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So Protect Me Blocker 2008
Price: £14.99, or £19.99 inc VAT for 3 users

Features
Performance
Ease of use
Value for money
Overall

Reviewed By: Andy Shaw

This review updated: 28/02/2008
Featured in magazine:
Issue 182
Manufacturer Contacts:
Supplier: So Protect Me
Web Address: www.soprotectme.com


There's no denying that we need to be careful when paying with a credit card online or using internet banking. But by targeting all our defences at online threats, are we ignoring risks that could come from our own homes?

Feature:
Payment Blocker isn't designed to protect you from internet fraudsters but rather from potential threats in your own home. Perhaps you've got kids who are net savvy but not so smart with money; or maybe you live in a shared house with a shared computer, but you really don't want to share your credit card details. Whatever the reason, if you can foresee problems in the future, this software aims to nip any possibility of an inside job in the bud.

Performance:
There are two modes – Challenge mode and Zero Tolerance mode. The former lets you use your credit card if you know your password, while the latter stops anyone from using any credit cards at all, which might be useful for a PC located in a child's bedroom. Once you've got the system installed, only registered cards can be used and you can control exactly who can use them. If you already have accounts set up with retailers (which often means you don't have to re-enter your credit card details each time you make a purchase) you can limit access to their websites. However, we found this feature unreliable since we were challenged when using Internet Explorer, but Firefox let us straight through. We also managed to uninstall the software unchallenged by using System Restore from Safe Mode. Although this is the kind of thing someone would only get away with once, it could still leave you vulnerable which, in a program that promises so much, is unacceptable.

Ease of use:
There's no arguing that the program is simple to use. The basic set-up procedure is no more taxing than filling in a form and it's also simple to add credit card details and sites you want to block, once you're up and running. The system is password protected so, as long as you keep that secret, no-one else should be able to change your settings.

Value for money:
The software isn't expensive and should be affordable for most people alongside existing security software. There may be even cheaper alternatives open to you, though – perhaps you could just make the extra effort to ensure that your credit cards don't fall into the hands of your light-fingered flatmates or children in the first place.

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