Malwarebytes acquires Junkware Removal Tool

Malwarebytes, maker of the popular Anti-Malware security application and Anti-Exploit tool for the Windows operating system, announced on Monday that it acquired the free program Junkware Removal Tool from its developer Filipos Mouliatis.

Junkware Removal Tool is a free program for Windows that has been specifically designed to detect and remove so-called PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs). It is a command line tool that may look antiquated on first (and second) glance but is quite powerful when it comes to detecting and removing toolbars and other unwanted programs from Windows systems.

The program takes care of any unwanted programs automatically, removing files, services, processes, browser plug-ins and add-ons,  and Registry entries automatically.

Most antivirus and security companies who produce products for end users have put a focus on PUPs in recent time as they have become widespread and more common

The rise of download wrappers on popular software portals and products is for instance one strong contributing factor for the rise and the increasing demand for solutions that detect, block and remove unwanted software on Windows machines.

Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware supports the detection and removal of potentially unwanted programs and while that works considerably well for some, it is not a catch-all solution yet and has never been the main focus of the application.

The company wants to integrate bits of code from Junkware Removal Tool, especially the program's definitions and removal instructions in existing products over the course of the next couple of months.

The most likely program to be upgraded this way is Anti-Malware, the company's main product.

Considering that Junkware Removal Tool has been designed for exactly that purpose, it is likely that the integration will improve the capabilities of Anti-Malware significantly in this regard.

The company did not only acquire the program but hired the developer as well who will be working on PUP detection and removal for Malwarebytes.

Malwarebytes notes that Junkware Removal Tool remains available. It is unclear however if the tool will receive updates in the future or if it will remain as is after a final version is released by its developer.

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