How-To Geek
Ask the Readers: What Anti-Malware Software Do You Use?
Having good anti-malware software as a supplement to your anti-virus software is important for your PC security strategy. This week we would like to know which anti-malware software that you use.
These days a person not only has to watch out for viruses but also spyware, crapware, and rogue/fake security software such as AntiSpyware 2009 and Antivirus Live. The fun never stops. Those of us who work hard to keep our computers clean usually know someone such as a family member, friend, or co-worker who seems to be a malware magnet. As a one person IT department you get the opportunity to learn all about malware and how to get rid of it.
A malware infested system can be a frustrating pain to work with once the malware has its’ claws dug in deep. On occasion a clean wipe is the only thing that will work, but anti-malware software can save you a lot of work and grief by returning a system to its properly functioning condition. It all depends on the types and amount of malware that has managed to set up home on a system.
Which anti-malware software do you use to protect your computer? Do you only use one or multiple anti-malware apps to get the job done? Let us know in the comments!
Note: Multiple selections (up to 4 choices) enabled on this poll.
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Comments (52)
Akemi Iwaya (Asian Angel) is our very own Firefox Fangirl who enjoys working with multiple browsers and loves 'old school' role-playing games. Visit her on Twitter and Google+.
- Published 07/28/10
Malwarebytes and SUPERAntiSpyware.
Malwarebytes Anti Malware…!!!
Just a quick pointer, if you are using Microsoft Security Essentials, chances are you are not using Windows Defender per se, since Windows Defender is somehow integrated into Microsoft Security Essentials.
Microsoft Security Essentials
I will be honest here. I don’t use any as my everyday machine (main desktop) and my notebook both run Ubuntu 10.04. But on my older desktop which runs Windows XP I use Spybot S&D.
Surprised you don’t have MS Security Essentials in the list as it works as both anti virus and anti malware at the same time.
Personally I only have one loaded for real time protection – MSSE. However, if the need arises (normally fixing other people’s machines) then I use several different ones to make sure the system is clean. For this point I would also like to give a big shout out for combofix – it has helped me clean systems where other tools could not find malware that was clearly there.
I still don’t understand why you need these tools. Isn’t Microsoft Security Essentials and other anti-virus/ spyware enough?
Is Microsoft Security Essentials an Anti-Malware application?
Shouldn’t there be an option for ‘none’?
I use Spywareblaster along with MSSE, SpybotSD and Malwarebytes.
I use MSE, SuperAntiSpyware and MalwareBytes unfortunately the latter two sound more like a virus than a security app.
i’m using mse, malwarebytes, spywareblaster and i’m trying out Immunet cloud based antivirus. it says it can be ran alongside your current antivirus and i haven’t notice any slow downs or conflicts. i also keep an update SAS on a flashdrive just in case
I just finished removing the rogue AV program “Antivir Solution Platinum” from my father’s laptop, started my daily webstie reading, and saw this article. What a coincidence.
Antivir Solution Platinum uninstalled via the control panel without any fight but it appears (via history log) MS Security Essentials saved the day by preventing trojans from being installed.
I use windows defender. Its all I need. Never had any problems with it so far. Most of those other ones have bloatwear with it trying to get yo to install a bunch of things you dont need. That in itself makes me think its not focusing on it real task, keeping me safe not filling my drive up with bullshit! Windows defender yes sir!
I like to use Malwarebytes and if that does not work I run combo fix. That will get rid of it, but I only use it if I have to since it can mess up other stuff too.
There is currently an embedded JAVA exploit program that is infesting even legitimate websites, not just porn and peer-to-peer websites. It is invulnerable to any anti-virus software or mal-ware programs that do not first shut down ALL active processes first (like KillBytes), and then runs a very complete program like MALWAREBYTES afterward. This JAVA exploit is one of the nastiest I have seen or personally experienced in 5 years. The computer shops and GEEK SQUAD are currently making a fortune telling people about half of the bad news (the other half is they are not skilled enough to fix it), and then charging them 200 bucks to reload windows after formatting their hard drive.
Any body else aware of this? Anybody else aware of how JAVA is just shrugging and going “OH, WELL, third party issue-not our problem!”
Don’t need it… Linux user.
I love Combofix and Malwarebytes antimalware .. :)
come on guys! LH is asking what anti-malware solution is being used. NOT what OS you are using.
and for those “i’m using Linux” crowd. duh!! it shows how ignorant you are about your OS.
MBAM is the best still!
Malwarebytes & Super Anti-Spyware are brilliant, without a doubt the best free anti-malware applications out there.
Malwarebytes, Eset Smart security4 and a well maintained HOSTS file
Other …..
Microsoft Security Essentials in my windows 7 and a Mac doesn’t use anyone :P
Use megabytes am comodo security suit
I don’t actively use a spyware program short of the spyware extensions in AVG. When “it” hits the fan I use Malwarebytes, Spybot S&D, and a program I found called Trojan Remover. Trojan Remover not only removes all the crap malware, but it also fixes the stupid security settings that get set, like disabling the task manager or regedit. Trojan remover is pay software and really annoying in day to day use, so I just use it as a last resort.
I started using linux several years ago, haven’t had any malware since. Don’t get me wrong, am not trying to preach that linux is better than MS, but I will say, since I switched to linux, I haven’t had any viruses, spyware or malware. I do run regular virus scans, but have yet to have any issues.
:-)
I use ESET Smart Security 4. Why is this not on the list?
http://www.eset.com/
Where’s the option for Linux?
Don’t use anything other than Ubuntu 10.04
I use Malwarebytes Anti malware & SUPERAntiSpyware.
Does I need to install Anti-Malware software ?? (BTW I have installed KIS 9.0.0.736 and USB Disk Security 5.2.0.10 already) and Should I customize the settings of these programs to be on the safe side ??
I use avast,immunet protect,Superantispyware pro,malwarebytes,Hitman Pro,Spybot Search & Destroy,spyware Blaster..if necessary, I can access numerous online scanners in safe mode as long as I can still bootup..if not, I have rescue cd and always make a backup every sunday..also I set restore points at least once each week and once a month, I remove all restore points and start a new.
PS also using sandboxie and shadow defender
Malwarebytes,SUPERAntiSpyware & Spyware Blaster.
I have to turn off the Protection Module in Malwarebytes though,because it hammers the CPU & hogs so much RAM.
I removed Avast! free edition for Microsoft Security Essentials and haven’t looked back!
I use Returnil with Immunet and Threatfire. That should cover it all.
AVAST FREE
as “live” primary (resident).
Have tried ‘em all and this is best by far.
Non-intrusive, with auto scans/updates
that don’t impact performance.
Quite accurate but with few false positives
which are taken out of quarantine by NEW definitions.
But no one anti-malware app is sufficient. So I
cross-check by on-demand use of installed but non-resident
free versions of
–Malwarebytes
–Emisoft (formerly a-squared)
–SpywareBlaster
–Super Anti-Spyware
–Hitman Pro (free cloud version)
I find newest build of
–AdAware
way too slow, intrusive and a resource hog
so thinking of uninstalling it.
Have ALREADY UNINSTALLED
–MSE (for failure to work with Windows Security Center monitoring and insulting support)
–Zone Alarm (for disabling System Restore without ever admitting it)
On the ballot,
you should list AVAST.
I’m sure it’s a big portion of OTHER
with usage higher than some listed.
Vipre
Malwarebytes and Super AntiSpyware
@Mullberry – I totally agree with you about keeping a well maintained HOSTS file. ^__^
@firemcd
Actually that exploit in Java was fixed in version 6u20. The current version is 6u21 so you’re a little late there buddy.
I use avast! anti-virus and Spybot S&D
Callum Booth
@Andrew LOL
Vipre
microsoft security essentials
MBAM recommended to all!
I like to use Symantec software, but I’m thinking about switching to a new one when I get a better computer. Thanks for the post!
I use Malwarebytes, hasn’t failed me yet! and Avast for the Antivirus, these two are a good combo on Windows. On my Ubuntu Linux PC’s, i use Avast too. No antimalware, but Antivirus yes, i am paraniod. Don’t need my servers distributing viruses or malware. :)
malwarebytes anti-malware is really good..
As per Tech expert, Kim Komando, one should use only one anti-virus, and a minimum of two (2) anti-spyware programs….I use MSE on my new laptop (Win 7) and it has Windows Defender included. As a back-up I use MBAM. On my older desktop running Win XP Pro and not much RAM (for now-I plan to upgrade as soon as I have some extra $ LOL), I am using Clam AV and running it on a regular basis along with MBAM. Clam AV is not real-time protection; it has an addendum called Clam Sentinel that offers real-time coverage, but it slows me down too much right now. I am sure once I upgrade my RAM, I will be able to use MSE and probably Spybot (since it’s an older machine that at one time had multiple users-it used to be my son’s-has been officially mine since 2009) and MBAM as back-up. I have tried almost every anti-spyware program on your list, and most were really good programs, and as one commenter above said-there are also many other great ones (free, too) out there!
I use ClamTK on a Ubuntu 10.10 Dell Inspiration 1545 Dual Core Laptop with a 250 Gig hDD I have had no problems with clam TK nor have I had any virus problems after I removed Windows 7 and I am running Ubuntu only on this Laptop. I have over 20 years in the IT Business and Owned a Computer Business with a partner in St Petersburg FL from 1995 to 2002.