Protect Your PC from Zero-Day Attacks | Anti-Exploit Program

Enhancing System Security with Anti-Exploit Technology

Anti-exploit programs function as a crucial security enhancement, actively preventing the methods employed by malicious actors. These solutions offer protection against vulnerabilities found in software like Flash and web browsers.

Notably, they can defend against even previously unknown or unpatched exploits, providing a proactive security stance.

Recommended Anti-Exploit Solutions

For users of Windows operating systems, installing the free Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit program is highly recommended to bolster the security of their web browsers.

A key advantage of Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit, in contrast to Microsoft’s EMET, is its simplicity; it requires no complex configuration and offers immediate protection upon installation.

Recent Developments in Exploit Protection

It's important to note recent changes in the landscape of exploit protection.

On Windows 10, the integrated Windows Defender antivirus now incorporates exploit prevention capabilities. This functionality supersedes Microsoft’s EMET and is automatically enabled for all users.

Furthermore, Malwarebytes Premium has also been updated to include anti-exploit features, meaning it is no longer offered as a standalone tool.

These developments demonstrate a growing emphasis on integrated security solutions that provide comprehensive protection against evolving threats.

Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit: A Robust Security Layer

For enhanced system security, we suggest implementing Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit. The complimentary edition provides a shield for popular web browsers, including Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, alongside their associated plug-ins such as Flash and Silverlight, as well as Java. A premium subscription extends protection to a wider range of applications, encompassing the Adobe PDF reader and Microsoft Office suite.

Employing an anti-exploit program is a proactive step towards mitigating severe cyber threats. Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit distinguishes itself with a readily available free version, streamlined installation, and dependable security features. All Windows users should consider installing this to bolster their defenses against prevalent online attacks targeting browsers and plug-ins.

Effective Protection Against Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Malwarebytes highlights the application’s success in thwarting three significant Flash zero-day exploits in early 2015. The software utilizes a "four-layer" protection system. This includes verifying Data Execution Prevention (DEP) and Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) are active for applications on 64-bit systems.

Furthermore, the tool actively blocks techniques designed to circumvent operating system security measures and intercepts malicious Application Programming Interface (API) calls. It also monitors application behavior, intervening when actions deviate from expected norms.

For instance, should Internet Explorer attempt to utilize the CreateProcess API function, the tool can identify this atypical activity and halt it. Similarly, unauthorized file writing attempts by Chrome or the Flash plug-in will be immediately terminated. Additional safeguards prevent buffer overflows and other common malware techniques.

How Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit Operates

Unlike traditional antivirus software relying on signature databases, this program functions by intercepting vulnerable programs and blocking potentially harmful actions. This proactive approach enables it to neutralize emerging threats before signatures are developed or patches are released.

Technically, MBAE achieves this by injecting a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) into the protected applications, a process visible through tools like Process Explorer. This intervention is confined to the specified applications, ensuring minimal impact on overall system performance or other processes.

• Key Benefit: Proactive defense against new and unknown threats.
• Ease of Use: Simple installation and configuration.
• Broad Compatibility: Supports major browsers and applications.

Installing this software provides a valuable layer of defense against the ever-evolving landscape of online threats. It’s a practical measure for safeguarding your system against exploitation.

Microsoft EMET

Microsoft has offered the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET) – a complimentary security solution – for a considerable period, predating the availability of Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit. The primary audience for this tool is system administrators, enabling them to fortify numerous PCs within extensive network infrastructures.

It’s likely that EMET has already been implemented on a professional computer you utilize, but personal home systems may not currently benefit from its protections.

However, utilizing EMET on a home computer is perfectly permissible. The software is available at no cost and includes a guided setup process, simplifying the initial configuration.

How EMET Functions

EMET operates on principles akin to Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit, enforcing specific security measures for applications susceptible to vulnerabilities, such as web browsers and their associated plugins. This action effectively prevents prevalent memory exploitation methods.

Further application lockdown is achievable with manual configuration. Nevertheless, EMET generally lacks the intuitive interface and ease of use found in Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit.

According to a comparative analysis conducted by Malwarebytes, Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit appears to provide a more comprehensive defense strategy.

The toolkit blocks common memory exploit techniques, enhancing overall system security.

EMET’s capabilities extend to securing other applications, though this requires more advanced user intervention.

HitmanPro.Alert

HitmanPro.Alert provides anti-exploit defenses comparable to those offered by Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit and EMET. It represents the newest solution in this category. Unlike the previously mentioned tools, these protective features are not included in the free edition.

A commercial license is required to utilize the anti-exploit capabilities within HitmanPro.Alert. Our experience with this particular solution is limited, as the anti-exploit features were recently integrated.

It is included here for the sake of thoroughness; the majority of users will find a complimentary anti-exploit tool sufficient for browser security. Although HitmanPro.Alert may advertise more granular memory protection, its real-world performance isn't guaranteed to surpass that of MBAE or EMET.

Employing both an antivirus program – even Windows Defender integrated into Windows 10, 8.1, and 8 – and an anti-exploit program is recommended. However, running multiple anti-exploit programs simultaneously is not advised.

While it might be technically feasible to configure Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit and EMET for concurrent operation, the resulting protection isn't necessarily doubled due to significant overlap. Such configurations could even lead to conflicts.

Potential interference between these tools could cause application instability or leave systems vulnerable.