You have taken a step in the right direction by opting for cybersecurity software manufactured by Bitdefender, the leader in the field.
However, you might be confused as to which version is suitable for you between these two variants of security software by Bitdefender: “Internet Security” and “Total Security.”
You do not need to worry as I will help you through this article to find out the differences between the two of them so that you can decide which one is best suited for you.
Bitdefender Internet Security vs Total Security
Before proceeding with a comparison of Bitdefender Total Security vs Internet Security I would like to inform you that both these programs run efficiently on Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11.
You need to have Internet Explorer 10 or higher installed on your computer to install any of these versions of Bitdefender, so update your IE first.
The system requirements are minimal and the program will run fine even if your system has a dual-core 1.6 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, and 1.5 GB free space on its hard disk drive. It will perform better if you have a faster processor, more RAM, and additional free space on your computer's hard disk drive.
Those worried about virus and malware threats entering their system through their browser ought to know that both versions of Bitdefender integrate with popular browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer, as well as other commonly used communication software like Outlook, Thunderbird, and Skype.
The Primary Difference
The primary difference between these different flavors of Bitdefender is that Internet Security only has support for Windows, whereas Total Security provides additional support for Android, macOS, and iOS.
Bitdefender Total Security
Bitdefender Internet Security
Comparison Between Bitdefender Total Security And Internet Security
Let us now go through an in-depth analysis of Bitdefender Total Security vs Bitdefender Internet Security.
Comprehensive Protection of Data in Real-Time
BOTH*
Both versions offer the most comprehensive security to your computer against malware and e-threats of all types, which include spyware, rootkits, 0-day exploits, worms, adware, keyloggers, and Trojans. Therefore, both of them offer total safety to your privacy and data.
Multi-Layered Protection Against Ransomware
BOTH*
Ransomware or Cryptoware is one of the most dangerous threats on the internet. This nasty piece of code encrypts all the data in your computer's hard disk drive.
When you boot your computer, you see a message on the screen prompting you to send a specific amount of Bitcoins to a certain wallet within a few days with the assurance that you will receive a key to decrypt the encrypted data.
Most anti-malware programs cannot defend your computer against this threat. The multi-tier methodology by both variants of Bitdefender protects your important files as well as music, videos, pictures, and documents against all types of Cryptoware attacks.
Protection Against Phishing
BOTH*
Cyber thieves often design websites that seem to be genuine, but whose sole aim is to steal your private information such as the login data to your online banking website.
You can prevent any hacker from accessing your website(s) with security software tailored for that purpose. You might not know that the popular online store you recently visited is phony.
Cybercriminals use such methods to steal your credit or debit card numbers. This is known as phishing. Both versions of Bitdefender sniff and block deceptive websites, protecting your private information in the process.
Safe Files
BOTH*
This is an additional module available in all versions of Bitdefender, which provides an extra layer of security to your files and protects them against all types of malware, including the dreaded Cryptoware.
You only need to include folders to your watchlist with the help of this module, which then guards them against Cryptoware and other variants of malware.
Only programs that you fully trust are permitted access to your secured files.
Advanced Threat Detection
BOTH*
Available in both versions, this module closely monitors active applications through a technology known as behavioral detection. As soon as it detects anything suspicious, this module takes immediate action to prevent infections.
Web Attack Protection And Anti-Fraud
BOTH*
The web attack protection module found both in Total and Internet Security blocks all known infected sites. Also, it ensures that you never browse over to a harmful site.
It allows you to determine whether it is safe to access links found through your search results, preventing you from clicking on a link leading to a potentially dangerous site.
The anti-fraud module provides an extra layer of protection against deceptive sites.
Rescue Mode
BOTH*
Certain sophisticated viruses such as rootkits have to be eradicated before Windows launches, as they reside in memory and are impossible to remove after Windows starts.
Both forms of Bitdefender protect your computer against such threats by booting your PC in the “Rescue” mode, cleaning the rootkits, and then restarting Windows.
Bitdefender Photon
BOTH*
This exclusive and innovative technology, available in both variants, allows Bitdefender to adjust to your PC's software and hardware settings to improve performance and speed, as well as preserve computing resources.
Battery Mode
You do not need to worry about your tablets and laptops running out of power when running in battery mode thanks to this innovative mode, which saves the life of the battery of those devices by temporarily tweaking settings like Bluetooth connectivity, system cooling, and system display.
It also prevents Windows from initiating system updates when your device is in battery mode.
Worldwide Protective Network
Almost all antivirus and antimalware programs scan files after you have downloaded them on your computer's HDD.
This can be frustrating if you have downloaded a huge file and are running resource-heavy programs, as this process slows down the access and write time of the read/write head of the HDD.
Both versions of Bitdefender scan files in their cloud server and check to make sure they are safe before downloading them to your HDD. This implies that your computer's performance and speed remain unaffected.
You might be wondering if this procedure compromises your private data. You do not need to worry as this program neither scans the actual content of your file nor uploads nor keeps them stored in the cloud.
Work, Movie, And Game Mode
BOTH*
It feels frustrating when you are playing an online game and a push notification from your subscribed online store about their latest offering pops up atop the game.
Under normal circumstances, you would have had to pause the game, and turn off the notification, before resuming your game. It is the same while enjoying streaming movies online too.
This specific mode found in both variants of the program determines the mode in which you are using the computer and prevents other requests from bothering you.
The program, apart from automatically adjusting visual settings, pauses unnecessary background activities, allowing you to relish your streaming movie or online gaming session properly.
I am sure that by now you must be wondering if there is any difference between Total Security vs Internet Security Bitdefender. Do not worry, as we shall be discussing that very soon.
File Encryption
BOTH*
Is there any guarantee that a member of your staff is not viewing your sensitive and confidential data related to your new project and passing them on to your competitor?
This module which you can find on Bitdefender Total Security as well as on Bitdefender Internet Security creates encrypted and password-protected vaults on your computer's HDD for storing sensitive data, prohibiting snooping eyes from viewing them, as they need to input the password to see them.
Parental Control
BOTH*
You can use this module to limit the screen time for each of your kids as well as filter out inappropriate content. Supported Parental Control provides help to parents as well as additional online security to kids.
You can remove unsuitable content plus set the screen viewing time for all of your children. You can access this feature, available in both Bitdefender Total Security and Bitdefender Internet Security, by logging in to Bitdefender Central remotely.
Additional Features Contained in the Internet And Total Security versions of Bitdefender
There are many other features available in both variants of Bitdefender such as:
• Bitdefender VPN (an excellent Virtual Private Network that protects your data from the snooping eyes of hackers)
• Wi-Fi Security Advisor (allows you to access the security of your Wi-Fi connection)
• Password Manager (secures your sensitive information like your credit and debit card information as well as your passwords in an online vault from which you can access them when required. This module, apart from recommending secure passwords, also offers you the choice to auto-fill online forms).
• Vulnerability Assessment (scans your computer's HDD for old and susceptible software along with missing Windows patches, and informs you accordingly so that you can take remedial action)
• Secure Online Banking (employs a dedicated and secure browser for keeping your online banking details secure and preventing hackers from gaining access to them)
• Privacy Firewall (which is much more robust than Windows' inbuilt firewall)
• Social Network Protection (prevents you from clicking on links passed by your friends on social networks that lead to malicious sites)
• Webcam Protection (this module alerts you whenever an application tries to turn on your computer or laptop's webcam and permits you to block it from unauthorized access)
• File Shredder (it allows you to shred files permanently and in such a manner that they cannot be recovered by any file recovery software)
The Difference (A Re-Cap)
So what is the difference between Bitdefender Total Security vs Internet Security?
You will be surprised to know that there is no use comparing the features of Total Security vs Internet Security Bitdefender as they are identical with the sole exception that the latter only works on Windows, whereas the former works with other operating systems like Android, iOS, and macOS.
Now that you know more about Bitdefender Total vs Internet Security, it is your prerogative to determine whether you need Bitdefender Total Security or Internet Security.