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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security programs are always good
looks great. I have always used AVG, but have experienced a few problems recently
I use bitdefender anti virus 2010 and Zone Alarm Pro Firewall
count me in
best regards
im currently using mcafee because it came on my computer as a 60day trial and i ahve not yet got round to downloading anything else instead.
for now i using nod32 smart security but i will change with it if i get free licence
I use A-squared free, Antivir, Returnil 2010, 360, Online armour and sax2 intrusion detection. I also use system, firewall, and modem/router settings for security.
Who knows???
I use Free AVG.
Thanks
I have the free one, works well.
Hi, I’m currently using AVG free, but hopefully I win one.
Thanks
I use Malwarebytes free and Super Antispyware free and I would be happy for a license of A-Squared.
I am using Sandboxie and Online Armor… I would love to give this software a try, to see if it is as good as we hear! Thanks!
I use:
Antispyware:
- MalwareBytes’ antimalware
Antivirus:
- Avira Antivir Personal
Firewall:
- COMODO Firewall
Anti-Rootkit:
- GMer
My OS is Windows XP Pro …
In any case … Thank you for this gift :)
I use Avast Antivirus just now.
I currently using:
NOD32 Antivirus 4
Shadow Defender
SuRun
KeyScrambler
Thank you..
I would like to have a copy of this. Thanks for the great offer.
Please add me to the list. This looks like a fine program that I would like to try out.
I am currently using Avira
since I’ve trashed my IOBIT software, I really need something that works and is not a theft.
I wish to win a license for the full version of a-squared Anti-Malware.
I’m currently using NIS 2010 + ThreatFire, and that’s all.
Oh YES, this would do nicely on my VM Machine, for those “Just In Case Times”… LOL of course I’m a safe surfer.
I use Avira Antivir Personal with threatfire. I would like to try this one. Thanks!
Online Armor (paid version)
Avira Antivir Personal
a-squared Free (scan)
WinPatrol (paid version)
SpywareBlaster
Spamihilator
GMER
It would be great to get the full version of a-squared !
Thank you very much, Ghacks and Emsi Software ! :-)
im using A-Squared Anti Malware 4.5 30 days trial… please send me a key!!! :)
Thanks for this great giveaway! Your hard work on this fantastic website/blog is so appreciated.
Currently utilizing: G-Data Internet Security 2010.
I’m using Windows Defender on my 64-bit Vista laptop, but I noticed it does take sometime to startup. I tried to uninstall the program and it dramatically speeded up the boottime, so yes I’m looking forward to other alternatives. I heard great reviews about a-Squared.
Please enter my name into the draw :-0
this is the best antimalware I ever heard .
Count me in
I’m using Avast Pro, ZoneAlarms Pro and Malwarebytes.
I’m using panda cloud av but that seems good enough. Thanks for the giveaway…
I’m actually beta-/release-testing several AV & AIO security solutions currently, all running on Windows 7 Ultimate x64. Currently, I’m reviewing ESET Smart Security 4.0.474, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.42, Microsoft Security Essentials RC, Prev-x 3.0, and Avira Internel Security.
I found in the past that Avira seemed to pick up the most threats & 0-day exploits, although you can’t go wrong with ESET when it comes to memory overhead. ESET is currently installed on my own primary PC and although it seems to work fine, my biggest gripe with it is in regards to its easy of use (or rather lack thereof) when I want to exclude certain programs/ports/etc from the AV realtime & Firewall modules – fine for me, but the average enduser might feel overwhelmed by the amount of steps you need to take.
I am also surprised that many of these security products do not include pre-set and/or user-downloadable firewall configurations for multimedia sharing and living-room-office-media-center integration. I have used a-squared before and have always wanted to get the full version solution, so please let me know if I can still qualify.
Keep up the great work ;)
Jacek