ESET Smart Security Premium is a subscription security application for Windows that checks for malware, filters network traffic and protects selected data. Alongside antivirus scanning, it provides cloud analysis of suspicious files, restrictions on application access to folders and encrypted storage. ESET HOME Security is the current subscription range, and ESET Smart Security Premium is its Windows application.
LiveGuard analysis
ESET LiveGuard addresses suspicious files that have not yet been confirmed as malware. It sends eligible samples to ESET’s cloud, where they run in a sandbox for analysis. Proactive protection can hold a file’s execution while that assessment takes place, then notify you of the result. Its supported sources include browser downloads, mail clients, archive tools and removable devices.
You can control which files are submitted, how long samples remain in the cloud and what action follows a threat detection. The waiting period is configurable, too: reaching its limit can release a file before the analysis has finished. Documents and PDFs containing active content are excluded from submission by default, so the settings determine the scope of this extra check.
How ESET Smart Security Premium scans for malware
Real-time protection checks files as they are created, opened or run. The on-demand scanner provides a separate way to examine stored files: a general device scan checks local drives, while a custom scan lets you choose targets and methods. Custom settings can be saved as profiles for repeated use, and a removable-media scan targets connected USB storage or optical discs.
ESET Smart Security Premium attempts to clean or delete detections automatically under its default cleaning settings. When it cannot take an action itself, it presents a choice to the user. Scan logs retain previous results, and the scheduler can run recurring scans. You can also drag a particular file or folder into the scan area for an individual check.
Folder Guard
Folder Guard restricts malware and untrusted applications from accessing folders you select. You can add folders from the Windows context menu or ESET Smart Security Premium’s folder list, then manage application rules separately. Folder Guard depends on the Host Intrusion Prevention System, which monitors operating-system activity and applies security rules.
Encrypted storage
Secure Data encrypts stored information. You choose a location, capacity and password for a virtual drive, which is saved as an .eed file. Opening it mounts a local disk that you can use for files. Once mounted, its decrypted contents are available to other users on the computer until you log out or restart; encryption protects the closed container rather than isolating every open document.
ESET Smart Security Premium can also encrypt files on removable storage. That option supports single-partition MBR devices with a capacity of up to 2 TB, so it does not cover GPT drives or every external-disk layout.
Banking, web and email protection
Safe Banking & Browsing starts supported browsers in a secured mode for web use, including payments and banking. You can apply that mode to all supported browser sessions or launch a secured session separately. Protected browsing requires HTTPS communication and the LiveGrid reputation system. Supported browsers include Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Brave.
Web access protection examines HTTP and HTTPS traffic for malware and phishing, while anti-phishing blocking targets pages known to distribute fraudulent content. Email protection checks supported POP3 and IMAP communications, including their encrypted variants. Antispam address lists let you define rules for the current user or for all users, giving email filtering controls beyond the automatic classification.
Firewall and Network Inspector
The ESET Smart Security Premium firewall filters incoming and outgoing communication according to its configuration. Network attack protection examines traffic content and blocks traffic it identifies as harmful. When a legitimate application cannot connect, the troubleshooting tools expose recently blocked communication and temporarily blocked IP addresses, helping you identify which restriction is involved.
Network Inspector looks beyond the PC to the trusted home or office network. It lists connected equipment by type and can scan the router, connected devices or both. Findings can include open ports or a weak router password. The results identify issues to address; router configuration changes still take place in the router’s own interface.
Parental control
Parental control applies website-category restrictions to individual Windows accounts. A child’s birth date supplies an initial access level, after which you can change allowed categories and add website exceptions. Its logs identify blocked pages and the affected account. These restrictions apply to standard accounts, since an administrator can override them.
Anti-Theft
Anti-Theft connects a missing computer to monitoring through ESET HOME. It can collect IP-based location information and webcam images, and a configured Phantom account provides a restricted guest environment. Marking the device as missing blocks access to the normal user accounts while leaving the Phantom account available for monitoring activity.
