HitmanPro
HitmanPro (formerly Hitman Pro) is a computer program to detect and remove rootkits, trojans, viruses, worms, spyware, adware and other malware (anything that may harm a computer), using extensive behavioural analysis and cloud computing. The program is developed by SurfRight.
First it detects viruses and other files that have a suspicious behaviour (behaviour analysis) and sends them then to the scan cloud via the Internet. The malicious files are detected in the scan cloud and are removed by HitmanPro. The newest version of HitmanPro, version 3, uses Dr Web, Emsisoft Anti-Malware, G DATA AntiVirus, BitDefender and now IKARUS (replaced Prevx as the fifth engine) to detect malicious software (see also multiscanning). As the various virus scanners are not installed on the local computer, but in the scan cloud on Internet, there is a very low system load. This technology is called “cloud computing” and is possible using behavioural analysis that can differentiate legitimate from malicious software.
Previous versions
HitmanPro 3 is a completely different design than earlier versions of HitmanPro that was developed by Mark Loman in the Netherlands. The previous versions, version 1 and 2, automatically download, installs and runs third party anti-spyware and anti-adware programs that are freely available on the Internet:
- Webroot Spy Sweeper (trial, expires in 7 days)
- PC Tools Spyware Doctor (demo, will not clean anything)
- ESET NOD32 (trial, expires in 30 days)
- Lavasoft AdAware SE (freeware)
- Safer Networking Spybot - Search & Destroy (freeware)
- TrendMicro CWShredder (freeware)
- JavaCool Software SpywareBlaster (freeware)
- McAfee VirusScan SuperDAT (virus signature definition updates, McAfee PrimeSupport license required for qualifying product)
- Ewido Micro Scanner (freeware)
This approach had a few disadvantages, the most important are: the scan time was very long, the program used many system resources and errors in the used third party programs could cause system instability. These disadvantages disappeared in version 3.
Affiliate and partner program
HitmanPro version 2 had a large user base in The Netherlands, more than 3 million at one point. This resulted in large exposure for the third party programs. Webroot Spy Sweeper, PC Tools Spyware Doctor and ESET NOD32 saw their user base increase significantly.
Critics
The program has opponents that claim that HitmanPro is using other people’s knowledge without their permission. Software producer Lavasoft was in discussion with Mr. Loman over changes to the program before granting any official permission to implement their software and McAfee says they did not grant permission and claim no knowledge at all of the program with no further comment. This is in apparent contrast to the previous statements of Mr. Loman who claimed he had the agreement of all companies.
HitmanPro 3
HitmanPro 3 has a completely different design than earlier versions and does not install software on the users PC. Files on the PC are scanned and suspicious files are analyzed in the scan cloud and then malicious files are removed from the PC. To speed up the scan time and to prevent mistakes (false positives), HitmanPro 3 uses a white list that includes Windows system files and other (safe) files that are present on most PCs. HitmanPro 3 also requires a license key to remove malware found on a user's computer, however it does offer a free 30-day trial, which does not let you remove any files identified. In version 3.5 the 30-day trial does let you remove identified threats.
External links
fr:Hitman pro it:Hitman Pro nl:Hitman Pro