Emsisoft Anti-Malware adds protection against malicious browser extensions

Emsisoft has released Emsisoft Anti-Malware 8.1.0.40, a minor -- but significant -- update for its Windows anti-malware tool. Version 8.1.0.40 can now detect malicious browser extensions as well as look out for unwanted system changes.

The update also removes a number of so-called "obsolete" scans, fixes a number of errors and promises improved performance to boot.

The chief new feature is support for detecting malicious extensions in both Firefox and Chrome browsers -- this follows on from the recent spate of legitimate add-ons being purchased by third parties for malicious purposes. The update also extends support to the latest developer versions of both browsers.

Version 8.1.0.40 also adds support for detecting what it terms "possibly unwanted" system settings, and comes with improved infection categorization and error logging routines.

The update has also been optimized to reduce the number of required signatures, which has a beneficial knock-on effect of lowering memory consumption.

Two features have been removed: Outlook integration and cookie scanning. Emsisoft claims this is because they’ve both become "obsolete" for safety.

The new build also squashes a number of bugs -- one saw the Security Wizard reappear after installation has completed, and another led to incorrect filenames in email notifications. A number of memory corruptions and leaks have also been plugged.

Emsisoft Anti-Malware 8.1.0.40 is available now as a trial download for PCs running Windows XP or later. a single-PC, one-year license can be purchased for just $15.95 from the Downloadcrew Software Store, a saving of 60 percent on the MSRP. A three-PC license is also available for $19.95, a saving of 71 percent on the MSRP.