Does Malwarebytes replace antivirus software?

JMH · May 14, 2012

I note this question asked frequently...
To clarify

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is not meant to be a replacement for antivirus software.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a complimentary but essential program which detects and removes zero-day malware and "Malware in the Wild". This includes malicious programs and files, such as viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, dialers, spyware, and rogue applications that many antivirus programs do not detect or cannot fully remove.
It is important to note that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware works well and should run alongside antivirus software without conflicts.
In some rare instances, exclusions may need to be set for your specific antivirus product to achieve the best possible system performance.

http://helpdesk.malwarebytes.org/entries/20818081-does-malwarebytes-replace-antivirus-software

Laxer · May 14, 2012

Correct, although it does work rather lovely with MSE.

Corrine · May 14, 2012

Good message to spread. Now if we could also get through to people that MBAM works best in normal mode, not safe mode! In addition, the MBAM quick scan option will catch every bit of live malware that the full scan will detect and 99% of the traces.

Quick scan scans:

1. Memory of the current user.
2. Registry for all users.
3. File system for all users (using a list of locations).

In addition, when running a full scan, MBAM (and A/V programs) scans System Restore. If it does not completely clean the file, the user may not have a good restore point. At a minimum, they will be returned to the state prior to the restore, which could be defective due to a f/p or incorrect user action.

Thus, if running a full scan, I do not recommending removing anything found in System Restore. System Restore is not an endless repository and as new restore points are created, older points are cycled out. Thus, an infected restore point is only a threat if the computer is restored to that point. Clearing System Restore should only be done after the computer is clean. Having an infected restore point is better than none should an error be made in the clean-up process.

Laxer · May 14, 2012

I have the full version of MBAM.. bought it in 2009 I believe...

Monitors all ingoing and outgoing packets.... keeps my computer nice and clean :grin1:

I have gotten a few false positives in the past tho when working with opensource files.

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Does Malwarebytes replace antivirus software?

JMH

Emeritus, Contributor

Laxer

Co-Founder
Senior Administrator

Corrine

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Laxer

Co-Founder
Senior Administrator

Does Malwarebytes replace antivirus software?

JMH

Emeritus, Contributor

Laxer

Co-FounderSenior Administrator

Corrine

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Laxer

Co-FounderSenior Administrator

Co-Founder
Senior Administrator

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Co-Founder
Senior Administrator