Software of the Week: MalwareBytes

Continuing on our Anti-Malware/Anti-Virus recommendations this week I have picked MalwareBytes to be our software of the week.  So what is it?  Why would you need it?  How much does it cost?  Does it work?  Read on for more information.

The word Malware is becoming more wide known with each passing week.  In my day to day dealings with people from both my work and personal friends, I am quickly understanding that this is a word being used almost more than 'virus' nowdays.  So to begin, what is malware?

To define (per Wikipedia): "Malware, short for malicious software, consists of programming (code, scripts, active content, and other software) designed to disrupt or deny operation, gather information that leads to loss of privacy or exploitation, gain unauthorized access to system resources, and other abusive behavior.^[1] The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code."

So by definition we know malware basically sucks...Ok, to move on.  If you get bit by Malware how do you get rid of it?  A malware infection isn't necessarily the easiest thing to get rid off.  Since part of what makes malware what it is, is that it is malicious.  It's a trouble maker.  Everything from a piece of code that can highjack your web browser to spamming pop-ups and slowing down your computer.  This type of bug is a trouble maker.  To get rid of it, you'll often have to use 3rd party software or even a rescue cd (not the same a restore or recovery cd).

The common ways to avoid picking up malware is to never open URL's in your email, visit only sites you trust, and exercise a little computing common sense.  Even if you are a stickler for protecting yourself, you could still get infected.  But it won't be because you didn't try.  Malware happens to good people.  That's were tools like ComboFix from last week and Malware Bytes come into play.

A great place for any virus/malware removal research to start should be: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/

The forums over there are filled with a great and helpful community of people with a lot of knowledge documented.  I almost always start by reading up on my issues over there.  You'll probably even find some stuff on MalwareBytes over there too.

MalwareBytes is a free program that handles detection/removal of virus, worms, rootkits, and spyware (and everything bad in between).  I have been using MalwareBytes for some time and have been thoroughly pleased with it's results.  It's interface works just like your Anti-Virus software.  And it's extremely user friendly.  

There are essentially three types of scans available via MalwareBytes:

-Full Scan-scans all files on the computer.

-Quick Scan-scans everything, but quicker than a "Full Scan"

-Flash Scan-only scans memory and autorun objects (must be a licensed user for this feature).

The software itself is free for the home user.  It doesn't cost a penny and it works like a charm.  There is a 'Pro' version that you can access for a one time fee of $24.95 that unlocks some extra stuff.  Personally, everything the average user absolutely needs is free in the software.  When in doubt I usually start off with a full scan in MalwareBytes.  A lot of issues I have encountered can easily be resolved with a dose of MalwareBytes and a good Anti-Virus scan using a trusted scanning software.  This app is not a 'cure-all' for all malware and virus' floating around out there, but it certainly makes life a little easier for the computer tech and home user alike.

This program has found it's way into my rescue toolkit and has been an essential help to some of the repairs I have done.  It's friendly with other software, so you'll not experience it trying to fight against your anti-virus software.  Updates are pretty regular, and the scanning module is pretty sensitive meaning, if it's there, chances are good the scan will find it.

Compatibility is also great for Windows machines.  Especially since support for MalwareBytes ranges from:

-Windows 2000

-Windows XP

-Windows Vista (32 & 64bit)

-and Windows 7 (32 & 64bit)

Do you have to have an infection to run it?  Nope.  I run a regular scan with my anti-virus software and a MalwareBytes scan to be on the safe side. And it hasn't let me down yet.

To check it our for yourself or download it, visit for more information:

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

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Software of the Week: Combofix

Ok, I have to give props to the guys at Bleeping Computer and sUBS for Combofix.  I have had to use it twice this week and both times it has come to my rescue.  If you have never heard of Combofix, check it out.  It's pretty sweet (and free, so that makes it all the more awesome).  Combofix is a tool that will scan and help remove malware for Windows. It supports the modern Windows Operating Systems back to Windows XP.  And uses the Windows Recovery Console for part of the repair.

If you don't have the Windows Recovery Console installed, no problem Combofix will download and install it for you.  If you have an outdated version of the Windows Recovery Console then it will be updated by Combofix too.  Both computers I used it on were running XP (one was XP Home and one was XP Pro).  The scan took close to 10 minutes on each computer and so far has resolved both malware issues those computers were encountering.

Combofix is a powerful tool and shouldn't be used just for testing.  If you are having malware issues always be sure to do your homework for your situation and remember no two malware removal processes are the same.  Combofix can help, but ultimately you are accountable.  If malware removal is beyond your comfort zone, do then safe thing and take your computer to a professional (or your local computer geeks house).  And if you need more info on Combofixmornthe folks at Bleeping Computer, start here:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix

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