May Malwarebytes run in tandem with Superantispyware?

[ecbritz]

Many years before I knew about Malwarebytes and bought a license for it, I bought a lifetime license for Superantispyware Pro. After I purchased Malwarebytes, I ditched Superantispyware Pro and I never stopped using Malwarebytes, an excellent program.

 

Recently, I downloaded and installed Windows 10. I had to reinstall all my programs after the Windows upgrade, including my antivirus and anti-malware programs.

 

In the process of repopulating my computer, I made the mistake of trying out a free file compression (zip file) program called Hamster. Hamster took over my computer forcibly, automatically installed diverse Russian programs I could not get rid of to save my life, and disabled my ability to view and work with hidden files and folders. It was a major disaster.

 

In my attempts to escape from the crises, I re-installed Superantispyware Pro and activated it once more. Superantispyware could find the threats multiplying on my computer but not remove its source and cause.

 

I  had no other option but to re-install Windows 10 (or "reset" Win 10 as it is now called).

 

After re-installing/resetting Win 10, I re-installed both my licensed Malwarebytes and licensed Superantispyware Pro programs. They are now both running "in tandem" on my computer. Both are also guarding over incoming and outgoing internet traffic. I did this in view of the Hamster-attack.

 

However, it worries me that both programs are simultaneously monitoring internet traffic. I notice that Malwarebytes is still stopping malicious traffic to and fro. Are the two programs conflicting and should I uninstall Superantispyware Pro once more?

[ky331]

I think it prudent to run the PRO (Real-time protection) version of only ONE of these two programs... and since this is the MalwareBytes forum, it's fair to say the MBAM would "win" here over SAS.   It's okay to keep the "FREE" version of SAS around for on-demand scanning... it picks up lots of cookies, if that's what you're after.    SAS also offers a nice toolkit of "Repairs", should you ever encounter one the scenarios it covers.

[KenW]

I have run both for years without a problem. I just program exclusions in each.

[ecbritz]

Thanks for the appreciated advice. If I keep the licensed (i.e. paid) Pro version of SAS installed and ready to run, but disable it from starting at Windows Startup -- via msconfig -- would I then be able to use it in the sporadic way the free version is used? The Pro version has some settings you can't adjust in the free version. 

[daledoc1]

Hi:

 

When it comes to security, "more" is not always "better".

 

While it's important to employ a LAYERED approach with complementary strategies, the use of DUPLICATE programs/applications with the same capabilities may cause problems.

IOW, the use of multiple real-time anti-virus applications or multiple real-time anti-malware applications is not recommended.

Here is an authoritative resource about "best practices": Answers to common security questions - Best Practices

 

No two computers are identical, so what works for one user on one system may not work for another user on another system.

 

This is, after all the Malwarebytes forum.

So questions about configuring and running SAS might be better addressed at the SAS forum or their other support resources?

 

But, as just another home user unaffiliated with the company, I long ago found MBAM to be the better product.

IMHO The only "advantage" to SAS is that it does scan for non-malicious tracking cookies, which MBAM does not.

 

Thank you,

[ecbritz]

Thanks again. I disabled SAS Pro at Windows Startup (using msconfig) and the results were not good. You have to use the free version of SAS if you don't want to interfere with MBam's internet traffic checking. I'm going to discard SAS once more, I think. If you can't get out of a fix using your anti-virus program (e.g. Kaspersky) and MBam, you have the ability to re-install ("reset") Windows 10 without losing your data, and without any know-how or technical fuss. This is a big advantage of Win 10.

 

By the way, you can use Kaspersky and MBam together, not so?

[daledoc1]

 

By the way, you can use Kaspersky and MBam together, not so?

 

You don't say what Kaspersky product or version.

(The only version of KAV/KIS/KTS that is fully compatible with Windows 10 is KAV/KIS/KTS 2016, as explained HERE.)

 

But, yes, MBAM Premium works just fine alongside KAV/KIS/KTS.

Some of us prefer to set mutual exclusions, but it's not strictly necessary.

Let us know if you need help with that (please tell us which product and which version of Kaspersky you are running).

 

Thank you,

[Super_Spartan]

Running SAS PRO is useless. I have a lifetime license but never use it. It's only good for detecting tracking cookies in browsers. So for that you can just run it on demand and scan daily before you shutdown your PC (quick scan is enough). MBAM Pro is a real anti-malware unlike SAS PRO.

[KenW]

Funny how all the experts we never heard of come out of the woodwork.

 

I actually had Superantispyware detect something nothing else did. It was not a false positive. Each of

my security programs has picked up something. so, they do work in tandem. Only one antivirus should be

used at a time.

 

Each antimalware works differently as to where it looks for traces.

[Super_Spartan]

Plus, I wouldn't trut a company that claims is protecting you security wise when they bundle the Chrome Browser crapware in their installer. just my 2 cents

[daledoc1]

Funny how all the experts we never heard of come out of the woodwork.

 

 

Plus, I wouldn't trut a company that claims is protecting you security wise when they bundle the Chrome Browser crapware in their installer. just my 2 cents

 

I think the OP's question has been asked and answered.

 

We are not here to bash SAS, or any other security product, or each other.

 

I respectfully suggest that we please keep the dialogue polite and respectful, so that the forum moderator team doesn't find it necessary to step in.

 

Thank you,

 

[ecbritz]

Thanks for the kind advice I got. May I conclude this thread by saying that no virus or malware other than malicious free software downloaded, installed and run, have ever penetrated the Malwarebytes + Antivirus shield I maintain on my computers. Malicious free software has become less of a threat with Windows 10. The ease with which you can re-install ("reset") Windows 10 -- and choose to either retain or strip away your data -- means that there is now effortless and idiot-proof relief when your system breaks down due to a severe malware or virus attack, or forcible installation of destructive or dangerous software. However, you need to save and backup all your old and new installation files, and all your license codes etc., preferably on an external drive. You will discover when you repopulate your computer after resetting Windows 10 that upgraded versions of many of your old programs will have to be purchased anew. Unless you have stored copies of the original installation files and license codes, the reset Windows 10 recovery operation might cost you quite a bit of money. It's also a good idea to retain all emails involved in purchasing all of your software.