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{{Short description|Internet security company}}
{{About||the software|Malwarebytes (software)}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Malwarebytes Inc.
| logo = Malwarebytes Logo and Wordmark (2016).svg
| image = Malwarebytes headquarters.jpg
| image_caption = Malwarebytes global headquarters in Santa Clara
| type = [[Privately held company|Private]]
| founder = {{ubl|[[Marcin Kleczynski]]|Bruce Harrison}}
| founded = {{ubl|{{Start date and age|2008|1|21}}|[[Illinois]], U.S.}}
| location_city = [[Santa Clara, California|Santa Clara]], California
| location_country = {{ubl|U.S. (Global)|[[Cork (city)|Cork]], Ireland (EMEA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corkcity.ie/services/strategicplanningeconomicdevelopment/invest/developments/|title=Developments – Cork Invest|website=CorkCity.ie|access-date=31 December 2017}}</ref>}}
| key_people = {{ubl|[[Marcin Kleczynski]] (CEO/founder)|Tom Fox (President/CFO)|Barry Mainz (COO)|Gary Sevounts (CMO)|Pedro Bustamante (Chief Research & Innovation Officer)|Adam Hyder (CTO)|Mark Strassman (CPO)}}
| area_served = Worldwide
| industry = {{ubl|[[Software|Computer software]]|[[Computer security software|Security software]]}}
| products = {{ubl|[[Malwarebytes (software)|Malwarebytes Anti-Malware]]|Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit|Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware|Malwarebytes AdwCleaner|Malwarebytes Endpoint Security|Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Mobile|Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac}}
| num_employees = 800+<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/company/malwarebytes|title=Malwarebytes|publisher=LinkedIn|access-date=11 November 2017}}</ref>
| num_employees_year = 2017
| homepage = {{Official URL}}
}}
'''Malwarebytes Inc.''' is an American Internet security company that specializes in protecting home computers, smartphones, and companies from [[malware]] and other threats. It has offices in [[Santa Clara, California]]; [[Clearwater, Florida]]; [[Tallinn, Estonia]]; [[Bastia Umbra|Bastia Umbra, Italy]]; and [[Cork (city)|Cork, Ireland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jobs.malwarebytes.com/|title=Malwarebytes – Talent Community|website=jobs.Malwarebytes.com|access-date=31 December 2017}}</ref>

Marcin Kleczynski has been the CEO of Malwarebytes since 2008.<ref>{{cite web |title=Marcin Kleczynski: Forbes Profile |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/marcin-kleczynski |access-date=16 June 2022 |work=[[Forbes]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Fitzgerald |first=Jay |date=2022-08-19 |title=Malwarebytes Lays Off 125 Employees, Expands Channel Focus |url=https://www.crn.com/news/security/malwarebytes-lays-off-125-employees-expands-channel-focus |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=CRN |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
===Early history and background===
Malwarebytes Inc. was informally established in 2004.<ref name="Bloomberg">{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=107793539|title=Company Overview of Malwarebytes Corporation|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> CEO and founder [[Marcin Kleczynski]], originally from Poland, was still a teenager attending high school in [[Bensenville, Illinois]], and was working as a technician in a computer repair shop in Chicago.<ref name="mercurynews">{{cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_26175456/q-marcin-kleczynski-ceo-malwarebytes-cybersecurity-and-startups|title=Q&A: Marcin Kleczynski, CEO of Malwarebytes, on cybersecurity and startups|work=San Jose Mercury News|date=18 July 2014|access-date=26 April 2015}}</ref> He noticed that whenever infected computers arrived, the shop would typically reformat the computer entirely, rather than combat the virus, even if the infection was only minor. Kleczynski later discovered that, when his mother's computer became infected, neither [[McAfee]] nor [[NortonLifeLock|Symantec]] would remove the malware from his system.<ref name="TS12"/> He later recalled "I've never been as angry as when I got my computer infected", and professed that his mother told him to fix it "under penalty of death".<ref name="SVBJ15"/>

It was only after Kleczynski posted on the forum SpywareInfo that he was able to learn how to remove the virus, which took three days. The company was unofficially founded after this, when Kleczynski conversed and became friends with several of the editors of the forum, who tempted him to buy an unused domain from them.<ref name="TS12">{{cite web|url=http://www.techspot.com/article/581-malwarebytes-marcin-kleczynski-interview/|title=Interview with Malwarebytes' founder, Marcin Kleczynski|publisher=Techspot|date=11 October 2012|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref>

With one of the site's regulars, Bruce Harrison, Kleczynski wrote the inaugural version of the company's software.<ref name="SVBJ15"/> In 2006, Kleczynski worked with a college roommate to produce a freely available program called "RogueRemover", a utility which specialized in fighting against a type of infection known as "rogues", which scam computer users into giving away their credit card information through fake anti-virus software. RogueRemover proved instrumental in developing Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, and Kleczynski was able to set up a forum which enabled him to improve the software through feedback.<ref name="TS12"/>

Kleczynski and Harrison formally launched Malwarebytes on January 21, 2008, while Kleczynski was studying computer science at the [[University of Illinois]].<ref name="TS12" /><ref name="SVBJ15" /> Bruce became the VP of Research for Malwarebytes, and further hired Doug Swanson, with experience in freeware development to work for the new company. Marcus Chung, an e-commerce expert who formerly worked for GreenBorder, was hired as chief operating officer.<ref name="TS12" /><ref name="venturebeat11" /> Kleczynski and Harrison reportedly made $600,000 in their first year of selling the software, despite not having met personally at the time.<ref name="TC0116" />

===Post-2010 developments===
In 2012, Malwarebytes acquired HPhosts, a website [[blacklisting]] company, which tracks blacklisted websites and ad servers, a necessary development to protect against new internet protocol addresses and web servers which distribute malware, and advise internet service providers to shut down those with malicious activity.<ref name="NYT11"/> That year, the company had claimed to have removed over five billion pieces of Malware in three years.<ref name="venturebeat11"/> The following year, the company launched into the corporate market with an [[Enterprise software|enterprise]] product aimed at desktop-based anti-malware detection and protection.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.networkworld.com/article/2159917/network-security/malwarebytes-offers-enterprise-anti-malware-detection--prevention.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810012834/http://www.networkworld.com/article/2159917/network-security/malwarebytes-offers-enterprise-anti-malware-detection--prevention.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 10, 2014|title=Malwarebytes offers enterprise anti-malware detection, prevention|author=Ellen Messmer|date=17 September 2012|work=Network World|access-date=26 April 2015}}</ref> In 2013, Malwarebytes acquired ZeroVulnerabilityLabs, Inc., a security research and development company founded by Pedro Bustamante, which protects software applications from "known and zero-day exploits used by exploit kits, web-based vulnerability exploits and other corporate-targeted attacks".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://press.malwarebytes.com/2013/06/20/malwarebytes-completes-acquisition-of-zerovulnerabilitylabs/|title=Malwarebytes Completes Acquisition of ZeroVulnerabilityLabs|date=20 June 2013|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> They expanded their malware removal and protection to the [[Android (operating system)|Android]] platform with the launch of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Mobile,<ref name="michaelkassner">{{cite web|url=http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/it-security/malwarebytes-anti-malware-mobile-now-protects-android-devices/|title=Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Mobile now protects Android devices|author=Michael Kassner|date=21 October 2013|work=TechRepublic|access-date=26 April 2015}}</ref> and launched a [[USB]]-based product called Malwarebytes Techbench aimed at helping technicians remove malware.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.net-security.org/malware_news.php?id=2605|title=Portable USB drive fixes malware-crippled machines|work=net-security.org|date=2 October 2013|access-date=26 April 2015}}</ref>

By 2013, it claimed to have removed five billion malware threats from computers in its first five years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scmagazineuk.com/five-billion-strikes-in-five-years-for-malwarebytes/article/276629/|title=Five billion strikes in five years for Malwarebytes|date=21 January 2013|publisher=SC Magazine|access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref> In 2014, Malwarebytes received $30&nbsp;million in funding from [[Highland Capital Partners]], and by the following year, announced it had treated 250 million computers worldwide, representing about 20–25% of working business computers.<ref name="TC0116"/>

In June 2015, the company announced that it was moving its headquarters from 10 Almaden Boulevard in [[San Jose, California]] to a new {{convert|52000|ft2}} office space on the two top floors of the 12-story 3979 Freedom Circle in [[Santa Clara, California]]. The company reported a growth of 10 million users in just one year, from 25 to 35&nbsp;million active users, and an increase in revenue by 1653% in 2014.<ref name="SVBJ15">{{cite news|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2015/06/16/malwarebytes-grows-out-of-downtown-san-jose-as.html|title=Malwarebytes grows out of downtown San Jose as demand for virus protection soars|newspaper=Silicon Valley Business Journal|date=16 June 2015|access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref> In 2015, Kleczynski was named one of [[Forbes]] Magazine's '30 Under 30'.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/mll45kfhf/marcin-kleczynski-25/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106214934/http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mll45kfhf/marcin-kleczynski-25/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 6, 2015|title=Marcin Kleczynski, 25 – In Photos: 2015 30 Under 30: Enterprise Technology|author=Upbin, Bruce|work=Forbes|access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref>

In January 2016, Malwarebytes unveiled advanced anti-ransomware package Endpoint Security,<ref name="BW16">{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160803005539/en/Malwarebytes-Endpoint-Security-Protects-Businesses-Current-Future|title=Malwarebytes Endpoint Security Now Protects Businesses Against Current and Future Ransomware Threats|date=3 August 2016|publisher=BusinessWire|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> and announced that it had raised $50&nbsp;million in investment from [[Fidelity Management and Research Company]]. Kleczynski stated that the funds would be used primarily for the company's hiring, product development and marketing assets.<ref name="TC0116">{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/01/21/security-startup-malwarebytes-raises-another-50m-from-fidelity/|title=Security Startup Malwarebytes Raises Another $50M From Fidelity|author=Lunden, Ingrid|date=21 January 2016|publisher=Tech Crunch|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> In June, Malwarebytes announced a strong growth in sales of over 75 percent in the first quarter of the year compared to 2015, with billings surpassing $100&nbsp;million. The corporate subscription base for the company was reported to have grown by 90%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160629005436/en/Malwarebytes-Sales-Grow-75-Percent-Q1|title=Malwarebytes Sales Grow by 75 Percent in Q1|date=29 June 2016|publisher=BusinessWire|access-date=27 October 2016}}</ref> In September, [[Proofpoint, Inc.]] CEO Gary Steele joined the company's board of directors, with Kleczynski citing his "deep expertise in the security software industry, and his proven ability [at] increasing sales revenue" as the main reasons for his appointment.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}} In October the company purchased AdwCleaner, a Windows program used to clean [[adware]] and [[Potentially unwanted program|Potentially Unwanted Programs]] (PUPs) from computers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ghacks.net/2016/10/21/malwarebytes-acquires-adwcleaner/|title=Malwarebytes acquires AdwCleaner|publisher=Ghacks.net|date=21 October 2016|access-date=27 October 2016}}</ref> In February 2017 the company acquired Saferbytes, an Italian security start-up specialized in anti-malware, anti-exploit, anti-rootkit, cloud AV, and sandbox technologies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://press.malwarebytes.com/2017/02/07/malwarebytes-acquires-saferbytes/|title=Malwarebytes acquires Saferbytes|publisher=press.malwarebytes.com|date=7 February 2017|access-date=7 February 2017}}</ref>

In November 2019, the company joined forces with [[NortonLifeLock]] and [[Kaspersky Internet Security|Kaspersky]], along with the [[Electronic Frontier Foundation]] and non-profits including the [[National Network to End Domestic Violence]] and Operation Safe Escape to form the Coalition Against Stalkerware. The coalition seeks to inform, educate and combat the use of tracking apps without consent.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ng|first=Alfred|title=Cybersecurity firms form coalition to fight stalkerware|url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/cybersecurity-firms-form-coalition-to-fight-stalkerware/|access-date=2021-10-02|website=CNET|language=en}}</ref>

=== Post-2020 developments ===
In January 2021, Malwarebytes was targeted by the same nation state actor implicated in the SolarWinds attack and suffered a limited access breach. CEO Kleczynski published a blog post detailing the company's attack and response.<ref>{{cite web | title=Malwarebytes targeted by Nation State Actor implicated in SolarWinds breach. Evidence suggests abuse of privileged access to Microsoft Office 365 and Azure environments|first=Marcin|last=Kleczynski| publisher=Malwarebytes | date=19 January 2021 | url=https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2021/01/malwarebytes-targeted-by-nation-state-actor-implicated-in-solarwinds-breach}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://apnews.com/article/business-hacking-c20752c7ff9b8339288f5e2700cbb0b9 | title=Cybersecurity firm: Booting hackers a complex chore | website=[[Associated Press]] | date=21 April 2021 }}</ref>

In February 2021, Malwarebytes published its 2021 State of Malware Report which shared cyberthreat research including 30 million examples of Mac malware<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3619515/apples-mac-security-warning-shows-that-closed-beats-open.html | title=Apple's Mac security warning shows that closed beats open | date=21 May 2021 }}</ref> and a 1,055% increase in spyware detections in 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.techradar.com/news/stalkerware-attacks-saw-staggering-rise-in-2020 | title=Stalkerware attacks saw 'staggering' rise in 2020 | date=16 February 2021 }}</ref>

In May 2021, Malwarebytes announced a collaboration with Digitunity to deliver cyberprotection to vulnerable communities underserved by technology access, expanding its portfolio of social impact work.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/malwarebytes-partners-with-digitunity-to-provide-cyberprotection-to-vulnerable-communities-301285407.html | title=Malwarebytes Partners with Digitunity to provide Cyberprotection to Vulnerable Communities }}</ref>

In August 2022, the company laid off 125 employees.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Page |first=Carly |date=2022-08-17 |title=Malwarebytes lays off 125 employees citing 'strategic reorg' |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/17/malwareybytes-layoffs/ |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref> The company announced an additional 100 layoffs in August 2023, as part of plans to separate the company into two separate business units.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Page |first=Carly |date=2023-08-31 |title=Malwarebytes lays off 100 employees ahead of business split |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/31/malwarebytes-layoffs-business-split/ |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Services and products==
Kleczynski has stated that Malwarebytes, first developed in 2008, has a competitive advantage over many other traditional antivirus programs, many of which were developed in the late 1990s, before the development of many later forms of malware.<ref name="TS12"/> ''The New York Times'' has described Malwarebytes as a "hybrid of heuristics, behavior and a signature engine that is designed to detect and block malware that other vendors can't detect".<ref name="NYT11">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/external/venturebeat/2011/07/18/18venturebeat-malwarebytes-quietly-becomes-a-big-player-in-29261.html?partner=rss&emc=rss|title=Malwarebytes Quietly Becomes a Big Player in Anti-Malware Software|newspaper=The New York Times|date=18 July 2011|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> According to Dean Takahashi of ''[[VentureBeat]]'', Malwarebytes complements other antivirus software from vendors such as Symantec and McAfee, with the anti-malware working alongside other anti-virus software to attack the problem from "different directions", remarking that the software both removed infections from infected machines, whilst preventing others from becoming infected in the first place.<ref name="venturebeat11">{{cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2011/07/18/malwarebytes-quietly-becomes-a-big-player-in-anti-malware-software/|title=Malwarebytes quietly becomes a big player in anti-malware software – VentureBeat – News – by Dean Takahashi|work=VentureBeat|access-date=26 April 2015}}</ref>

As in the early development days with RogueRemover, Malwarebytes continues to support community feedback on its products, and runs two sub-forums complementing the main forum, known as "False positives" and "Malware contribution", with the false positives being reported allowing the company to update its database within hours of posting, and the Malware contribution allowing for users to quickly report malware missed by the software.<ref name="TS12"/><ref name="TC0116"/>

=== Products ===
Malwarebytes has several products, which {{as of|2011|lc=y}} were available in 36 different languages. [[Malwarebytes Anti-Malware]] offers two different versions, one for free download for home computers, and the other a professional version, with a 14-day free trial in advance, offering "real-time protection against malware, automated scanning, and automatic updating".<ref name="NYT11"/> Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Mobile is a free Android [[Mobile app|app]] which protects smartphones from mobile malware, preventing unauthorized access to personal data identifying tracking applications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.techspot.com/downloads/6257-malwarebytes-anti-malware-for-android.html|title=Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Android|publisher=TechSpot|access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref> As of April 2023, it has a rating of 4.3 on the Google Play store.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.malwarebytes.antimalware&hl=en|title=Malwarebytes Anti-Malware – Android Apps on Google Play|author=Malwarebytes|access-date=April 7, 2023}}</ref>

In 2014, the company launched Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 2.0 with an improved [[user interface]] and dashboard.<ref name="pcmag.com">{{cite web|url=http://uk.pcmag.com/malwarebytes-anti-malware-20/3774/review/malwarebytes-anti-malware-20|title=Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 2.0|work=PC Magazine|date=14 December 2014|access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref> The company also launched Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit in the same year, which shields selected applications from attacks by "exploit mitigation to protect vulnerable programs".<ref name="Bloomberg"/> Anti-Exploit also comes in a free and paid for version for Windows [[computers]]. The free version stops [[exploit (computer security)|exploits]] in browsers and [[Java (software platform)|Java]], whilst the paid product adds protection for a wider range of software applications.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/malwarebytes-anti-exploit-aims-to-stop-unknown-threats-to-windows/|title=Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit aims to stop unknown threats to Windows|publisher=ZDNet|date=13 June 2014|access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref> Anti-Exploit received four stars from ''[[PC Magazine]]'' in 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.pcmag.com/malwarebytes-anti-exploit-free/33237/review/malwarebytes-anti-exploit-free|title=Review Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit Free: Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit Free|work=PCMag UK|date=17 December 2014|access-date=26 April 2015}}</ref> and won ''V3'' magazine's "Security Innovation of the Year" award in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/news/2384032/v3-announces-winners-of-technology-awards-2014|title=V3 announces winners of Technology Awards 2014|publisher=V3|access-date=26 April 2015}}</ref>

In 2016, Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit was merged into the premium version Malwarebytes version 3.0, and the standalone application is now offered only as a perpetual beta.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Martin Brinkmann |author-link=Martin Brinkmann |title=Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit Standalone information - gHacks Tech News |url=https://www.ghacks.net/2016/12/12/malwarebytes-anti-exploit-standalone-information/ |website=gHacks Technology News |access-date=12 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807143029/https://www.ghacks.net/2016/12/12/malwarebytes-anti-exploit-standalone-information/ |archive-date=7 August 2017 |date=12 December 2016}}</ref>

In January 2016, Malwarebytes unveiled Malwarebytes Endpoint Security, advanced anti-ransomware technology which is described as the "first solution to offer multiple layers of protection against unknown ransomware". The company sponsored a survey with Osterman Research into 540 firms in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Germany and found that nearly 40% of companies had experienced ransomware incidents, of which 34 percent had accounted for loss of revenue.<ref name="BW16"/> ''[[The Guardian]]'' reported that one-fifth of British companies had been charged over $10,000 to unlock their files and that there was an increasing demand for anti-ransomware technology.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/aug/03/ransomware-threat-on-the-rise-as-40-of-businesses-attacked|title=Ransomware threat on the rise as 'almost 40% of businesses attacked'|newspaper=The Guardian|date=3 August 2016|access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref> After Endpoint's inception, the beta was reportedly downloaded by some 200,000 businesses and consumers in the first six months of the year.<ref name="BW16"/>

In 2017, Malwarebytes expanded its portfolio to include mobile products for Mac and Android including Malwarebytes for Android and Malwarebytes for Mac. Malwarebytes also can be run on [[Chrome OS|ChromeOS]], but mainly provides protection against [[Android (operating system)|Android]] threats.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Antivirus for Chromebook {{!}} Malwarebytes for Chromebook|url=https://www.malwarebytes.com/chromebook|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Malwarebytes|language=en}}</ref>  Malwarebytes also released Malwarebytes for iOS in 2018 to deliver secure and private mobile experiences for its users. Due to [[Apple Inc.|Apple]]'s security restrictions, Malwarebytes for iOS can not remove malware, but does provide basic web protection and spam blocking.<ref>{{Cite web|title=iOS Security - iPhone Call, Text, and Ad Blocker|url=https://www.malwarebytes.com/ios|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Malwarebytes|language=en}}</ref> In 2020, Malwarebytes Privacy, a VPN offering, was launched.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wagenseil |first=Paul |date=2020-04-23 |title=Malwarebytes launches Privacy, its own WireGuard-based VPN service |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/news/malwarebytes-privacy-vpn |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=Tom's Guide |language=en}}</ref>

In 2018, Malwarebytes expanded its business portfolio by launching Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection and Response to monitor, identify and remediate attacks. This offering was extended in 2020 to include server protection for enterprise customers with Malwarebytes Endpoint Detection and Response for Servers and Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection for Servers. In 2020, Malwarebytes also launched Malwarebytes Nebula, a cloud platform for enterprise customers to simplify endpoint management and reporting.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gately |first=Edward |date=February 26, 2020 |title=Malwarebytes Targets MSPs with New Program, Operations Console |url=https://www.channelfutures.com/new-changing-channel-programs/malwarebytes-targets-msps-with-new-program-operations-console |access-date=June 24, 2023 |website=Channel Futures}}</ref>

Malwarebytes also has numerous tools such as a Junkware Removal Tool to remove adware, an Anti-Rootkit Beta to remove and repair rootkits, StartUpLITE to boost the speed of the Windows reboot, FileASSASSIN to prevent locked files and a Malware Removal Service to support organizations under an active malware attack.<ref name="Bloomberg" />

===License and privacy===
The software license<ref name="licmal">{{Cite web |url=https://www.malwarebytes.com/eula/ |title=Malwarebytes Software License Agreement, undated |access-date=2017-03-14}}</ref> requires arbitration "in the county where you reside", forbids class action suits, reverse engineering and sharing, and limits warranties and liability. Even the free version may not be shared, since the company tracks use of the product separately for each user.

Malwarebytes' privacy policy<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.malwarebytes.com/privacy/|title=Privacy Policy|website=Malwarebytes|language=en|access-date=2020-04-27}}</ref> lists many types of information they collect and store, including, amongst other things, software running on a user's computer ("programs installed or in use"), "name, email address, mailing address, or phone number... company name, company size, business type... Internet protocol (IP) addresses, browser type, Internet service provider (ISP), referring/exit pages, the files viewed on our site ... operating system, date/time stamp, and/or clickstream data ... type of device you use, operating system version, and the unique device identifier... language... 32- or 64-bit... Information from the Windows Security/Action Center, including security settings and programs installed or in use... license... the number of seats being managed by that installation of the console[,] Endpoint domain information... organization to which the IP address is licensed, if any".<ref name="privmal">{{Cite web|url=https://www.malwarebytes.com/privacy/|title=Malwarebytes Privacy Policy|publication-date=2016-12-08|access-date=2017-03-14}}</ref>

There are different limits on their use, sale, and sharing of data:

*No limits for what they call "non-personally identifiable information ('Non-PII')". "Non-PII ... may include... anonymously generated device identifiers",<ref name="privmal" /> which are tied to most other data items listed above.
*Limited uses for personally identifiable information (PII), including name, address, phone, company name, size and business type, "we do not share PII with third parties" except for situations listed in the Privacy Policy, which include that they "may disclose PII to e "advertising based upon your browsing activities and interests."<ref name="privmal" />

In general, the company does not put time limits on how long they keep user data, except for IP address or when users ask for deletion of PII.{{Primary source inline|date=July 2023}}

==Controversy==
Malwarebytes currently has an "F" rating for its customer service based upon complaints received by the [[Better Business Bureau]], to which it is not yet considered accredited.<ref>https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/santa-clara/profile/computer-software-developers/malwarebytes-inc-1216-252723</ref><ref>https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/santa-clara/profile/computer-software-developers/malwarebytes-inc-1216-252723/complaints</ref> A review of Malwarebytes on [[ConsumerAffairs]] ranks Malwarebytes with 2.2 stars out of a possible five.<ref>https://www.consumeraffairs.com/computers/malwarebytes.html</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Companies}}
*[[Antivirus software]]
*[[Comparison of computer viruses]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
*{{Official website}}

{{Antivirus software}}

[[Category:Antivirus software]]
[[Category:Companies' terms of service]]
[[Category:2008 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Companies based in San Jose, California]]
[[Category:Computer security software companies]]
[[Category:Technology companies established in 2008]]
[[Category:Software companies of the United States]]