Webroot adds functions to security software (podcast)

A new version of Webroot Complete Internet Security does more than just protect your PC from viruses, spyware, rootkits, keyloggers, and other potential threats. It also lets you backup files and synchronize them to other PCs and manages your passwords so you don't have to remember them yourself.

The cloud-based backup system can automatically synchronize PCs or you can log into your Webroot account from any PC to restore files that have been copied to the company's server. All subscribers get 10 gigabytes of storage, but you can purchase additional storage if necessary.

Webroot also offers password management with a bundled version of Lastpass.  This feature, which is similar to the password feature included in some Norton security products, automatically records passwords as you enter them and offers to enter them for you on subsequent visits to the site. It's both a convenience feature and a security feature in that it allows you to use strong and hard-to-remember passwords, or you can let the software generate random passwords for you.

Like most security products, Webroot operates on an annual subscription model. $79.95 a year protects up to three PCs.

It also offers a bit of offline protection. Through a relationship with Trusted ID, a Webroot subscription also includes lost or stolen credit card protection and credit card use monitoring for up to three credit cards.

To learn more about the product, I spoke with Webroot Marketing Director Patrick Kennedy. You can listen to the interview here: