VIPRE Internet Security 2017

Technical Specifications

VIPRE Internet Security 2017 provides a unique feature that greatly improves security. Its automatic updates to your applications is a great security boon. However, it lacks other features we look for to consider software a full internet security suite.

The standout feature of this computer protection program is automatic application patching. One of the oldest trick of hackers is sending alerts to update legitimate computer programs that instead install harmful malware when you click the link, or use it to gather sensitive information, such as your name, address and credit card number, which is then used to steal your identity. VIPRE helps you avoid this phishing scheme by automatically looking for and installing updates to your popular applications, such as Adobe, JAVA and Windows, which keeps them from becoming vulnerable.

VIPRE includes additional security by using web filters. It updates customer installations on an ongoing basis to protect against new malware threats, which are discovered daily. It also flags suspicious files and websites based on certain traits and alerts you if a link may contain viruses.

Despite these great functions, VIPRE doesn't rank higher in our internet security suite review because of its lack of other important security tools. It doesn't include parental controls that would let you not only block inappropriate content and place time restrictions on when your children can be online, but also block websites, such as online game sites, which are notorious for attaching malware to downloadable games. VIPRE also lacks a game mode to suspend some functions of the internet protection program while you play games online or watch videos to avoid creating more lag.

Independent lab AV-Test evaluated this internet security software in March and April 2016 on Windows 10 computers. It received average scores for usability and protection, the tests that look at how effective a program is at identifying and blocking malware while letting good files through. VIPRE did a good job of identifying new malware threats that hadn't been identified yet.

VIPRE slipped below average in performance. This test shows how much slower a computer runs with the program installed on a Windows 10 test machine. VIPRE caused the most lag when testers attempted to copy files and load popular websites.

The design and content of the support pages make it easy to locate the contact information for the tech support office nearest you. If you are dissatisfied with any support or sales issue, you can find the appropriate escalation path to the relevant supervisor. You can communicate with support representatives through live chat, though available times are limited. VIPRE does not provide telephone support contact info.

VIPRE ranks at the bottom of our review of the best internet security software because it lacks important security features, such as parental controls and a gaming mode. However, it did well in independent tests, showing it is as good as the average program at identifying and blocking malicious files. One unique feature of VIPRE is that it automatically updates computer applications to cut down on vulnerabilities to phishing and other hacker schemes.

VIPRE Internet Security ensures that applications have current patches.

This internet protection suite doesn't have as many security features as others on our lineup, lacking parental controls among other important tools.

While VIPRE Internet Security does employ some unique tools to reduce phishing threats, its many omissions limit it as an internet security suite.