Emsisoft Internet Security 9 integrates firewall into existing anti-malware protection

Emsisoft GmbH has unveiled its first integrated security suite for Windows in the form of Emsisoft Internet Security 9.0. The suite comprises all the functionality of Emsisoft Anti-Malware, plus the core engine from its Online Armor firewall.

Emsisoft Internet Security promises the same lean and efficient protection as the standalone Anti-Malware tool, while adding in a user-optimised version of its firewall that -- unlike Online Armor -- is designed to be as beginner-friendly as possible.

The suite offers the protection of not just one, but two anti-malware engines with BitDefender’s engine employed alongside Emsisoft’s own. It offers three major layers of real-time protection in addition to the usual scan-and-remove functionality: a real-time file scanner, zero-day blocker based on suspicious behavior and a web blocker that vets websites, blocking unsafe ones.

The tool also offers an optional module that alerts users whenever Potentially Unwanted Programs like browser toolbars and bundleware try to get on their system.

The firewall promises simpler operation through reducing the number of pop-up alerts to a minimum while still informing the user whenever a program accesses the internet for the first time after installation -- it then reports if the program is marked safe or not; if not, the user can manually approve a program.

Emsisoft Internet Security wraps itself up in the same slimline, Windows 8-inspired user interface first seen in Emsisoft Anti-Malware. It comes with the promise of user-friendly, lightweight protection.

Beginners will probably be happy just to leave the program to its own devices, but advanced users can access the main configuration screen, which is split into six logically named sections: Overview, Protection, Scan, Quarantine, Logs and Settings.

The program’s levels of protection can be fine-tuned from the various sub-sections offered under Protection, while users can also manually review (and release) quarantined files.

The new app is designed to replace the now-discontinued Emsisoft Internet Security Pack, which simply offered users licenses for Emsisoft’s Anti-Malware and Online Armor. Users can exchange these for an Internet Security license free of charge.

Emsisoft Internet Security 9.0 is available now as a free trial download for PCs running Windows XP or later. It retails for US$49.95. Also available are Emsisoft Anti-Malware 9.0, Emsisoft Online Armor Free 7.0 and Emsisoft Emergency Kit 9.0. Check out the Downloadcrew Software Store for some Emsisoft bargains.