While scanning and cleaning a computer using Malwarebytes is always free, upgrading to the Premium version offers many benefits. This includes real-time protection, anti-ransomware, anti-exploit, and malicious website protection features.
Malwarebytes 5.0 now comes with the Trusted Advisor feature on all versions of the program, providing a score based on how secure your system is. This feature was previously available on Windows, but is now available on Mac, iOS, and Android.
Real-time protection monitors your computer in real-time and if you attempt open a malicious program or file, Malwarebytes will block it and automatically quarantine the file. This protects your from running infections that are disguised as free downloads or malicious attachments.
The anti-ransomware feature protects you from existing and new ransomware threats that may infect your computer. When Malwarebytes anti-ransomware detects ransomware behavior, such as file encryption, it will automatically halt the process exhibiting this behavior so that it cannot continue encrypting your computer.
The anti-exploit feature protects your compuer from exploit kits that try to attack vulnerabilities found in Windows and your installed programs. If Malwarebytes anti-exploit detects an exploit kit on a site that you are visiting or one that is attempting to exploit your computer's vulnerabilities, Malwarebytes will block it before it can infect your computer.
Finally, the malicious website protection feature will block your computer from accessing known malicious sites. These sites are labeled as malicious if they are known to offer malware, adware, pups, in-browser miners, or are hosting exploit kits. By using the malicious protect feature, your computer will be blocked from threats before they have a chance to attack you.
When a user installs Malwarebytes for the first time, they get all the features of the Premium version for free for 14 days. After that they can choose to upgrade to the Premium version or continue with the scan and clean features of the Free version. Regardless of whether or not you pay to activate Malwarebytes, we suggest that you install this program on your computer and perform a routine scan with it at least once a week. This will assure you that your computer is being secured from some the newest infections out there.
For those wishing to license Malwarebytes Premium for their entire household or business, Malwarebytes offers an interesting license option. They offer a base license for $44.99, which protects one computer for one year. You can then buy protection for additional devices for $10 more per devices. When buying a license, it is important to note that they are multi-platform. That means that the license can be used on Windows, Mac, or Android.
For a more detailed tutorial on how to clean your computer using Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, please visit this guide: How to use Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to scan and remove malware from your computer
Features and improvements
Issues fixed
To uninstall Avast programs using the Avast Uninstall Utility, please perform the following steps:
Note: If you installed Avast into a different location than its default, then you will also need to click on the browse button and select the folder that you installed the Avast product into. Please make sure you specify the correct folder as the folder and all of its contents will be removed.
]]>The types of programs that AdwCleaner targets are typically bundled with free programs that you download from the web. In many cases when you download and install a program, the install will state that these programs will be installed along with the program you downloaded. Unless you perform a Custom install, these unwanted programs will automatically be installed on your computer leaving you with extra browser toolbars, adware, and other unwanted programs. AdwCleaner is designed to search for and remove these types of programs.
A guide for removing adware, which uses AdwCleaner, can be found here: How to Remove Adware from a PC
Using AdwCleaner is very simple. Simply download the program and run it. You will then be presented with a screen that contains a Scan and Clean button. The Scan button will cause AdwCleaner to search your computer for unwanted programs and then display all the files, folders, and registry entries found on your computer that are used by adware programs.
When the scan has finished, look through the scan results and uncheck any entries that you do not wish to remove. When you are satisfied with the selection, simply click on the Clean button, which will cause AdwCleaner to reboot your computer and remove the files and registry entries associated with the various adware that you are removing. On reboot, AdwCleaner will display a log showing the files, folders, and registry entries that were removed.
It is also important to note that certain adware programs such as Babylon and Delta Search include a program that alerts you when a program is trying to change your browser's search or home page settings. When running AdwCleaner it will reset your search settings to the default Microsoft one if it detects it has been changed by an adware. If you see the warning that states AdwCleaner is trying to change your browser settings, please allow it to do so.
For those who need help using this tool or interpreting its results, please feel free to ask in our Am I Infected forum.
Speccy will analyze your computer and display a report of the make and model of all installed hardware found on your computer. This includes:
Speccy also allows you to save a report of your computer's hardware in the event that you wish to share it with another person or support forum for troubleshooting purposes.
]]>This program can remove the following Bitdefender products: Bitdefender Antivirus, Bitdefender Antivirus 2008, Bitdefender Antivirus 2009, Bitdefender Antivirus 2010, Bitdefender Antivirus 2011, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2012, Bitdefender Internet Security, Bitdefender Internet Security 2008, Bitdefender Internet Security 2009, Bitdefender Internet Security 2010, Bitdefender Internet Security 2011, Bitdefender Internet Security 2012, Bitdefender Total Security 2008, Bitdefender Total Security 2009, Bitdefender Total Security 2010, Bitdefender Total Security 2011, Bitdefender Total Security 2012
]]>However, many users use the Malwarebytes Support Tool to perform a clean uninstall of all Malwarebytes products from Windows. This is especially helpful when you are having issues uninstalling the program though normal methods.
The tool will now search for installs to uninstall, and when finished, prompt you to reboot your computer.
]]>In order to use this decrypter, users must have a copy of the ransom note for the infected system as it contains the encrypted decryption key. This decryption key will be decrypted and used to decrypt a victim's files for free.
More information about the FilesLocker Ransomware can be at this URL: New FilesLocker Ransomware Offered as a Ransomware as a Service.
A detailed guide on using the decryptor can be found here: How to Decrypt the FilesLocker Ransomware with FilesLockerDecrypter
]]>Using the ESET Uninstaller may reset your Windows network settings.
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