F-Secure Internet Security is a paid security subscription from the Finnish company F-Secure for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. It combines malware protection with defenses aimed at online scams, fraudulent shops and fake banking sites, and one subscription covers several devices. The product was formerly sold as F-Secure SAFE, and it is also included in the larger F-Secure Total package.
Malware and ransomware protection
The antivirus layer of F-Secure Internet Security looks for viruses, trojans, spyware, adware, keyloggers, ransomware and infected email attachments. On Windows, DeepGuard supports file scanning. This behavior-based component judges programs by what they do rather than only by known signatures.
When a program starts, DeepGuard checks the file’s reputation and how common it is in F-Secure’s cloud service. A known-good file runs. DeepGuard blocks a known-bad file and allows an unknown one to run under observation. While it runs, DeepGuard watches for actions such as editing the registry, changing system folders, injecting code into other processes or hiding processes. DeepGuard stops a program once enough of these actions add up and holds rare files to a stricter threshold.
The same component watches applications that attackers often exploit, such as browsers, office programs and media players. It looks for signs that an opened document is running exploit code. For ransomware, the user can mark protected folders. Programs that are not trusted cannot modify files there. The user receives a notification and can allow a specific program if it is legitimate.
Browsing and scam detection
Browsing Protection checks websites and links before the page loads and blocks those known to spread malware or run phishing and scam schemes. In search results, F-Secure Internet Security adds color-coded ratings so users can recognize suspicious pages before clicking.
Shopping protection works alongside it by showing a trust rating for online stores, which helps identify fake shops that take payment without delivering. On iOS and Android, F-Secure Internet Security also filters text messages, using automatic detection to separate scam SMS from normal messages. A Scam Scanner on mobile lets the user upload a screenshot of a suspicious message or page and have it checked. This function is in beta and works in English only.
Protection for online banking
Banking Protection activates when the user visits a bank or payment site. It checks that the site is the genuine bank rather than a copy and secures the connection for the session. While banking is in progress, it blocks unsafe apps and suspicious network connections, which prevents anyone from hijacking the session.
Mobile device checks
The Android and iOS apps include checks that look at the phone itself rather than at incoming threats:
- Device lock check reports whether the phone is protected by a screen lock.
- Outdated OS check on iOS points out when the system is not up to date.
- Privacy advisor on Android lists the permissions that installed apps hold.
- Wi-Fi Protection warns when the device joins a risky public network.
Ads, cookie banners and games
On Windows, Mac and iOS, F-Secure Internet Security includes an Ad Blocker that removes excessive advertising. This also reduces exposure to fake ads used for scams. A Cookie Popup Blocker automatically rejects non-essential cookies on sites that use common consent providers. Users therefore do not have to answer the cookie banner on each visit.
Gaming Mode on Windows starts when a game launches. It postpones scheduled scans and updates, suppresses pop-ups and notifications and frees system resources, while essential protection stays active.
Subscriptions and device management
Users can buy an F-Secure Internet Security subscription for a chosen number of devices. They can spread protection across any mix of the supported platforms. Users can renew and manage protection through the My F-Secure online account. A free trial is available before a subscription starts.
F-Secure offers its personal VPN, password manager and identity monitoring through F-Secure Total. This package bundles them with the Internet Security protections. F-Secure also offers them through the separate F-Secure VPN and ID Protection products.
