Looking for an on-demand scanner

[ssj100]

I'm currently using Avira and Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (MBAM) as my two weekly on-demand scanners (which by the way have never found anything in the history of my system, probably reflecting that I practically don't really need any on-demand scanners). I've also tried SUPERAntiSpyware (SAS) which is rather excellent too.

I'm just wondering what the Wilders community can suggest with regards to other good on-demand scanners.

Here are my general criteria:
1. Program must be able to be installed as "on-demand" only with no "real-time" component.
2. Scanning speed must be fast (MBAM, Avira, SAS are all examples of having fast scanners).
3. Ideally freeware, but suggestions for paid software are also welcome.

Thank you all!

[demoneye]

i think u can combine also counterspy from sunbelt which score at first place cleaning malwares

also its be good to check with a-squared Anti-Malware FREE one time 2 time also

i always recommended on mixing anti malware software in OD work :)


cheers

[twl845]

-{ Quote: "I'm currently using Avira and Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (MBAM) as my two weekly on-demand scanners (which by the way have never found anything in the history of my system, probably reflecting that I practically don't really need any on-demand scanners). I've also tried SUPERAntiSpyware (SAS) which is rather excellent too.

I'm just wondering what the Wilders community can suggest with regards to other good on-demand scanners.

Here are my general criteria:
1. Program must be able to be installed as "on-demand" only with no "real-time" component.
2. Scanning speed must be fast (MBAM, Avira, SAS are all examples of having fast scanners).
3. Ideally freeware, but suggestions for paid software are also welcome.

Thank you all!" }-
I always say, if it ain't broke don't fix it. MBAM and SAS are the best, so why look for alternatives. If they don't find anything, good. You're clean. ;D

[the Tester]

A-Squared probably won't meet your criteria, it has a service running with the on-demand scanner. Not real-time protection but a service running all the same.

[Toby75]

-{ Quote: "I always say, if it ain't broke don't fix it. MBAM and SAS are the best, so why look for alternatives. If they don't find anything, good. You're clean. ;D" }-


Agreed. :thumb:

[a320ca]

You might give this thread a read...

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=236732&highlight=Hitman

No realtime protection, loads only for those occasional "scans" you want. Version 3 is much improved over earlier versions. When you're done scanning and close it out, it's "out" (not hanging around bogging down your system).

http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro

[bollity]

-{ Quote: "A-Squared probably won't meet your criteria, it has a service running with the on-demand scanner. Not real-time protection but a service running all the same." }-


malwarebyte also have a service running all the time even if you don't enable "protection module".I disable it from services at control panel

[twl845]

-{ Quote: "My understanding is that MBAM and SAS are excellent for detecting and removing adware/spyware/rootkits but not so good for viruses and trojans? I'm not sure though.

What I do know is that Avira consistently detects over 98% of all malware in almost all the published results online. I'm yet to see Avira drop below top 2 in any published results online for the last 2 or 3 years.

I can't say the same for SAS and MBAM unfortunately. I guess I'm looking for other black-listing programs to use "on-demand" only, together with SAS or MBAM etc. Avira seems to be the best option at the moment, but I'm wondering if anyone else has any ideas." }-
Hi, My Daughter can testify how MBAM found and quarantined 77 instances of the Vundo trojan.

[jmonge]

also rouges and spywares and some viruses too:)

[jmonge]

-{ Quote: "Hm? I see you're not using any on-demand scanners. Nice one haha." }-yes i do appranger;) got ya:argh:

[Someone]

What about Norton Security Scan and Clean (http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/Norton-Security-Scan.shtml)?

[Pinga]

-{ Quote: "
1. Program must be able to be installed as "on-demand" only with no "real-time" component.
2. Scanning speed must be fast (MBAM, Avira, SAS are all examples of having fast scanners).
3. Ideally freeware, but suggestions for paid software are also welcome." }-
AVZ

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=179806

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=238885

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/AVZ-Antiviral-Toolkit.shtml

[Keyboard_Commando]

-{ Quote: "Wow, I'm quite impressed with Norton Security Scan and Clean. No installation is required, and it uses the latest Norton Antivirus updates each time you run it (incrementally). No issues with updating so far, unlike some other programs I've used recently haha.

How come this product is not available for download from the Symantec web-site? I guess Softpedia is reliable, but it is a Symantec product after all isn't it?" }-

It appears on the Symantec product page at Softpedia Here (http://www.softpedia.com/developer/Symantec-11577.html). Seems like a handy scanner - just tried it myself with no probs.

[Retadpuss]

Hitman Pro. Faster than all the rest - about 60 seconds for complete system scan and uses five engines:

G Gata
NOD32
AntiVir
Prevx
A-Squared

Uses cloud computing - V3.5 out soon.

Is free to use and will allow one month free removal (activate this when you like) - obviouslu, register for perminant removal ability.

[a320ca]

-{ Quote: "Hitman Pro. Faster than all the rest - about 60 seconds for complete system scan and uses five engines:

G Gata
NOD32
AntiVir
Prevx
A-Squared

Uses cloud computing - V3.5 out soon.

Is free to use and will allow one month free removal (activate this when you like) - obviouslu, register for perminant removal ability." }-

I agree. Very light and fast.:thumb: Never been impressed with Norton/Symantec. N/S has bloated and caused problems for the last time on my computers.:thumbd:

[a320ca]

-{ Quote: "Hitman Pro. Faster than all the rest - about 60 seconds for complete system scan and uses five engines:

G Gata
NOD32
AntiVir
Prevx
A-Squared

Uses cloud computing - V3.5 out soon.

Is free to use and will allow one month free removal (activate this when you like) - obviouslu, register for perminant removal ability." }-

This just in...

"Hitman Pro 3.5 is completely rewritten. The new Hitman Pro is multi threaded so even faster the previous version(s). The malware detection is further improved. The upgrade to the newer version will be free for paying
customers.
The new version will be released this week."...

;D :thumb:

[Retadpuss]

-{ Quote: "Hitman Pro sounds very promising, but I've done a bit of research and read that it mainly picks up executable malware processes. This would mean that it misses a large majority of other malware right?

I guess with any program that runs a full system scan in 10 minutes or less, you're not going to be 100% thorough?" }-

Hi, I am a beta tester for Hitman and can confirm its main strength is in detecting and removing infections (It is an on demand scanner after all!)

It is still very good at detecting all malware which is not active.

Im testing tha latest RC at the moment and can confirm it is as good as the best and sometimes better.

I have tested it with many live infections of new (< 48 hours old) malware, and can confirm it is as good as Prevx (overall - but not quite as good with zero day malware), better than Avira and A2 and miles ahead of SAS and MBAM - on all ages of malware.

It is about as good as Avira and A2 for non live malware detection and sometimes better - sometimes, with old samples, not quite as good.

It takes about 60 seconds to scan the whole system, so is very convenient.

[Saraceno]

You can always run an on-demand web scan with Eset, or a-squared.

I think Hitman Pro is a good program. Very easy to use, a user can't go wrong. No alerts or prompts, just cleans up. Has a feature, when a scan is finished, you can right-click and select virus controls, for more advanced options.

Once it closes, it is gone. When running a full scan, no slow-down. You can also get it for free if your purchase Avira, Nod or a-squared. http://www.surfright.nl/en/shop/hitmanpro-bundles

Retadpuss, is there a forum you're getting the info from, or a link to test the new version? If you can't post it on a forum, feel free to PM.

[Retadpuss]

Hi, Saraceno,

I am a member of couple of independent malware research organisations and support / beta test for a few security vendors. I have been in contact with the owner of Surfright (Hitman Pro) for a while now and have ended up testing the new version for them through this route. As far as Im aware, there is no open beta available for public testing and therefore, I wouldnt feel comfortable handing out the software.

It will be out in a few days, so you wont have long to wait!

Puss

[quanzi_1507]

-{ Quote: "Wow, I'm quite impressed with Norton Security Scan and Clean. No installation is required, and it uses the latest Norton Antivirus updates each time you run it (incrementally). No issues with updating so far, unlike some other programs I've used recently haha.

How come this product is not available for download from the Symantec web-site? I guess Softpedia is reliable, but it is a Symantec product after all isn't it?" }-
Softpedia is hosting the old version (1.3 or 1.4 I guess). This one was available in GooglePack as well as Symantec's product page.

The latest version (2.0 when I tested it) offers a black interface which is very similar to that of Norton 2008's products, and is downloadable from both GooglePack's and Symantec's pages.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n58/quanzi_1507/security/nss.png

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n58/quanzi_1507/security/nss2.png

You can always (as long as Symantec still offers it) download the latest version of Norton Security Scan from either of the sites below:
http://pack.google.com/
http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/WelcomePage.asp

Even if it does not have "clean" in its name, NSS still offers clean function. Version 1.x automatically remove (delete) detected threats, and prompts for user's decision in case of adware detection. I don't remember if v.2.x asks before taking action, but if it does I recommend using the latest version, since "detecting = deleting" is quite dangerous for your data.

[quanzi_1507]

-{ Quote: "Is that the same as Norton Security Scan and Clean?" }-
Yes, since their interfaces look exactly the same.

[raven211]

When it's not Scan AND Clean, I'm pretty sure it'll just hand over the results with no fix to the malware.

[quanzi_1507]

-{ Quote: "When it's not Scan AND Clean, I'm pretty sure it'll just hand over the results with no fix to the malware." }-
How can you be "pretty sure" if you've not tested it yet, are you telling that by looking at its name?

The reason I've abandoned it is that everytime it find infected files on my PC it'll remove (oh yeah call it CLEAN if you want) them without my confirmation.

[raven211]

-{ Quote: "How can you be "pretty sure" if you've not tested it yet, are you telling that by looking at its name?

The reason I've abandoned it is that everytime it find infected files on my PC it'll remove (oh yeah call it CLEAN if you want) them without my confirmation." }-

I only tested it for a short while in school as someone had apparently installed/downloaded it - that's why I'm "pretty sure". I also read some help for the program making my assumption.

[Acadia]

Good grief, did you see the requirements for that Norton scan thingie, it requires 1gig of physical RAM. :o

Acadia

[twl845]

-{ Quote: "Good grief, did you see the requirements for that Norton scan thingie, it requires 1gig of physical RAM. :o

Acadia" }-
I never use the N word. :isay:

[quanzi_1507]

-{ Quote: "I only tested it for a short while in school as someone had apparently installed/downloaded it - that's why I'm "pretty sure". I also read some help for the program making my assumption." }-
Then maybe it's because the help you read isn't clear, or even confusing. Anyway sorry for being rude ;)
-{ Quote: "Fine fine haha. I only tried Norton Security Scan and Clean because it didn't require installation on my system. I too have been bitten by Norton in the past haha." }-
You can also make a portable version of Norton Security Scan 2.0 by installing it on your computer then just copy the installation folder to you flash drive, as it's only an on-demand scanner :D

[Someone]

-{ Quote: "How can you be "pretty sure" if you've not tested it yet, are you telling that by looking at its name?

The reason I've abandoned it is that everytime it find infected files on my PC it'll remove (oh yeah call it CLEAN if you want) them without my confirmation." }-
Strange. ??? I remember I tried the v2 black Norton recently but it didn't remove.

[quanzi_1507]

OMG you're right I've just re-installed it and found out that cleaning function has been recently removed from the product.

Sorry again raven211 :(

Old and new screenshots.

[Retadpuss]

Hitman Pro 3.5 RC is available for download:

http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro

[demoneye]

-{ Quote: "Hitman Pro 3.5 RC is available for download:

http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro" }-

try both 3 and 3.5 and both crashes after 1 minuets scanning :thumbd:

[demoneye]

-{ Quote: "Well, I'm sticking with my current on-demand setup for now then. Hope they improve Hitman Pro!" }-

your set up is the best can be set , as avira the flag ship of the scan arrow ;)

[Retadpuss]

-{ Quote: "try both 3 and 3.5 and both crashes after 1 minuets scanning :thumbd:" }-
Hi. Im Beta testing for them. Please can you tell me your OS and any other security software you are running. Did you get an error message, if so, please tell me what it is?

Many thanks.

Puss

[demoneye]

-{ Quote: "Hi. Im Beta testing for them. Please can you tell me your OS and any other security software you are running. Did you get an error message, if so, please tell me what it is?

Many thanks.

Puss" }-
no error msg just a close up

using Xp sp3 with no security (only cis disabled)

[raven211]

-{ Quote: "OMG you're right I've just re-installed it and found out that cleaning function has been recently removed from the product.

Sorry again raven211 :(

Old and new screenshots." }-

NP, man :) - glad we got it sorted. ;)

[andyman35]

-{ Quote: "Hitman Pro 3.5 RC is available for download:

http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro" }-

I see they added Gdata to the other engines,very impressive.:thumb:

[m00nbl00d]

AVG is providing a technology preview for an on-demand scanner. No installation is required. It's like a portable anti-virus. Not like ClamWin or BitDefender Free. It's real on-demand scanner.

You need to register to their betas, though.

[Saraceno]

New version of Hitman Pro works great (Vista 32).

Retadpuss, the previous version had a check box to 'scan computer daily after login'. Do you know if that feature was switched off because of user request, or to prevent slowing down boot-up? I actually liked that feature. :)

Overall, quick scan and like the new version design (although minor, looks good).

[Retadpuss]

-{ Quote: "New version of Hitman Pro works great (Vista 32).

Retadpuss, the previous version had a check box to 'scan computer daily after login'. Do you know if that feature was switched off because of user request, or to prevent slowing down boot-up? I actually liked that feature. :)

Overall, quick scan and like the new version design (although minor, looks good)." }-

Hmmm. Build 46 should have a check box "Scan computer daily during computer startup" (may suggest changing the wording there) in the settings menu. There was an issue with this under Vista UAC, but It is resslved now in the current build.

Please can you verify your build and that the check box is there. If not, please let me know details of your OS and other security software you gave running.

Thanks.

Puss

[renegade08]

-{ Quote: "New version of Hitman Pro works great. " }-
Yes indeed.

-{ Quote: "Overall, quick scan and like the new version design (although minor, looks good)." }-
Same here. Like it much more that previous. It's has hast scanning and better response time.

[andyman35]

-{ Quote: "Yes indeed.


Same here. Like it much more that previous. It's has hast scanning and better response time." }-
It's a very nice additional scanner and having all those top products in it should make it very effective.:thumb:

[Saraceno]

-{ Quote: "Hmmm. Build 46 should have a check box "Scan computer daily during computer startup" (may suggest changing the wording there) in the settings menu. There was an issue with this under Vista UAC, but It is resslved now in the current build.

Please can you verify your build and that the check box is there. If not, please let me know details of your OS and other security software you gave running.

Thanks.

Puss" }-

All good, using build 46. Just saw the checkbox. :thumb:

Agree with renegade and andyman, nice scanner. 30-day removal or unlimited scanning isn't bad either. Reasonably priced, comes free if you buy Nod, Avira or a-squared. See link (http://www.surfright.nl/en/shop/hitmanpro-bundles). I'm liking it.

[Saraceno]

ssj100, it's using prevx to scan a user's system.

If you haven't used prevx, drop some malware samples on your system, scan with prevx and see how quickly it identifies the file compared to a regular AV. 1 minute vs 40 minutes.

From my understanding, with Hitman Pro, once suspicious files are identified (with the prevx engine), these files are then uploaded and scanned with G-Data, Nod, Avira and a-squared. You will then receive a report to remove files that are suspicious or considered a definite threat.

Keep in mind, this program and prevx work best when files are actually launched and running on a user's system, compared to an AV which will find files laying dormant on a user's system. Not to say the scan isn't as effective, you'll find both prevx and Hitman Pro scan all folders, the windows folder, system 32 folder, along with the program files folder.

I just downloaded a number of test applications I have sandboxed. Some are portable, and not from the best of sources so I have these to run sandboxed to test them out.

You'll notice it found these files (screensavers, unknown portable programs, some safe programs etc) on my desktop, in a folder under C:\, in the system folders, and is uploading each one for analysis. (I've only shown part of the report below, as there were too many files to list/too many screenshots, and once a file is submitted and is all-clean, it seemed to remove itself from the report list).

See below scanning system. (Note - I'm on a wireless connection, so upload is normally instant)
208945

Classifying files - with G-Data, Avira, Nod, a-squared, prevx
208944

All files came back clean. No false positives. Scanned with CureIt, a-squared this past week, and all files clean as well.

[a320ca]

Hitman Pro 3.5 rocks for those occasional on demand scans! I purchased the license and all is well with it and my Real apps...

CIS 3.9
PrevX 3.0
Zemana AntiLogger 1.8.2.998

;D :thumb:

[a320ca]

-{ Quote: "try both 3 and 3.5 and both crashes after 1 minuets scanning :thumbd:" }-

Running XP Pro sp3 here and both Hitman Pro 3.0 and 3.5 scan with no issues.
Like the new look also! 8)

[Saraceno]

It doesn't have any programs running once the program closes, so is more of an add-on tool.

I agree though, many here, including myself, overload their programs. You don't need to add anything to your setup, but good to see a thread where on-demand suggestions are made. It's good to have programs that shut-down after you no longer need them.

[Someone]

-{ Quote: "AVG is providing a technology preview for an on-demand scanner. No installation is required. It's like a portable anti-virus. Not like ClamWin or BitDefender Free. It's real on-demand scanner.

You need to register to their betas, though." }-
Sounds interesting! Do you know when it's going to be released?

[andyman35]

-{ Quote: "I would really like to try out Hitman Pro. Would be great if AV-comparatives etc could test it. Otherwise I see no point for my setup to add it in haha." }-
Given the top quality engines it uses,plus the fact it has minimal impact on system resources it's a very useful additional layer IMO.

[m00nbl00d]

-{ Quote: "Sounds interesting! Do you know when it's going to be released?" }-

My wild guess is that it will be released as soon as beta-testers end giving their feedback about it, or when AVG thinks its already time.

More than that, I can't really say.

But, I believe this is going to be one more of those tools that you need to download every single day to have the most current definitions.

I already expressed AVG my opinion about it, which is to make it possible to only download the tool once, and then the user update it's signatures before scanning. This would spare people's bandwidth and help those still running 56K.

[Retadpuss]

-{ Quote: "From my understanding, with Hitman Pro, once suspicious files are identified (with the prevx engine), these files are then uploaded and scanned with G-Data, Nod, Avira and a-squared. You will then receive a report to remove files that are suspicious or considered a definite threat.

Keep in mind, this program and prevx work best when files are actually launched and running on a user's system, compared to an AV which will find files laying dormant on a user's system. Not to say the scan isn't as effective, you'll find both prevx and Hitman Pro scan all folders, the windows folder, system 32 folder, along with the program files folder." }-

Hi, Hitman uses its own engine to scan locally, not Prevx. Prevx is used along with the other engines only once a file is uploaded to the cloud.

You are right in stating that Hitman works best on live infections though. I will be running some more detection tests tomorrow and will let you know how it goes.

Puss

[Saraceno]

Cool, apologies for the mistake.

I always thought to achieve that scanning speed, prevx was needed. And that's why prevx was being so heavily promoted on the site.

Either way, as long as it's being updated and improved, all good news for the customer. :thumb:

Do you know if they will set up a forum in the near future? They would have a fair amount of users from the Netherlands.

[Retadpuss]

I dont know about the forum. Could be a good idea. I will mention it.

Puss