“A rootkit is a stealthy type of software, designed to hide the existence of certain processes or programs from normal methods of detection and enable continued privileged access to a computer.” <ex Wikipedia>
Rootkits can be very difficult to identify and eradicate, and represent one of the most insidious and damaging forms of malware. Fortunately, there are some pretty good anti-rootkit programs already available; Kaspersky TDSSKiller, Avast Anti-Rootkit and GMER among them. However, when a security software developer of Malwarebyte’s standing releases a new product, one definitely tends to sit up and take notice.
*It should be noted that, at time of writing, Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit is in Beta stage so not really suitable for general use.
Download is 12.4MB (zipped) extracting to 21.0MB. Simply locate “mbar.exe” in the extracted folder and double click to run (no installation required):
Clicking Next takes the user through each step as listed in the left hand panel; “Update” first, on to “Scan”:
And finally “Cleanup”:
Time to completion on my Win7 Home Premium 64-bit system was around 6 minutes and, as you can see from the screenshot, Malwarebytes reported a clean bill of health.
As I said, there are already several good anti-rootkit programs around but these always seem to come with certain limitations. For example; Kaspersky TDSSKiller is easy to use and effective but doesn’t cover a huge range of rootkits. Avast Anti-Rootkit does a good job but it’s command-like interface and output log files may be difficult for many users to understand. GMER also does a great job but is definitely more suited to advanced users.
I suspect that, coming from Malwarebytes, this new Anti-Rootkit software might just end up being the pick of the bunch. I guess we’ll know better as the ‘experts’ test the software and publish their findings/reviews.
For now anyway, Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit is free, I certainly hope it stays that way. Seeing how most all other similar software is free, I can see no reason why it should not.
Definitely one to keep in mind for the toolkit!
- Read more and download Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit (Beta) here: http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/mbar/
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“….is in Beta stage so not really suitable for general use.” Could you elaborate on that? Thanks!
Hi Albert – What that means is; the software is only suitable for more savvy users, those who know what they are going, and not for less experienced users. “Beta” stage means that the software is pretty much in a state of ‘trial and error’.
It’s very difficult for companies/developers to 100% test new software for bugs/conflicts/etc when there are so many variables involved, that level of testing can only really be achieved through mass distribution. So they will release a ‘Beta’ version and invite the more savvy users in the community to download, test, and provide feedback.
In many cases, Beta software won’t do any harm but the risk is always present… hence the general warning.
Cheers… Jim
I purchased two licenses for MWB Pro last week and it works fine running with Norton’s 360.I hope that when it comes out of beta it too will be compatible. My wife is a clickaholic and wonders why she always has five toolbars and MY Web Search is her home page.Every month I go through the same clean up routine and the Root kit tool would be helpful.
Hi Bluesman – Your wife fits the fits the description of about 99% of my clientele. We should start a new counseling service… “clickaholics anonymous”. 🙂
Cheers… Jim
Just installed and found only a couple minor issues(a few)video games through some unknown sites indicated it as Maleware.Now I know better then to use them.I also back up what Bluesman821 had said about Norton 360.Works very well for Me.As a matter of fact…I’ve used Malewarebytes & Norton together exclusively since 2007.Thanks for any input Mr.Hiller. Dave’s Computer tips ROCKS!!!
Beta expires 10/15/2013 so I’ll wait for their final release.
Thanks,
Dan