Software Update: Malwarebytes 3.0.2.1175 Beta

Malwarebytes is developing Anti-Malware version 3.0 and has now released a beta release. This program is aimed at fighting malware, such as malicious software that pretends to be a bona fide antivirus or antispyware solution, but in reality has less good intentions, such as ransom– or scareware† In addition to the free version, there is a paid variant, which offers additional functionality, including real-time protection.

Version 3.0 has a new user interface and the program drops the name ‘Anti-Malware’ and is now simply called Malwarebytes. It now also includes the Anti-Exploit and Anti-Ransomware tools, which were previously offered as separate programs, and should furthermore make scanning the computer a lot faster. The manufacturer believes that the product can now also be used as a replacement for traditional antivirus software, which it previously recommended to be used alongside. When Malwarebytes 3.0 is finished, the price will go up, but existing customers will keep their current price.

Announcing Beta of Malwarebytes 3.0, a Next-Generation Antivirus Replacement

Today we have released the beta of our next-generation product, Malwarebytes 3.0! This product is built to provide comprehensive protection against today’s threat landscape so that you can finally replace your traditional antivirus.

Our engineers have spent the last year building this product from the ground up and have combined our Anti-Malware, Anti-Exploit, Anti-Ransomware, Website Protection, and Remediation technologies all into a single product which we simply call “Malwarebytes.” And it scans your computer 3-4 times faster!

When we launch Malwarebytes 3.0, we are confident that you can finally replace your traditional antivirus, thanks to our innovative and layered approach to preventing malware infections using a healthy combination of proactive and signature-less technologies. While signatures are still effective against threats like potentially unwanted programs, the majority of our malware detection events already come from our signature-less technologies like our Anti-Exploit and Anti-Ransomware; that trend will only continue to grow. For many of you, this is something you already know, since over 50% of our customers already run Malwarebytes as their sole security software, without any third-party antivirus. But rest assured, we will continue to support compatibility if you choose to use a third-party antivirus or other security software alongside Malwarebytes 3.0.

With the combination of our Anti-Malware ($24.95), Anti-Exploit ($24.95) and Anti-Ransomware (free, beta) technologies, we will be selling Malwarebytes 3.0 at $39.99 per computer per year, 20% less than our previous products combined and 33% less than an average traditional antivirus. As we did with our change from perpetual to subscription, we will grandfather in existing customers at their current price. We are still working out the details, but I assure you we will take care of all existing customers. As always, we will be keeping malware remediation absolutely free.

Performance / Protective Capability:

• Added signature-less anti-exploit and anti-ransomware protection (Premium only)
• Up to 4x faster scan speeds, including even quicker Hyper Scans
• Removed non-essential reboots after certain malware removal events
• Advanced Heuristic Engine (Shuriken) now enabled by default
• Self-Protection now enabled by default (Premium only)

usability:

• Redesigned user interface for improved usability
• Now configurable to integrate with Windows Action Center / Windows Security Center (Premium only)
• Update checks are done automatically so they do not need to be scheduled
• Improved support for keyboard navigation and screen readers

Stability / Issues Fixed:

• Added ability to lock down My Account screen via User Access Policy
• Added ability to collect enhanced logs when directed to do so by Support
• Fixed issue where Scheduler did not adjust for Daylight Saving Time changes
• Fixed issue where Scheduler defaulted to hourly Threat Scan instead of Daily
• Fixed issue where Chameleon reported error messages numerous times to Windows Event Viewer
• Changed ‘Recover if missed by’ setting in Scheduler to Off by default
• Prevented rootkit scanning in Custom Scans if full system drive is not selected
• Updated to latest version of 7-Zip DLL
• Addressed many other miscellaneous defects