar function in “Manage App” tab.
Bitdefender has some interesting filters implemented at the software audit window and users can filter the app according to – internet, privacy control and costs. As the name suggests – “internet” lists the app that requires internet connection to perform various task, “Provacy and control” lists the apps that requires certain privacy and device control with-or-without user’s permission and “cost” lists the app that might require payment for the service.
On the other hand, TrustGo lists the app on two simple sub-drawers – Hot Apps and My Apps. “Hot Apps,” lists apps trusted by TrustGo and “My Apps” lists currently installed applications on your device. You can view details by clicking on the little document icon or remove the app by clicking on trash icon.
You’ll be presented with a list of popular apps that TrustGo has scanned and certified as safe to use. According to TrustGo, the company scans 400 app marketplaces around the world, and gathers information from users to stay abreast of new Android apps. For users this is a first line of defense against malicious applications.
Both app management system is pretty impressive providing the users control on the overall privacy and permissions.
TrustGo : 4/5
Bitdefender : 4/5
5. Antitheft and other options
Similar to the Privacy Guard information, TrustGo pulls some of Android’s security-related settings and puts them in one easily accessible spot. From the System Management button, you can set limits on your mobile data, see your overall data consumption, and see how much data has been used by individual apps.
Bitdefender provides some basic options and features, which can be customized according to user’s requirements. However, it doesn’t implement the options as we saw on the TrustGo, that tries to unify the android settings into TrustGo options list.
Anti-thefty, often is the main area where user focuses while opting for a premium security tool for portable device after the malware detection capacity. Getting such features from the free application is like getting a free desert at the restaurant.
TrustGo and Bitdefender offers several anti-theft features accessible from a web portal or SMS commands. From here, you can track your device’s location, lock it, activate an alarm, or wipe its memory.
I was little confused when I first signed in to TrustGo’s web portal because I couldn’t find my anti-theft options. It was hidden behind the My Phone section of the Trusted Cloud menu. Another issue I found was that the TrusGo’s device locator couldn’t detect my device even when I tried it multiple time. These were the only bumps on the road.
TrustGo’s remote device lock and alarm with message worked flawlessly and I was able to lock my device without any problem. Activating alarm with 140 characters, custom message is really helpful. You can mention your phone number and owner’s name at the same time.
Unlike other security tools available for android devices TrustGo allows users to undo any remote commands that they can manage at their webportal. I was able to instantly enable or disable any remote command for my device.
If someone fails three times to enter the correct unlock code, TrustGo will activate the device’s front-facing camera and snap a photo, which is then sent to the email address associated with your TrustGo account. While I’m glad to see this included in the app, I prefer having the flexibility to take photos on demand.
Bitdefender also offers similar functions like TrustGo. I was very pleased with their fluid web portal interface, which was very informative and nicely organized. It detected my device without any problem – however, it took a little while before it could show it on Google maps.
The alarm was activated quickly and though quite annoying (my colleague described it as “like dubstep”), it’s not as loud as TrustGo’s offering. It can also be dismissed by tapping a dialog box. This would definitely scare and annoy a thief, but it’s probably better for locating a lost device.
Most security apps give you some granularity about what information to remove during a remote wipe –It’s all or nothing. I was disappointed that Bitdefender did not include a spy camera option to surreptitiously snap photos from the device’s front facing camera.
TrustGo : 3.5/5
Bitdefender : 3.5/5
So, which one is better?
TrustGo is the free tool, comparing it with a premium security component is insane. However, being a completely free tool, we can say that it provides a good competition to the premium version of bitdefender mobile security. TrustGo provides top-tier malware detection built around an ambitious app scanning scheme. It rounds out its features with system management options and handy metrics which are convenient and easy to use—especially for new Android users. Weigh those benefits and its price tag against bitdefender’s security features and option which comes at a price tag.
I was little disappointed that bitdefender doesn’t provide spy camera feature bundled with the app but I was really impressed with app’s other anti-theft features – particularly the lock screen which prevented all the interaction with the device.
Bitdefender provides some nasty security tools by SMS commands and seemingly organized and integrated web portal but lacks scheduled scanning while providing smart unobtrusive continuous protection.
However, the bitdefender app does lack a beatiful interface – you might be surprised if you have just installed it on your device while reading this article, but if you go through the manual scan screen and other areas of the app you will notice empty spaces all over the place. TrustGo is strong with its flawless interface design.
If you are looking for a security app that can monitor the application’s behavior and intrusions in your device without spending any bucks – TrustGo might be your clue. Security apps are a very competitive space, but Bitdefender offers security and peace of mind, all while remaining unobtrusive, and at a price that won’t crunch your wallet.
![Bitdefender for Mac: Protect your most prized possession [Review]](https://digitfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/capture5.png)
![Bitdefender Internet Security 2014 – the only security suite you’ll ever need [Review]](https://digitfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1.jpg)
Well, I know that no one reads the End User License Agreement, so here is a summary-
But then, you don’t need to press many “Next” buttons (only if you didn’t choose the “Customize my Installation” option, if you did they just ask you the directory where you want to install the antivirus). You are done with the installation, restart your computer and you’re good to go.
![TrustoGo mobile security vs Bitdefender mobile security – Android app [Free vs Paid]](https://digitfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/scan.jpg)
Both security tool provides extensive way to manage your apps and determine which one might be harmful for your smartphone under a different name. Bitdefender organize and lists the app under the “Application Audit” tab where as TrustGo provides similar function in “Manage App” tab.
Similar to the Privacy Guard information, TrustGo pulls some of Android’s security-related settings and puts them in one easily accessible spot. From the System Management button, you can set limits on your mobile data, see your overall data consumption, and see how much data has been used by individual apps.
