IObit Security 360 – Update September 2009

This post was written by admin on September 28, 2009
Posted Under: Free PC Security, Security Software, Technology

Update: Since the revelations in November 2009 that IOBit had stolen the database and intellectual property from Malwarebytes as well as also believed to be using the databases from other security vendors, Free PC Security can no longer support nor advocate the use of this or other programs from IOBit.

Users who download this or other IOBit programs do so at their own risk.

More details click here

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IOBit Security 360 is a free pc security program which offers realtime malware & spyware monitoring. Used alongside a good antivirus it will enhance users protection against the crap that tries to download to users computers.

I first covered this when it was in Beta in early August.

There have been a few changes to the program and basically, once installed users can set it and leave it to run in the System tray with minimal popups when threats are detected.

It is designed to run alongside existing antivirus programs and appears to have no conflicts with those I have used alongside it.

Installation is simple and quick, the download is around 8.5Mb and once installed the user interface will open. The first step is to check for updates, which download smoothly and quickly. Under normal use the program will update when their is an available update and scheduled updates are only available in the pro version. So the free version will check on startup for available updates.

Following the updates users should initially click on 'Settings' to set it to their needs, most users can safely leave the default settings as they are. Automatic Scan is disabled in the free version as is the scheduled scan, so scans must be performed manually although it will check for updates when the program starts.

There is a PC Security Analysis button, which will scan for missing updates and junk files that are on your computer. It will in many cases inform users that their PC may have malware, this is because a scan has not been carried out.

It also gives users the option of downloading and installing missing updates from Microsoft servers and removing any 'privacy problems' as well as reinstalling any patches that have been downloaded but failed to install.

The Privacy Cleaner is very similar to CCleaner with its appearance and cleaning methods and require that all browsers are closed to clean properly, removing browsing history, cookies etc. As with CCleaner, some files are locked by the system and will be deleted on shutdown or reboot.

Under the Tools button there is a Hijack Scan where users can create a HijackThis logfile and save a report as a text file to upload to HiJackThis forums that can troubleshoot many problems that users experience, please DO NOT tick and remove any of the boxes unless you know what you are doing.

It also lists all Processes, Startup Items which can be stopped, Running Services, BHO's, Downloaded files, IE Extensions and IE Settings. Many of these have a 'remove' button so unwanted items can be removed, but unless you know what you are doing, leave these settings alone.

Passive Defense prevents the installation of Active-X based components such as spyware, browser hijackers and restrict the actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer, and by default all are enabled and works in much the same way as Spybot Search & Destroy and SpywareBlaster.

There is an Unlock & Delete box for files and folders that are locked and cannot be deleted by normal methods, simply drag and drop them into the box or browse for the item, or use the right click context menu.

The Settings tab is where users can check quarantined items, add items to ignore, but some tasks such as scheduling are disabled in the free version.

In the Update section users can add Proxy Settings if using a proxy server and select the level of protection.

The Protect tab on the user interface shows the status of auto-protection and advanced protection against malware and unknown threats, simply click on them to turn on or off, they are on by default.

Scan settings allow users to use a 'Smart Scan', 'Full Scan' or 'Custom Scan'.

I visited a small number of infected sites and downloaded rogue programs and installed them. IOBit Security 360 blocked the installation of most and a scan promptly removed them, although it did not stop them from downloading, the option to block and quarantine was after attempting to run the rogueware or install other malware. It did however, stop many of the trojans, bots etc with a popup warming to Allow or Stop the action.

To be fair, there is NO 100% security solution and this program has a lot to offer and can stop a lot of malware from being installed unless the user intentionally gives it permission.

IOBit Security 360 does give users a certain amount of realtime protection against malware installing as well as protection against "zero-day threats" and browser hijackers.

There are other programs in beta which I am currently testing and the race is on to get them out in readiness for Windows 7. IObit Security 360 has got off to a good start but there are others to follow which may offer better protection. If you want to try it the link is below.

Important Note:
If you have Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Pro, Superantispyware Pro, Spyware Doctor Pro or any other realtime antimalware/antispyware program installed do NOT install this as it WILL conflict and do NOT install alongside with Microsoft Security Essentials.

Click here to download IOBit Security 360

This program will run on Windows 2000/2003/Server2008/NT/XP/Vista and Windows 7 and supports both 32bit and 64bit

Please note: With the current accusation against IOBit of stealing intellectual property belonging to Malwarebytes , Free PC Security cannot condone the use of this program. IOBit have strenuously denied the accusation but there is a lot of evidence that points to them using Malwarebytes database for their own definitions.