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When it comes to Internet Security, there are tons of companies out there offering products that safeguard you against malware, virus, ransomware, and so on. Today, we are going to review BullGuard Internet Security for Windows systems which is entry-level security software but offers tons of features for its price.
BullGuard Internet Security Review
BullGuard Features in a nutshell
BullGuard Internet Security offers the following features:
- Antivirus.
- Firewall.
- Vulnerability Monitoring.
- Backup.
- Game Booster.
- PC Tune-Up.
- Parental Control.
That's a lot of features, and compare to Windows Defender it offers two extra features which seems great. Also, it works with Windows Defender Security System. When enabled, Bull Guard takes over Antivirus, and Firewall and network protection.
Now let us take a look at these features in detail.
Antivirus:
Its pretty decent Antivirus, and offers almost the same level of protection as Windows 10 Defender. It could block all dangerous websites, and also make sure to remove the malware if they managed to download. However, it's not that great when it comes to ransomware, and this is where my doubt rises. Ransomware is a new generation of Virus, and Bullguard Security needs to up its game to compete in the market.
In settings, you can choose the security level, scan files, behavioral, web traffic, email scan, and also create profiles. Custom actions are available where you can decide rules for antivirus scanning.
Firewall
Apart from offering usual features, what I really liked about BullGuard is that it can automatically define rules to allow network access for some known programs and Windows components. Since it overtakes the Windows Firewall security, it only makes sense. However, for programs, it doesn't understand or know, you will have to manually define them one by one.
When you click on the drop-down on the Firewall, you get access to Manage Rules, Logs, Network Activity, and Settings. While the basic setting is to turn it on or off, advance settings offer you options like Auto Create rules, show only important notification, and send data to BullGuard. You also have options for Attack detection, respond to ping, and automatically block intruders.
What I found interesting about BullGuard is that if you try to kill the program using Task Manager, it will not work. The program keeps itself safe by making sure the registry keys for it are not modified, service for BullGuard cannot be disabled, and you cannot remove it from the startup as well.
Backup to Multiple Clouds
You can schedule or manually upload files to multiple cloud drive in one shot. This feature offers you to create separate profiles and then link to separate Google Drive or Dropbox or OneDrive. IMO, this is an excellent option for those who want to create a backup at multiple places or even multiple accounts.
Vulnerabilities:
Bullguard keeps a check on vulnerabilities in various ways. It checks on Windows Update Configuration, Disables automatic execution of programs from the removable storage device, Missing Windows Security Updates, Wireless Network safety, Network profile safety, and checks for open ports keeps a tab on the drivers by checking on the digital signature.
This partially helps the antivirus to track on programs, especially from a USB drive, and that entering through ports at bay. You can also choose which one to be regularly checked or disable them if that's how you want things to be.
Parental Control
While Parental control is not everybody's need, its good to have if you have a shared PC with Kids. BullGuard does offer parental control for all the users with features that are in line with Windows 10 Family Security feature, but it doesn't live up to the expectation.
Let's take a look at the features & drawbacks:
- Block access to sites categorized into 24 categories which are either not safe or not suitable for age groups.
- You can setup schedule for kids every day, and time range during which they can use. What I liked here is they can use the PC with or without internet. So if you don't want your kids to get online, but still let them use the game, you can do it.
- What I didn't like is the missing flexibility - I cant give access to a max of 3 hours, post that, I will have to choose Unlimited.
- It also offers App blocking and includes a list of apps like ICQ, mIRC, which are like old age messenger system which nobody uses now.
- You can choose to restrict sharing of some data like phone number, address, etc. using the Privacy tab, but it's not full proof. Kids can bypass using special characters in between when needed.
The time schedule doesn't work without internet properly. And some of the adult websites did pass through. In short, they need to update it with new features, better control, and preferably make it work better.
BullGuard PC Tune-Up
This is another great feature BullGuard Internet Security has under its sleeves. When fired up manually, it checks for the broken or fragmented registry, finds invalid shortcuts, can clear up browser's cache, even clean up old Windows installation, and backup files, and third-party app files if needed. However, you will need to close all apps to get this done.
Post optimization, It can also do a couple of more things. It includes finding duplicate files, disables programs, and apps from Startup, and Boot manager. Lastly, Clean-up helper can help you figure out what is taking space on your computer.
My experience was great with this feature; it was able to find all duplicate and big files on my computer which had been laying around for years.
You don't have to look for any third party app if you get this one.
Game Booster:
To improve gaming experience, it offers a Game optimizer which makes sure your game gets all the resources while you are having fun. However, it failed to load any game for me even though I have a couple of them installed on my PC. Also, there is no way to manually add games here.
Buy BullGuard Internet Security
The standard cost of BullGuard Internet Security is $59.95 for one year and can be used on three devices including Macbook, Windows 10, and Android Phone. Buy BullGuard products from its official web store. There are some good discounts being offered right now! They offer an Antivirus, an Internet Security Suite as well as a Premium Protection suite.
BullGuard Internet Security is a very decent package if you are looking for price effective suite. Not only it offers an antivirus but protects you against websites, offers firewall, backup solution, and PC Tuneup feature.
