Bitdefender Internet Security is a Windows security suite that combines malware detection with a firewall, web protection and privacy controls. It checks files as they are accessed, watches running applications for suspicious behavior and manages which programs can communicate over a network. Bitdefender has replaced the standalone Internet Security offering with Total Security and Premium Security plans, so it is no longer available to buy as a separate plan.
How Bitdefender Internet Security detects malware
Bitdefender Shield scans files and email messages as they are accessed. Its settings let users extend those checks to potentially unwanted applications, scripts, network shares and boot sectors. Archive scanning can inspect compressed files, with a size threshold to exclude larger archives from these continuous checks.
A manual System Scan examines the computer beyond the files currently being opened. Its results identify detected threats and any unresolved items that require a decision. The scan log provides details about the scan settings, targets and processing, and can be retrieved as an XML file for further investigation.
Advanced Threat Defense adds monitoring of applications and processes while they run. It evaluates actions such as injecting code into another process, modifying the Windows registry or copying files into important system folders. These actions contribute to a process danger score; when the score reaches a threshold, Bitdefender blocks the application. Notifications identify the affected process, and trusted applications can be given exceptions.
Ransomware recovery
Bitdefender Internet Security includes Ransomware Remediation, which creates backup copies of files exposed to suspicious encryption activity. When it detects an attack, it blocks the processes involved and uses those copies to restore affected content.
Automatic restore can recover files without a separate recovery action. The related notification lists restored files and their locations. With automatic restoration disabled, the user can review the encrypted-file list and request recovery manually. The recovery interface also lets the user choose a destination when restoration to the original location fails.
Firewall rules
The firewall filters connections both into and out of the PC, covering local networks and the internet. Bitdefender creates application rules when programs attempt to connect. Users can inspect those rules, edit an application’s access or add a rule for a particular network adapter, protocol, port or IP address.
Network profiles distinguish Home/Office connections from Public networks. Rules can apply to one network type or to all networks, allowing the same application to receive different treatment depending on the connection. Alert mode presents connection attempts for an Allow or Block decision, while port-scan protection blocks attempts to discover open ports. Stealth settings control the computer’s visibility to other devices.
Web, banking and email protection
Online Threat Prevention blocks malicious websites, phishing pages and unsafe downloads. Its anti-phishing and anti-fraud checks examine the destination page for attempts to collect sensitive information, such as account credentials or payment details.
Safepay
For banking and other sensitive transactions, Bitdefender Internet Security provides Safepay, a separate browser with an isolated desktop. It restricts screen capture and includes a virtual keyboard for entering information without using ordinary keystrokes. Banking-site detection can prompt the user to move a page into Safepay, and the browser can also be opened manually for another website.
Safepay supports tabs, bookmarks and printing, so frequently used banking or shopping addresses can remain within that browser. Its browsing session operates separately from the user’s default browser.
Antispam
Antispam filters unwanted messages in Microsoft Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird. Messages identified as spam are marked and moved to the mail application’s junk folder. The user can add a sender to the Spammers list from the mail toolbar or enter an address in Bitdefender’s settings. That list can be exported and loaded again as a BWL file.
Webcam and microphone monitoring
Webcam Protection monitors applications requesting the camera and applies access permissions. It can use the choices made by other Bitdefender users for recognized applications, while notifying the user when an untrusted application requests access. Users can change application permissions or block all webcam access.
The accompanying Microphone Monitor detects applications and web pages using the microphone and reports that access. Its notification controls can be adjusted for individual applications, making background microphone use visible without treating every recording application identically.
Tracking controls
The Anti-Tracker browser extension identifies trackers on visited pages and groups them by purpose, including advertising, site analytics and social media. Its toolbar counter shows blocked trackers, and the detail view separates them into categories.
Users can allow a category or add a website exception when blocking interferes with the page. A temporary pause applies to the current website until it is closed.
VPN traffic
The bundled standard VPN sends internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel and hides the device’s public IP address from the websites it contacts. Internet Security includes a daily allowance of 200 MB per device, with automatic selection of the connection server.
Selecting a different server and removing the traffic allowance require a Premium VPN subscription.
Parental control
Parental Control applies content filtering and internet-time rules through a child’s profile. Parents can restrict categories of websites and configure routines for Focus time, Family time and Bedtime. Daily allowances can be extended with additional internet time, while Stop Internet pauses the child’s access.
Management and reporting use the web version of Bitdefender Central. The rules follow the child’s profile across its associated devices.
Vulnerability scan
Vulnerability Scan checks for weaknesses in Windows, installed applications and network settings. Results are grouped into those three areas, including missing critical Windows updates, weak Windows account passwords and outdated applications. Network findings can identify Wi-Fi or router settings that need attention.
Expanding a finding gives the user information and an available corrective action, such as obtaining an application update or changing a weak password. This scan requires an internet connection and complements malware detection by examining conditions that could expose the PC to an attack.
