The previous version of the software was awarded full certification at independent test lab AV-Test Labs, an Advanced+ rating with AV-comparatives and an overall score of 9 out of 10 with Virus Bulletin, outperforming many of the leading rival suites in a range of categories.

“We’re building on that success with V12,” says Claus Villumsen, CTO at BullGuard. “Without compromising the integrity of our core security and protection, we’ve added new features to maintain the software’s accepted position as one of the most comprehensive suites around, as well as improving existing features to make them easier to use and more effective at combating emerging threats.”

Part of the reason for BullGuard’s excellent level of security is the use of Behavioral Detection, which is very different from traditional virus detection and brings the Antivirus engine to the front line with radical technology that ensures outstanding catch rates. Behavioral Detection identifies threats long before traditional methods, and is based on the behavior of the virus. Consequently, instead of merely catching viruses once they’ve been listed in the virus signature database, Behavioral Detection identifies viruses which behave abnormally based on file, registry, process, and network events on the computer and shuts them off.

Along with new Parental Controls, PC Tune Up and a revitalized interface designed to put the most important tools and information close at hand, BullGuard builds on its already extensive list of features, which still includes a massive 5GB of free online storage, fast-response direct customer support, a vulnerability scanner and free upgrades for existing users – the only vendor to offer this service.

“Our focus at BullGuard has always been to provide a combination of comprehensive security and usability,” says Claus Villumsen. “With the new version we’ve added parental controls to help manage every aspect of a child’s internet use, along with tune-up tools to keep a PC running smoothly. A key part of our strategy is to offer these solutions, along with existing features, in a straight forward, automated fashion to bring users maximum control with minimum maintenance and interruptions.”

“I’m particularly proud of our efforts when it comes to user experience,” continues Claus Vilumsen. “We always engage testers and users in a dialogue when we develop and design our products, and we pay a great deal of attention to the feedback we get from them. Sometimes this forces us to revisit everything we thought we knew, and I believe that’s a very healthy exercise when developing software.”