IObit Malware Fighter Pro Review

poor
key review info
application features
  • Modern and easy-to-use GUI
  • (4 more, see all...)

IObit had a pretty bad reputation in the antivirus community in the past with IObit Security 360. It finally decided to end that project and attempt a different approach through IObit Malware Fighter.

Designed as an all-around security measure against web-based threats, this application promises a lot.

It includes a real-time guard, three scanning modes, cloud technology for uploading suspicious files, along with many configuration parameters.

Setting it up takes little time. However, users may easily install third-party components by accident (which are not essential for Malware Fighter to work properly), unless the offer is declined.

Apart from the fact that ads exist, the full version can be purchased for $19.95 / €15.92. The unregistered one has several limitations, including disabled process guard and scheduled scans.

Malware Fighter's interface is quite appealing and neatly organized. The main menu holds four large and self-explanatory buttons linked with scanning, real-time protection, updates, and an action center which indicates issues needing immediate attention.

The scanner is trained to look for spyware, adware, Trojans, keyloggers, bots, worms, and other such malicious activity. "Smart Scan" has preset locations where the app looks for, such as the Windows registry.

Aside from the full scan that is self-descriptive, the custom mode enables users to choose between system critical areas, the memory process and drives. Although folders cannot be pointed out, IObit integrates a shell extension for scanning any file or directory.

Visible information during scanning includes the current file's path, total objects and found threats, along with elapsed time and a progress bar. It is possible to pause the task and resume it at a later time, set the app to automatically repair all issues (if any), adjust the CPU priority level, as well as schedule the computer to power off once all issues have been addressed. If false positives are suspected, items can be added to an ignore list.

As far as scan settings are concerned, Malware Fighter is able to look for executable files only or ZIP/RAR archives, skip small-sized files, as well as to quarantine threats when removing them. Any of the three scanning modules can be scheduled at a specific time or when the PC is idle.

The real-time protection component handles startup entries, web browsers, the network, files, ads, cookies, processes, and removable devices, meaning that IObit intends to deal with any such problems on the spot.

All activity is automatically recorded to log files for later inspection. This live safeguard may function in two security levels: recommended or high; the latter one stops all kind of threats. DOG (Digital Original Genre) is a proprietary feature that enhances zero-day threats.

The software program also lets users upload suspected files to IObit's website to be evaluated using the latest heuristics via cloud technology. Unfortunately, it takes a very long time to finish a scan job.

Items added to the quarantine list can be deleted or restored. As far as program settings are concerned, Malware Fighter is able to minimize to the system tray on close, run at Windows startup until further notice, automatically fetch the latest virus definitions and program updates, use proxies, as well as hide various notifications (e.g. scan or update completed). Options can be restored to default.

IObit Malware Fighter was put to the test. Out of 1950 virus samples used, the program managed to detect 427 of them, resulting in a success rate of only 22%. Granted, the scan time was fast.

On top of that, the real-time guard did not react in any way upon downloading the respective samples. Some of the remaining files were uploaded to IObit's cloud, but they were still labeled as safe. 5 false positives were identified at the initial scan (they were checked on VirusTotal.com).


The Good

The interface is clearly modern and attractive, very easy to handle. The well-structured options are intuitive, and even less experienced users may tinker with them.

Help documentation is available, and OS compatibility starts with Windows XP and extends to Windows 8 and 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit). Multiple languages are available. Basically, IObit Malware Fighter is all wrapped up nicely.

The Bad

Anyone willing to conduct minor experiments will soon come to the realization that security measures are in fact the app's weakest point. The real-time protection module is inactive when it shouldn't be, false positives detection is high, and the virus identification success rate is low.

The action center signals the absence of other installed IObit products as "risks," and no one appreciates such attempts to be influenced, however ad-supported Malware Fighter may be. These reminders can be hidden from the list, though.

The Truth

Unfortunately, IObit fails to redeem its name when it comes to protection against malware, as Malware Fighter is nowhere near ready to be unleashed to the world. The fact that is comes at a price (any price) makes it worse. At least the developer continues to deliver very good results in other departments unrelated to viruses.

user interface 5
features 1
ease of use 5
pricing / value 1


final rating 1
Editor's review
poor
 
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