Anything new about VirusBlokAda (VBA32)?

I'm looking for (as far as possible) a non-suite anti-malware, and only two stand out on Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_antivirus_software#Windows.

I've thoroughly searched Wilders for VBA32, and it's all necro. Of course I've visited their site, but it's just like any other site, "We're wonderful!!!!!!"

The competition is Zemana, but I'm NOT looking for a big debate over which is best, just what thoughts anybody has on VBA32.

 

I have not seen VBA32 mentioned anywhere for a very long time.

You might want to also consider https://www.ikarussecurity.com/solutions/all-solutions/endpoint-protection/ikarus-antivirus/

I used it for a while. The reputation is that there are false positives. I saw one or two, but they were no big deal to me. The issue is cost. At $45 annual for a good, but basic scanner, one can do better for that price.

 

Thanks for that Lockdown. Ikarus turns out to be a solid example of why we need to make enquiries here: it's not on Wikipedia.

US$45 does seem a bit much against €34.

EDIT: Just checked VBA32, they want Au$36.43 for Personal, plus Au$5 for "Download Protection".

 

I actually liked it. It is a scanner on steroids. That is all. RAM is about 250 - 300 MB. It was pretty much similar to Windows Defender overall.

The price is high because it is a boutique security soft now. You can get some spiffy one-on-one support. I would submit files - and asked them to get back to me on them - which they did.

The IKARUS tray icon looks great.

 

1. Do you keep Windows updated?
2. Are you "click-happy" on unsolicited downloads, attachments, links and popups?
3. Do you participate in illegal filesharing via torrents and P2P sites?
4. Do you visit illegal gambling and pornography sites?
5. Do you allow careless users to use your computer?

If you answered Yes, No, No, No, and No, then Windows Defender is just fine for you. And its free, automatically updated, and already in Windows 8.x and Windows 10.

You don't need an Abrams tank to be safe. You just need to stay current and drive defensively. And regardless your antimalware solution of choice, you still need a secondary scanner just to make sure you (the user and ALWAYS weakest link in security) or your primary scanner did not let something slip by. I use and recommend Malwarebytes for that.

BTW, that Wikipedia comparison is woefully inaccurate and misleading. Windows Defender has been using heuristics (behavior analysis) since before it was Windows Defender (as MSE). And laboratory tests and comparisons are unrealistic too. They use synthetic scenarios and the 3rd party solution makers code to score well in those synthetic tests so we will choose them (and hopefully upgrade to their expensive Pro/Premium versions).

Don't trust Microsoft? Remember, only Microsoft has zero incentive for malware to succeed and thrive. All those 3rd party programs need the malware threat to succeed or they will all go out of business. Why does it matter to Microsoft? Because Microsoft knows they will get blamed anyway by Microsoft bashers, biased bloggers and wannabe journalists seeking attention in the IT Press - regardless the fact it is bad guys perpetrating the offenses.

I am not here to start a debate which program scores better in testing. It is not about that. It is about what you need to stay safe. And Windows Defender is perfectly capable of doing that - AS LONG AS you can keep answering "Yes, No, No, No, and No" to those 5 questions. But understand you need to answer that way regardless your security solution of choice. If at any time you answer "No, Yes, Yes, Yes and Yes", no security program can ensure or guarantee your security.

 

Was a bit of a fan of VBA32 years ago & appreciated it's spartan functionality.
(VBA32 was the first antivirus to detect and clean Stuxnet Worm)
Unfortunately, one of their most talented Sergey Ulasen went to join Kaspersky Labs.
It's since become rather obscure, bordering on abandonware.
Webpage "news" latest entry is April 2012.

 

Thanks for that Bob. I checked their OPSWAT entry, this is indicative:

Windows Vba32 for Windows Vista 3.x Anti-malware 3/3/16

Also thanks to @Lockdown, I will look more closely at Ikarus.

@Bill_Bright, I'm looking at a tightly layered defense, and WD will play no part in it.

I think I won't bother any further, and ask the mods to close this thread.

 

Belarusian software.... not as famous as its Russian Big Brother, Kaspersky.

Internet address is the giveaway:

http://anti-virus.by/en/index.shtml

This is the company background:



VirusBlokAda Ltd. has been established in May, 1997. The Vba32 products are successfully used in The National Bank of The Republic of Belarus, in all sorts of the Belarusian organizations and enterprises. Also it is installed at the mail servers of such Belarusian Internet providers as tut.by and mail.by.

Vba32 is the first antivirus software which has been certified in The State Centre of Information Security supported by the President of The Republic of Belarus.