A type of security software that guards PC/laptop/mobile device against malicious software, a.k.a. malware. It has two major tasks: to detect and prevent malware from infecting computers, and to find and remove malware if its already in the system. Often, anti-malware comes as a part of Internet security suites, along with anti-spam, safe browsing, parental control etc. In recent years there has been a significant rise in types of malware (ransomware, spyware, adware, crypto-jacking, rootkits, email phishing, viruses, etc.) as well as unlawful cyber-crime attacks. According to Statista, each year literally millions of malware attacks take place worldwide. Consequently, anti-malware tools are in high demand.
Malware Fighter is exactly what one expects from the name - it safeguards your PC, laptop, mobile device from modern-day web threats. With extended scan settings and options, including selecting file types and priority to check, setting default action for certain scenarios, etc., scanning isn’t ideal, as only deep scans prove to be of use, but they take a lot of time. During our own testing, the program missed about 55% malware samples in real-time mode. Quarantine is located in settings tab, whereas other similar apps have it in the main window for quick access, and it proposes 2 actions: delete or restore. The strong sides of Malware Fighter by IObit are: a) logs - as a separate tab, that even has sorting option; b) quiet mode - with ability of auto launch on startup or used-defined programs; c) ignore list - for exclusions while scanning; d) database renewal - one-click action lasting few moments and providing enough details.
Unbeatable real-time antimalware protection, various scan types (thread, custom, hyper) and overwhelming focus on fighting malicious software make it #1 product among users. Working with Malwarebytes means the ability to pause and resume scans at any time, remove or ignore threats to PC, utilize local and web attack efforts. Primarily, it guards against illegal hacker actions, data leaks, harmful websites, but it also monitors the system (memory, startup, registry, file system, archives, rootkits). Good usability where everything is segmented in left-menu tabs, and compatibility with numerous operating systems, though overall functionality is restricted in free edition as expected. For every scan, detection and removal there are saved logs with full data. In settings a user may easily tune everything to his/her liking, set the date and time for next check (besides active protection), set exclusions for file or websites that are trusted.
Behavior analysis, active web protection, custom and quick scan, malware removal and other tools one does anticipate in an anti-malware software, Emsisoft brings to the table. While at task, it does neither impact nor interfere with PC’s performance, and overall is very easy to use. The whole scanning process is transparent, displaying progress in percentage, file names and number of files already checked, setting potential threats aside. Users can specify which files to prioritize, set date and time of periodical inspection. The differentiating factor for Emsisoft is double-effort to detect malware - via the main Emsisoft scanner paired with Bitdefender, which enhances safety against ransomware, banking trojans, phishing, keyboard spy loggers, bots, malicious websites, viruses, rootkits, PUPs, etc.
A peculiar software based on antivirus engine, with 11 languages and various editions - free, home, business, professional, corporate and technical. It grants typical anti-malware procedures: scanning, detection, quarantine, removal, exclusions and user settings. The upside capabilities are browser extensions block, spyware detection, checks of system files, global start entries, Winlogon entries, etc. Interface is quite unconventional, where new windows appear without logical connection, and where user guide is present online but not in the app itself. However, some users may find it refreshing to explore new ways to use such software. In Settings users can tweak scan areas, dialogs, whitelist, system services, internet protection, real-time measures, etc. Spybot relies on volunteer donations and user feedback to improve the service quality.
It has both free and Premium version, the difference being that most of anti-malware features are available in the latter, e.g. real-time protection, set of anti-adware/anti-spyware/anti-rootkit utilities. Actually free version is a 14-day free trial with a forced watermark. 43 menu languages, well-designed and intuitive UI, but questionable color solutions and visible borders between screens. In terms of functionality, MalwareFox offers scanning, quarantine, removal and event logs/history. There is no ability to adjust scanning or select scan type, as it basically works in 1 mode which is a “quick scan”, which performs mediocre (5 out of 18 threats during testing). On the other hand, there’s a handy drag-n-drop area to check files/folders individually if needed, plus program status tab - with license, system health, date of last scanning, date of last updates, etc.
One of two anti-malware services from Emsisoft vendor, which is a stripped-down version of Emsisoft Anti-Malware. As name suggests, it will be especially useful to those who got a PC infected and need urgent remediation. Thus, it is geared towards on-demand scanning and detection rather than active protection, with full/quick/custom scans at hand, typical for today’s security suites. Threats end up in the quarantine to neutralize potential malicious files. Whitelist comes handy when you want to skip certain files and/or folders while scanning. Designed compactly and neatly, with nothing excessive or buggy. Updates are quick and accessible in one click. Question mark icon “?” sends you off to support section, to send emails, read forum and FAQ, to send suspicious files for check-up, but no direct live chat.
Have doubts about the effectiveness of your antivirus? Get CureIt, run it, conduct system scanning and see the outcome. CureIt features the latest virus definitions, but database is not updated automatically. Virus databases, however, are kept up-to-date on hourly basis. There are versions for various platforms: computer/laptop, web browsers, Android devices, and even Telegram. Doctor Web is a Russian company.
Although Xvirus is totally free with no ads or functionality restrictions, and the interface is straightforward, some might find it unattractive to use a black-and-green design and no ability to change it. Otherwise, it has everything one needs in an anti-malware tool: scanning (3 modes are quick, full, manual), database updates, whitelist, logs, and settings. There are lots of settings for various scenarios, yet additional brief pop-up guides would be helpful. Several scanning modes and real-time monitoring are decent, though Xvirus lacks tools like browser scan, RAM scan, log search. Scheduler offers 3 basic options: daily, weekly and monthly.
Utilizing Avira engine, it is a fine program to detect malware through 3 types of scans and to optimize a PC afterwards. Extensive database that is also being regularly updated. By and large, Malware Hunter suits best for personal use, with free and Pro versions, for those who want to insure against modern web threats and data leaks. Scanning does not slow down the machine, displays stages, progress, files found, and can be stopped, paused or resumed. Reports section provides threat analysis after detection, with risk level, type, as well as search or export options. Neat and compact interface is easy to operate, with features located on the left - scan, speed up, settings, clean up, etc. Extra tools available: CleanUp - to wipe the registry, plugins, random memory; SpeedUp - to analyze and improve startup files, running apps, system files, network, etc.
A special 2way firewall designed by ZoneAlarm company - block malicious attacks on the entry point, but also prevent any malware, ransomware, spyware, etc., you might not even know about, from getting out there. It also installs a Google Chrome extension monitoring web traffic for possible phishing attempts incoming. Good for Windows 7, 8, 10.
The core principle of Zemana protection is detecting fingerprints of files and comparing it with cloud database. While installing it, a user may choose the option to automatically send any unknown files/objects for cloud analysis, yet confidentiality policy on this is a bit unclear. The interface may benefit from re-design, as with such large window space the elements are huge in size, as well as distances between them. This is a free anti-malware product, that lacks in functionality too. There are no active protection components, no scan settings, no whitelist, no self-defense mechanisms, therefore it is advised to use it as an extra tool, not the main one to rely on. Also, it didn’t detect any of the test files we ran through. In terms of adjustments, one can set a default action for threats - put into quarantine or remove, and as it appears there is no remediation.
A basic-level malware protection product that executes its prime task: detects over 80% of online threats instantly, as testing proved. Full scanning has even better rate, close to 100% efficiency, though it might last quite some time (2 hours in our case). While many anti-malware products lack a decent scheduler, STOPzilla offers extensive and flexible time settings in combination with scan types, quick or full, and works without glitches. Infected files end up in quarantine section, as usual, until an action is taken - to destroy safely or to restore and allow the file in. Logs are not displayed after the scan, but they are in place and can be saved on PC. Reaching the support is easy via a tab inside the program, that will bring a user into live chat to communicate with managers directly. The same for updates - just click the button, get it without delays, view data about last updates and the current version.
Evolved out of initial CryptoLocker, this little utility for Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10) is designed to help your installed antivirus in not letting any malicious programs through. When any ransom attempt to encrypt files is caught, the app immediately shuts down all inessential programs, thus stopping the attack in its tracks. There is also folder monitoring, up-to-date malware definitions, command line settings, Windows maintenance, email alerts. Free version has been discontinued, unfortunately.
Quick scanning and browser inspection are the highlights of ByteFence, which is a typical malware removal niche product. As proved by testing, it can find threats that other programs couldn’t and general detection rate is above 90%. Otherwise, there’s a lot of room for improvements. Scheduler only has 2 modes: daily or weekly, which isn’t great. Gaming mode that turns off any external alerts provides very little information to a user. Browser control identifies suspicious homepages, analyzes plugins and add-ons, but does not clean and optimize to the full effect. Key features: malware detection and removal, whitelist, game mode, statistics.
Light blue color interface and buttons with static or pop-up tips greet users in GridinSoft app against malicious software. Free version is available but it does not grant real-time defense, and basically it is more of a demo-version with limited set of features. Trial can be received for 6 days if you register via email personally. Yet even in passive mode, detection is strong, catching up to 80% of threats. There’s quick and standard scan, full and custom scan. In regards to usability GridinSoft offers plenty of choices: Internet security on/off (anti-phishing, only in Pro version), On-Run protection on/off (controls programs launch, yet no details offered and available in Pro only), Removable device on/off (to inspect USB drives, camera, etc.), logs (only in Pro), Ignore list (separated in 2 lists: files/folders and websites), Auto-delete quarantined files on/off (although it might be rather damaging than useful, as certain files could be critical and still falsely marked).
Installing from a .zip file, and then works by analyzing incoming files and running them by antivirus database. Overall, Secure Hunter is good for home or personal use, with both free and paid editions presented. It defends against spying programs, adware, trojans, rootkits, worms, keyboard spies, etc. by inspecting files, services, drivers, startup, MBR and archives on PC. The interface is somewhat overloaded and unorganized. Scanning offers three modes: “custom hunter”, “full system hunter”, “computer scan” aka quick scan. In process it only shows the number of processed files, detections and type, there’s no ability to pause it. Threats can be deleted or ignored, but not restored after deletion. For guidance and work issues, there’s a tab to send feedback to vendor.
Small but industrious app to seek and destroy malicious software and ill-minded attacks. It you’re wondering what is anti-malware and how does it work, RogueKiller is a nice example of a product that has everything for digital protection, minus active protection in real-time. Thus, it is good to scan a PC or a laptop for viruses, bots, scripts, spying apps, etc. and neutralize them before the damage is done. In quarantine users can view infections up and close, and then decide to delete or allow. There’s also ability to schedule periodic checks, down to 30 minutes intervals, as well as exclude files that are safe and trusted and save time and resources that way. Unique features: proxy server settings, UCheck Mini-Scan to notify about outdated or out-of-use apps on PC.
A decent malware detection and removal program that requires no installation, thus, consuming less resources and time. With nice and to-the-point interface, localized in 30 languages, work is organized in step-by-step fashion, from scanning to neutralization. Though, some users might find it frustrating not being able to return to the main page after certain action. Detection is effective, although a user won’t be able to pause scanning or perform on-demand checks - only default or scheduled scans scans are available. In addition to typical anti-malware functionality, HitmanPro introduces innovative tools, such as VirusTotal - a cloud scanning tool that checks suspicious files using 67 malware signatures; and Early warning scoring - a scanning type that determines risk areas on PC and assigns an index so a user could be more attentive.
Defend against all sorts of malicious threats, get constant monitoring in real-time active mode. Detect malware, adware, spyware, phishing, PUPs and more. Prevent programs from adding new items in startup and registry. Clean out cookies and trackers from web browsers. Virus database provided by Avira. 60-day refund policy is a great trial option.
No-nonsense straightforward software product similar to Windows removal tool - good for those who only require to find malware, ransomware or spyware on a PC and get rid of it. Scanning is rated average as full check is lengthy but detects everything, while quick scan isn’t efficient enough. Logs, available after an action is taken towards corrupt files, are opened as .txt files and can also be exported to external drives. The only extra feature presented in exclusions list to specify files to skip, so if malware is whitelisted it won’t be removed. This free malware remover tool is good as an entry-level, basic task app.
A product with several atypical features and lots of settings to set up user protection against malware and malvertising. In case a browser gets heavy with ads, popups and suspicious activity, there’s “Browser settings reset” for example, which is somewhat extreme, as it resets all the browsers on a given PC at once. For a lighter action, use “Toolbar removal” feature, that eliminates history, extensions, bookmarks for a selected browser. Active monitor feature is great if you want to exclude certain apps from active scanning. To decrease processor load, there’s “Hybrid cloud” option - to utilize cloud storage while scanning instead of PC resources. On the other hand, anti-malware performance and efficiency is mediocre, as the program does not detect all threats, and in trial there’s no possibility to delete infections.
Malware Killer by a US-based vendor does not make friends with an antivirus, so to install and run it properly, one would have to turn it off beforehand. Also, note that this antimalware only works as a scanner, and there’s no active protection in real-time. Yet overall, is easy to use, does not consume lots of PC resources. Free version detects threat but does not remove malware - only paid subscription. However, there are a bunch of useful features, e.g. drag-n-drop scan - check any file anytime simply by dragging it into Malware Killer window; context menu integration - similarly, right-click any file and select scanning; scan scheduler - to set checks periodically; cloud-based scans - only automatic sending of unknown objects as a whole, not separately.
Malware attacks and tricks are evolving all the time, and top security software applies various methods of detection and database of malicious signatures to identify threats in real-time. On enterprise level, with computer networks and valuable data, anti malware may be set to provide such protection, as well as track metrics and analytic tools for insights. On personal level, you might become a victim of hacked Facebook / Instagram account any given moment, potentially causing harm to reputation.
How is it different from antivirus?
One of the leading vendors of anti-malware gave a clear explanation, and if paraphrasing, a virus is a specific threat, and malware is a term encompassing a multitude of threats, therefore any virus is malware, but malware isn’t only viruses. In contrast to antivirus programs, anti-malware focuses on the newest threats on the web and is updating much more regularly. Antimalware programs help fight the following online threats:
It’s a ‘David and Goliath’ type situation with software against malware, where Malwarebytes stands tallest and glorious, foreshadowing any other contenders. You can find our own in-depth Malwarebytes review to learn more. Though, it does not mean other contenders are worthless. Malwarebytes, of course, gained firm ground with its usability, powerful scanning, stability, real-time detection. It offers a 14-day free trial, and the basic one-year plan costs $40, and let’s leave it at that.
Overall, a reputable and effective anti-malware program should offer tools such as scan scheduler, quarantine and removal, exclusions, PUP detection, anti-adware, anti-spyware, program cleaner, etc. Exact techniques may differ from software to software: signature-based detection (databases of known malware to check suspicious files), behavior-based detection (detecting yet unknown malware through characteristics, intentions, machine learning), and sandboxing (using isolated virtual environment to test suspicious files before allowing them in).
If a user has a preference of certain antimalware method, he can research security programs on the market and select his best. Strong Malwarebytes alternatives could easily be IObit Malware Fighter, Emsisoft, AVG, Spybot, HitmanPro, Avast. In fact, we'd also point towards WMSRT - Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - an easy option to scan for issues, that can not be discarded too.
Actually, to compare real performance we selected the top 15 antimalware apps, including the ones mentioned above and some few more and put them to test. It demonstrated that in terms of scan time and detected threats, Malwarebytes, HitmanPro, Spybot ‘Search and Destroy’, GridinSoft were the most efficient. Check out full results below.
Product | Installation time | Disk space occupied | Full scan time | Files scanned | Threats detected |
MalwareBytes | 1 min | 193 MB | 7 min | 216,762 | 51 |
HitmanPro | 1 min | 11 MB | 6 min | 301,544 | 15 |
Emsisoft Antimalware | 4 min | 430 MB | 83 min | 223,868 | 1 |
AVG Antivirus | 2 min | 760 MB | 9 min | N/A | 1 |
Spybot | 1 min | 221 MB | 72 min | N/A | 63 |
Windows MSRT | 1 min | 46 MB | 5 min | 9,334 | 3 |
RansomFree | 3 min | 5 MB | N/A | N/A | 1 |
Zemana Antimalware | 0.5 min | 17 MB | 16 min | 57,701 | 4 |
Comodo | 1 min | 116 MB | 75 min | N/A | 55 |
Avast Antivirus | 4 min | 903 MB | 8 min | N/A | 2 |
GridinSoft | 2 min | 130 MB | 35 min | 48,069 | 38 |
IObit Malware Fighter | 1 min | 126 MB | 200 min | 283,814 | 2 |
Xvirus | 0.1 min | 30 MB | 240 min | 202,359 | 5 |
STOPzilla | 3 min | 44 MB | 62 min | 49,674 | 4 |
Malware Killer | 2 min | 17 MB | 20 min | 34,195 | 2 |
As we’ve mentioned, each anti-malware applies different detection strategy, or a combination, to protect against damaging code. So, we may divide them in 3 types:
Each type has peculiarities in user interface, system requirements, malware removal options, that should be in mind of a conscious customer.
By business model, there could be a distinction between all-in-one internet security suites and specialized programs. Avast, AVG, Kaspersky and so forth are good examples of security suite, where certain anti-malware tools are part of bigger integrated system. Malwarebytes, Malware Killer, Cybereason and others are software specifically designed to prevent malware and nothing more.
Which type is more relevant is still a subject of discussion. At the same time, general malware prevention measures while browsing the Internet include the following:
Malware, PUA/PUP, malicious scripts are on the rise, evolving constantly. In 2018, evasive malware and exploit kits emerged as one of the ways to pass through security software, for instance ransomware such as Cryptomix, Spora, TeslaCrypt, JigSaw. More and more attackers use malicious cryptomining, running hidden scripts on users’ devices without permission, basically hijacking resources, electricity, etc.
For anti-malware tools the upcoming years will be a busy time. Digital security suites are investing more money and introducing new techniques to protect computers, smartphones, networks, servers, IoT devices. New methods such as so called “vaccinations” against malware families (misleading malware to think it is already in the system), and others will have to up the game.
Malwarebytes Labs predicts the following challenges for 2019: high-profile password breaches, AI-assisted malware, self-propagating exploits like EternalBlue to spread infections, more attacks on Microsoft Edge browser, skimming - i.e. hijacking checkout pages and intercepting payment information.
Anti-malware (a.k.a. Antimalware, anti malware, malware removal software, malware scanner tools) are special software programs that detect and remove malware from computer devices. Anti-malware protects against malicious scripts, viruses, rootkits, ransomware, spyware, adware.
To prevent malware, this special type of security software implies three main methods: signature-based malware detection (see the 2nd paragraph above), behavior-based detection (by intentions, behaviors, actions, etc.) and sandboxing - testing stuff in virtual environment before allowing it into the system. By design, anti-malware can do the following tasks: block suspicious websites, quarantine the detected malware, display data about the infections and insights into how and how far a malicious script has compromised a network.
You can’t go wrong with Malwarebytes, HitmanPro, Emsisoft, Comodo, Zemana, AVG/Avast. For more considerations, pros and cons, tips and more read our product reviews, sich as Malwarebytes, Malware Fighter, Spybot, etc.
No, but similar. A virus is also a malware, but malware isn’t necessarily a virus. Thus, an antivirus software protects against computer viruses specifically, while antimalware covers a wider range of threats: trojans, worms, unwanted apps, ransomware, cryptomining, adware, exploits, keylogging, etc. Many antivirus programs have been expanding their functionality to defend against malware too. The best practice is to use both.
Anti-Exploit is a security program that was bought out by malwarebytes from ZeroVulnerabilityLabs, and is now in beta-version, as of January 2019. It runs in the background and specifically targets zero-day exploits in browsers, rootkits, phishing scams, malicious links and sites. It is only available in Premium package.
Firstly, this is just one of the anti-malware programs and a popular antivirus. Secondly, it got (in)famous due to often being distributed in a bundle with another software which essentially means PUA. So it’s kind of “fight-crime-with-crime” situation. Many users online recommend removing it because it got them more malware instead of preventing it. We can neither confirm or disprove any information until we’ve tested it ourselves, so caution is our tip right now.
Go with reliable and reputable. Seek programs that can protect itself against termination by another software, that won’t cause conflicts with antivirus, that can automate scanning and is always up-to-date. A good anti-malware is often an “all-inclusive” package/suite - with security scanning, parental control, password manager, web protection, backup and restore, firewall, etc. It should not affect PC boot time and overall performance, be easy to navigate, fast in scanning, provide full control over all elements.
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