Malwarebytes (software)
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File:MalwarebytesMainGUI.png MBAM 2.0.2.1012 running under Windows 8.1 | |
Developer(s) | Malwarebytes Corporation |
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Stable release | 2.2.0.1024 (Windows), 1.1.3 (OS X)
/ October 21, 2015[1] |
Written in | Visual Basic .NET, Assembly |
Operating system | Windows XP or later, OS X 10.7 or later |
Platform | IA-32, x86-64 |
Size | 18.91 MB[2] |
Available in | 29 languages |
List of languages | |
Type | Anti-malware |
License | Proprietary Free: Freeware Premium: Commercial Enterprise: TBA |
Website | www |
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) is an application for computers running under the Microsoft Windows and Apple OS X operating system that finds and removes malware.[3] Made by Malwarebytes Corporation, it was first released in January 2008. It is available in a free version, which scans for and removes malware when started manually, and a paid version, which additionally provides scheduled scans, real-time protection and a flash memory scanner.
Overview
MBAM is primarily a scanner that scans and removes malicious software, including rogue security software, adware, and spyware. MBAM scans in batch mode, rather than scanning all files opened, reducing interference if another on-demand anti-malware software is also running on the computer.[4][5]
MBAM is available in both a free and a paid version.[3] The free version can be manually run by the user when desired, whereas the paid version can perform scheduled scans, automatically scan files when opened, block IP addresses of malicious web sites, and scan only those services, programs and device drivers that are currently in use.[6] MBAM's user interface is available in 29 languages.[2]
Reception
- PC World's Preston Gralla wrote that "Using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is simplicity itself".[3]
- FilesGang.com gives Malwarebytes Anti-Malware solution a 3.5 out of 5 stars rating, naming it the antivirus software that managed to remove the threat created by a rogue anti-virus software that infected a very large number of PCs and caused huge financial losses.[7]
- CNET in 2008 cited Malwarebytes as being useful against the MS Antivirus malware,[8] and also awarded it an April 2009 Editor's Choice, along with 25 other computer applications.[6][9]
- Mark Gibbs of Network World gave Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 4 stars out of 5 in January 2009 and wrote that "It does the job and only the lack of a detailed explanation of what it has found stops it from getting 5 out of 5".[10]
- PC Magazine gave Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 3.5 stars out of 5 in May 2010, saying that although it was good at removing malware and scareware, it fell short on removing keyloggers and rootkits.[11] However, the free version got 4.5 stars out of 5—and an Editor's Choice award—for free removal-only antivirus software in 2013-4.[12]
Dispute with IObit
On November 2, 2009, Malwarebytes accused[13] rival IObit of incorporating the database of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (and several products from other vendors, which were not named) into its security software IObit Security 360. IObit denied the accusation and stated that the database is based on user submissions, and sometimes the same signature names that are in Malwarebytes get placed in the results. They said they did not have time to filter out the signature names that are similar to Malwarebytes. IObit also stated that Malwarebytes did not have convincing proof, and promised that the databases were not stolen.[14] After the declaration from IObit, Malwarebytes replied that they are not convinced of the argument from IObit.[15][16] Malwarebytes claims to have served DMCA infringement notices against CNET, Download.com and MajorGeeks.com in order to have the download sites remove the IObit software. IObit said that as of version 1.3, their database has been updated to address those accusations of intellectual property theft made earlier by Malwarebytes.[17][18]
Dealing with Vonteera
Vonteera is Adware which uses stolen certificates that disables anti-malware and virus protection, such as from Malwarebytes.[19] Malwarebytes has listed a solution for eliminating this threat. [2]
Security vulnerabilities
In February 2, 2016, Project Zero announced several vulnerabilities to the Malwarebytes flagship product, including server side vulnerabilities on their update servers and a lack of encryption on the updates themselves. [20] Malwarebytes missed the deadline for disclosure and the vulnerabilities were disclosed without being patched. [21]
See also
- Internet security
- Comparison of antivirus software
- Comparison of firewalls
- Comparison of computer viruses
References
- ^ "Malwarebytes - History of Product Releases, Updates & Fixes". MalwareBytes. Retrieved 2014-10-16.
- ^ a b "Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO". Retrieved 2012-04-17.
- ^ a b c Malwarebytes Anti-Malware review at PCworld.com, retrieved 2014-07-22
- ^ "Malwarebytes Corporation". MalwareBytes. Retrieved 2009-08-18.
- ^ Neil J. Rubenking (2010-07-06). "Free Antivirus and Antispyware". PC Magazine. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
- ^ a b Seth Rosenblatt (2009-02-10). "Malwarebytes Anti-Malware". Download.cnet.com. Retrieved 2009-12-05.
- ^ Dragomir, Alexandru. "Marlwarebytes Anti-Malware". FilesGang.com. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
- ^ Rosenblatt, Seth (2008-09-24). "Take a 'byte' out of malware". The Download Blog. CNET. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
- ^ "CNET Editors' Choice Awards 2009 Winners". Reviews.cnet.com. 2009-06-02. Retrieved 2009-12-05.
- ^ Gibbs, Mark (2009-01-07). "Malwarebytes finds pesky Trojan". Gearhead. Network World. p. 2. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
- ^ Rubenking, Neil J. (2010-05-07). "Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.46". PC Magazine. Retrieved 2010-06-03.
- ^ Rubenking, Neil J. "Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.70". PC Magazine. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
- ^ IOBit Steals Malwarebytes Intellectual Property.
- ^ Declaration from IObit.
- ^ IOBit’s Denial of Theft Unconvincing.
- ^ Malwarebytes accuses rival of software theft. CNET.
- ^ IObit Malware Fighter.
- ^ [1]
- ^ Casey, Henry T. (25 November 2015). "Latest adware disables antivirus software". Tom's Guide. Yahoo.com. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
- ^ Leyden, John. "Google ninjas go public with security holes in Malwarebytes antivirus". The Register. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
- ^ Pot, Justin. "Google's Project Zero publicly shames Malwarebytes for poor update security". DigitalTrends. Retrieved 6 February 2016.