Profound Malwarebytes’ (MBAM) Anti-Malware Scanner Review

Test organization: Softpedia | Ionut Ilascu, Editor, Software Reviews
Date: 2nd of June 2009
Version reviewed: Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware 1.37

Program description

Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware is a full-blown anti-malware program that can be considered the next step in the detection and removal of malware. It uses a new technology that was especially designed to quickly detect, deter and destroy any malware that could reside in your computer.

Features

- Malware scanner
- Malware remover
- File unlocker
- Threat quarantine
- Quick and full system scan
- Ignore list
- Logging

The test results

The Good

Easy installation, fast scans, daily updates, detects what other security software misses, ease of use, light footprint on system resources and it can be used free of charge; these are the very attributes of Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware.

The application can cohabit with other anti-malware products, thus adding another layer of defense against threats. Although there is a paid version that includes real-time protection, the free one does not prevent the user from removing the nasties.

The Bad

Its database contains signatures mostly for threats that evade most of the security products on the market, so it cannot yet be used as the only protection for the system.

The FileASSASSIN tool has not quite reached full maturity and has yet to learn to unlock files before removing them. In our testing Unlocker did a better job.

The interface should be improved aesthetically given the trends soon to be set by the upcoming Windows 7 and even the current Vista.

The Truth

One seldom meets an application that can do what others can’t. In our case Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware proved that it could discover what others missed. It does not provide the most complete signature database and it may not protect against the largest pool of malware, but it works great as a “wingman” for the security app you decide to use. Thus is enforces better protection and keeps you safe from some of the less known threats on the market.

You can try it for free and scan the system from time to time using the quick option to scan for the most common types of malware. It won’t take long and system resources will be used responsibly.

Extended/full review: Softpedia