Malwarebytes

Anti-Malware Scanner

First released in 2006 by Malwarebytes Corporation under the name Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (was AdwareMedic), this app exists in two versions. The free app will scan your device and delete adware and malware in case it detects any. This is a first-aid kit if you have reasons to believe your Mac has been affected.

If you think you need prevention, you can purchase the premium version for $39.99. This will give your Mac real-time protection, anti-exploit and anti-ransomware features, scheduled scans, and flash-memory checks. There is also malicious website protection – it will stop your Mac from accessing untrustworthy websites. The site ends up on the malicious list for distributing malware, adware, in-browser miners, and hosting exploit kits. However, if you do not frequent rather dodgy corners of the Web, the free scanner will do nicely. Anyway, when a new user downloads a free app, they get all premium features available for a trial period. You can familiarize yourself with the full functionality and decide for yourself whether you need it.

Meanwhile, basic Malwarebytes scanner is lightweight and quick – it performs without any particular strain on your system.

Although it had some problems in the past with identifying keyloggers and rootkits, now it is effective enough. The apps databased updates several times a day, so even if you Mac caught some novelty, there is a high chance Malwarebytes will detect the thing. Malwarebytes even hunts down some leftovers from the incomplete uninstallations that it classifies as PUP (potentially unwanted programs). These are by default put in quarantine, so you can retrieve the files if you think there is a mistake. The good thing is that the app will tell you exactly what is going on in plain English. Paired with a clean interface, this provides great usability for non-tech savvy users.

Version: 3.2.36.1163

Latest Updates

• Dashboard opens following the installation
• Beta updates-enabling option added
• UI improved
• Detected items removal fixed
• Multiple minor bugs fixed

Price: Free (Windows only; limited functionality); $59.99 (for Home); $124.99/year (for Teams)

Developer: Malwarebytes