Qihoo 360 Total Security - Detailed Review
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Qihoo 360 Total Security - Product Overview
Introduction to Qihoo 360 Total Security
Qihoo 360 Total Security is a comprehensive cybersecurity software developed by Qihoo 360, a leading Chinese internet security company. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features.Primary Function
The primary function of 360 Total Security is to provide all-in-one protection for users’ devices against various online threats. This includes protection from viruses, Trojans, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other malicious software. The software also offers system optimization and cleanup tools to improve computer performance.Target Audience
360 Total Security is designed for a wide range of users, including individuals and businesses. It is particularly useful for anyone who needs robust protection for their computers and mobile devices. The software caters to both home users and business users, ensuring their digital lives are secure and their devices perform optimally.Key Features
Security Protection
- Multi-Engine Protection: 360 Total Security uses multiple antivirus engines, including its proprietary 360 Cloud Scan, QVMII AI, QEX, and Kunpeng engines, as well as optional engines from Avira and Bitdefender. This ensures a high virus recognition rate and effective protection against malware.
Threat Detection and Prevention
- Real-Time Threat Detection: The software provides real-time threat detection and alerts users to potential security risks, helping to block suspicious programs and attack behaviors.
- Ransomware Protection: It includes tools like the Ransomware Decryption Tool, which can decrypt files encrypted by ransomware, and the Document Protector, which automatically backs up important documents.
Privacy Protection
- Comprehensive Privacy: 360 Total Security offers features to protect user privacy, including cleaning up browsing history, blocking targeted ads, and preventing unauthorized camera access. Users can also completely erase files to prevent them from being recovered and stolen.
System Optimization
- Cleanup and Performance Improvement: The software includes a cleanup utility that removes junk files and plugins, freeing up disk space and improving system performance. It also manages system services, boot-up items, and plugins to shorten boot time.
User Customization
- Selectable Protection Modes: Users can choose from different protection modes such as Performance, Balanced, Security, and Custom, allowing them to adjust the level of protection according to their needs.
Qihoo 360 Total Security - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Qihoo 360 Total Security is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible to a wide range of users.Interface Design
The interface is characterized by a clean and elegant design, often described as colorful with a strong blue tint. It is well thought-out, even though it offers a wide range of features that might seem overwhelming at first glance.Ease of Use
Despite the numerous features, the interface is relatively easy to use. The main options are presented in a simple menu on the left-hand side of the screen, including Full Check, Virus Scan, Speedup, Cleanup, and Tool Box. This layout allows most users to quickly find their way around and use the program without much trouble.User Experience
The overall user experience is generally positive, especially for those who value simplicity. The program includes a notification icon in the system tray that informs users of any alerts without being too bothersome. The dashboard provides a clear overview of the security status, and the various functions are easily accessible through the sidebar icons.Additional Features
While the interface is user-friendly, some of the additional features, such as the Desktop Organizer widget, might be seen as unnecessary or lackluster. However, tools like the Speedup and Cleanup features are highly practical and effective in optimizing system performance and cleaning up unnecessary files.Installation and Uninstallation
Setting up 360 Total Security is straightforward, but uninstalling the program can be more challenging. Users have reported difficulties in uninstalling it, sometimes requiring manual removal in Safe Mode due to issues with the admin password and unresponsive customer support.Conclusion
In summary, Qihoo 360 Total Security offers a clean, easy-to-use interface that is intuitive for most users. While it may lack some advanced features compared to top competitors, it provides the basic protection and performance optimization tools that many users find helpful. Qihoo 360 Total Security - Key Features and Functionality
Qihoo 360 Total Security
Qihoo 360 Total Security is a comprehensive security software that offers a wide range of features to protect your computer and personal data. Here are the main features and how they work, including the integration of AI:
Real-Time Protection
This feature continuously monitors your system for any signs of malware, viruses, and other threats. It uses real-time scanning to detect and block threats as soon as they appear, ensuring your system remains safe at all times.
Virus Scan and Multiple Engine Protection
360 Total Security includes multiple antivirus engines, such as 360 Cloud Engine, QVMII, Avira, and Bitdefender. These engines work together to provide comprehensive virus detection and protection, enhancing the accuracy of threat identification.
Anti-Ransomware
This feature protects your files from ransomware attacks by detecting and blocking any suspicious activities that could lead to data encryption. It ensures your important files remain safe and accessible.
Sandbox
The sandbox feature allows you to run suspicious programs in a safe, isolated environment. This prevents any potential malware from causing harm to your system, as it is contained within the sandbox.
Wifi Security Check
This feature scans your Wi-Fi network for any vulnerabilities or potential threats, ensuring your internet connection is secure and protected from unauthorized access.
System Cleanup and Speedup
360 Total Security includes tools to clean up junk files, optimize boot-up applications, and manage plug-ins and services. This helps in freeing up disk space and speeding up your computer’s performance.
Browser Protection and Online Shopping Protection
These features protect you while browsing the internet and shopping online by blocking phishing sites, malicious downloads, and other online threats. They ensure a safe browsing experience and secure online transactions.
Data Shredder
The data shredder securely deletes sensitive files, making them irretrievable. This is particularly useful for protecting confidential information from being accessed by unauthorized parties.
Firewall
The integrated firewall monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking any suspicious or malicious activity to protect your system from external threats.
Privacy Protection
This includes several sub-features such as keylogger blocking, webcam protection, and advanced privacy protection. These features prevent unauthorized access to your personal data, such as keystrokes and webcam feeds.
AI Integration
Qihoo 360 has integrated advanced AI technologies into its security solutions. For instance, the integration of the DeepSeek large model enhances the “Anxing” intelligent system, allowing for quicker and more accurate identification of cybersecurity threats. This AI-driven system uses deep learning and natural language processing to analyze and predict potential security threats, providing more efficient protective measures.
Cloud-Based Protection
360 Total Security leverages cloud technology to update its threat database in real-time, ensuring that your system is protected against the latest malware and other threats. This cloud-based protection also helps in reducing the load on your local system resources.
Scheduled Scans
You can schedule scans to run at specific times, ensuring your system is regularly checked for any threats without manual intervention. This feature helps in maintaining the health and security of your computer.
Conclusion
Overall, 360 Total Security combines traditional security measures with advanced AI technologies to provide a comprehensive and proactive defense against various cyber threats.
Qihoo 360 Total Security - Performance and Accuracy
Performance and Accuracy Evaluation of Qihoo 360 Total Security
Malware Detection and Accuracy
The malware detection rates of 360 Total Security are a significant concern. Tests have shown that it detects only about 80-90% of malware samples, which is significantly lower than top competitors like Norton and Bitdefender, which consistently detect 100% of malware samples. This subpar detection rate raises questions about its reliability in protecting against malicious threats.Real-Time Protection
The real-time protection feature of 360 Total Security also falls short. It often fails to stop malware downloads and only takes action when the user is about to launch the malicious files. This reactive approach, rather than proactive, can leave the system vulnerable. Additionally, the real-time protection prompts the user to decide whether to allow or block suspicious processes, which can be confusing and potentially dangerous if the user makes the wrong choice.Anti-Phishing Protection
The anti-phishing protection is another area where 360 Total Security is lacking. While it can detect some fraudulent emails, it allows users to access known scam websites that other antiviruses like Norton block.Scanning Performance
The scanning process is slow and limited. A full disk scan can take over three hours to complete, which is much longer than what competitors offer. The scanning options are also limited compared to other antiviruses, lacking features like smart scans, rootkit scans, and external device scans.Firewall
The firewall in 360 Total Security is functional but not intuitive. It successfully blocks malicious network traffic and protects the Wi-Fi network, but setting up rules and network permissions can be time-consuming and cumbersome, especially for users with many applications.VPN
The included VPN (Proxy Master) is underwhelming. It offers access to only one free server with restricted speeds, making it unsuitable for streaming or other bandwidth-intensive activities. Upgrading to premium VPN servers requires a separate purchase.Performance Optimization Tools
One of the brighter spots is the performance optimization tools. These tools do an excellent job of cleaning up the PC, boosting RAM usage, and speeding up the boot time. The Cleanup feature can identify and remove significant amounts of unnecessary files, and the Speedup feature helps in managing startup items effectively.Additional Features
While 360 Total Security comes with a variety of features, many of them are underpowered or lackluster. It lacks essential tools like a password manager, parental controls, and data breach monitoring, which are common in premium antivirus software. The extra features, such as the Desktop Organizer and Game Booster, are not particularly useful or well-integrated into the security package.Customer Support
Customer support is another area that needs improvement. Support is available only through email, with no live chat or phone options. Responses to email inquiries can be slow and unhelpful, which can be frustrating for users seeking immediate assistance.Conclusion
In summary, while 360 Total Security offers some basic protection and useful performance optimization tools, its malware detection accuracy, real-time protection, and additional features are not on par with top-tier antivirus software. Users seeking comprehensive and reliable security may want to consider other options. Qihoo 360 Total Security - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure of 360 Total Security
360 Total Security offers a variety of plans to cater to different user needs, each with a distinct set of features.Free Plan
- Price: $0 per year
- Features:
- Real-Time Protection
- Virus Scan
- Anti-Ransomware
- Sandbox
- Wifi Security Check
- System Cleanup
- Speedup
- Browser Protection
- Online Shopping Protection
- Download Protection
- USB Drive Protection
- Malicious website filtering
- Ad blocking
- Windows cleanup and optimization tools.
360 Total Security Premium
- Price: $15 per year (for a single device), with options for multiple devices and longer subscription periods.
- For example, a 1-year license for 3 PCs costs $35.98 per year.
- Features:
- All features from the Free plan
- Data Shredder
- Privacy Cleaner
- Disk Analyzer
- Driver Updater
- Firewall
- Scheduled Cleanup
- Multi-Layer Security
- Anti-Phishing
- Fileless attack detection
- Anti-tracking tools
- Desktop organizer
- Ad blocker
- No ads
- Themes
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Privileged Tech Support Access
- Protection for up to 3 Windows devices.
360 Business Essential
- Price: $14.99 per year per device
- Features:
- All features from the Premium plan
- Advanced Privacy Protection
- Behavior Shield
- Centralized management for multiple devices
- View critical information and alerts at a glance
- Set up central policy to make management more convenient
- Privileged access to tech support.
360 Business Advanced
- Price: $19.99 per year per device
- Features:
- All features from the Business Essential plan
- Additional centralized management tools
- Information and alerts overview
- Live communication with devices
- More comprehensive tech support.
Additional Notes
- The free version includes most of the key security features but is accompanied by frequent pop-ups prompting users to upgrade to the premium version.
- The premium and business plans offer additional features such as firewall protection, data shredder, and advanced tech support, making them more comprehensive security solutions.
Qihoo 360 Total Security - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Tools
Qihoo 360 Total Security integrates with several tools and features to enhance its security and system maintenance capabilities.
Antivirus Engines
360 Total Security uses a combination of its proprietary engines, including the 360 Cloud Scan Engine, 360 QVMII AI Engine, QEX, and KunPeng. Additionally, it offers the option to use engines from Avira and Bitdefender, providing users with multiple layers of protection.
Browser Extensions
The software includes a browser extension called ‘360 Web Threat Protection’ that can be installed in browsers like Google Chrome. This extension helps in blocking malicious URLs and checking downloads for malware.
System Optimization Tools
360 Total Security comes with utilities for system maintenance, such as disk cleanup, system speedup, and driver updates. These tools help in optimizing the system’s performance and freeing up disk space by removing junk files and unnecessary plugins.
Compatibility Across Different Platforms and Devices
Operating Systems
360 Total Security is compatible with Windows XP or later versions, as well as macOS 10.7 or later. This makes it a versatile option for users across different operating systems.
Device Support
While primarily designed for desktop and laptop computers, there is no specific mention of mobile device support. However, the software’s focus is on protecting and optimizing desktop environments.
Browser Compatibility
The browser extension is compatible with Google Chrome, and the installation process involves accessing the Chrome Web Store. This ensures that users can enhance their web security regardless of their browser choice.
Compatibility Issues
There have been some reported compatibility issues, particularly when using 360 Total Security with sandboxing software like Sandboxie. Users have encountered errors when running Chrome with the 360 Web Threat Protection extension inside a sandboxed environment. However, it has been noted that the antivirus can still detect and delete malicious downloads even when the extension is not installed, as long as the antivirus is running outside the sandbox.
In summary, 360 Total Security integrates well with various tools to provide comprehensive security and system maintenance, and it is compatible with a range of operating systems and browsers, although there may be some specific compatibility issues to consider when using sandboxing software.
Qihoo 360 Total Security - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
- The primary method of contacting 360 Total Security customer support is via email. You can reach them at support@360safe.com for general inquiries and partnership@360safe.com for partnership-related questions.
- Unfortunately, there are no live chat or phone support options available, which can be a significant drawback for users who need immediate assistance.
- While you can submit support queries from within the app, these also rely on email and may not receive a prompt or helpful response. In some cases, users have reported receiving automated responses rather than personalized help.
Additional Resources
- 360 Total Security provides an integrated support center on its website, which includes FAQs and guides to help address common queries. This can be a useful resource for troubleshooting and learning how to use the software.
- The official website has a dedicated support page where you can find answers to frequently asked questions and learn more about the features and functionality of the software.
- Users can also submit suspicious files or installers to the support team for analysis, which can help in improving the software’s detection capabilities.
Documentation and Guides
- While the software itself has a user-friendly interface, the documentation and guides provided are somewhat limited. Users may find that there is very little detailed information available to help them understand and manage certain features effectively.
Premium Support
- For premium users, there is an option for “privileged access to tech support,” but the specifics of what this entails are not clearly outlined. It is mentioned that premium users have some level of professional technical support, but the quality and responsiveness of this support are not guaranteed.
Overall, while 360 Total Security offers some basic support resources, it falls short in terms of providing immediate and effective customer support, particularly when compared to other antivirus software providers.
Qihoo 360 Total Security - Pros and Cons
Pros of Qihoo 360 Total Security
Free Version and Comprehensive Features
- 360 Total Security offers a free version that includes a wide range of features, such as antivirus, anti-ransomware, malicious website filtering, a sandbox, ad blocking, and browser settings protection.
PC Maintenance Tools
- The software comes with comprehensive PC maintenance tools, including Windows cleanup and optimization, a Patch Up tool for installing Windows patches, and a Speed-up module to improve system performance. These tools can help in cleaning up unnecessary files, optimizing startup programs, and boosting the system’s boot time.
Additional Security Features
- It includes a firewall, detection of fileless attacks, a data shredder for securely deleting files, an automatic driver updater, and anti-tracking features. The premium version also offers scheduled system cleaning and tech support.
User-Friendly Interface
- The software has a simple and intuitive user interface, making it easy to use and access various modules and features. It also includes a notification icon in the system tray that informs users of any alerts without being too intrusive.
Performance Optimization
- The performance optimization tools are quite effective, helping to clean up the PC, boost RAM usage, and speed up the boot time. The Cleanup feature can identify a significant amount of unnecessary files, and the Speedup feature provides a clear graph of the system’s average boot time.
Cons of Qihoo 360 Total Security
Malware Detection Issues
- The malware detection rates of 360 Total Security are relatively low, with it detecting only about 80% of malware samples in tests. This is significantly lower than top competitors like Norton and Bitdefender, which consistently detect 100% of malware samples.
Real-Time Protection and Anti-Phishing
- The real-time protection is not very effective, often asking users whether to allow or block suspicious processes instead of making the decision itself. The anti-phishing protection is also weak, allowing access to known scam websites that other antiviruses block.
False Positives and Inaccurate Alerts
- The software tends to generate false positives, falsely flagging legitimate files as malicious. This can lead to confusion and potential approval of malicious actions by users who may not understand the alerts.
Lack of Advanced Features
- 360 Total Security lacks some advanced features that are common in other premium antiviruses, such as a password manager, parental controls, and data breach monitoring.
Customer Support
- The customer support is limited to email only, with no live chat or direct contact options. Responses to email inquiries can be slow and sometimes unhelpful, directing users to webpages that do not answer their questions.
Privacy and Data Collection
- While 360 Total Security does not collect the content of files or non-executable data, it does collect various types of personal and usage data, which some users might find concerning. Users can, however, control some of these data collections through settings.
Qihoo 360 Total Security - Comparison with Competitors
Qihoo 360 Total Security
- This software offers a wide range of features, including antivirus, anti-ransomware, malicious website filtering, a sandbox, ad blocking, and browser settings protection. It also includes tools for PC maintenance, such as Windows cleanup and optimization.
- One of the unique features is its multi-layer protection, which includes identifying and blocking suspicious programs and malicious websites. It also provides comprehensive privacy protection, including cleaning up browsing history, blocking targeted ads, and preventing unauthorized camera access.
- However, it has some significant drawbacks, such as lower malware detection rates compared to top competitors, issues with false positives, and the absence of independent lab testing to validate its effectiveness.
Alternatives and Comparisons
Securiti AI
- Securiti AI stands out as a comprehensive data privacy and security management platform. It offers AI-driven sensitive data scanning, automated risk assessments, consent management, and zero-trust access controls. This platform is particularly strong in automating compliance tasks and providing real-time visibility into data usage patterns.
- Unlike 360 Total Security, Securiti AI is more focused on data governance and compliance, making it a better choice for businesses needing to manage personal information and comply with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA.
Protecto
- Protecto is another AI-driven data privacy platform that specializes in detecting and protecting sensitive information such as PII, PHI, and PCI. It offers context-aware masking to ensure data utility while maintaining compliance with various regulations.
- Protecto is more specialized in AI security and compliance compared to 360 Total Security, which has a broader but less effective set of features.
DataGrail
- DataGrail is a data privacy management platform that provides real-time data mapping, automated DSR management, and privacy risk assessments. It integrates well with third-party tools and helps organizations streamline compliance with privacy regulations.
- DataGrail’s focus on real-time data mapping and automated compliance tasks makes it a more streamlined solution for data privacy management compared to the more general security suite offered by 360 Total Security.
Key Differences
- Specialization: While 360 Total Security offers a broad range of security and maintenance tools, Securiti AI, Protecto, and DataGrail are more specialized in data privacy, compliance, and governance.
- Effectiveness: 360 Total Security has been criticized for its lower malware detection rates and higher false positive rates, whereas the alternative tools are generally praised for their accuracy and effectiveness in their specific domains.
- Business Focus: Securiti AI, Protecto, and DataGrail are more geared towards business needs, especially in terms of compliance and data governance, whereas 360 Total Security seems to be more of a general consumer product.
Qihoo 360 Total Security - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Qihoo 360 Total Security
What are the different pricing plans available for 360 Total Security?
360 Total Security offers several pricing plans. The plans include:
- Free: This plan is available for both Windows and macOS, offering basic security features such as virus scanning, web protection, real-time protection, and ransomware protection.
- Premium: This plan is available for Windows only and includes advanced features like fileless attack detection, a firewall, data shredder, anti-tracking tools, and more. It supports up to 3 devices and starts at €13.10 per year.
- Business Essential: Designed for organizations, this plan includes all the features of the Premium plan plus centralized management and privileged tech support. It is priced at €14.56 per year per device.
- Business Advanced: This plan also includes all the features of the Premium plan, along with additional business-focused features like centralized management and live communication with devices. It is priced at €19.42 per year per device.
What security features does 360 Total Security offer?
360 Total Security provides a range of security features, including:
- Real-Time Protection: Continuously scans and protects your system from threats.
- Malware Scanning & Removal: Identifies and removes malware from your system.
- Ransomware Protection: Protects your files from ransomware attacks.
- Web Protection: Analyzes downloaded data and prevents visits to potentially harmful websites.
- Firewall: Available in the Premium and business plans, it helps protect your system from network threats.
- Data Shredder: Fully destroys deleted files to prevent recovery, available in the Premium and business plans.
Does 360 Total Security support multiple devices?
Yes, the support for multiple devices varies by plan:
- Free: Covers 1 device.
- Premium: Covers up to 3 devices.
- Business Essential and Business Advanced: These plans offer unlimited device coverage, with pricing per device.
What platforms does 360 Total Security support?
360 Total Security supports several platforms:
- Windows: All plans, including Free, Premium, Business Essential, and Business Advanced.
- macOS: Limited free plan available.
- Android: Mobile features are also available, though the primary focus is on Windows.
What kind of customer support does 360 Total Security offer?
360 Total Security provides various support options:
- Phone Support: Available for users.
- Ticket Support: Users can submit tickets for support.
- Privileged Tech Support: Available for Premium and business plan users.
Does 360 Total Security offer any performance optimization tools?
Yes, 360 Total Security includes performance optimization tools:
- SpeedUp: Automatically or manually adjusts system configuration to enhance performance.
- Cleanup: Identifies and deletes unnecessary data to free up storage space and improve system performance.
How does 360 Total Security handle user data and privacy?
360 Total Security respects user privacy and does not collect content information from files or non-executable files. Users can control data collection through settings such as turning off Cloud Analysis, Internet Protection, and the User Experience Improvement Program. For more details, you can refer to their privacy policy.
Is there a free trial available for 360 Total Security?
Yes, 360 Total Security offers a free trial, and there is also a 30-day money-back guarantee for the paid plans.
What are the top features of 360 Total Security?
Some of the top features include:
- Data Security: Protects your data from various threats.
- Real-Time Protection: Continuously scans for threats.
- Network Antivirus: Protects against network-based threats.
- Privacy Protection: Secures digital currencies, webcam, and other private data.
- Email Protection: Though not explicitly mentioned, it falls under the broader web and network protection features.
If you have any more specific questions or need further details, it’s always a good idea to check the official website or contact their support directly.
Qihoo 360 Total Security - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Qihoo 360 Total Security
Qihoo 360 Total Security is a comprehensive security solution that offers a range of features to protect users from various online threats. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and who might benefit from using it.Security Features
360 Total Security integrates multiple antivirus engines, including the 360 Cloud Scan Engine, 360 QVMII AI Engine, QEX, and KunPeng, to provide strong protection against viruses, Trojans, malware, phishing attacks, and backdoors.- It offers real-time threat detection and automatic updates, ensuring users are always protected against the latest cyber threats.
- The software includes a cleanup utility that frees disk space by removing junk files and plugins, which can improve system performance.
- Users can select from different protection modes (Performance, Balanced, Security, and Custom) to adjust the level of protection according to their needs.
AI-Driven Capabilities
While the primary focus of 360 Total Security is on antivirus and malware protection, it does utilize AI technology through its engines, such as the 360 QVMII AI Engine. This AI engine helps in advanced threat detection and improves the overall security capabilities of the software.User Benefits
- Individual Users: Those who are concerned about their online safety, especially when shopping, downloading files, or chatting online, will find 360 Total Security beneficial. It provides a user-friendly interface and one-click checks for system health and safety.
- Business Users: Businesses looking to safeguard their sensitive information and data will appreciate the comprehensive security features and customizable protection modes.
- Mobile Users: With 360 Mobile Security, users of smartphones and mobile devices can also protect their devices from malware, ensure privacy, and use anti-theft features.