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IOBit 360 is a relative newcomer on the antimalware scene, although the Chinese publisher is known for making solid utility software such as Smart Defrag. It's a fast and welterweight freeware utility for detecting and removing malware, and plugging your system's security holes before they can been exploited. The new improvements in version 1.10 include integration with the Windows 7 security center, a new feature that creates a USB key-portable version, a toolbar, and scan engine tweaks.
IOBit 360
(Credit: Screenshot by Seth Rosenblatt/CNET)If you're unfamiliar with the program, it's fairly simple to figure out and use. The interface has large left navigation icons with simple labels that won't confuse novices, while the tools menu offers some useful features that more advanced users are sure to appreciate.
The Overview tab is the main window and it contains links for immediate Smart scans, definition file updates, a "security analysis"--which evaluates potential exploits in your system and includes Windows security patches--and a status update window. This tells you whether your real-time protection, automatic scans and updates, and heuristic-based scans are on or off. Automatic scans and updates, and scheduled scans, are restricted to the paid upgrade, which is currently being offered on sale for $19.95. It's usually $29.95.
The Scan tab lets you initiate a Smart scan, a Full scan, or a Custom scan, and the Protection tab lets you toggle your real-time protection status. It seems a bit odd that a user would want the separate controls that the program offers for "known malware" and "unknown threats," but you can toggle them independently.
A running scan that wound up taking about six minutes to finish.
(Credit: Screenshot by Seth Rosenblatt/CNET)The Tools tab is what makes IOBit 360 comparable to others in its class, giving you seven useful system security tools. There's a Hijack scan for power users, a Security Holes scan, a Passive Defense that disables cookies in Firefox and Internet Explorer, and ActiveX in IE, and an Unlock and Delete tool for getting rid of files your system thinks are in use. This feature is slightly less important in Windows 7, which will tell you when you encounter a locked file where it lives, but the unlocking and deletion features are definitely useful.
There's a Privacy Sweeper that will clean not just cookies and cache but saved forms, download history, and other Internet traces in all the major browsers it detected on my system, including Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Opera, and Safari, but the sweeper will also check utilities such as archival tools, multimedia players, and other applications that regularly ping the Internet. These days, that's nearly everything.
Annoyingly, the PC Tuneup option takes you to the download page for another IOBit program, but users on the go will like that you can create a custom portable version, launchable from a USB key. IOBit 360 eats about 50MB of RAM when idle, with a Smart scan taking about 6 minutes and a full scan finishing in 45 minutes, making this one of the fastest in its class. I didn't notice any system lags while running it, and it didn't detect any malware on my system, although it did point out tracking cookies from multiple browsers. Third-party efficacy tests haven't yet been performed against high-performing competitors such as Ad-Aware or Malwarebytes, but IOBit is proving that the antimalware tool without antivirus isn't dead--yet.
Microsoft has released version 1.0 of Security Essentials, the successor to Live OneCare. Originally known as Morro, Security Essentials retains the core features of OneCare, but abandons the additional heft of a firewall, performance tuning, and backup and restore options in exchange for making the program free. Rather than taking aim at full-featured security suites made by Symantec or Eset, the features available in Security Essentials indicate that Microsoft is aiming to compete with basic-but-free security apps.
For the select 75,000 public beta testers who got their hands on the program when the limited public beta was offered in June, there will be few appreciable differences between the beta and the final version. For the rest of the planet, Security Essentials features key defenses that are boilerplate for any respectable security program.
Features
It uses both definition file and real-time defenses against viruses and spyware, and also offers rootkit protection. The program's reputation-based detection and software signature-based detection seem to rely heavily on Microsoft SpyNet, the unfortunately named cloud-based service that compares file behavior across computers running various Microsoft operating systems.
The official version 1.0 of Microsoft Security Essentials looks identical to the popular limited beta version from June 2009.
(Credit: Screenshot by Seth Rosenblatt/CNET)SpyNet was introduced in Windows Vista and extended to Windows 7, but Microsoft Security Essentials is the only way to access the network on Windows XP. Unlike other security vendors that allow customers to take advantage of the benefits of their behavioral detection engines while opting out of submitting information, there's no way to do that with SpyNet.
You can choose between two SpyNet memberships. Basic submits to Microsoft the detected software's origins, your response to it, and whether that action was successful, while the Advanced membership submits all that plus the location on your hard drive of the software in question, how it operates, and how it has impacted your computer. Both basic and advanced warn users that personal data might be "accidentally" sent to Microsoft, although they promise to neither identify nor contact you. Opting out of SpyNet, however, is not an option in Security Essentials.
Security Essentials benefits greatly from having a simple, streamlined interface. There are four tabs, each with a concise and understandable label: Home, Update, History, and Settings. The program also uses easy-to-grasp labels, imported from OneCare: green for all good, yellow for warning, and red for an at-risk situation.
From the Home window, you can run a Quick Scan, Full Scan, or Custom Scan, and a link at the bottom of the pane lets you change the scheduled scan. The Custom Scan lets users select specific folders or drives to scan, but it doesn't allow for customizing the type of scan used. For example, you're not going to be able to choose to scan only for rootkits or heuristics, as you can with other security programs. The program installs a context-menu option for on-the-fly scanning in Windows Explorer, too.
The Update pane manages the definition file updates, with a large action button, and History provides access to a spreadsheet-style list of All detection items, your Quarantine, and items you've Allowed to run. Although it's a basic layout, this no-frills approach to security could prove appealing to computer users who are overwhelmed by more detailed security choices.
Users can choose between two options for SpyNet, but no way to not contribute to it.
(Credit: Screenshot by Seth Rosenblatt/CNET)The Settings window allows users to further customize the program by scheduling scans, toggling default actions to take against threats, adjusting real-time protection settings, creating whitelists of excluded files, file types, and processes, and the aforementioned SpyNet options. There's also an Advanced option which is still fairly basic: here you can set Security Essentials to scan archives, removable drives, create a system restore point, or allow all users to view the History tab.
Security Essentials comes pre-configured to run a scan weekly at two in the morning, when your Microsoft thinks your system is likely to be idle. New malware signatures are downloaded once per day by default, although you can manually instigate a definition file update through the update tab. Attachments and downloaded files will be automatically scanned by Security Essentials.
Help is only available in the form of the standard offline Help manual that comes with all Microsoft programs. There's nothing fancy here.
Performance
I found that it installed in less than one minute, and completed its first Quick Scan in less than 30 seconds. The Full Scan took more than an hour to reach the halfway point, and this was borne out by tests performed by CNET Labs' benchmarks. Microsoft Security Essentials actually sped up the boot time of our test computer by more than two seconds, and it sped up the shut-down time by more than two and a half seconds. However, compared to major security vendors it was significantly slower at scanning--Security Essentials took 2,340 seconds to scan, whereas most scans would clock in between 1,000 and 1,100 seconds.
The program comes with a few options for customization, but not many.
(Credit: Screenshot by Seth Rosenblatt/CNET)In our iTunes decoding test it scored similarly to its competition, about 7 seconds slower than an unsecured computer. In our MS Office test and media multitasking tests it was faster than some--503 seconds versus 552 seconds for Norton AntiVirus 2010 in the Office test, and 844 seconds versus 876 seconds for Trend Micro Internet Security Pro in the media test.
While running the Full Scan, I noticed that it took up about 86 MB of RAM. However, it felt far lighter, and I was able to perform resource-intensive tasks like uploading photos without any noticeable freezes.
Third-party virus detection efficacy scores were not available at the time of writing, and it's not currently clear whether Security Essentials shares the same detection engine as Live OneCare. However, CNET reporter Ina Fried mentioned that Security Essentials stopped her from accidentally coming down with a case of Koobface.
Conclusion
Microsoft Security Essentials is a lightweight security app that people might turn to for a number of key reasons. It's easy on the system resources, it's easy to figure out how to use, and it comes pre-configured. It only works on legally licensed Microsoft computers, which is understandable but potentially leaves a large segment of the unprotected population still unprotected. You can't opt out of contributing to SpyNet, which isn't understandable at all. Overall, it's recommended for those who want something to set and ignore, but users who want more robust configuration choices or don't want to contribute to the cloud should look elsewhere.
Avira AntiVir 9 introduces several new features including one-click threat removal, full antispyware and antiadware protection, a new heuristics detection engine, and enhanced program security.
Combined with its highly rated virus-killing abilities, AntiVir is one of the strongest free security programs around. Check out what you can expect in this First Look video.
Avira AntiVir started making waves a few years ago, scoring high on well-respected third-party antivirus detection and removal tests. Released today exclusively on Download.com, AntiVir 9 doesn't appear to have changed much--but that's only because the interface sports the slightest of what's new.
Avira AntiVir 9 introduces one-click infection removal with multiple options for customization.
(Credit: Avira)A refreshed banner logo tops the list of UI changes, but it's the long-awaited features in the free version of AntiVir that should pique most users' interest. Anti-spyware detection and removal is now available for the free version of AntiVir as well as the paid upgrades. There's new scanning tech that can crack open "locked" files and verify that they're not malicious, along with improved internal security to prevent AntiVir's files from being maliciously altered. AntiVir 9 also offers a rebuilt heuristic detection engine, and according to Tony Anscombe, director of consumer products for Avira, Download.com reader comments have been the impetus for the new one-click threat removal option--no more baby-sitting the scans.
The one-click threat removal is a nifty quarantining feature that logs and sets aside all detected threats so you can deal with them individually or as a group at the end of the scan. It's simple, but means that you can run a scan at night and not worry about the scan pausing and waiting for user input before it continues.
Click on the Configuration button on the right-side of the central pane, and check off Expert Mode on the upper left-side of the box that opens. In the options tree below it, go to Scanner, then Scan, then Action for Concerning Files. From there, you can choose an Automatic or Interactive reaction. Under Automatic, you can choose a primary and secondary action, as well as copying the file to the quarantine before taking any other action. Interactive offers you a round-up at the end of a scan, and Combined or Individual notification mode for users who want to deal with infections all at once or one at a time.
Except for the banner, AntiVir 9 looks exactly like AntiVir 8.
(Credit: Avira)The other new features, from the anti-spyware to the rebuilt heuristic engine, are not as easy to demonstrate since we don't maintain a virus or spyware zoo at CNET for security reasons. However, it's worth mentioning that Avira has expanded the AntiVir free version to include their anti-spyware and anti-adware detections. In previous years, the premium version of AntiVir earned very high marks from both independent testers Andreas Marx (results) and Andreas Clemente.
As program upgrades go, AntiVir is worth some of the hoops that users must jump through to get on board. The upgrade is a time-intensive process, requiring some minor user input and rebooting your computer. Also, users will have to go to the Download.com product page and actively download the new installer. Version 9 won't be pushed to existing users for another month.
Savvy users will notice the removal of the on-demand e-mail scan, and AntiVir is still challenging--and by challenging, I mean a massive headache of pain--to fully uninstall. Despite these hang-ups and the nag screen that follows the multiple definition file updates that occur daily, AntiVir offers such effective protection and a well-rounded set of features that as long as the updates keep coming, it should remain on the top of any free antivirus users' list.
Last week, BleepingComputer.com reported on how to remove a new variant of an old scareware. This new nasty, known most commonly as Antivirus2010 or Anti-Virus-1, points you to spoofed versions of Download.com, ZDNet, PCMag.com, and other software sites, demanding that you download their program to clean your computer. Of course, it does nothing of the sort, merely perpetuating the infection.
Antivirus2010, Anti-Virus-1, and other variants of the AntivirusXP infection have never been hosted on Download.com.
(Credit: Seth Rosenblatt/CNET Networks)However, the manner and methods Anti-Virus-1 uses to get you there are extremely clever. The infection part of the malware does whatever it's been designed to do, so you can see that you've been infected with malware. What you don't realize at this point is that it's hacked your hosts file, too, so that when you go to a software site you don't ever make it to the site you're trying to get to.
You wind up on a skinned Web site that looks like the site you're expecting, but isn't. With the Download.com spoof, you can see that they're using our old design, which CNET abandoned last summer. Clicking on any link besides the download button will take you to the same page that the legitimate site would've taken you to. Hit the download button, though, and you get their fake malware remover, which in fact does the opposite, perpetuating the infection.
Removing the infection is tricky because of the differences between the variants. Some people have complained that they get locked out of their Task Manager, for example, but not all reports include that complaint. The fix that I cited for Antivirus XP 2008 may work, but users who have Windows XP Home Edition don't have a gpedit.msc. Home Edition users will have to edit their Registry directly.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware has proven to be one of the few malware killers that can effectively remove Antivirus XP 2008 and its variants, and it should work against the latest ones, too. The First Look video of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware on the right will help you get started with the program.
Keep in mind that there is no substitute for cautious browsing. Don't install every Facebook app that comes your way, don't click on ads on unfamiliar sites or sites that are known vectors for attacks, and don't install software from anybody that's not a vouchsafed source.
I've pasted below the entire list from BleepingComputer of changes to your hosts file for your edification. Be warned that it may change as variants are developed.
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 www.review.2009softwarereviews.comO1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 review.2009softwarereviews.com
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 a1.review.zdnet.com
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 www.d1.reviews.cnet.com
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 www.reviews.toptenreviews.com
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 reviews.toptenreviews.com
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 www.reviews.download.com
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 reviews.download.com
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 www.reviews.pcadvisor.c.uk
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 reviews.pcadvisor.co.uk
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 www.reviews.pcmag.com
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 reviews.pcmag.com
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 www.reviews.pcpro.co.uk
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 reviews.pcpro.co.uk
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 www.reviews.reevoo.com
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 reviews.reevoo.com
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 www.reviews.riverstreams.co.uk
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 reviews.riverstreams.co.uk
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 www.reviews.techradar.com
O1 - Hosts: 217.20.175.74 reviews.techradar.com
(Via Ars Technica)
Easy on your RAM and able to complete a Quick Scan in around 8 minutes, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware wouldn't be as impressive if it didn't do its job well. Fortunately, it does.
The app has some nice features, too. It supports multiple- and networked-drive scanning, context menu options, including a scan-on-demand for individual files, and a FileAssassin for killing locked files.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a surprisingly effective antimalware tool. And, for what it's worth, it's mighty popular. It's a relatively speedy malware remover, with the quick scan taking about 10 minutes. The heuristics engine proved on multiple computers during empirical testing that it was capable of determining the difference between false positives and dangerous apps.
The app has some nice features rolled in, too. It supports multiple drive scanning, context menu options including a scan-on-demand for individual files, and the FileAssassin option under the More Tools section for removing locked files. This can help remove malware files that are so insidious that you can't delete them merely by hitting the Delete key.
The interface is simple, but pleasant-looking and well-organized. Tabs live just below the oversized logo, with few options per tab to keep down the clutter. The installation process was fast enough, but interestingly offered up the well-kept changelog and an instant definition file update. Do note that the real-time protection is restricted to the paid version, as is the scheduler for updates and scans. Overall, though, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a responsive malware remover that does what it should with a minimum of fuss.
I just took a look at Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, and it's a worthwhile security application. Some users and reviewers even think it's the best free malicious-software-only engine out there, and it's true that it has a lot going for it.
The basic interface is uncluttered and easy to navigate.
(Credit: Malwarebytes)Surprisingly effective, it's a relatively speedy malicious software remover, with the quick scan taking about 10 minutes. The heuristics engine proved on multiple computers during empirical testing that it was capable of determining the difference between false positives and threatening dangers.
Notably, Malwarebytes was one of the few malicious software removal tools that proved useful to many people in removing the Antivirus XP 2008 spyware.
The application has some nice features rolled in, too. It supports multiple drive scanning, context menu options including a scan-on-demand for individual files, and the FileAssassin option under the More Tools section for removing locked files. Testing them engendered no problems. Single-serving size file testing saw the program load fast, although I wasn't able to test the FileAssassin because I lacked a locked file.
The interface is simple, but pleasant-looking and well organized. Tabs live just below the oversized logo, with few options per tab to keep down the clutter. The installation process was fast enough, even with an instant definition file update. It interestingly offered a well-maintained change log, which was informative if not overly useful.
Like many programs these days, the freeware version can be upgraded for a fee to include more features. In this case, the $24.95 price gets you a lifelong access code to turn on real-time protection and a scheduler for updates and scans. If Malwarebytes is used as a strong second to your rolled-into-one antivirus and malicious software removal engine such as Antivir or AVG, you probably won't miss much from the paid edition. Overall, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a responsive malicious software remover that does what it should with a minimum of fuss.
This spyware scanner and removal tool does the job, but enabling some functions may cause slight slowdowns and last I looked, it still had some bugs in Vista.
Spyware Terminator's crisp, clean interface uses simple buttons and tabs to operate and set options. The latest spyware signatures are automatically downloaded, and the real-time protection keeps baby-sitting to a minimum. Real-time protection monitors key spyware types and Windows objects, though slight system slowdowns depend on your machine. Those features and the simple scheduler will make this app appealing to novices.
Advanced users will appreciate Spyware Terminator's flexibility. Setting the sensitivity of various scans is as easy as moving a slider. Experienced users will want to enable the built-in antivirus tool, which extends the power of real-time analysis by comparing program code against a database of known viruses, Trojans, and worms.
From set-it-and-forget-it users to those delving into virus code, all will find Spyware Terminator flexible, simple, and effective, key measures of a good antispyware tool.
You don't have to pay a cent to keep your computer secure against the bad guys. Watch this discussion on best practices and best apps between CNET TV's Tom Merritt and Download.com's Seth Rosenblatt. When you're done, head on over to our Security Starter Kit to check out must-haves for both newbies and power users.
