Malwarebytes, the company, behind the popular Anti-Malware program has recently released version 1.40 which includes some additional protection for paying customers.  The new IP blocking protection module integrates with the already existing real-time protection module to keep you even safer online.

How does the new IP blocking protection work?  According to Malwarebytes, “The IP blocking module enhances the Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware protection module by tremendously improving protection. When a user attempts to visit a website that is infected, the IP blocking module quickly kicks in to block the connection and alert the user. This IP blocking module is updated every time the database is updated to include the latest IP ranges that should be blocked. It also provides us with an advantage as it blocks malicious software that has not yet been released, which allows us to be proactive and not reactive.”

In essence, the IP blocking module acts as a firewall of sorts to keep you from visiting potentially harmful sites.  However, it will also help prevent already infected machines from becoming even more infected.  For example, if a computer is infected and attempts to connect to a particular IP (site) to either download more malicious software or to try and communicate information back to the bad guys, the IP blocking module will stop it infection dead in its tracks before it can do any more damage.

It will be interesting to see the cat and mouse game play out between Malwarebytes and the bad guys with regard to this IP blocking module.  We all know how fast the bad guys can move to new websites, domains, IP’s, and even re-brand rogue products.  It will be vital for Malwarebytes to keep up with the latest IP’s along with infections out there to keep this new feature effective.  Also, as a few commenters pointed out on the Malwarebytes blog, the tool tip should be reworded a bit.  It currently says, “Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware IP Protection: Infection Detected: IP HERE” which is a bit confusing (it makes it seem you’re currently infected) as you may not actually be infected but rather it can be blocking you from loading a potential harmful site which could infect you.  Not the end of the world.

Overall, this is definitely a good feature addition for Malwarebytes and will be worthwhile for their paying customers.  If you have not downloaded and tried Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware (download link) yet I suggest you give it a shot.  At the very least use the free version to remove infections.  If you already have Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and want the IP blocking module and real-time protection you can buy it using my link (Affiliate link).  Click here to purchase Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware.

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Tags: Anti-Malware, ip, ip address, Malware, Malwarebytes