Introduction to Comodo Internet Security
Overview
Comodo Internet Security offers 360° protection against internal and external threats by combining a powerful antivirus, an enterprise class packet filtering firewall, and a threat containment system which automatically runs unrecognized files in a secure, virtual environment.
The 'Secure Shopping' feature allows you to perform online banking and shopping without fear that sensitive information like credit card numbers and passwords will be tracked or stolen. The 'Virtual Desktop' allows you to open applications and websites that you are unsure of in a secure environment isolated from the rest of your computer. Built in URL filtering blocks malware websites to keep you safe online.
When used individually, each of these components delivers superior protection against their specific threat challenge. When used together as a full suite they provide a complete 'prevention, detection and cure' security system for your computer.
CIS is available in Premium, Pro and Complete editions. While the core CIS software is identical for all three versions, the Pro and Complete packages each offer a range of additional services. The software is designed to be secure 'out of the box' - so even the most inexperienced users need not have to deal with complex configuration issues after installation.
Comodo Internet Security - Key Features:
- Antivirus - Proactive antivirus engine that automatically detects and eliminates viruses, worms and other malware. Apart from the powerful on-demand, on-access and scheduled scan types, CIS users can now drag-and-drop items onto the home screen to run an instant scan.The engine also scans any removable storage plugged-in to your computer.
- Firewall - Highly configurable packet filtering firewall that constantly defends your system from inbound and outbound Internet attacks.
- Containment - Authenticates every executable and process running on your computer and prevents them from taking actions that could harm your computer. Unrecognized processes and applications will be auto-contained and run under a set of restrictions so they cannot harm your computer. This gives untrusted (but harmless) applications the freedom to operate whilst untrusted (and potentially malicious) applications are prevented from damaging your PC or data.
- Host Intrusion Protection (HIPS) - A rules-based intrusion prevention system that monitors the activities of all applications and processes on your computer. HIPS blocks the activities of malicious programs by halting any action that could cause damage to your operating system, system-memory, registry keys or personal data.
- VirusScope - Monitors the activities of processes running on your computer and alerts you if they take actions that could potentially threaten your privacy and/or security. Using a system of behavior 'recognizers', VirusScope not only detects unauthorized actions but also allows you to completely undo them. Apart from representing another hi-tech layer of protection against malware, this also provides you with the granular power to reverse unwanted actions taken by legitimate software without blocking the software entirely.
- Virtual Desktop - The Virtual Desktop is a sandbox operating environment inside of which you can run programs and browse the Internet without fear that those activities will damage your real computer. Featuring a virtual keyboard to thwart key-loggers, home users will find the virtual desktop is ideally suited to sensitive tasks like online banking. Advanced users will appreciate the ability to run beta-software in an environment that will not upset the stability or file structure of their production systems
- Comodo Internet Security Essentials - Protects you from man-in-the-middle attacks during online banking and shopping sessions by verifying that sites you connect to are using a trusted SSL certificate. Click here to learn more.
- Secure Shopping - A security hardened virtual environment which offers complete protection for online banking and shopping. Features include process isolation, remote takeover protection, screenshot blocking, memory-scraping prevention and independent SSL certificate verification.
- Website Filtering - Protects you from phishing sites while surfing the 'net and allows you to create rules to prevent specific users from accessing certain websites. CIS ships with several preset lists of malicious websites which form an effective website screening and protection feature for all Internet users. Furthermore, you can easily add or import your own lists of banned URLs and can set up custom access rules for each user on your computer.
- Rescue Disk - Built-in wizard that allows you to burn a boot-disk which will run antivirus scans in a pre-Windows / pre-boot environment.
- Additional Utilities - Allows you to install other, free, Comodo security products - including 'Comodo Cleaning Essentials' and 'KillSwitch'.
- Dragon Browser - Fast and versatile internet browser based on Chromium, infused with Comodo's unparalleled level of Security.
- GeekBuddy - 24x7 online support service in which Comodo technicians are ready to deal with any computer issues you may have over an instant messenger style interface.
- Secure Wireless Internet Connectivity (Complete version only) - TrustConnect makes surfing the web safe from any public Wi-Fi location
- Comodo Guarantee (Pro and Complete versions only) - If your computer becomes damaged as a result of malware and Comodo support services cannot return it to a working condition then well pay the costs of getting it repaired. Please see the End User License Agreement for full details.
- Cloud Backup (Complete version only) - Back-up your important data to Comodo's highly secure servers. Data is encrypted and can accessed only by the user from any Internet connected computer in the world.
Guide Structure
This introduction is intended to provide an overview of the basics of Comodo Internet Security and should be of interest to all users.
The remaining sections of the guide cover every aspect of the configuration of Comodo Internet Security.