test conclusion
Although G Data Total Security delivered good results in the laboratory, it slipped up in the practical test: the program failed to detect almost 1 percent of all malware on infected websites. Given the mass of malware on the Internet, this is only “sufficient”. However, the program offered the best offline protection and only triggered a few false positives. However, it wasn’t enough for the podium – among other things because, in addition to theft protection and a vulnerability scanner, no VPN for anonymous and secure surfing is included in the package. G Data Total Security therefore lands in the solid midfield.
G Data Total Security: What does the package offer?
Here is a brief overview of what G Data Total Security has to offer its users:
- Protection program: The real-time scanner protects against viruses, malware, ransomware and other online threats.
- Firewall: The program has an integrated firewall.
- VPN: Total Security does not come with a VPN for anonymous and encrypted surfing.
- Devices: The standard license is valid for a maximum of one device.
- Platforms: The security program supports the operating systems Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.
- Extras: There are additional functions such as update assistants, backup functions, password managers, child protection and other extras.
G Data Total Security comes with good virus protection, but it also has weaknesses.
G Data Total Security: How good is the virus protection?
When it comes to virus protection, G Data Total Security shows a mixed picture. We examined the security program over a period of several months, unleashed over 20,000 malware samples on the test object in the laboratory, looked at how well the protection against infected websites works in practical tests and tested the detection performance when the Internet connection was cut. At the same time, we registered how often the scanner triggered false alarms.
The long-term test in the laboratory certifies that G Data Total Security offers good virus protection. The security program recognized and eliminated 99.98 percent of the malware. Even without an internet connection, G Data achieved a recognition rate of a good 95.5 percent. The security suite from Germany, on the other hand, did worse in the practical test. Although the scanner prevented the test computers from being infected by infected websites in 99.19 percent of the cases, the balance of undetected malware in over 1,400 test cases is too large. G Data only has a mediocre protective effect here.
G Data Total Security has tools for system optimization on board.
Does G Data Total Security slow down the PC?
For effective protection, virus scanners must constantly monitor the system in order to be on the spot immediately in the event of an attack by malware. To do this, security programs such as G Data Total Security require constant access to system resources. We measured the system load on differently equipped computers with different programs and benchmarks. We copied and archived files, installed and uninstalled applications, surfed the Internet and downloaded files from the web.
Working with office and multimedia applications as well as viewing websites caused only a low to very low system load with G Data Total Security. No bottlenecks should be expected here on weaker computers. On the other hand, the system load when managing files on the computer turned out to be somewhat high. Here, the German virus monitor does not work quite as quickly as some of its competitors. It is still enough for a good result in this discipline.
With the abundance of setting options, switches and modules, it is not always easy to keep track of things.
Set up and use G Data Total Security
Installing and setting up G Data Total Security is easy on Windows: select one of the product tariffs on the manufacturer’s website, fill out the web form and then confirm the payment to G Data. Use the manufacturer’s license key, which will be sent to you by e-mail, to activate the program installation. First download the setup file from the manufacturer’s website. Since this is a web installer that downloads additional installation files from the web, the duration of the setup also depends on the quality of your internet connection.
The program interface presents itself sober and functional. G Data does without animations and optical gimmicks in its security solution. The program comes up with a large number of modules, options and switches where it is easy to lose track. A function search could help, but is not integrated. On board, however, is a child protection function with which parents can control the user account control of the Windows PC and, for example, set usage times.
The help function takes you to the manufacturer’s website, where you will find extensive explanatory texts in German. The warning messages were rather incomprehensible and provided too little information when a virus was found. The terms and conditions and license terms, on the other hand, are good and G Data’s data protection declaration is satisfactory. Unfortunately, important extras such as an anti-theft function or a vulnerability scanner are missing.
The standard license includes installation on just one device – you can add more using the G-Data online account for a fee.
How much does G Data Total Security cost?
G Data does not provide a free version of its security suite. If you want the full protection of the security specialist, go for it chargeable Main program G Data Total Security. With the standard license, you may install the security program on a maximum of one device. This is very poor compared to other providers such as Bitdefender, NortonLifeLock or Avast. The offer is an annual subscription that can be automatically renewed.
The 1-year package costs 49.95 euros (4.16 euros per month). Please note that this price is only valid for the first year of the contract. G Data gives you a 30-day money-back guarantee. The manufacturer accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), PayPal and Klarna instant transfer as means of payment.
Save up to 67 percent with G Data Total Security*
G Data Total Security in the test: conclusion
Although G Data Total Security delivered good results in the laboratory, it slipped up in the practical test: the program failed to detect almost 1 percent of all malware on infected websites. Given the mass of malware on the Internet, this is only “sufficient”. However, the program offered the best offline protection and only triggered a few false positives. However, it wasn’t enough for the podium – among other things because, in addition to theft protection and a vulnerability scanner, no VPN for anonymous and secure surfing is included in the package. G Data Total Security therefore lands in the solid midfield. Test score: 2.3 (good).