Security software like a-squared Anti-Malware protect the computer system from threats and attacks not only on the Internet but also locally. Unlike its name might suggest a-squared Anti-Malware makes use of two scan engines to protect, detect and remove trojans, viruses, spyware, adware, worms, bots, keyloggers, rootkits and dialers. The software combines the a-squared Anti-Spyware and the Ikarus Anti-Virus engine without the usual disadvantage of increased scanning times.
The installation of a-squared Anti-Malware requires the creation of an account and a somewhat extensive configuration. It is here that various security modules, notification settings and auto update settings are configured. These settings can be later edited in the program’s interface.
The program interface displays a left sidebar and a main area that changes depending on the selection in the sidebar. The security software always starts with the Security Status which displays the status of the background guards, the program version, last update, license information and the time and date of the last scan.
Each background guard can be configured and activated (or deactivated) in this menu. A-squared Anti-Malware uses five background guards of which two are used for scheduled scans and automatic updates. The three other guards are used to scan files on execution, use heuristics to detect unknown malware and surf protection to protect the user from Internet threats.
Where a-squared Anti-Malware really shines are the configuration options for those background guards. The Malware-IDS guard for instance uses heuristics to monitor malicious activity. The configuration of this module allows the user to configure exactly what the intrusion detection system should monitor. It is for instance possible to disable keylogger or hosts file monitoring. This would make sense if another program was installed that would already monitor those areas.
Those in depth configuration settings are available in other modules as well. The computer user can configure the surf protection guard to block, alert or don’t block various threats and hosts on the Internet from ad or tracking hosts to phishing and fraudulent hosts; Each with their own action defined. This is a powerful way of protecting the computer from web surfing threats.
Another example of this is the on execution scanner which can be configured extensively. It is for example possible to configure application rules to monitor, block or allow specific applications, use the a-Squared community as a guideline to allow or block programs from being executed and even activate paranoid mode which will display a lot of alerts to the user.
Scans are scheduled by default but can be executed manually all the time. Four types of scans are available that range form a quick scan to a deep and custom scan. A quick scan will only scan the active programs and some other locations and files while a deep scan will scan all files on the hard drive. This obviously has an impact on the time it takes to complete the scan.
A-squared Anti-Malware comes with an additional program called a-squared HiJackFree which can be used to display information about processes, ports, autoruns, services, hosts, Windows Explorer add-ons and ActiveX components. The program is available for free at the Emsi Software website and can be very helpful in aiding a manual analysis of specific files.
A 30-day trial of a-squared Anti-Malware 4.5 can be downloaded from the developer’s website. It is also possible to download a free version of the security program which does lack the realtime protection.
Christmas Giveaway
We have ten licenses for a-squared Anti-Malware 4.5 to give away. Please let us know which security software you are using currently.
Raju is giving away Returnil Virtual System 2010 Home Lux, make sure to check it out as well.
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Currently using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Hope to try this and compare.
Currently using Symantec.
Would be very interested to try this one.
Raymond
I’m using Kaspersky, but I’m also interested in this security software.
I am currently using Norton Internet Security 2010
I am interested in trying this out. Count me in!
I am using: Threatfire, Online Armor Premium, MVPS Hosts File, and Google DNS service. I am definitely interested in a-squared!
im currently im using av, defense+..and its rubbish please add me to you draw thanks
Thanks again for the great prizes in this giveaway.
Hi,
I currently use the free Rising A/V and sometimes fire up SuperAntiSpyware. I’d definitely like a more integrated solution like this one. Thanks.
I need a good solid Malware package.
I am using a trial of Spyware Doctor.
I use Superantispyware the freeware version.
I really need a realtime scanner.
tada
What can I say, Thank you very much
Tal
Avast has been a trust worthable antivirus for me since 5 years and i may give a second thought if i can have a better software than this..lets try it out if avast gonna rock around or any other in store as a giveaway will be my nxt choice ???
thanx
Very nice, very nice.
I’m currently only using NOD32 which seems to do its job pretty well. A good anti malware would program would be good tho. :)
Hope i get this one. I use quick heal currently but it is trash. It does not catch all viruses and I often hae to reinstall windows
I am currently using Norton Internet Security.
My son, who works in retail (computers, etc) tells me that despite the great reviews, more people complain about NIS than any other security product they sale. I would like to have A-Squared Anti-Malware.
To enhance security is never too late. Thanks a million
I’m another Antivir Personal user but have heard a lot of good things about A-Squared Anti-Malware and would very much like a license.
Hi!
I’m currently using MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) and Spybot Search & Destroy.
Hope to win! thanks! =)
I’m also using Spybot, but this sounds very interesting…
Hi
I use MalwareBytes’ antimalware, Avira antivirus and PC Tools Firewall plus 6.0 which play well on Windows 7 64 bit.
Cheers:)
I’m in hurry to get a anti-malware for my pc as it just repaired from a malware. But now i got only the avira antivirus. I’m afraid that it couldn’t make sure my pc in secure. And I’ve heard A-squared really good long time ago, I really needs A-squared Anti- malware！ Thanks a lot.
I use the free version of Avira but would very much like to try A-Squared unfortunately the free version is not real time.
I use Avira and Spyware Terminator, both free, but it seems that A-Squared does everything that they do and more.
hai,
I am using Avast. Please send me the key.thanks in advance
My usual mix includes Spyware Blaster and Comodo Firewall + Antivirus, but I have variations with some running AVG and others with Avira AV. I run the free a-squared product on occasion to help me keep peace of mind that my PCs are running clean.
A full and more advanced product is always a benefit and I’m sure a-squared full would be a nice addition. Please & Thanks for a chance at the deal!
have avira antivir premium right now and occasionally run a-squared free. the promotion for avira about to run out soon. a-squared would be nice =]
My current setup is Malwarebytes Pro and Eset NOD 32 on my machines. I’m about finished building a new Windows 7 box and a2 would be ideal to put on it.
Thanks for considering.
this is my favorite software mine.
I am using Threatfire and would like to try this. Thanks