What is risk ware on Malwarebytes?

Malwarebytes, founded in 2008 by Marcin Kleczynski and Bruce Harrison, began as a response to the growing need for effective malware detection and removal tools during the early 2000s, a period when online threats were rapidly evolving. Kleczynski, who was still a college student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign at the time, first encountered the idea for Malwarebytes after struggling to remove a stubborn computer virus from his family’s PC. Frustrated with existing antivirus solutions that failed to address the issue, Kleczynski decided to create a better tool to combat malware.

Initially, Kleczynski started a forum where users could share their experiences and solutions for dealing with malware infections. This community-driven effort helped identify gaps in existing cybersecurity tools and laid the groundwork for the creation of Malwarebytes. Together with Bruce Harrison, who was active on the forum and skilled in malware analysis, Kleczynski developed the first version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (MBAM). The software was designed to detect and remove malware that traditional antivirus programs often missed, using innovative heuristic and behavior-based detection techniques.

In 2008, Malwarebytes Inc. was officially founded, with the first version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware released to the public shortly afterward. The software quickly gained popularity due to its effectiveness, ease of use, and ability to remove deeply embedded malware infections. Unlike many traditional antivirus solutions of the time, which relied on signature-based detection, Malwarebytes focused on detecting and removing zero-day threats and newly emerging malware through dynamic behavior analysis.

The company’s big break came in 2011, when Malwarebytes Anti-Malware played a significant role in combating the widespread “FakeAV” epidemic—malware that disguised itself as antivirus software to deceive users into paying for fake security tools. Malwarebytes’ ability to remove these infections when other programs failed established its reputation as a trusted and reliable cybersecurity solution.

As Malwarebytes grew, it expanded its product offerings to include both free and premium versions. The free version became a popular tool for on-demand malware removal, while the premium version introduced real-time protection, scheduled scanning, and proactive threat detection. These features catered to users who wanted continuous protection beyond what the free version offered.

In 2014, Malwarebytes introduced its first business-oriented product, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Business, marking its entry into the enterprise market. This move allowed the company to address the growing cybersecurity needs of businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which were increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. The product provided endpoint protection and tools for managing threats across multiple devices.

Over the years, Malwarebytes continued to innovate and adapt to the changing threat landscape. In 2016, it rebranded its product lineup as “Malwarebytes 3.0,” a comprehensive cybersecurity suite that integrated anti-malware, anti-ransomware, anti-exploit, and web protection into a single solution. This marked a significant step forward in the company’s evolution, as it sought to provide broader protection against a wide range of threats, including ransomware and phishing attacks.

In 2018, Malwarebytes launched its cloud-based management platform for businesses, making it easier for IT teams to deploy, monitor, and manage cybersecurity across large networks. Around the same time, the company also expanded its consumer offerings, introducing tools for protecting mobile devices and browser extensions for safer web browsing.

Malwarebytes continued to gain recognition and accolades for its effectiveness and user-centric approach. By 2020, the company had over 250 employees and was protecting millions of devices worldwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as remote work surged, Malwarebytes played a crucial role in helping individuals and businesses secure their digital environments against a spike in cyberattacks.

Malwarebytes is a global leader in cybersecurity, trusted by individuals and businesses alike for its powerful, user-friendly solutions. Its products remain focused on providing comprehensive protection against malware, ransomware, phishing, and other advanced threats. The company’s history reflects its commitment to innovation, community-driven development, and the goal of making cybersecurity accessible and effective for everyone.

Riskware, as identified by Malwarebytes, refers to legitimate software that, while not inherently malicious, poses potential risks to a user’s system or data if misused, misconfigured, or exploited. The term combines “risk” and “software,” highlighting that these applications, though often intended for legitimate purposes, can be leveraged by cybercriminals or inadvertently cause harm under certain circumstances.

Examples of riskware include tools like remote access software, system optimization programs, file-sharing applications, or even certain browser extensions. These types of software may have features that, when exploited, could compromise security or privacy. For instance, remote access software, while valuable for IT support, can be used maliciously if unauthorized users gain access. Similarly, file-sharing applications might expose users to unverified or harmful files, creating a pathway for malware or data breaches.

Malwarebytes identifies riskware during scans and categorizes it separately from outright malware or viruses. This distinction is important because riskware itself is not designed with malicious intent, but its presence can increase a system’s vulnerability. When Malwarebytes detects riskware, it typically flags the application and provides the user with details about the associated risks. Users can then decide whether to remove or retain the software based on their specific needs and understanding of the potential threats.

The inclusion of riskware detection in Malwarebytes’ suite reflects the company’s proactive approach to cybersecurity. By alerting users to potentially risky applications, it helps them make informed decisions about what software to trust and use, reducing the chances of accidental exposure to security breaches or exploits. This feature is particularly valuable in environments where users may not fully understand the implications of running certain types of software, emphasizing the importance of user awareness and control in maintaining a secure system.