Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete is a paid security subscription, sold as Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Complete. One license covers up to five devices: Windows PCs, Macs, Android phones and tablets, Chromebooks and iPhones or iPads. Beyond antivirus scanning, it adds identity and phishing protection, a firewall on Windows and a LastPass-based password manager. It also includes a cleanup tool for browsing traces and junk files, plus an allowance of encrypted online storage for backups.
Cloud-based malware detection
Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete does not keep a large signature database on the computer. Webroot checks files and programs against its cloud threat intelligence. New detections therefore arrive without the user downloading definition updates. Webroot calls its multi-layer defense technology Infrared, which is designed to block threats very early in their lifecycle.
By default the program runs a daily deep scan of drives, files and memory. Windows users can also choose quick, full or custom scans. They can tell the scheduler to skip runs on battery power or while a full-screen game is open. The Mac edition offers full and quick scans.
Known threats go to quarantine, where they are disabled and can later be restored or deleted. Users can set individual files to Allow, Block or Monitor. Webroot watches a monitored file until it decides whether the file is legitimate.
Real-time shields on Windows
Between scans, a set of shields stays active:
- Realtime Shield blocks known threats from running and watches unknown programs.
- Rootkit Shield stops rootkits from installing and removes any already present.
- Web Shield blocks known threats met online and shows a warning.
- USB Shield scans a connected flash drive and removes threats on it.
- Offline Shield keeps protection running while the computer has no internet connection.
- Script Shield blocks malicious scripts.
The Mac version relies on its own Realtime Shield and Web Threat Shield.
Identity Shield and safe browsing
Identity theft protection in Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete targets malware that steals typed or displayed data, such as keyloggers and screen grabbers. Webroot automatically adds browsers to a Protected Applications list. The user can add other programs, for example a banking or finance app, and mark each one as Protect, Allow or Deny.
Web Threat Shield works in the browser. It blocks malicious and phishing sites before they load, shows a warning that the user can override, and adds safety icons to search results. On a Mac the user installs the browser extensions by hand.
Firewall and connection monitor
On Windows, the Webroot firewall runs alongside the Windows firewall and concentrates on outbound traffic from untrusted processes. Four modes range from allowing every process unless blocked to warning about any process not explicitly allowed. The default setting only raises an alert when a new untrusted process tries to connect while the computer is infected.
Password vault with LastPass
Password management in this edition comes through LastPass. LastPass stores passwords and notes in an encrypted vault and synchronizes them across the user’s devices. A login saved on one computer or phone is therefore available on the others. The vault can also auto-fill sign-in forms, addresses and payment cards.
System Optimizer and Secure Erase
System Optimizer, which is not part of the lower Webroot editions, removes privacy traces and unneeded files rather than malware. On Windows it can clear browser history, address bar history, cache and cookies, along with the Recycle Bin and recent-document lists. Cleanups can run on a schedule or at bootup.
Secure Erase overwrites deleted data with three or seven passes. On Windows users can shred files from the Explorer right-click menu. System Analyzer, also reserved for Complete and higher, inspects the computer and produces a report with recommendations.
Online backup storage
Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete includes 25 GB of encrypted cloud storage for backing up photos, music and documents. These copies survive if a device is lost or damaged. Backup and Sync is also available on iPhone and iPad.
Phones, tablets and Chromebooks
The Android app scans installed apps continuously and on demand. Users can remove a risky app, send it to Webroot for review or ignore it. The app includes its own Secure Browser with private tabs, plus a Chrome extension that warns before high-risk sites load. Complete adds an Activity Report covering the last 30 days of scanned apps and detected threats.
On iOS, Webroot does not scan apps. Protection there includes a Safari extension that blocks dangerous sites and rates search results. Device checks look for an unsecured Wi-Fi network or a missing passcode. The remaining protection consists of the LastPass password manager, backup and the same 30-day Activity Report.
Webroot editions
The classic Webroot home editions share the antivirus engine, identity and phishing shields, the firewall and mobile protection. Internet Security Plus adds the password manager. Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete adds System Optimizer, System Analyzer, online backup and the mobile Activity Report. In some regions Webroot Essentials has replaced the older plans, though Complete subscriptions can still be renewed.
