Download offers the opportunity to buy software and apps. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.

Emsisoft Anti-Malware logo

Emsisoft Anti-Malware

By Emsisoft Free to try Editors' Rating

Editors' Review

Download.com Staff Feb 24, 2015

Emsisoft Anti-Malware protects your PC from both viruses and potentially unwanted software. It comes with a 30-day free trial and, unlike other offerings, it can be very versatile in the way it detects threats and deals with them, thanks to its community network where it can check how other people have dealt with specific issues.

Pros

Limits app abilities: One of the most impressive features of Emsisoft Anti-Malware is its ability to allow you to use an app while blocking abilities that you feel uncomfortable with. Some of the abilities that can be blocked include keylogging, changing Web browser settings, or the installation of services, drivers, or software without your knowledge.

Community action system: If an application on your PC is misbehaving, the anti-malware software can resolve the situation on its own by referencing the actions of other people who've had to deal with the same issue. If a large enough number of people have performed the same action, the app will respond in the same way.

Various scanning modes: Like most modern anti-malware products, the app offers you several scanning modes, including the "Intelligent" mode, which in our tests took a total of 32 minutes. Prior to each scan, a definitions update is carried out; regular virus definition updates take about a minute to complete, but the initial one after you install the software can take ten times as long.

Cons

Potential for false positives: Since the app scans not only for malicious software but also for potentially unwanted apps, you may encounter false positives -- apps that do something useful but are detected as dangerous or unwanted. We recommend that you take malware and virus alerts at face value.

Bottom Line

Whether you're looking for a set-and-forget type of anti-malware software, or just want to have full control over your PC, Emsisoft Anti-Malware can be configured to do what you need. The software is especially powerful if you intend to leverage its community network, since this can significantly reduce the number of times you're required to take action.

Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Emsisoft Anti-Malware 9.0.0.4570.

Full Specifications

What's new in version 2017.8.0.7904

  • New: Windows Firewall Fortification feature which blocks illegitimate manipulations.
  • Improved: Forensics logging.
  • Improved: Processing of attachment size limit in support emails.
  • Fixed: Exclamation mark shown erroneously in Protection tile.
  • Fixed: Various rare program freezes.

General

Release September 19, 2017
Date Added September 19, 2017
Version 2017.8.0.7904

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Windows, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
Additional Requirements None

Popularity

Total Downloads 1,487,263
Downloads Last Week 19
Report Software

Related Software

Avast Free Antivirus logo

Avast Free Antivirus

Free
Avast Free Antivirus
FortiClient logo

FortiClient

Free
FortiClient
Comodo Antivirus logo

Comodo Antivirus

Free
Comodo Antivirus
Baidu Antivirus 2015 logo

Baidu Antivirus 2015

Free
Baidu Antivirus 2015

User Reviews

3.6/5
123 User Votes
5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star

Developer's Description

Emsisoft Anti-Malware is a premium anti-malware program to clean and protect your PC from all internet threats: ransomware, viruses, spyware, trojans, bots, adware and worms. It uses a triple-layer prevention engine. Surf Protection, Real-time File Guard, Behavior Blocker and Anti-Ransomware. Surf Protection blocks access to fraudulent and dangerous websites, while the Real-time File Guard scans for more than 10 million types of malware in real-time. It recognizes dangers immediately when they try to run or are being downloaded from the Web. New malware signatures updates are available at least 24 times per day. The Behavior Blocker with live cloud-verification scans and monitors all running programs at all times. It catches zero-day threats that aren't yet included in the signature database and as soon as a program does something suspicious, it's stopped and alerted. The fourth layer, Anti-Ransomware, intercepts ransomware before even the first file gets encrypted, while competitors often rely on detection of a repeated encryption action. Emsisoft Anti-Malware was awarded as Top Rated by AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection tests in the last few years. Many other independent tests, including the VB100, AV-Test and MRG-Effitas confirm the world class level in virus detection every year.
Promo image for CNET Shopping

Get the best price on everything

Shop your favorite products and we’ll find the best deal with a single click. Designed to make shopping easier.