In cybersecurity, the choice of antivirus software plays a pivotal role in safeguarding digital devices from potential threats. As individuals and businesses seek reliable protection, the debate over PC Matic vs Malwarebytes has garnered significant attention.
Both antivirus solutions offer distinct features and capabilities, prompting a comparative analysis to determine the most effective option for users. This article aims to delve into the strengths and weaknesses of PC Matic and Malwarebytes, providing valuable insights to aid in selecting the optimal antivirus protection.
What Are PC Matic and Malwarebytes Antivirus?
PC Matic and Malwarebytes are popular antivirus software programs designed to protect computers from various malware, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other online threats. They offer features such as real-time protection, malware removal, and system optimisation to ensure the security and performance of users’ devices.
PC Matic Antivirus: Feature Deep Dive
PC Matic is an antivirus software that offers comprehensive protection against malware, ransomware, and other online threats. It utilises a whitelisting approach to security, which only allows trusted programs to run, thereby enhancing protection against unknown threats. Additionally, PC Matic provides optimisation tools to improve computer performance and is known for its user-friendly interface and proactive security features.
Core Protection
• Real-time Malware Protection: PC Matic uses advanced heuristics and behaviour analysis to detect suspicious activity and block threats in real-time. This means it can identify and stop even new or unknown malware before it can harm your device. It scans files on access, monitors running processes, and checks for suspicious network activity.
• Ransomware Protection: PC Matic has a dedicated ransomware shield that protects your critical files from encryption by ransomware attacks. It monitors file access attempts by unauthorised applications and blocks any suspicious behaviour that could indicate a ransomware attack. It also allows you to create backups of your important files for extra security.
• Virus Detection and Removal: PC Matic uses a multi-layered approach to virus detection. It combines signature-based detection with advanced heuristics and machine learning to identify and remove known and unknown viruses, worms, and other malware. It regularly updates its virus definitions to stay ahead of the latest threats.
• Application Allowlisting: This is the cornerstone of PC Matic’s security philosophy. Instead of blacklisting known threats, PC Matic creates a whitelist of approved applications. Only programs on this whitelist are allowed to run, effectively blocking any unauthorised or potentially malicious software. This approach is considered more secure as it prevents malware from even getting a chance to execute.
Additional Features
• VPN for Secure Browsing: PC Matic’s built-in VPN encrypts your internet traffic and protects your privacy when using public Wi-Fi or other unsecured networks. It also helps you bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may not be available in your area.
• Dark Web Monitoring: PC Matic monitors the dark web for your personal information, like email addresses, passwords, and credit card numbers. If your information is found, you will be alerted so you can take steps to protect yourself from identity theft.
• US-based Phone Support: PC Matic offers 24/7 phone support from US-based technicians who can help you with any problems you have with the software.
• PC Optimisation Tools: PC Matic includes tools to clean up junk files, optimise your startup process, and free up disk space. This can enhance your computer’s speed and efficiency.
Free vs. Paid Plans
The free plan offers basic protection with real-time malware protection, scan scheduling, and an ad blocker. However, it lacks some of the more advanced features, like ransomware protection, VPN, dark web monitoring, and PC optimisation tools. These features are available in the paid plans, which also offer:
• Unlimited device protection: You can protect an unlimited number of devices with your subscription.
• Parental controls: You can set up parental controls to restrict access to certain websites and applications.
• Password manager: You can store your passwords securely in a built-in password manager.
An Insight into Malwarebytes Antivirus Features
Malwarebytes is a widely-used antivirus software known for its strong focus on detecting and removing various forms of malware, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware. It offers real-time protection, scheduled scans, and a range of additional security features to safeguard users’ devices. Malwarebytes is recognised for its user-friendly interface and its effectiveness in combating evolving online threats.
Core Protection
1. Real-time Threat Detection and Blocking: Malwarebytes utilises a multi-layered approach to real-time protection. It identifies and blocks threats like malware, ransomware, zero-day attacks, and exploits through:
• Signature-based Scanning: It matches known malware signatures for immediate blocking.
• Heuristics and Machine Learning: This software analyses file behaviour and code patterns to identify unknown threats.
• Behavioural Monitoring: It tracks suspicious activity within applications and system processes.
• Exploit Protection: It shields vulnerabilities in software and operating systems to prevent exploitation.
2. Advanced Malware and Virus Removal: Malwarebytes employs multiple scan types to remove existing threats:
• Full System Scan: This software deeply scans all files and folders on your system.
• Quick Scan: It focuses on critical areas like system memory and startup programs for faster detection.
• Custom Scan: It allows you to target specific folders or files for thorough analysis.
• Quarantine: It safely isolates suspicious files for further analysis or deletion.
• Rootkit Scanning: This software detects and removes deeply embedded malware hidden within your system.
3. Ransomware Protection: Malwarebytes safeguards your critical files from encryption by ransomware attacks. It achieves this by:
• Shielding Files: It blocks unauthorised access attempts to protected files.
• Behaviour Monitoring: It identifies and intercepts suspicious activity associated with ransomware encryption.
• Rollback Capabilities: Restores encrypted files if a ransomware attack occurs.
4. Phishing and Exploit Protection: Malwarebytes protects you against online scams and malicious websites:
• Phishing Filter: This software locks websites and links that mimic legitimate sites in order to steal your personal information.
• Anti-exploit Technology: It fortifies vulnerabilities in web browsers and applications to prevent exploitation.
• Download Protection: It scans downloaded files for malware before they can infect your system.
5. Web Protection: Malwarebytes enhances your online safety by:
• Blocking Malicious Websites: It acts as a shield against malicious websites, blocking those known to harbour malware, phishing scams, and other online threats.
• Tracking Blocker: It stops unwanted trackers from monitoring your online activity and collecting your data.
• Ad Blocker: Enhances browsing experience by blocking intrusive and annoying advertisements.
Additional Features
1. Malwarebytes Browser Guard: Malwarebytes Browser Guard is a free browser extension that offers:
• Malicious Website Blocking: It protects against phishing and malware-laden websites.
• Tracking Blocker: It prevents third-party trackers from following your online activity.
• Enhanced Privacy: It blocks unwanted cookies and fingerprinting attempts.
2. Scheduled Scans: This software automates regular scans to keep your system continuously protected against emerging threats. You can customise the frequency and scope of these scans.
3. Gaming and Movie Mode: It temporarily suspends notifications and resource-intensive tasks for uninterrupted gaming and movie experiences. This ensures smooth performance without interruptions.
4. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN (Premium): This software encrypts your internet traffic and protects your online privacy by:
• Hiding Your IP Address: It secures your online anonymity and prevents location tracking.
• Bypassing Geo-restrictions: It allows you to access blocked content and websites in other regions.
• Securing Public Wi-Fi: It protects your data from snooping and interception on unsecured networks.
5. Identity Protection (Premium + Privacy): It monitors the dark web for your personal information, like email addresses and passwords. It also alerts you if your information is compromised, allowing you to take steps to protect your identity.
6. Parental Controls (Premium + Privacy): It restricts access to inappropriate websites and applications for your children, ensuring their online safety and well-being. You can set filters based on content categories, age restrictions, and time schedules.
Free vs. Paid Plans
The free plan offers basic real-time protection against malware and viruses. However, paid plans like Premium and Premium + Privacy provide significantly more features and comprehensive protection. Explore different plans to find the best fit for your needs and financial reality.
PC Matic vs. Malwarebytes: A Detailed Comparison
Both PC Matic and Malwarebytes are powerful security solutions, but they take different approaches to protecting your devices. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the best one for your needs:
Protection Philosophy
PC Matic: Employs a whitelisting approach, only allowing programs on a pre-approved list to run, effectively blocking anything that could be malicious. This is a unique and potentially more secure approach, but it can also be restrictive for users who rely on a variety of software.
Malwarebytes: Uses a traditional blacklisting approach, identifying and blocking known malware based on signatures. It also utilises advanced heuristics and machine learning to detect unknown threats. This approach is more familiar and widely used, but it may not be as effective against zero-day attacks.
Core Features
| Feature | PC Matic | Malwarebytes |
| Real-time Threat Detection | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ransomware Protection | ✔ | ✔ |
| Virus Detection and Removal | ✔ | ✔ |
| Phishing and Exploit Protection | ✔ (Limited) | ✔ |
| Web Protection | ✔ (Limited) | ✔ |
| Application Allowlisting | ✔ (Core feature) | |
| VPN | ✔ (Paid plans only) | ✔ (Premium + Privacy plan only) |
| Dark Web Monitoring | ✔ (Premium + Privacy plan only) | |
| US-based Phone Support | ✔ | ✔ |
| PC Optimisation Tools | ✔ |
Additional Features
| Feature | PC Matic | Malwarebytes |
| Parental Controls | ✓ (Premium + Privacy plan only) | |
| Password Manager | ✓ (Premium + Privacy plan only) | |
| Gaming and Movie Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Browser Extension | ✓ (Free) | ✓ (Free) |
Pricing
| Plan | PC Matic | Malwarebytes |
| Free | Basic protection | Basic protection |
| Paid | Multiple plans with varying features | Premium and Premium + Privacy |
PC Matic Vs Malwarebytes: What to Choose?
• PC Matic: A good choice for users who want a unique and potentially more secure approach to security. Its whitelisting approach can be effective against unknown threats, but it may be restrictive for some users.
• Malwarebytes: A well-established and reliable solution with a familiar blacklisting approach. It offers various features, including parental controls and a password manager, but it may not be as effective against zero-day attacks as PC Matic’s whitelisting.
Picking the Right Tool Depends on Your Security Needs and Priorities
• Your budget: Both PC Matic and Malwarebytes offer free and paid plans with varying features.
• Your Desired Level of Security: If you prioritise maximum security, PC Matic’s whitelisting approach might be appealing. If you need a broader range of features, Malwarebytes might be a better fit.
• Your Comfort Level With Technology: PC Matic’s whitelisting approach can be more complex to manage than Malwarebytes’ blacklisting approach.
Ultimately, the choice between PC Matic vs Malwarebytes depends on your needs. If security reigns supreme, PC Matic’s whitelisting fortress might be your haven. If you seek a wider range of tools and familiar ground, Malwarebytes offers a well-rounded defence.
FAQs
Is PC Matic obsolete?
PC Matic is still a relevant and actively developed software solution for computer security and maintenance. It continues to undergo updates and improvements to address the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.
Is there a better antivirus than Malwarebytes?
It’s essential to consider your security needs and preferences when choosing an antivirus solution. Some popular alternatives to Malwarebytes include Norton, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and Avast. It’s advisable to research and compare available options to find the best fit for your requirements.
Is PC Matic as good as Norton?
Both PC Matic and Norton offer robust security features, but their effectiveness can vary depending on individual needs and preferences. It’s advisable to compare the specific features, user interface, and performance of each product to determine which one best suits your requirements.
How long has PC Matic been around?
PC Matic has been around for a respectable chunk of time, established in 1999. Initially focused on PC optimization, it evolved into a security solution provider, offering real-time threat protection and a unique whitelisting approach.