ESET security features listed and explained

This guide briefly explains what each ESET Home and Business security feature actually does – in plain English. Useful if you’re deciding which edition (NOD32, Internet Security, Smart Security Premium, or Security Ultimate) fits your needs.
Related:
ESET Home Security plans compared

Core detection & protection

• Advanced Machine Learning – Detects unknown malware by analysing behaviour patterns and code characteristics before they spread.
• Advanced Memory Scanner – Monitors programs running in memory to detect malware that hides only while executing.
• Anti-Malware – Standard protection against viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and similar threats.
• Anti-Phishing – Blocks fake websites that try to steal passwords or credit-card data.
• Deep Behavioural Detection – Observes how software behaves over time to spot suspicious or malicious activity.
• Detection Engine – The main signature-based scanning engine that identifies known threats.
• Exploit Blocker – Prevents attacks that exploit software vulnerabilities (e.g. in browsers, PDF readers, Office).
• Script-based Attack Protection – Detects malicious PowerShell, JavaScript, or VBScript code.
• Ransomware Shield – Watches for file-encryption behaviour and stops ransomware before data is locked.
• WMI Scanner – Checks Windows Management Instrumentation (used by malware for persistence).
• System Registry Scanner – Looks for suspicious changes in the Windows registry.
• System Settings Restorer – Restores security-related Windows settings changed by malware.
• UEFI Scanner – Scans the firmware bootloader layer for rootkits or boot-level malware.
• Intel® Threat Detection Tech. – Uses Intel CPU features to detect threats via hardware-level monitoring.

Network & online safety

• Botnet Protection – Blocks connections to known botnet command servers.
• Brute Force Attack Protection – Detects repeated login attempts and temporarily blocks attackers.
• Cloud-based Protection (a.k.a. ESET LiveGrid, previously ThreatSense.Net) – Uses cloud reputation data to quickly flag new threats.
  https://help.eset.com/eav/16.2/en-US/idh_config_charon.html
• Firewall – Controls incoming/outgoing connections to block unauthorised network activity.
• Network Attack Protection – Detects and stops network-borne exploits (e.g. SMB or RDP attacks).
• Network Inspector – Lists devices on your network and checks for weak passwords or open ports.
• Router Vulnerability Scanner – Tests your router for unsafe settings or outdated firmware.
• Vulnerability Shield – Adds network-level signatures to block exploit attempts targeting common protocols.
• Web Access Protection – Blocks access to known malicious or infected websites.
• Safe Banking & Browsing – Opens financial sites in a hardened, isolated browser.
• Webcam Protection – Alerts or blocks apps trying to access your camera.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN) – Encrypts internet traffic through a secure tunnel for privacy.

Device & data security

• Removable Media Device Control – Allows or blocks USB drives or external devices.
• Secure Data Encryption – Encrypts files or USB drives so only you can open them.
• Folder Guard Security – Locks specified folders against unauthorised changes or deletion.
• Anti-Theft – Lets you locate, lock, or wipe a lost laptop via your ESET account.

System usability & convenience

• Gamer Mode (a.k.a. Presentation Mode in business plans) – Pauses scans and notifications during fullscreen apps or games.
• Dark Mode / Light Mode – Interface theme switcher.
• Security Reports – Shows stats and summaries of blocked threats.
• Subscription Management – Links your licence to an online account for renewal and tracking.
• Native 64-bit Support – Fully utilises modern 64-bit Windows for better performance.
• Parental Control (a.k.a. Web Control in business plans) – Filters websites or limits computer time for children.
• Identity Protection – Guards personal information and login credentials (premium feature).
• Password Manager – DISCONTINUED since October 2025! – Stores and autofills login details securely.
• LiveGuard (Cloud Analysis) – Uploads suspicious files to ESET’s sandbox servers for deep analysis.
• Offline Updates – Allows manual virus-signature updates without internet (e.g. on air-gapped PCs) – enterprise plans allow it only (if memory serves me, my company’s been using it since 2005 or so).
• Remote Management – Centralised admin control for multiple machines (enterprise plans only).

References

• ESET Home Security plans compared
• Do you really need an antivirus – and when?
• My Application Software stack

Author

Relja Novović

Relja is an avid cyclist, a pretty good bike mechanic, and a professional computer systems administrator – with decades of experience in both those fields (computers and bikes 🙂 ). Relja Novović’s credentials and a short biography