ZoneAlarm ForceField browser security

[Larwee]

ZoneAlarm is known for their firewall software. They have become famous and respected for their firewall.

There is now something new from ZoneAlarm by Check Point. It is beta and the name is ZoneAlarm ForceField. The purpose of ZoneAlarm ForceField is to protect your browsing with multiple layers of protection.

It has what they call a two-way "bubble of security", which is a virtualization system that isolates the browser from the computer. This is said to protect from Web threats as well as spyware or keyloggers that may already reside on a PC.

ZoneAlarm ForceField is PC-only compatible. It works with Internet Explorer or Firefox. It works in conjunction with any brand of antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall and security suite product.

ZoneAlarm ForceField Features and Benefits

* Virtual surfing creates a duplicate, disposable version of “you” to block Web attacks, leaving users safe to surf safely
* Two-way protection not only defends the PC against Internet attacks, but also protects Web sessions from threats already on the PC-, like spyware and keyloggers.
* Advanced anti-phishing utilizes sophisticated heuristics and the best signature system available to prevent users from visiting fraudulent Web sites that try to trick users into revealing personal data.
* Privacy mode permits users to surf anywhere and type anything without leaving a single trace on the computer.
* Dangerous download detector checks every file download form the Internet to make sure it’s clean.
* Anti-keylogger/screengrabber discovers and blocks silent spyware programs that try to steal users’ identity by recording keys that users type and pagers that users view.
* Web site auditor checks credentials on every Web site to see if it is safer to enter data or download files.
* Spyware scanner scans users’ browsing session for dangerous spyware that may be running.
* Spy site blocking finds and blocks spyware distribution sites as users surf the Web.
* Temp file encryption encrypts the temporary files that are automatically created on users’ PCs as they type information on the Web, so they cannot be compromised by spyware on their PCs.
* Browser exploit immunity inoculates users’ computers from automatic downloads and other threats that occur through the numerous browser exploits that arise each year.
* Instant ForceField gives travelers the temporary use of ForceField on borrowed computers at kiosks, on friends’ PCs and at other public places.
* Security Services subscription offers access to Instant ZoneAlarm ForceField along with computer backup, real-world identity theft protection, customer support and new services that are added over time.

I've been using it for a couple of days and it isn't bad, but they need to reduce the number of valid downloads that it reports as unknown. ForceField reminds me of GreenBorder, which has been bought by Google.

The final version is expected in early 2008 and will sell for $29.95. The public beta of ZoneAlarm ForceField is free. If you want to download it, you can do it here ZoneAlarm by Check Point - Award winning PC Protection, Antivirus, Firewall, Anti-Spyware, Identity Protection, and much more.

[Linda Buquet]

Do you know if it blocks affiliate cookies or does it warn about them?

[Larwee]

Jordy Berson, ZoneAlarm's group product manager said:

The user can let downloaded files reach the physical PC's hard drive, and by default, browser settings -- including cookies, installed toolbars and browsing history -- are saved to the real PC so they're available the next time IE or Firefox is fired up.