F-Secure SAFE is a mid-range security suite which can protect Windows and Mac desktops, as well as Android and iOS devices.

Desktop protection is relatively lightweight in comparison to some other suites. There's antivirus, browsing protection, parental controls and a spam filter. For online backup and a password manager, you'd either need to move up to TOTAL or add the separately available F-Secure Password Manager. SAFE uses and provides full support for the Windows firewall.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing as it means you receive a fast security suite which focusses on protecting your devices. The program uses minimal system resources, and is extremely simple to use. Independent testing shows F-Secure's protection is worth having, too. As we write, the previous engine is ranked 3rd out of 25 at AV-Test, just behind Bitdefender and Avira. With F-Secure developed in Finland, you can be assured that their servers are locked down and audited by the European Union if recent news about other security manufacturers has left you feeling nervous and seeking a brand new solution.

SAFE includes powerful parental controls, enabling a parent to configure security for the entire family. You can configure SAFE for yourself or allocate a device to another user (or child) and then, using a secure online account, configure the time they can access the internet, each user's individual bedtime, to prevent a child from browsing the web after midnight, plus the type of websites and select content filtering so you can pick and choose the types of website you want them to visit.

There's improved mobile support, too, in particular with the program's simplified anti-theft tools. Android and iOS users can now remotely locate, lock, reset, wipe or sound the alarm on a lost or stolen device, all from F-Secure's own web portal.