BitDefender Client Security v3.1.8 is a robust business security and management solution that delivers proactive protection from viruses, spyware, rootkits, spam, trojan threats, phishing and other malware.
It is composed of the Management Server, the central management server; the Management Console, the user interface that consolidates threat information and system status from across all managed computers; the Management Agent, which is installed on the managed computer to communicate to the Management Server; and the Business Client, the software that protects the endpoints.
The server side software load was automated and included the loading of the required MS SQL Express database and Crystal Reports for .NET Framework 2.0. Once loaded, the application is launched from the programs toolbar. The User Interface uses a tree-based, menu-driven navigation for configuration and management. The console took some time to work through. The configuration of the remote stations was done through the Management Console. There were three options for deploying remote agents: Active Directory (AD), Network Builder (network discovery) and a Deployment Tool utility. Since the AD method required turning off the Windows firewall, we tested the Deployment Tool utility. The dashboard for managing the systems was easy to use and gives a nice snapshot of your environment readily identifying any policy or out-of-compliance issues.
Centralized reports from all managed computers are available in Management Console. Pre-defined reports include malware activity, engines and signatures, product updates, and installed software (through WMI scripts). Using the included Crystal Reports, users can create any custom report they like. Email alerting is available and configurable for specific needs.
New features include B-HAVE, technology for analyzing behavior of malicious code inside a virtual computer, increasing detection rates for unknown malware. A new anti-spam filter uses a Neural Network to more intelligently recognize new spam. As well, an Image Spam Filter offers more accurate analyzing of embedded images by learning common characteristics of the images.
While the solution delivers a lot of capabilities, it will take some time to correctly deploy, tune and manage. Support is limited to eight hours a day/five days a week, which may be an issue in an enterprise deployment.