Why anti-malware protection isn't a 'thing' you can buy [Q&A]
Threats like ransomware means it’s more important than ever to keep your computers safe both online and off.
Emsisoft has just released Anti Malware 12, the latest version of its respected anti-malware software, and Christian Mairoll, the company’s CEO, took time to speak to me about the ever evolving threat landscape, the best ways to keep your system safe, and the benefits of paid versus free solutions.
BN: What trends in malware are you seeing at the moment?
CM: We don't expect the Ransomware epidemic to end any time soon. Additionally, to encrypting files, we'll most likely see more and more hackers using stolen data as leverage to get some ransom from users, to stop them from disclosing that personal data. Such as medical records from healthcare providers, or private documents and pictures stored on a home computer. It will no longer be the hardware resources attackers are after, it will be the data that tracks our digital life.
BN: Is ransomware still a growing threat?
CM: It certainly is. It has become threat number 1 as it directly asks victims for cash, while almost all other types of malware try to make money by hijacking your computer and selling its computing power on the black market.
BN: What is the best way for users to protect themselves against ransomware?
CM: We recommend following these steps:
- Close the gates intruders use to get the ransomware installed on your computer: First of all, keep all of your software up to date at all times (Windows, browser, plugins).
- Do backups and verify they're working. You can easily avoid paying a ransom if you have a copy of all your data at hand. Make sure backup devices get disconnected from your working machines after doing the backups, or ransomware will encrypt the backup files too.
- Use a reliable protection software that can deal with ransomware. While most anti-ransomware products interrupt ransomware when it already has started encrypting files, Emsisoft's Behavior Blocker catches them before any harmful action happens.
BN: How many new threats are you seeing?
CM: Our analysis lab currently records between 300k and 500k new malware samples every day. We don't expect that the exponential growth slows down any time soon. It's been a constant growth for decades. The number of new threats doubles every 1-2 years.
BN: Why should users install a third-party anti-malware tool when Windows 10 includes built-in protection?
CM: Microsoft itself claims that the built-in protection is intended to be a 'base' protection only. It probably keeps you safe from the most common threats, but due to its very simplified nature, it has issues dealing with more sophisticated threats. Users don't get access to any settings really. On the other hand, products like Emsisoft Anti-Malware combine easy use with advanced settings that allow more experienced users to change the software behavior to their specific needs.
BN: Why should consumers consider a paid solution?
CM: We don't see protection as a 'thing' you can buy. We believe security is an ongoing process, and therefore we perceive ourselves more as a service provider rather than a trade shop. Great development and customer service must be paid somehow. Many freeware antivirus providers started to bundle their software with annoying or unwanted programs such as tracking toolbars and adware, to make money out of the software. With their millions of users though, they typically have difficulties providing useful customer support. When you have a malware issue with your PC, you need instant and reliable help, not some low paid customer service agent in a far-away country who only repeats canned texts from a catalogue.
BN: What’s new in Emsisoft Anti Malware 12?
CM: Changes include an improved behavior blocker, improved scanning engine, improved anti-malware network, revised whitelisting, flexible scanner and real-time protection exclusions, a revised notifications system and more. You can read about all the changes here.
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