Malwarebytes: Is It Still the Best Anti-Malware? New Features & Review

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Hey everyone! Let’s talk about Malwarebytes. It’s been a security staple for Windows users for a while now, and guess what? It just got even better with a fresh update. This isn’t just a minor tweak, folks. We’re talking supercharged protection, lightning-fast launch speeds, and scans that are quicker than ever. So, whether you’re a Malwarebytes veteran or a curious newbie, stick around – we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about the FREE version.

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Malwarebytes for Windows: A Fresh Look¶

Malwarebytes has always been a strong defender against online nasties. Not only is it effective, but it plays nicely with other antivirus software – a real team player. Even better, Malwarebytes has bundled its core tools, so you don’t need separate anti-exploit or anti-ransomware programs cluttering up your system. One stop shop!

The first thing you’ll notice is the revamped user interface. It’s sleek, clean, and easy on the eyes. Plus, this version scans files four times faster than previous iterations. We all know how tedious those full system scans can be, so this speed boost is a major win.

The new interface is divided into three main sections:

1. Detection History: This shows you all the quarantined baddies that Malwarebytes has nabbed.
2. Scanner: Click this button to unleash the hounds…err, the scan. Your system will be thoroughly checked for threats.
3. Real-Time Protection (Premium Only): Sadly, this feature is reserved for paying customers. More on that later.

Digging Deeper: Features and Functionality¶

Let’s break down some key features you’ll find in Malwarebytes:

Scanning and Reporting¶

The scanning process itself is pretty straightforward. Click “Scan,” let it run, and review the report. If any threats are found, you’ll be notified and given the option to quarantine or delete the offending files. You can even export the scan results as a text file for later review. All previous reports are neatly organized in the “Reports” tab, sorted by date and time.

Real-time Protection (Premium)¶

As mentioned earlier, real-time protection is a premium feature. It offers continuous monitoring and protection against web threats, malware, ransomware, and exploits. While the free version offers excellent on-demand scanning, real-time protection adds another layer of security.

Other Cool Stuff¶

• Faster Scanning: Seriously, it’s noticeably faster.
• Scheduled Scans (Premium): Set it and forget it! Schedule automatic scans for your convenience. Again, a premium feature.
• All-in-One Protection: No need for separate anti-ransomware or anti-rootkit tools (although rootkit scanning isn’t enabled by default - you’ll need to activate it in the settings).
• Exclusions: Got a file or program you don’t want scanned? You can exclude it in the settings.
• Right-Click Scanning: Just like Windows Defender, you can right-click any file or folder and choose “Scan with Malwarebytes” for a quick check.

Tweaking Your Settings¶

Malwarebytes offers a range of customization options within the settings menu. This section is broken down into:

1. General: Control how the program behaves and integrates with File Explorer.
2. Notifications: Manage how Malwarebytes alerts you to important events.
3. Security: Fine-tune scan parameters and update settings.
4. Allow List: Specify programs, files, or websites you want to exclude from scans (more on this below).
5. Account Details: Check your license status (free or premium) and enter your license key if needed.
6. About: View version information and check for updates manually.

Within these sections, you can tweak things like notification behavior, context menu integration, language settings, proxy server configuration, user access controls, real-time protection toggles, rootkit scanning, automatic updates, startup options, self-protection modules, automatic quarantine, scheduled scans, and exclusions. Whew! That’s a lot of control.

Adding Exclusions¶

Sometimes, you have legitimate programs or files that you don’t want Malwarebytes to flag. To add an exclusion, head to Settings > Allow List and click “Add.” You’ll be prompted to choose the exclusion type (file/folder, website, app, etc.) and then specify the target. Be careful here, and make sure you know what you’re excluding!

Final Thoughts & Observations¶

Malwarebytes has really upped its game with this update. The speed improvements are impressive, and the streamlined interface is a welcome change. I personally use Malwarebytes as a secondary on-demand scanner alongside my main security suite, and it’s proven to be a valuable tool.

A few caveats: The free version no longer supports scheduled scans (boo!), and the closing process is a bit clunky (requiring multiple clicks and UAC confirmation). I’ve also noticed slightly higher RAM usage compared to the previous version, likely due to the integration of multiple tools.

Despite these minor quirks, Malwarebytes remains a top-notch anti-malware solution, offering excellent protection and a wealth of features.

What are your thoughts on the new Malwarebytes? Share your experiences and comments below!