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Classic signature-based antivirus solutions do not protect systems effectively. Even if you add heuristics to the signature-based protection, you end up with a system that is protected, but not against all possible threats. One alternative or lets say add-on to improve protection is whitelisting, which allows only whitelisted programs to run automatically on a system, while all other programs are either blocked automatically or displayed to the user before they are executed.
That's the general idea behind NoVirusThanks' Exe Radar Pro software. You can add all running processes to the whitelist automatically on start up, which may speed up configuration but should be handled with care as you may end up adding processes to the whitelist that may be malicious in nature.
The program is configured to allow a certain set of executables automatically, which includes Windows protected processes and all software that is started from the program files folder. You can uncheck both options under Settings > General in the program to get a dialog on first execution of all processes that are unknown to the program.
The main window displays various information in a tab-based interface. Here you see a list of all running processes with their names, process ID, path and threads. A right-click here displays a context menu that gives you options to research and manage selected processes. Processes can be added to the program's blacklist or whitelist, terminated, temporarily allowed until the system is rebooted, or password protected. Options to search for the process name or MD5 hash on Google are also available. The selection opens the search results in the default web browser.
The reaming tabs have the following functionality:
A dialog is displayed when a process launches - manually or automatically - that is not whitelisted or matching any of the other whitelisting options in the program settings.
The program lists the process name and path, command line parameters, the MD5 hash, publisher and whether the executable is signed or not. The menu provides you with the following options:
There are a couple of settings that you may want to consider changing to improve protection.You can for instance block the automatic execution of processes from USB Flash drives, CD-Rom drives and network drives. It is furthermore possible to enable lockdown mode, which blocks all processes but whitelisted onces from running on the system, or trust mode, which allows all processes but those that are blacklisted.
A stealth mode is available which hides the program from the system so that users do not notice it that easily on the system. This in combination with setting a master password can be useful to lock down the environments of regular users of a PC to block them from running programs that they should not be able to run.
You can configure the program to lock down the system and block everything from being run until you allow it to run, or be less forgiving and configure it to be more convenient to work with.
If there is one thing missing it is the option to research processes on the Internet when a process execution prompt is displayed. It would be useful if you could run a search on Internet search engines from here, and maybe even send it to a service like Virustotal as well to have it checked thoroughly before you make a decision.
A free version of the program is available that lacks some of the advanced features of the Pro version but gives you the same blacklisting and whitelisting capabilities as it.
NoVirusThanks Exe Radar Pro adds a new layer of protection to Windows systems that effectively protects the system by blocking the execution of processes automatically until you give your ok to run them on it. Experienced users can lock down the system so that nothing slips by without notification, while beginners can use it to be more forgiving but still effective.
Ghacks is a technology news blog that was founded in 2005 by Martin Brinkmann. It has since then become one of the most popular tech news sites on the Internet with five authors and regular contributions from freelance writers.
Would be nice to have a licence. I am interested in the product as the approach sound interesting.
I am interested to try out NoVirusThanks Exe Radar Pro so I can monitor any suspicious activity that try to run on my pc. It would complement my antivirus software for additional protection.
Good software that might help em to serve as an extra layer of protection for my system. Thank and count me in too!
Great software ! Adds a new dimension of security for someone who doesn`t like the common Antivirus programs. Would love to try the software and report back how efficient/user friendly it is.
NVT Exe Radar Pro is a very good anti – executable program. With classic antivirus program this program complements the security protected. So I would like it to be used in the full version. Thanks.
Thanks For giveaway.
I want to strengthen my security program.
I think that is a must-have utility for all us PC users, so… count me in ! ! !
Now this is a nice security software! :) I am a member of Wilders Security Forums, where this is discussed and I would really like to use this one. A must have for your security arsenal.
I would like a license of this very interesting program. I have already tried the freeware edition but Pro is more suitable for my needs
Looks like very interesing program. And i never tried to use similar software. Count me in too, thanks.
Interesting approach. Always looking for an alternative to the traditional resource-intensive antivirus solutions. They seem to provide little pay off for a lot of investment. (The last virus I got went completely unnoticed by one of the most popular solutions. I might as well not had it installed at all.)
Additional protection through a different approach is good to have.
Great one. Please count me also.
I’d like to check this software. I’m running Appguard currently, but why not to install NVT Exe Radar Pro on the second PC? Count me in please :)
Thank you for the review and the giveaway! I would like to have a license for Exe Radar Pro since it offers a good additional method of protection. BTW NoVirusThanks makes a lot of interesting and helpful software and a lot of it is free.
Good review. Thanks. Hope I get one!
hello!
Didn’t knew this software. Now I’m interested in running it – it seems a promising approach – I’m running MS AV – they could make a good tandem
Thanks for giveaway good review
Thanks count me in
Tried the free version and it’s awesome.The pro one i guess it’s a must (for who thinks need it).Thank you.
Sounds interesting. I would like a license for this program.
Thanks For giveaway.
I want to strengthen my security program.
Sounds interesting to try.
Sounds a really interesting application, please count me in the giveaway.
After reading i am very interested in giving this program a go. If you would be so kind as to shove a code my direction, i am certain you will have a wonderfull time! :)
This is fantastic product with fantastic support! Please, count me in…
Andiamo, ragazzi!
Need to feed my ever growing paranoid-isme. Is that even a word?
Using Norton 360 since long and found this to be the best security against online threats. But even this does not have the option to allow or block a programme at will. I would like to see effect of this hitherto unknown programme on functioning of my system. I am using Windows XP SP3 as well as Windows 7 Ultimate.
It sounds interesting, I’ll give it a try… Please count me in for the giveaway!
Most useful Christmas Giveaway I’ve seen so far this year.
Great software.used the free version and its good.A must have for layered security.
NoVirusThanks Exe Radar Pro is an amazing program which gives additional layer of protection. The most attractive feature to me is its lockdown and stealth modes. I hope to get a license.
Nice product..I am intrested in this product.
Thanks for this giveaway..
Thanks Martin for yet another “good” giveaway. I would like to win as you mentioned that “Classic signature-based antivirus solutions do not protect systems effectively.” So I would like to have a better protection.
Please count me in.
Thanks,
Grr
thanks you so much, nice giveaway indeeed.
please count me in
Frankly speaking, this is the first time I heard about this product,
Previously I used a product called Anti-Executable from Faronics (makers of Deepfreeze),
Due to some reason (incompatibility I think) I didnt purchased that,
I also read that Windows 7 Ultimate has some feature like this (called applocker or something)
Never tried that
Anyway I like this idea of .exe hash whitelisting and blacklisting,
It would be nice if I get a licence
Count me in,
Thanks for the giveaway
I think i have a good protection already, but why not try this one ?!
Thanks.
Using feeware combo at the moment, AvastFree + Comodo with D+. Read about good comments reviews from Wilders. Consider me please :)
count me in please
anti-exe sounds like it could help with keeping my pc safe so i would like to try this
thanks
Using MSE and Malwarwbytes. Please count me in.
bob
I’d love to get one of the licenses, in order to add another layer of protection for my current security setup. Thank you!
I have always liked anti-executables, ever since Process Guard and System Safety Monitor was out, but for Windows 7 there aren’t any standalones apart this one and it would be nice to have it since i run without antivirus. So it would be nice to have it for Xmas.
I recently got Windows 8 Pro, which unfortunately lacks AppLocker, something that my Windows 7 Ultimate box has. I’ve been looking for an alternative for AppLocker, and I’d go for AppGuard, but unfortunately cannot afford to spend any more money at the moment. While NVT Exe Radar Pro still needs to evolve quite a lot, looking at its features and development, it seems to be mature, so it would be great if I could use on Windows 8 Pro.
Good review. Currently upgraded to Win8 and not sure which AV should be used. Kapersky just expired and I’ve been debating free or another bought one. Wouldn’t mind giving this one a test.
Greg
it will be nice to have such a product to protect our systems
this can help to clean infected systems, thans for this contest.
Having a program that controls which processes are allowed to run is a really smart and safe security approach. If a malicious program can’t start at all, no harm will be done, that’s it.
The only downside of such programs is that home/office users may not know if they should let a program run or block it, and in doubt will surely let it run to avoid the system displaying errors. But this is solved in “EXE Radar Pro” with the options to search the processes on Google, a nice addition that would make this kind of program easy to use for a newbie.
Some years ago, I had a free program like this named “System Safety Monitor”, but it stopped working while XP SP3 was installed (some incompatibility problem with changes introduced with SP3, I suppose) and it was discontinued. It had the same features as this one, and even was able to query the user whenever a program was about to use specific sets of Windows APIs (i.e. hook keyboard or mouse…). That would block a new program or a temporary allowed program from surprising the user.
I would love to get back this kind of protection… so, I would really like to win one of the licenses :)
Thank you very much to GHacks for the giveaways, and Merry Christmas everyone :)
Sounds very useful. Any performance overhead?
Not really, pretty lightweight.
Sounds like an interesting approach.
Complementary to WinPatrol?
Hi.
Anti exe programs is a very good method for computer security.
Thanks :D
Thank you very much, Martin :). This is one of the best products I’ve ever tried. It really monitors everything, and it allow us to know what’s happening in our computer. That’s why I’m interested. Please count me in, if possible.
All the best.
Need an antivirus ight now, so am going to try this one out.
A multi-layered defense against malware is an imperative IMHO. Exe Radar is a great addition to such a defense. Count me in and thanks for the opp.
NoVirusThanks is excellent software, and an extra level of protection that I could use, as I spend 10+hours/day on the ‘net. Thanks!
Ability to create a Blacklist, Whitelist and to quarantine? Looks like this is the one for me! I wish I could get it.
Sounds like a great tool to add an additional layer of security which is always a good thing. Count me in for this giveaway. Thanks.
Hi!
To ensure the security of the computer I am using Kaspersky Internet Security 2012, but for even greater security, I would like to get the above described program, I think it will help me in this.
Count me in please.
Best regards!
I would love to use this software, as I believe a antivirus program isn’t enough anymore as a single solution to malware problems. Thanks for the giveaway.
Hi,
Using Kaspersky internet security 2012 and found this to be the best security against online threats. But even this does not have the option to allow or block a programme at will.
I am very interested in giving this program a go.
I’d like to check this software
Sounds a really interesting application, please count me in the giveaway.
Very curious program. My system is behaving suspiciously and I have strange connection. AV scanning software does not help. Maybe this program will be effective.
Thank you and greetings to all.
Nice Software. Please count me in!! ;-)
I’m always looking for a nice and powerful application but it is not difficult to use, install and forget
I want to win this giveaway because NoVirusThanks Exe Radar Pro has the criteria
Looking to really lock down any exposures to my environment.
Hey
I would love to try this software out.
Thanks Martin for yet another great xmas giveaway :-)
Thanks Martin and NoVirusThanks for the Exe radar pro giveaway.
I would love to win a license simply because its an effective foolproof and proven Anti-Executable that can prevent unknown zero-day threats when traditional Anti-viruses can’t.
Rex
Definitely worth a try to help bolster the security arsenal. Please count me in. Thanks Martin.
Nice giveaway, count me in, please. I’d love to get one of the licenses, in order to add another layer of protection for my current security setup.
Best regards!
I spend considerable time checking out software, add ons, extensions and other things my friends want to load. I would find this extremely useful in determining the viabiity of various processes to ensure my advice to friends is backed by the most secure system I can manage.
Thanks for the offer.
NoVirusThanks Exe Radar Pro is a very interesting approach to security. Protects better than anti-virus because they do not use classic signatures. Thanks for the contest!
Sounds like a great product. I could never understood other programs for monitoring processes, but this one makes a lot of sense and I like it’s features.
Please cut me in on one.
I appreciate the chance you give me to win one of the ten licences your giving away. It’s very important to control how are the different process managed in my pc I hope this app could help me GREAT GIVEAWAY
i think my chance is gone …………but Thank u so much for this Offer Thank u
Open Systems that YOU want to be opened. That ‘s the way it should be, according to me. I’m from the old school, first computer contact yr 1969.
Would i like to win a NoVirusThanks’ Exe Radar Pro ? Yes!
Would I put it to use ? Yes!
Thank you for the news info.
Thanks so much.I want to monitor any suspicious activity that try to run on my pc. It need additional protection beside my antivirus.
I use the free version of the Exe Radar for 4 months now… and i lov’it !!!!
The Blacklist and the Whitelist is a great feature that save me from the “bad” software like spyware, toolbars, smiles, etc…
Count me please for this giveaway offer.
I wish to all of you… Merry Chrismas! Ho ho ho!!! :-))
Thank you very much for this great Give Away!
NoVirusThanks’ Exe Radar Pro is definitely a Scanner worth having.
Please, count me in for a License!
Once again, Thank you!
This will be tighten more your security setup in your PC.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Very unique approach to deal with computer security Yes it will definately enhance the security level Iam eager to try this software.
Wow, cool giveaway. Would love to have a license.
Thanks for the Giveaway.
I am using free version and i like to upgrade to pro version for additional features, so i am interesting about it.
Tried the free version .A good software for layered security setup.Thank you.
Sounds like a fresh approach for those of us who have the knowledge to apply it and spend time with it. Would love to give it a try.
Hi Martin.
I tried free version of Radar but because it is heavily crippled down version of its bigger brother quickly left my system for good. But would be nice to test full version, how it stacks up against Defense+ , Malware Defender or DefenseWall – each top-notch HIPS out there.
I forgot to check whether the programs starts during windows boot proccess/before logon manager fires up, or is loaded after Windows is already loaded each time a users boots operating system. This is extremely important. As well as self-termination protection too…
Anyway I have a set of tools which tries to terminate an app with advanced methods… Should be fun to play with Radar Pro if I win a copy.
This is really a useful and great software that must have for every pc,so I would like to put my name for this draw. Thanks for the opportunity, please count me in.
NoVirusThanks Exe Radar Pro seems to be a great additional layer to a security setup. It should do away with the traditional time and bandwidth intensive tasks of updating signatures, as well as the shortcomings of heuristics to alert unknown threads.
And while it may not necessarily have the granular control of a HIPS software, it would also be a lot easier in terms of user interaction regarding prompts with sometimes overbearing technical details, and It would be an excellent way to bridge that gap.
The PRO version’s additional features, such as Lockdown Mode, Stealth Mode, and password protection of processes, combined with the auto-blocking of execution from USB, CD or network drives, can be very useful for shared use of PCs.
Thank you, NVT and Martin, for the opoortunity to participate in yet another excellent giveaway on Ghacks. Good luck to all!
please Count Me in…After Reading Your Review it is Clear That this is an Amazing Software…..Hope To win One
http://www.facebook.com/avik.chatterjee.33/posts/443167915732064
I am using Norton 360, as you stated Martin no antivirus is 100% this would be a great addition to Norton, you can’t be to careful. Please put me in the draw.
I would be interested in using this program as well!
i want to win this …. count me in
Hi Martin! I’m interested in this great product because I need an extra layer protection tool like this to add on my arsenal.
In particular I love the ability given to users to whitelist and blacklist every file saved to their disks with their MD5 hash, so that they cannot be hijacked by any malicious programs users my run into while surfing the web.
Please count me in!
Sounds really interesting!
I would like to win a license of this program, Martin!
Thanks :D
An antiexecutable… no thanks (pun intended) :-0
A novel approach to security. i would love to try it.
dont give to me.hate it!
I like this anti-executable. Its a great product.
I have heard a lot of positive reports on novirusthanks exe radar pro and would sure like to try the full version on my family pc. I am unemployed and can not afford to buy a license right now and hopefully I can win one from this great giveaway.
Hi, thanks for this review and giveaway. I would like to take a part in this contest.
Thanks for the giveaway. Count me in. Tis will add another layer of defense for my system..
I am a 24×7 user of PC. There’s always a threat from being on the net all the time. This will come in very handy. Thanks for the giveaway.