Malwarebytes is a popular anti-malware software that is trusted by millions of users worldwide. It is designed to protect your computer from various threats, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware. However, recently, some users have reported that Malwarebytes has been flagging legitimate files as ransomware, causing confusion and frustration among users.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. It is a growing threat, and cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated in their attacks. Ransomware can cause severe damage to your computer and can result in the loss of important data.
What is a False Positive?
A false positive is a term used in the antivirus industry to describe a situation where legitimate files are flagged as malware. This can happen due to various reasons, such as outdated virus definitions or a bug in the antivirus software.
Why Does Malwarebytes Flag Legitimate Files as Ransomware?
Malwarebytes uses advanced algorithms to detect and remove malware from your computer. However, sometimes these algorithms can misidentify legitimate files as ransomware. This can happen due to various reasons, such as the file being compressed or encrypted, or the file containing similar characteristics to known ransomware strains.
What Should You Do If Malwarebytes Flags Legitimate Files as Ransomware?
If Malwarebytes flags a legitimate file as ransomware, you should first check if the file is essential for your computer's operation. If it is, you should exclude the file from Malwarebytes' detection list. To do this, go to the settings menu in Malwarebytes and add the file to the exclusion list.
However, if you are unsure about the file's legitimacy, you should upload the file to a reputable online virus scanner to check if it is indeed malware. You can also contact Malwarebytes' customer support for assistance.
How Can You Prevent False Positives?
There are several ways to prevent false positives, such as:
- Keeping your antivirus software and virus definitions up to date.
- Excluding essential files from your antivirus software's detection list.
- Using reputable software and avoiding downloading software from untrusted sources.
- Scanning downloaded files with a reputable online virus scanner before opening them.
Conclusion
False positives can be frustrating, but they are a common issue in the antivirus industry. Malwarebytes is a reliable anti-malware software that is trusted by millions of users worldwide. If Malwarebytes flags a legitimate file as ransomware, you should exclude the file from Malwarebytes' detection list or upload it to a reputable online virus scanner. By following these steps, you can protect your computer from malware while minimizing the risk of false positives.
