ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 6 was updated with spyware protection last year. This version sees a larger signature database and more frequent updates. The performance improvements were impressive: with the detection rate up to 96 percent (from 91 percent), removal rate at 91 percent (from 84 percent) and blocking at 77 percent (70 percent). This overall rating of 88 percent can’t beat our A-Listed standalone choice, Spyware Doctor 3.8, which scored 89 percent (detection 98 percent, removal 92 percent, blocking 78 percent), but it comes very close. Where ZoneAlarm starts to pull ahead is with the addition of a new spyware site-blocking feature. This prevents access to known spyware sites, even when any existing spyware tries to contact them.

Disappointingly, there are no plans to extend the much-heralded Identity Protection Center outside the US, which would bring ID theft protection into the real world, monitoring Internet usage of your credit cards in IRC channels and other known black markets, keeping an eye on your credit ratings offline and informing you when finance applications are made. It’s frustrating to encounter a members-only notice in Australia.

The new gaming mode will be welcomed by anyone who’s had their enjoyment spoiled by alerts – ZoneAlarm suspends alerts without suspending protection, although you’re limited to a choice between accepting or denying all. Alerts in general have been improved with this release. Every classified spyware app caught by the OS firewall now has a corresponding AlertAdvisor or ‘more info’ article to ensure you’re kept informed and better prepared to make decisions as to how to deal with it. We’d have liked to see a broadening of email client support for the MailFrontier-provided anti-spam feature, but this remains exclusive to Outlook. Otherwise, ZoneAlarm is as accomplished a security suite as ever.

With the new Identity Protection Center inaccessible from Australia, there isn’t a lot to justify the $45 upgrade, but the improved spyware protection makes a free update (for users with a current version 6 licence) or a new purchase an easier decision.